Page 181 of Shadowman

His words cinch my chest. Comfort or not, the truth is that I don’t know shit about who Trevel Fenwickreallyis. That’s where most of my uncertainty is coming from these days—the notion of developing feelings for a total fucking stranger.

Lately, though, I’m seeing his enigma more like a puzzle.

One I mightreallyenjoy solving…

We approach a door, and Dr. Love opens it, stepping through and holding it for me. But I stand still. Obviously aware that I’m not following him, he turns, lifting a confident, perfectly arched eyebrow.

As much as I hate to admit it, his presence demands attention. It’s difficultnotto stare at him, what with how large and attractive he is. Flawlessly put together, oozing so much swagger in his movements and his looks, it’s like watching a tiger prowl around in front of you.

“Look, I know you’re supposedly this famous PhD, like the Tom Hanks of psychiatrists or some shit,” I snap at him, and he blinks. “But I’m not in the chair,Doctor. I’m not interestedin your diagnosis of what Trevel and I mean to each other. And after what he’s told me, I wouldn’t let you near my mind with a ten-foot pole.”

Dr. Love’s expression remains virtually unreadable. It’sinfuriatinghow unaffected he is.I swear to God, I don’t know how Trevel does it…

I’d end up bashing his pretty face in.

And yet, thereissomething of a shift. As if maybe he’s the tiniest bit impressed that I’m standing up for myself…And Trevel.

“Are you coming?” He nods toward the adjoining hallway, the amber in his eyes alight with mild amusement.

And despite my little tirade, I’m forced to continue after him sheepishly.

Ugh.

“All I’m saying, Mr. Kang, is that some people deserve to be locked up.” He goes on with the lecturing I didn’t ask for.Man, he really loves listening to himself talk, huh?“They need to be kept under glass. Studied and observed, yes, but also heldawayfrom society, for their own safety as well as others. But that doesn’t mean they’re not special. In fact, it’s the opposite. They’re the rarest specimens. Unique, to an almost mystifying degree.”

I swallow a growing lump in my throat.

“Trevel is one of those people,” he says pointedly. “He’s fascinating, and I can fully understand being swept away by him, despite his misgivings. But you should know that he’s also very dangerous. Maybe not physically, not to someone like you or I. But to the parts you can’t protect. He’s too smart for his own good.”

The irritation I was already feeling has risen over the course of his monologue, until I’m ready to burst.

“What about Felix Darcey?” My head slants. “Howdangerousis he?”

Dr. Love purses down a visible smirk this time. “Extremely.”

All I can do is roll my eyes. “Trevel is just as misunderstood as the rest of the sorry souls in this place. We’re all here for a reason…”

“Well… Not you.”

My face jumps. “What?”

“I’ve seen your file, Byron,” he hums.

I’m gaping at him when a door opens, a young man I’ve never seen before striding through. He walks past us, his eyes meeting Dr. Love’s as they share a look, exchanging the subtlest of nods.

A noise draws my gaze up to the camera on the ceiling. It’s following the guy.

What the fuck?

Something is going on here.

Things have been changing in the prison, more than just Trevel and the new guards. The shift is palpable. Ever since Dash escaped, it’s been one thing after another… The calm of a green sky with dark clouds and havoc on the horizon.

Trevel was right about Dr. Love. After that meeting he had with the brain trust in the rec room, I totally see why The Ivory might want to have someone in here snooping around for him.

The secrets in this place are spreading. They’re not tiny spores anymore… It’s a full-on airborne virus, multiplying and infecting every breath of life as we know it.

It’s not until Dr. Love stops in front of a new door and knocks that I recognize where we are. I hear hushed voices from inside, the door opening to reveal the dangerous individuals in question. Trevel Fenwick and Felix Darcey.