Page 15 of Fractured Future

“Our men are on guard shift for the next three minutes. I don’t mind a fist fight, but you’re in no state to punch your way out of here once that shift changes.”

I must’ve taken a harder hit to the head than I realised. He’s making zero fucking sense.

“Back up like… a thousand miles.” I grab my threadbare sweatshirt to cover up. “Explain.”

Those dangerously intense orbs watch me wincing while trying to pull the sweatshirt on. I can’t twist my body in the right way to even lift it over my head without wanting to throw up.

“Need a hand?” He lifts a single brow.

“Not from you, asshole.”

“I’m not sure what I expected from Thomas Lawson’s missing baby sister. But a foul-mouthed street fighter working for the Mexican cartel didn’t cross my mind.”

Stilling mid-struggle, I gawp at the smirking stranger. “What did you just say?”

“Come on, Ember.” He pulls down his sleeve to cover the expensive watch. “I need you to get up to speed a bit faster. Let’s move.”

“I have no idea who you are!”

“That’s an irrelevant detail.”

Taking the final steps into my personal space, he lifts the hem of the sweatshirt. I swear, something soft and gentle flickers in his obsidian gaze, tangled with the sapphire flecks.

“Dress,” he demands.

“I… W-Why?”

“If you go out there looking like that, I’ll be forced to take a page from your book and blind my men so they can’t look at that beautiful body on display.”

Yanking the fabric over my head, I shove my head inside rather than respond. Blaine tugs the sweatshirt down over my skin, covering up my sports bra. He spots my nearby shoes then kicks them towards me.

“Better. Ready?”

“For what?” I blink rapidly.

Sighing through his nostrils, his long fingers curl around my forearm. Even through my sweatshirt, I can feel his cold skin sending icy swirls deep into my sore muscles.

“Enough questions. Walk.”

After shoving my trainers onto my bare feet, I stumble beside him. I’m propelled by his momentum, the sound of not only my name but also my brother’s name, ringing in my ears.

I haven’t heard either since I was taken.

Not once.

How does he know who I am?

CHAPTER 2

EMBER

MR. RAGER – KID CUDI

Marched down the corridor,three shifty-looking characters are gathered around an unconscious heap on the ground. One glowering, light-haired man looks up at the sound of us nearing.

“He’s still down, boss.”

Blaine lengthens his strides to carry us towards his crew. “Good.”