Page 46 of Thorns Laced In Blood

“Good to hear it. We have a problem at the garage. Over,” he said before the crackling transmission ended.

“On my way. Secure and don't move. Over and out,” I said, pushing Atill down the rest of the stairs before hoisting him over my shoulder.

After I tossed him into the van with the others and jogged to the garage before I bolted downstairs, Dylan stood beside the door. There were two doors, and the open one had a shower room. I knew why Dylan was standing outside the closed door.

In all my planning, I never considered that Athill would find a replacement for Maeve. I opened the door to see a slim, blonde-haired girl rocking back and forth as she sat in the corner of the room. She wasn’t on the bed, and I didn’t blame her.

“D call Dr Aria and keep the girl with you tonight,” I told him.

“Me? But—”

“You know, trauma. We all do. Use it to help her,” I snapped at him.

He knew I wasn't angry at him but the situation. I slowly walked toward the girl and crouched close but not within arm's length. I knew what to say to get a reaction.

“What’s your name?”

Her head snapped up, and there was nothing but terror in them.

“My fiancee was kept here for seven years,” I said but waited for her to process my words.

She searched my eyes, no doubt wondering if this was one of his games.

“She was brave enough to share her name, and one day you will too. We are here to get you out of this grey hellhole. D is going to help you and get a doctor for you. We can't share ournames because, after today, the man who did this to you is about to disappear.”

Tears poured down her eyes. I didn't miss the fact that she had blue eyes, but her nose and cheekbones were different.

“M-my name is—Daisy,” she said, shuddering the word out.

I waved Dylan over.

“Good girl, D is going to carry you upstairs, okay?”

She nodded her head vigorously but shook like a leaf as Dylan scooped her up.

“Give me a minute,” I said to Dylan, who nodded and left the room. I slowly walked around the room.

The shitty bed, toilet, wooden table and a small cloth wardrobe. I looked at every wall, crack, and mark, trying to imagine being locked in this room for seven years. There was no air, no windows, nothing. I messaged Dom to tell him about Daisy and took pictures of the room. Unable to resist, I gave the room a final glance.

I had no idea what I had done to deserve Maeve’s presence in my life. She gave me the opportunity to save another girl’s life. It wouldn't make up for the ones that I took, but I planned to keep Maeve happy no matter what it took.

Due to the complications, I stayed out much later than anticipated. Grayson got involved, but it was fun to watch him and Dylan butt heads. The girl opted to stay with Dylan. I stripped out of my gear before I snuck into my room. The bed was—

“Uff,” I said as Maeve knocked my breath out.

She was shivering all over, and I pulled her up until she wrapped her limbs around me, walking us to the bed.

“Shh, baby. It’s done. You never need to worry again,” I whispered, carrying her to our bed.

“You didn't—” she started to say, but a sob burst out, and I sat us on the bed. “I thought he hurt you.”

“Not even close, sweetheart,” I said, rubbing her back up and down as I thought about his mangled face. “Not even close.”

I was glad she couldn't see my face.

Chapter 29

Maeve

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