Page 72 of The Chaos She Brings

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Kai to Tess: Please. I can’t lose you. [undelivered]

Kai

Myheadisringing.

There’s pain radiating through my leg. I’m pretty sure it’s broken. I can’t move it.

There’s the unmistakable sharp scent of blood filling the air, making my stomach turn. I need to get upright. Get out of this wreck. But I’m trapped.

“Tess?” I call out with a hoarse voice.

No answer.

Then a very unfeminine groan.

“What the fuck happened?” Nico mumbles. I twist my neck to see him in a similar position to me. The front of the car is crumpled in around us so we’re both stuck.

I take a quick assessment of Nico's external injuries.None. Fucking none. The bastard.

I twist my head the best I can to the back of the car.

It’s empty.

“Tess!” I cry out again, louder this time.

Maybe she managed to get out. Maybe she’s already got help.

I close my eyes and pray that’s what happened. Any other alternative is unacceptable.

The whirring of helicopter blades distracts my focus. Then it’s a blur as the front of the car is cut away from us, paramedics and firefighters alike hoist us from the car.

I’m placed onto a stretcher.

There’s a brace around my neck stopping me from looking around.

“Tess!” I scream as I’m wheeled over to the helicopter.

“Who are you calling for, sir?” The face of a young paramedic smiles down at me warmly.

“Tess. My—” I struggle to breathe, “—friend.” My chest tightens. “Where is she?”

“Was she in the car too?”

I try to nod but the brace around my neck stops me, so I whisper, “Yes.”

“There was no woman at the scene when we arrived. But we’ll send out a team to search.”

I choke back a sob.

I can’t lose her.

The adrenaline starts to wear off and my eyelids droop. I drift in and out of consciousness until everything goes dark.

23

They Took Her

Nate to Tess: He needs you. [undelivered]

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