Eli is closer now, a remote in his hand.
“Let me go,” I whimper.
He shakes his head. “I can’t do that,” he whispers.
Eli takes a step closer while I step away. My back hits the door.
A tear slips down my cheek. “Please,” I beg, my voice broken and hoarse.
His hands cup my head, tangling in my hair. He leans in, inhaling deeply.
One of his hands leaves my face, caressing me on its way down.
Ow.
Something pricks me.
My knees give out, my head swims.
“Don’t worry, Angel,” Eli whispers as the world slips away. “I’ve got you.”
24
You’re Not Going Anywhere
Eli's Search History: How to tell if your soulmate is scared of the real you
Eli
“Thisisyourfault,”I tell Kevin’s hanging body, cradling Emily against my chest.
I should’ve locked the door behind me. I didn’t expect her to come looking. My mistake.
Kevin had stolen my focus. His words sent a blinding rage through me.
“Saw the woman you were with, Calder,” he’d wheezed earlier, grinning like a madman from his hooked position. “She’d fetch a pretty penny. Two-hundred thousand for the lungs alone.” He’d paused then, his eyes trailing over the doorway. “Although, her heart would probably be too fatty to sell. Waste of space. Could let you keep that one—as a souvenir.”
I’d picked up the scalpel then, turning it so the light glinted off its surgical edge. I didn’t yell. I didn't need to.
“That’s your mistake, Kevin,” I’d hissed, stepping into his personal space. “You think everyone is replaceable. You see inventory—a liver, a pair of corneas, a heart.” I let the blade hover just an inch from his cheek. “I look at her and see the only reason I have to stay on this godforsaken earth. You deal in parts. I deal in masterpieces. And I don’t let anyone touch my art.”
I press the button on the remote to unlock the door, shift Emily into one arm, and open it. My gaze flicks back to Kevin one last time, a sneer curling my lips, before I turn and head upstairs.
Karl and the others managed to take down several men involved in the organ operation, but Kevin was useful. He gave me information that’ll help bring the rest of them down. It’s a much larger network than we thought.
I keep climbing until we reach our bedroom. I lay my angel down gently on the bed, brushing damp strands of hair off her face. She looks uncomfortable lying there fully dressed, but she told me this morning not to undress her—so she’ll have to deal with it. As much as it pains me.
Honestly, I don’t understand why she reacted the way she did. It’s not like she didn’t already know I killed Tom. I thought she’d accepted who I am. Trusted me. Maybe even started to fall for me. But she looked at what I did to Kevin like it was some kind of atrocity. She’s a strange one.
I open the drawer beside the bed.
These were supposed to be used for something much more fun. But that will have to wait.
I fasten the handcuffs around her wrists—tight enough that she can’t slip free, but not enough to hurt. The other ends click onto the metal bedframe.
Emily stirs. I step back, watching as her eyes flutter open.
“Wha—” She cuts herself off, mouth parting in a silent scream when she realises her hands are restrained. She tugs at the cuffs, frantic.