Page 218 of Stay Scared

“If I have it, I will use it.”

A chill works through me. “For what?”

“To get back inside.”

His thumb closes over my knuckles.

“And if you have it?”

“You have to ask me.”

Ash’s mouth tightens. “Yes.”

He hates the restraint enough that I understand why he needs it.

I curl my fingers around the steel.

Cade stares at the key. “You’re keeping his key?”

“For the next five minutes.”

“You didn’t answer me.”

“That was deliberate.”

Owen almost smiles, earning himself a glare from Cade.

Ash’s thumb is still pressed against my hand.

“You’re bleeding through the bandage,” I tell him.

“I noticed.”

“You need a hospital.”

“So do you.”

“Apparently everybody does.”

Ash steps closer.

The officer behind him immediately says his name. Ash ignores him and closes his free hand around the back of my neck, avoiding my bruises while claiming everything else.

His forehead touches mine.

“You are not disappearing.”

My pulse jumps.

Cade moves, but Owen catches his arm before he reaches us. Cade turns on him, and Owen keeps hold.

“Not now.”

Cade’s stare could peel paint.

Ash hears the movement and keeps his eyes on me.

I should shove him back.