“He seems like more than a coworker.”
“We hooked up after the company Christmas party almost two years ago. Ever since he’s been...”
“Obsessed?” Miguel provided.
“That’s one way to put it,” I hedged.
“It’s the nicest way I can put it,” Miguel countered.
“He’s really creepy, right?” I whispered, glancing over my shoulder to see Justin on his bike, slowly pedaling beside my parents, his eyes glued to me. “I didn’t realize it until now.”
“Creepy is an understatement, Em. Watch your back with that one before he tries to wear your skin.”
I shuddered at his words. That was an image I didn’t need in my head. We walked a few more blocks, not running into any more zombies until we turned a corner and ran into an entire herd of them. The herd was a mix of civilians and soldiers, proof that the military’s efforts to cleanse the city had failed spectacularly. Miguel and I froze in our tracks and were slowly retreating around the corner when I spotted people I knew.
“No,” I whispered hoarsely. Jennifer and Harry stumbled around amongst the other zombies, a bloodied baby carrier still strapped to Jen’s chest. The twins! Where were the twins? My eyes scanned the horde desperately, praying I wouldn’t see them.
“Em, we have to go,” Miguel whispered in my ear as he wrapped his arms around me from behind and started to pull me away.
“I don’t see them,” I replied. “The twins. I don’t see them. They could be hiding somewhere nearby, scared. We have to find them, Miguel.”
“We already did, love,” he replied, his voice cracking. Slowly, he pointed to the far edge of the group, and I slapped my hand over my mouth to silence the ragged moan that fell from my lips as I spotted the two precocious little boys, squatting down and staring at us. Part of me expected them to jump to their feet, grinning ear to ear, and come running to me. If they did, I’m not sure I could have resisted them. Tears flooded my eyes as Miguel lifted me off the ground and rushed us back around the corner.
“Go back,” he ordered the group. “There are too many of them.” When he reached the other end of the block, Miguel set me down and I turned in his arms, sobbing into his chest. They didn’t have to die. If they had just listened to us and waited, they would still be alive.
“What’s wrong, Emmy?” Justin asked. “Can I do anything to make it better? Come here, Emmy, I’ll take care of you.” I felt Justin’s hands on my shoulders as he tried to pull me from Miguel’s arms and into his.
Miguel’s arms tightened around my waist. “I’ve got her,” he growled. I turned my head in time to see Justin sulk away from us, and Nico and Luis returning from the corner where the herd was.
“We need to get off the streets,” Nico murmured. “We can try to use the rooftops to get closer to the evacuation shelter.” Nico looked at me and brushed a tear from my face. “We tried, Princess, but they wouldn’t listen.”
“What about my bike?” Justin asked.
“We’ll have to leave it behind,” Luis informed him.
“I’m not leaving my bicycle behind!” Justin argued louder than he should have. “That bike was expensive.”
“No one said you had to come with us,” Nico replied through gritted teeth. “And keep your fucking voice down. Why is that so hard for you to remember?”
“As if I’m going to leave Emmy with you,” Justin scoffed. “I know what you are, and the last thing Emmy needs is some gang bangers protecting her.”
Fuck. Justin had a death wish.
I pushed out of Miguel’s arms and jumped between Justin and Nico as Nico took a menacing step toward the dead man walking. “He’s an idiot, Nico. Not worth your energy, and we don’t have time for this anyway. Let it go.”
Nico’s arm wrapped around me, holding me tight to his chest as he looked over my head at Justin. When his eyes finally dropped to mine, I could see the conflict swirling within them. He wanted to handle Justin now. He studied my face before pulling me tighter. His eyes softened before raising back to Justin. “That was your first and only strike. Disrespect or piss one of us off again, and you’ll be dead before you see it coming.” Nico brought his lips to my ear. “I mean it, Princess. That’s your little boy toy’s one and only chance.”
“He’s not my boy toy,” I replied.
“Don’t say that,” Nico advised. “You’re the only reason he’s still breathing.” He released me and looked at Miguel and Luis. “Find a fire escape in decent shape on that side of the street,” he said, pointing. The three men spread out, checking the alleys nearby.
“What do you mean I’m an idiot?” Justin demanded. “How could you say that about me when I’m trying to protect you?”
“For fuck’s sake, keep your voice down!” I hissed. “That’s what makes you an idiot. That and continuing to think there is something between us that isn’t. We aren’t together. We aren’t going to be together. I do not need nor want your protection. Do as you’re told, or we can part ways here.”
Justin looked shocked. And for once, it felt like he’d finally heard me. That relief was short-lived. “This is a stressful time, so I’ll forgive your cruelty. My point is, you don’t want those kinds of people in your life. They’re dangerous. I suggest we take your parents and find our own way to the evacuation shelter.”
“You’re fucking delusional,” I said in disbelief. “There is no we. My parents and I are sticking with Nico and the guys. Whether you choose to as well is a decision only you can make.” I turned away from him to check on my parents and make sure they were ready to climb the fire escape.
