Page 31 of Queen of The Reapers
It's been 48 hours since the fire at Dina’s, and I’m no closer to finding any answers. Aside from the cryptic message, there's been no contact from Alex's kidnappers. Not even a single fucking demand. Atlas has a meeting set with the best missionaries in the state tomorrow night and I’m hoping something comes from that, but I can’t help but feel like we’re running around in circles.
I haven’t slept much and if the dark circles under my eyes don’t immediately give it away, my disheveled appearance does. But I can’t bring myself to give a fuck about what I look like when I’m being haunted by my mistakes.
My nightmares are back. Only now, Alex is the one with her face in the dirt screaming for help and I’m standing there watching, helpless to do anything about it.
It felt different when I thought Melanie took her. I knew she wouldn’t dare hurt her, because if she did, she’d lose all of her leverage. But now that we know whoever stole her is one of The Reaper's enemies, all bets are off. Who knows what kind of awful torture she’ll have to endure at their hands.
The only way to keep my mind off of the horrors she may be going through is to distract myself, and lately, running is the only distraction I can handle. When I run, there’s nothing on my mind but the music flowing into my ears and the feel of the ground beneath my feet. It’s the only solace from my thoughts, and with how dark my thoughts have been lately, I’d run forever if I could.
As my feet pound against the treadmill, I spot someone else entering the gym from the corner of my eye.Cyrus.He tries to make eye contact with me, but the second our eyes meet, I look away. I have nothing to say to him.
Never one to take no for an answer, Cyrus heads straight for my treadmill and stands directly in front of me. I try not to look at him, but his captivating presence is almost impossible to ignore. Even when he’s trying to lie low, people notice him.
I look up into his emerald eyes and his face hardens into a scowl. His lips move as he says something to me, but with my music turned up, it’s hard to make out the words.
I look up into his emerald eyes and his face hardens into a scowl. His lips move as he says something to me, but with my music turned up so loud, it’s hard to make out the words.
Everything in me wants to ignore him, to pretend that he isn't even here, but he could have news about Alex and that alone is why I give in. At least, that’s what I tell myself.
Releasing a sigh, I reluctantly yank the emergency stop on the treadmill, pull out an earbud, and glare at him. “Did you say something?”
Amusement lights his eyes and he flashes me a devious grin. “Just wanted to see how long you were going to be on that.”
I deflate. “Are you serious?” I ask, gesturing to the rest of the gym. “There’s at least six other treadmills open.”
“Fair point,” he retorts, nodding his head, “but this one’s my favorite.”
I give Cyrus an unamused glare. “Really.” I deadpan, rolling my eyes. “This specific one?”
“Afraid so.” He shrugs, knocking his knuckles against the handle. “So, how much longer?”
Until I can’t feel anything anymore. Until the ache in my chest stops hurting so much.“I don’t know.” I say, squinting at him. “Hours. Use a different one.”
“It’s fine.” He says, shrugging his shoulders with a crooked smile. “I’ll wait.”
I move to put my earbud back in, but pause when I see he’s still staring at me. Under his unwavering gaze, I feel exposed. Like somehow he’s seeing beyond the surface and staring straight into my soul. Peering at all the ugly parts of myself I try to keep hidden. He looks like he wants to say something. Like the words are on the tip of his tongue.
“Is there something else?” I ask, cocking a brow at him.
“You should really get some sleep.” He says, as his brow furrows. “You look like shit.”
Anger flushes my cheeks, but quickly dissipates when I see his eyebrows raise with amusement. He’s trying to get a rise out of me, to shake me out of the numbness that’s been my security blanket since Alex’s kidnapping. I have to hand it to him. It almost worked.Asshole.
“Brilliant observation.” I say, flashing him a mocking smile as I reattach the emergency stop cord.
He’s trying to get under my skin, but I won’t let him. Instead of giving in to his little game, I pop my earbud back in, close my eyes, and let myself fall back into the rhythm as the acceleration slowly builds up again. The music flows in and my brain pushes out all thoughts of Cyrus, of Alex, and of all the pain I refuse to feel.
Just when I’ve hit a steady stride, the treadmill surges to an abrupt stop. My eyes flash open and I look around the room, bewildered.What the hell?I glance down at the machine and find the emergency stop cord swinging. I look up and see Cyrus standing there watching my reaction with a smug smirk on his face.
“What is it this time?” I spit, all hints of playfulness gone from my tone.
“Why are you down here so late?” He asks, cocking his head as his emerald eyes stare into the depths of my consciousness. “Having trouble sleeping?”
“I came down here to run.” I say, narrowing my eyes at him. “The sooner you let me get to it, the sooner you’ll have the machine all to yourself.”
Cyrus frowns as he crosses his sleeved arms across his chest. “Fine. Stick with what you know.”
I scoff and glare back at him. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I ask.
