Page 15

Marcus

I'm already annoyed and I'm not even in the kitchen yet. From the sound of the voices and smell of coffee already brewing, I know Hunter isn’t in the kitchen alone, which means Elliott is in there with him.

I don't know what came over me last night.

The minute I heard the screams vibrate through the walls, I ran.

I wasn't asleep because I was typing away on my computer, not able to crack into the system once again.

When I got to her room I pushed the door open to see her thrashing around, crying through her closed eyes, and her screams were heart shattering.

I wanted to go to her, to wake her up. I wanted to be able to do what Hunter was able to do.

But I couldn't.

Instead, I stood there like a fucking idiot having his own fucked up flashbacks.

I saw her there but my mind was stuck in the past, the way I couldn't move my own body most nights, how my screams were left unheard.

I wanted someone to come save me so badly back then.

Watching Hunter be that person for her eased my guilt of not going to her, but it wounded my own soul knowing he could be that person for a practical stranger, and I never had that from the people who were supposed to love me.

I round the corner to the kitchen and see Elliott on the stool with Hunter standing right next to her.

He pushes a strand of hair out of her face and I watch her whole body tense up.

He drags his hand away and I don’t miss the hurt in his eyes at her reaction.

He’s trying to play it off like it's not a big deal, but I know Hunter better than he would like me to.

I saw the way he went to her last night, the way he pulled her in close and even in the darkness of Kam's room, I saw his eyes light up when she reached out for him.

He felt something just like Kam did. I don't know to what extent but I knew it was something, seeing his reaction to her withdrawal just now only proves my point.

What the fuck does this woman have, to make all the men I love fall at her feet?

"Good morning, Flores." He smiles at me as he walks over to the coffee machine and pours me a mug full.

"Mornin'." I walk to the fridge, grab my creamer, pour some in, and put it back on the shelf.

"I was just talking to Elliott about getting her some new clothes. I think she needs more than just a couple of sweatpants if she is gonna be staying with us."

"I can order some online, just let me know what you want or need." I direct my words towards Elliott, keeping my back to her. “Also, Raf sent a message, telling me to let you know that your test results are clear.”

"Thanks." She replies in a hushed tone. I peek over my shoulder at her and see she’s shifting in her seat, looking uneasy. Shouldn’t she be happy the infection is clearing up?

"I thought we could all try to talk again? Are you up for that, Elliott?" Hunter says beside me now, changing the subject.

"Sure." Her eyes flicker between us, and I watch as her pupils widen and her bottom lip tucks into her mouth.

"Then let's talk." I state.

I need this over with, I’m pretty sure she does too. More than any of us.