Chapter 37
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
EMMETT
There has to be a way out of here. Lorenzo is a fucking idiot. He caught me in one vulnerable moment, but it will not happen again.
It can’t happen again.
I will set Blair free, even if it’s the last thing I do. Devoting my life to her has been the easiest and most natural decision of my life.
It’ll come to me. It always does. My creativity has yet to be exhausted.
The world is already a better place without any of those scum still walking this Earth . Not only were they disgusting perverts, but look where their attempts to keep us separate got them. For touching what's mine.
Mutilated , dismembered, and fucking dead.
Even though I’ve relentlessly killed to make my way back to Blair , I can’t silence the whispers in my head, convincing me it’s my fault. She’s here because of me. Suffering and on the brink of death, because of my obsession, my fucking father, and my inability to look past my desires.
It’s my fucking fault.
A memory flashes through my mind, Blair and I standing in her room. She’d just gotten out of the shower, and I surprised her with a visit. I broke into her room and her phone so easily, pestering her about the lack of security measures she took.
I could’ve done more. I should’ve done more. Once we make it out of here, I will do everything humanly possible to ensure her safety.
Closing my eyes, I realize one thing. I love her. I know I’ve loved her for a while. The force of my heart pounding behind the confines of my ribcage when I think of her, solidifies that fact. I knew from the moment I met her, that she would consume me, and she has. She owns me in every way a person can. If she didn’t want me, I would be a lost soul, wandering the earth without a purpose or meaning.
My heart beats for her, for my little obsession. I’ll tell her. I’ll tell her that every atom of my being belongs to her to bend and mold as she pleases. That I love her with every ounce of my being. But not yet, not right now. Right now, my focus is on Blair leaving this hellhole alive and in one piece.
It's been a few days since Lorenzo left me down here with Blair . We’ve been given two water bottles to share and a few slices of bread. I wasn’t sure how much Blair had been fed, so I refused the majority of it and forced her to eat and drink more. She made me take a few pieces and sips every day, but I demanded she have the rest. My lips are chapped and my throat burns with the need for water. I know she must be feeling the same way.
She’s been sleeping the majority of our days, waking up only momentarily. My brows furrow as I try to remember the last time she woke up. Concern starts to worm its way into my mind at the fact I can't recall when that was.
Looking over, I notice her skin looks paler and sweat lines her forehead. A slight shiver runs through her despite being under the ratty blanket. “ Blair ,” I say gently, attempting to coax her out of sleep. When I'm met with silence I try again, this time giving her shoulder a light shake “ Blair , baby. Open your eyes.”
She moves easily with the movement, but remains silent, not waking up. As I bring my hand to her forehead to wipe off the sweat, I freeze when her burning skin meets my palm. Placing a hand against her forehead, I realize she has a fever, her skin is hot to the touch, yet she’s shivering.
Removing the blanket off her body to cool her down, my eyes glance to the exposed skin of her back where the shirt has raised up. The open slashes have yellowish liquid seeping from the wounds. The skin around them has darkened and started scabbing.
If I didn't know any better, I'd say these are infected. Fuck . Panic starts to make its way into my bloodstream as soft mummers sound from her chapped lips and her eyes move behind her eyelids.
Motherfucker .
I just found her. I just found her and I still can’t protect her.
Fuck . FUCK !
Running my hands through my hair, I grip the strands harshly, tugging on the length. Fuck . I promised I’d protect her. I can’t do that while I’m chained up. I’m as helpless as she is.
My heart rate accelerates as fear etches itself into my veins. There are few things I'm scared of in this life. Getting Blair back caused me to face my demons. To look them in their eyes and take back what was stolen from me. Both within myself and her.
With the darkness from my past buried six feet under, the only fear swimming in my veins surrounds Blair . Protecting her, saving her. How long has she had those lacerations? Have they been cleaned or cared for at all? The putrid smell hits my nose and immediately, I see red.
“ LORENZO !” I shout, “ LORENZO , GET THE FUCK DOWN HERE !”
When I’m met with silence I grip the chains wrapped around me and start smashing them against the wall, the clashing of metal against cement fills the small room.
“ LORENZO ! COME DOWN HERE YOU FUCKING PRICK . YOU STUPID FUCKING -”
I’m cut off as footsteps echo down the stairs, and I watch as a red-faced piece of shit approaches the door.
“ Who the fuck are you to be demanding anything of me in my house, you little shit?” He shouts. “ If you want something, ask nicely. Maybe . I’ll help you if you do,” he snarls, an evil smirk tipping his lips.
I have no patience for his childish games. I need to think quickly, for her sake.
“ Please , she needs medical attention.” I bite my tongue as I beg him. “ Her wounds. I think they may be infected. You have to help us. You have to help her.”
“ And why would I help either one of you?” Lorenzo sneers, his face reddening with his anger. “ You shot me. You are just as utterly useless as her. It would have been easier to use her once she was dead anyways, then I wouldn’t have to listen to her crying like a little bitch the entire time. But thanks to you and your fucking trigger finger, that’s over.” He snarls. My fists clench and my nostrils flare at the way he talks about my little obsession.
KILL .
He's threatening her. Talking about her like she belongs to him .
KILL .
He thinks there will be no repercussions for touching what's mine .
KILL .
He thinks he can hurt what’s. Fucking . MINE .
The voice growls and pounds against my skull but I have to be smart about this, it’s the only way to ensure I can get us out of here, get her to safety. I push the snarling beast as far as I can into the depths of my mind. We will get our revenge. We will spill his blood, but not yet.
