Page 290 of Shadowman
“Stop,” Dash scolds us. “We can’t turn on each other. That’s what he wants.”
“Too late…” I grumble, pacing. I just want Trevel to come back.
Ineedhim.
“Hey, I know you’re hurting,” Dash says to me. “Iknowthat. But you don’t get to just shut down because it’s easy.” He pinsme with a look that cuts like a knife. “You’re stuck with us, whether you want to be or not, okay? Deal with it.”
I’m balancing on a tightrope, clinging to my anger because it’s been a loyal companion to me for so long. At the same time, I’m so tired. I’mexhaustedfrom running and hiding, and I just want my strength back. I want to feel likemeagain.
I need my Leo…
My lips part, the longing gaze of someone who’s fucking lost aimed at my friend. But I flinch when I hear The Ivory’s voice.
He storms out into garden, but he doesn’t come for us. He’s heading in another direction,literallyrunning away from his men, who are calling after him.
“What the hell?” Dash whispers.
And then everything goes dark.
In a blink, the lights are out,everywhere. Not a single lamp or goddamn emergency sign to be seen. It’s dark as fuck.
The dull orange glow of moonlight is coming in through the skylights, but it’s not exactly illuminating anything. I can barely see an inch in front of me.
“Now!” Dash grabs my hand. “Now now now, come on,right now. Let’s go!”
He pulls me and Hancock as we all stay close together, trying to find some way out. There are voices coming from somewhere in the distance, but we don’t stop. We just keep moving, shuffling slowly while feeling around and trying to gauge where we are. Eventually, we make it to the veranda and inside the mansion.
“It’s way darker in there,” I huff. “We won’t be able to see shit.”
“You two know this place better than me,” Dash huffs. “Where should we go?”
Hancock is silent, just breathing because I think he’s panicking a little. So am I. I’m not afraid to admit it. All it takesis one of The Ivory’s guys bumping into us with a goddamn M16 and it’s lights out for real.
“Byron!” Dash gasps.
“I’m thinking…” I stammer, racking my brain for thick seconds chugging by slow, until finally it comes to me. “There’s a panic room. It’ll have backup power. Maybe even something that controls the collars.”
“Perfect. Let’s go,” Dash breathes out as I lead the way.
It’s difficult when I can’t see a damn thing. And all the while, I’m freaking the fuck out.
Where’s Trevel?? Is he okay?
I need to find him. I’m not leaving without him.
This adrenaline that’s been coursing through my veins for minutes, hours, days,weeksat this point is doing nothing to thwart my feelings for him. If anything, it’s clearing my vision. Like a fog light, I cansee.
I just want him, and I don’t care what anyone thinks about it. I care more about him than I’ve ever cared about anyone else… Ifeelthings for him that I haven’t felt for anyone before.
Not Michelangelo… Not Ren.
This is different. It’s more than a secret lust, hidden away in the dark, or a fucking proxy. It’ssomuch more than physical.
I think he might really be it.
My real, true partner. Not just in crime, but inlife.
“Is that it?” Hancock whispers.
