She halts to a stop. Her irritation has returned a little, but her voice is desperate as she says, “Stay away from me. We don’t have to be in the same space together. And I don’t want to be around you all night.”
“Maybe I do,” I goad her.
“Then I’ll walk out of this godforsaken prison and lose this round for us,” she threatens.
There’s no doubt in my mind she’ll make good on her promise if I keep pushing, but I can’t leave her unattended with Micah plotting in the background.
“You shouldn’t be wandering around this place alone.”
She steps to me. “Why? Because I’m better off with the guy who stalks and bullies me? Totally.” Her hand rubs over her eyes. “Can you just keep your mouth shut? Like seriously something so simple and mundane.”
“As you wish,” I agree. It surprises her as much as it does me. But I don’t want her unprotected all night.
That seems to pacify her enough to ignore me though, because she makes her way up the stairs and ducks into the waiting area, moving back to her spot by the window.
I drop down on a bench where I have a view of both of the entrances. My focus stays trained on them, but it’s her I watch most of the night. And I keep my word, keeping my mouth closed. I’d expected her to fall asleep at some point but as soonas she’d close her eyes, she’d stir around and open them again. Each time not looking in my direction. She can pretend I’m not here all she wants, but little does she know, it’s not the first time I’ve watched her watch the sunrise.
32
IVY
It’s about fucking time.The sun is finally rising so I slide off the windowsill.
“Let’s wait a few more minutes,” Luca tells me and before I can protest, he explains, “Just to be sure. I’d hate to lose over some technicality. And Mercy will try to trip you up over something minor.”
The fact that he actually kept his mouth closed all night was the most astonishing thing of all. “Like what?”
“Don’t know details. I just heard my father telling Micah to always listen carefully to the instructions. There aren’t many rules, but they can be taken out of context if you’re not careful.”
A tip his father told Micah but not Luca?“Anything else?”
“Yeah. Don’t lose.” He stands and stretches as his T-shirt lifts, revealing just enough of the V that trails down into his jeans to make him seem tempting. I must really be desperate. Or at least sleep deprived. Yeah, I’ve seen more than enough to know his exterior is appealing. However, attached to the lickable abdomen is his stupid mouth that will eventually resume its infuriating mission.
We both walk down the corridor, the hospital not as gloomy in the daylight. I almost crave the cover of darkness. Because I could hide. Now, everything is on display again.
As we enter the downstairs lobby area, the floor is covered in inches of sludge and God knows what else.
“Son of a bitch,” Brooke shrieks. “I just bought these fucking shoes.”
“It’s just mud.” Micah trudges through it as he gets near the door, then turns around and waits on her as she attempts to tiptoe through as much as she can, but it’s pointless. Her former white tennis shoes are caked in muck clear up to her ankles.
“Come on, Brooke. I’ll buy you a new pair if we ever get the hell out of here.” Micah waves over at the doors and our escape to freedom.
I’m with him. It’s worth throwing away a pair of shoes to get the hell out of here until we’re summoned for the next dreaded challenge. This one didn’t seem all that bad compared to the last. After all, there were no bullets flying. And that makes me wonder what’s to come. Because from everything I hear, Mercy won’t let us get off easy every time, right?
“Wait, dude. I need a ride home.” Remy calls out behind us as he skids across the floor and falls on his ass.
Luca keeps walking. “You’re not getting in my car with that all over you.”
“I really need a lift. Cain dropped me off.”
When Luca refuses again, I cut him off. “I’ll give you a ride.”
Mission accomplished. Because Luca doesn’t look happy. Remy, however, is grateful as he grips my shoulders with his muddy fingers. “You’re a real one, Walker.”
“Totally,” I retort and plan to get in the shower as soon as I get home.
Once we’re in the parking lot, Luca demands, “Let’s get breakfast.”
