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51
AURORA
“This is cliche,” I groan. Everywhere hurts. It doesn’tfeelcliche, that’s for sure. But even I can recognize the resemblance to any action movie ever. “And it doesn’t even really make sense.”
“It will.” Luke leans against the wall.
And I’m strung up like a fish on a hook. Chains are wrapped around my wrists, and a hook holds me up. If I’m still, the balls of my feet can touch the cold floor.
I signed up for this.
I literally walked into this.
Because I’ve been puzzling over the best solution as much as I’m sure Knox and his friends have, and I’ve just reached the answer faster than them.
Luke Abernathy needs to die.
Now, murder isn’t really my style. It wasn’t, actually, until I methim. But for the last hour, while he’s slowly covered me in bruises, I’ve been picturing the different ways he could die. In the most satisfying manner.
“You could’ve just taken me from your office last night.” I shift my weight, and I slip in the blood. For a moment, I swing wildly around by my wrists, my shoulders and back screaming.
He watches me regain my footing. My chest heaves.
“I could’ve,” he allows. “But it wasn’t until after that I was notified of the plane ticket you purchased. That set this whole thing into motion, Aurora. You trying to leave. To renege on our deal.”
I scoff.
Fucking Knox.
“You’re saying I wouldn’t be inthisposition if Knox hadn’t tried to get me to leave Denver?” I laugh. I’m losing more vision in my left eye, although I can’t tell if it’s because blood is dripping into it or if the socket is swelling shut.
Everything hurts, but the vision feels more pressing. The loss of it kicks up a newfound panic, and I lose my balance again.
Suddenly he’s right in front of me, gripping the collar of my shirt. Righting me, although I doubt that was his intention. My toes barely touch the floor.
“Listen to me, girl. I’m not in charge. I was never in charge. The only thing I did was orchestrate your movements.”
I shiver.
“That’s right,” he murmurs. “That fear? Hold on to that. It’s what’s keeping you connected to reality. My boss will be here shortly. The one who’s been running this deal for a decade.”
“I’m not a problem for him,” I say. “I didn’t do anything?—”
He releases me and laughs. Then his phone is in my face.
The little ring of us in the parking lot, just the other day. Knox and me, all his friends sans Jacob, plus Camden Church.
The door opens.
Luke doesn’t look away from me. “Right on time, Dad. We’ve got ourselves the key to?—”
Bang.
I flinch.
“Honestly, Aurora.”
I open my eyes, and Knox is right there. There’s a gun in his hand. Where did he get a gun? How did he find me? Why is he here?
