Page 108 of Maddening Fixation

Keegan’s eyebrows rose. “You’ll tell him that yourself.”

I shook my head. “I’m not coming with you, Keegan. Unless you’re looking to start a war with my family, don’t even think about forcing me into that car.”

My gaze dropped to my bloodstained hands.

This entire day had begun with my grandmother’s will trying to dictate my future, and I refused to let it end with me trapped in Romeo’s abode.

I looked up and caught Keegan’s eye. A faint smile tugged at his lips, as though my defiance amused him.

“If there’s nothing else keeping me here, I’ll be taking my leave.”

With one final nod, I turned and walked toward my battered car.

To my surprise, Keegan made no move to stop me.

Every step felt heavier than the last, as though the weight of everything that had happened clung to my limbs.

Only after I slipped inside and locked the doors did I finally let myself breathe.

The familiar scent of leather had been replaced by blood.

Romeo’s blood.

It stained the seats.

My clothes.

Even the steering wheel carried faint crimson fingerprints.

I started the engine.

The car pulled away from the deserted docks, leaving Warehouse Six disappearing into my rearview mirror.

The drive home passed in a blur.

My thoughts remained fixed on one image.

Romeo’s face.

Pale. Bloodied. Motionless.

Would he survive?

Deep inside...

I already believed he would.

Romeo Medved didn’t strike me as the sort of man death claimed easily.

Still...

I couldn’t stop wondering whether the first question he’d ask after waking would be who had saved him.

Whether Keegan would tell him.

Whether he’d remember anything at all.

Whether he’d remember me.