I squeeze my eyes shut as a sob crawls up my throat. A tear slips through my lashes, and my chest shakes with exertion, trying not to break down. This was my own damn fault.
Zade warned me countless times they were after me, and the first trap they set, I walked right into.
You’re such an idiot, Addie. Such a fucking idiot.
“You actually think we'll be able to hide her from him? It’s fucking Z, man,” another man responds, this one with a slight Hispanic accent.
“We’re just giving the Society what they asked for. Which one are you more afraid of? Them or Z?”
Fuck, it was the goddamn Society. I knew it, but hearing it confirmed only sends a fresh dose of adrenaline into my system.
I don’t know why I got tossed into this shit, but they need to take me out of this fucked-up salad of depravity; I don’t belong here. I belong in a salad full of fruits and vegetables. Healthy things that don’t run me off the road and enslave me.
The second man mutters, “I’d prefer not to fucking choose.”
It sounds like a hand slapping someone’s shoulder or back as if to reassure him. “Too bad you don’t have a choice, Rio. Doesn’t matter. This girl right here is worth millions. I mean, we got a fucking diamond here. Just imagine it, dude—Z's girl, the one and only, up on an auction stage. You know how many enemies he has? People will be frothing at the mouth to make his girl their little toy. I’ll get my cut from Max, and the Society will compensate you, I’m sure. We’ll be living fucking lavishly.” He lets out a burst of hyena-like laughter. “I can buy my own goddamn private island after the money goes through!”
A shot of anger pumps into me at the man’s callous words, speaking of me like I’m a house up for sale.
“Your idea of comfort must be different from mine. We'll have to go into hiding alongside her. At least while Z is still alive,” the second man—Rio—responds. His name sounds familiar, and I think I faintly remember someone yelling his name after they ran me off the road.
“Don’t worry, man. We’ll get a head start with the ritual happening tonight, and I’m sure the Society will take out Z, one way or another. They’ll protect us.”
A derisive snort is the only response the first man gets.
Jesus Christ, I really am in deep trouble. Tears brim the corners of my eyes, and try as I might, no amount of trash talking keeps them from overflowing like rivers past the blindfold.
I barely manage to wrangle down the sob that’s still threatening to spill, clawing its way up to the inside of my teeth.
Deep breaths, Addie. What did Zade teach you?
It takes several moments to collect my thoughts, but eventually, his voice filters in.
Leave evidence.
Gritting my teeth against the pain, I slowly grip stands of my hair and tug until they break free. The sharp pinpricks are inconsequential compared to the rest of my body.
I keep my movements minimal and slow. With the blindfold on, I’ve no idea if they can see me well. One movement out of the corner of their eye can alert them.
I wiggle my fingers until the strands loosen and fall away.
Just as I’m reaching for more hair, they hit a particular brutal bump in the road, and I can’t keep the yelp from slipping free.
The pair hadn’t been talking at that moment, but it felt like a crowded room just went deathly silent in a matter of seconds.
“Welcome to the land of the living, sweetheart,” one of the men croons. It’s the first guy who had referred to me as a diamond.
“Where are you taking me?” I ask, my voice raspy and hoarse.
“To your new home—well, temporary home,” he corrects. “Whoever pays the most will provide you with your forever home.” He chuckles as if I’m a dog about to be adopted into a loving family.
“Great,” I croak. “Sounds like I’ve hit the jackpot.”
One of them laughs humorlessly, but it sounds like Rio this time. “Hold on tight to that humor, baby girl. You’re going to need it for where you’re going.”
Before I can open my mouth to respond, I feel a prick in my arm, followed by a burning sensation spreading throughout my veins.
I suck in a sharp breath. And it happens to be the last breath I take before darkness descends.
“Her vitals are unstable, and her blood pressure is dropping. We need to get her an IV.”
I stir; the unfamiliar voice distorted beneath the ringing in my ears.
Agony blazes in every inch of my body, but it feels like I’m underwater, fighting to get to the surface yet kicking away from it because I just know the pain will only intensify. I’m encased in a shroud of fire, flames licking at my nerve endings, and the closer I get to consciousness, the brighter the flare.