Page 24 of Wonder

She laughs under her breath. “Why can’t I go out through the front entrance? Even if it’s locked, they’ll unlock it if I want to leave.”

“No,” I say harshly, holding her gaze. “No, theywon’t, Alyss.”

She reads the truth on my face. And she pales, her eyes lowering as she takes in the collar. “What the hell kind of placeisthis? What is that?”

“Hell is the right word.” Both Buck and I reach for her hand at the same time, and I pin my eyes on him coldly. “Back off.”

He holds up his hands. “We just need to hurry the fuck up. If Red finds out—,”

“If Red finds out what, exactly?”

Fear.

It dries my mouth, wraps around my ribs, restricts my breathing as we all turn.

Knave grins, crossing his arms as he steps forward. “Well, well, well. Seems you two have been breakingallthe rules lately.”

We both move at the same time. I step in front of Alyss, shielding her as Buck drags her back and does the same, both of us facing the asshole who can’t stop smirking.

Because we’re in a heap of fucking trouble, and he’s loving every moment. Delight shines in his eyes as his hand slips down to the baton at his waist.

“Now, now,” he almost coos. “Don’t hide your new toy away, gentlemen. Sharing is caring. Red isverykeen to meet her.”

“Alyss.” I say her name quietly. My eyes travel over the men with him, lurking behind. I count before glancing at Buck. He nods.

Five.

This will be the only chance she’s going to get.

“Run.”

8 – Alyss

Istare at their backs as Buck and Hatter close ranks in front of me.

Shielding me from the men in front of us.

Adam, what the fuck have you gotten us into?

I’m not buying their stilted words for a moment. Buck and Hatter recognised my brother, I’m sure of it. But I can’t think of it now.

Something iswrongwith this place, beneath the glitz and glamor on display.

Locked doors, armed men, patrons with glazed eyes. I think of the man I walked into on the dancefloor, the emptiness of his stare as he stumbled away from me. The collar that Hatter wears around his neck.

A pretty trap.

And I walked straight into it, like a goddamned fuckingidiot.

Chess was right.

Steadying my breathing, I edge back, away from the two men facing off with the new arrivals. Readying myself.

Behind his back, Hatter motions with his hand as he says my name.

I take another step.

“Run.”