Page 48 of Echoes of Danger
“Please, just don’t let her die,” I whisper, more to myself than anyone else. The words feel useless in the air, like a prayer, but I need to say them.
Paston glances over his shoulder at me, his eyes cold, like he’s amused. “She’s not dead yet. You should be thanking me for even bothering. You have no idea how lucky you are that I’m letting you keep her around this long.”
“Fuck you,” I growl, my voice breaking. I’m not going to beg. I’m not going to let him see me crack, but it’s getting harder to stay composed.
The doctor finishes with the IV, stepping back and checking Delphi’s vitals. His expression shifts from clinical detachment tosomething resembling concern. “She’s stabilized for now. But it’s touch and go. She needs constant monitoring.”
Paston nods, seemingly satisfied, though I can see the smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He looks at the doctor. “Make sure she stays alive. You don’t leave this building until she’s up and moving. Now, go. I’ll send for you to check on her in half an hour.”
The doctor nods quickly, packing up his things, avoiding eye contact with both Paston and me. He hurries out the door as though he’s been given a pass to leave, not wanting to overstay his welcome.
Paston turns to face me fully now, his dark eyes gleaming with malicious intent. “Don’t think this changes anything, Steel. She’s still mine to do with as I please. You’ll be gone soon enough.”
I take a step toward him, my fists clenched, but I hold back. I can’t risk it. Not now. Not when Delphi is so fragile.
“She better survive,” I growl. “If she dies, you’ll wish for death by the time I’m through with you.”
Paston chuckles darkly, clearly unafraid of my threat. “You don’t have the power to do anything, Steel. But you’re welcome to try.”
And with that, he turns and walks out, leaving me alone with Delphi, my heart pounding and my thoughts racing.
I’m going to get her out of here. I have to.
***Delphi Mae***
“Can someone please turn off the lights?” My voice is a hoarse whisper, barely audible even to myself.
“Thank fuck, you’re awake,” Steel says, his voice thick with emotion. The warmth of his hand rests on mine, and I try to squeeze it, but my fingers feel stiff. His grip tightens in response like he’s afraid to let go. I can sense the panic that lingers just beneath his calm exterior.
“Steel?” I croak, the name a soft breath on my lips. I feel his hand tighten again, like a lifeline, and I finally manage to focus on him. His face is blurred, but I can tell he’s close. His features seem tight, his brow furrowed with concern.
“Yeah, sweetheart,” he replies, his voice a mix of relief and fear. “It’s me. You’re safe. You’re gonna be okay. Just stay with me.”
I want to believe him. I need to. But I can feel the weight of my body dragging me down, the exhaustion suffocating me. It’s hard to keep my eyes open, but I don’t want to close them again.
“Where are we?” I manage to ask, the question barely a whisper, but the urgency in it cuts through the haze clouding my thoughts. I already know the answer as memories flash before me.
Steel’s voice softens, and I can hear the anger buried beneath the surface. “We’re still here, Del. But we’re getting out. I swear it. I have a plan. I’ve just been waiting for you to wake up.”
Steel’s words bring a flicker of hope, but the reality of our situation presses heavily against my chest. The cold, sterile room is a constant reminder of where we are and who’s controlling our fate.
I glance toward Steel, his face set like stone, the anger in his eyes barely restrained. “What plan?” I whisper, my voice shaky but insistent.
“I’ve been mapping their movements,” he says, leaning closer so his voice doesn’t carry. “These walls are paper thin. I can hear everything that happens out there. There’s a shift change every eight hours, and they’re sloppy about it. Paston’s men don’t lockthe outer door until the new guy’s in place. It gives us about two minutes of opportunity.”
“Two minutes?” I manage, the skepticism clear in my tone.
Steel gives me a tight smile, one that doesn’t reach his eyes. “It’s all I need. But you need to be able to move, Del. If you can’t stand, I’ll carry you, but we have to make it count.”
My breath catches as I consider his words. My body feels weak, like a shell of itself, but I trust Steel. If he says there’s a chance, then there is one. “I don’t want to slow you down,” I say, hating how vulnerable I sound.
“You won’t,” he says firmly, his hand gripping mine for a brief moment. “I’m not leaving you here, so don’t even think about it.”
A sharp knock on the door startles both of us. Steel immediately moves to block my view, his broad frame shielding me.
“Doctor’s coming in for a follow-up,” a gruff voice calls out from the other side. “Don’t make it difficult.”
The lock clicks, and the door creaks open to reveal an older man with silver hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and eyes filled with fear. In his hand in a well-used medical bag. Is this the doctor?