“ I will fucking kill you if you come near her again. If you even fucking look at her again. I . Will . Kill . You .” I growl. My teeth bared and my voice laced with the malicious promise of death. What he seems to forget is Blair is the only thing keeping me tethered to sanity. Without her, I will be the atomic bomb that ends mankind.
His lips purse together, and he starts laughing. A loud, ugly cackle bounces off the walls of the small room, making my head throb. He takes a step closer to us, continuing to laugh, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up and my mind to switch to protection mode.
“ I'd like to see you try,” he chuckles. “ You’re tied up, you imbecile. You can’t do fucking anything. You have no control here. NONE !” He shouts. Movement behind me has me turning my head to an awakening Blair , the noise of him shouting must have pulled her from the slumber she was in.
Taking my eyes off him for even a quick moment was a mistake. His gun is drawn and aimed at Blair’s head, a cruel smile curling on his lips. “ Fuck her.” He spits, his voice dripping in malice. “ Fuck her used cunt or I’ll shoot her. You took away my ability to, so now you will, in front of me.”
My blood runs cold, freezing in my veins with every word that leaves his lips. I know how she's feeling. The idea of intimacy is the last thing on her mind right now. The fragile pieces of her that are barely holding on could shatter if I do it. “ No ,” I grunt, my voice firm. Lorenzo raises a brow at me and aims the gun and shoots. A scream tears from Blair’s throat at the same time I shout and throw myself over her. I peer up and see a hole in the wall, directly above her head.
My body tenses as I look at her. Tears spill down her cheeks as she looks up at me, fear and sadness reflected in her eyes, but also trust. “ I -it's fine Emmett , it’s o-okay.” She stutters out, her words choked with emotions. My eyes bounce between hers, and I hope she sees the remorse and apology reflected in mine. “ Okay ,” I say, nodding slightly.
Her lower half is already exposed and she’s only covered by the shirt I had given her. I pull down my pants and take myself into my hand. My cock is soft and it's not because I don't want her. I always do. But not like this. “ Kiss me,” she whispers, her voice trembling while she sniffles. Tears shining in her eyes. She closes them as I lightly press my lips to hers. Planting light kisses to her chapped lips, I urge myself to harden. I know this will be difficult for her, but I need her alive.
With a semi-hard cock, I push inside of her. She whimpers, the pain outweighing the pleasure.
Leaning down I continue to place light kisses against her lips, doing my best to help her arousal, to make it less painful.
Cupping her wet cheeks, making her look at me. I'm about to attempt to soothe her when Lorenzo interrupts, “ Finish inside of her or another beating is coming her way tonight. I would love to see all of your scars bleed again for me.” His words cause a soft cry to slip from Blair’s lips.
“ Shhh baby. Don't listen to him, okay? Just look at me. Keep your eyes on me.” I whisper, my voice gentle. I rock slowly, hoping that she can see the love beating through me, for her, reflected in my eyes. Hoping that she knows I’m trying to make this as painless as possible. That my soul is shattering alongside hers. That she’s not alone.
“ I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, little obsession.” I repeat, my voice cracking with emotion. I continue rocking as she stares up at me, “ Fuck , I’m so fucking sorry Blair .” I rasp, a ball forms in my throat as I choke out the words. I watch as the tears I didn't know I was shedding drip down onto her face. “ I'm sorry, I'm so sorry” I rasp, the ball in my throat growing larger.
“ I -it's okay. I t-trust you.” she stutters .
“ I’m so fucking sor-”
Another gunshot rings out as cement residue and dirt splatter around us. Blair stiffens and jerks slightly while letting out a blood-curdling scream. I try to shield her with my body, fear coursing through my blood as Lorenzo shoots another bullet above her head. My barely restrained anger rises.
“ I’m getting bored, kid. Finish or I’ll put a bullet in her head.” Lorenzo threatens, pointing his gun at Blair . She lets out a strangled cry, and I grab her hand, lacing our fingers, letting her know we’ll survive this, together .
Not wanting to shatter her more, I finish inside her and then quickly withdraw my softening cock. I apologize one more time while placing a kiss to her wet cheek.
Tucking myself away, my fury reaches an all-time high. Lorenzo’s laughter echoes across the room, the sound like a cruel taunt. The ringing that once filled my ears at the memory of my pain comes roaring in but it’s not due to the anger consuming my being. Black ink doesn't just cover my vision, it wraps around me and drowns me in darkness. “ Lorenzo , why don't you come over here? See what you just had me do.” I say. My voice is calm and controlled, a stark contrast to the fury burning within me.
Blair starts shaking behind me, but I know this is the only way. I block out her pleas as the monster within me rears its head, taking over entirely. He gets close enough that I can reach him with my leg. I know Lorenzo isn't expecting me to do anything, given the threat to Blair that’s lingering over our heads. What he doesn't know is that he just pushed me beyond my breaking point. The monster consumes me, and I gladly let him take over .
When he’s within reach, I quickly swipe out my foot, causing him to trip and fall to the ground with a heavy thud. He curses as he goes down, but before he can make sense of what happened, I’m crawling on top of him and wrapping my fingers around his throat. The gun flies out of his hands as he falls, giving me an advantage.
He tries to buck me off but it's useless. My knuckles turn white as I squeeze harder. My rage spurring me on.
“ FUCK . YOU . No one can keep me from her! She’s fucking MINE !” I yell, shaking him slightly and applying more pressure.
“ Mine . Mine . Mine !” I growl, squeezing so hard I watch as the blood vessels in his eyes burst and break.
Having the upper hand of surprise plays in my favor as I feel his windpipe crushing beneath my grip. He's choking and sputtering, arms flailing and smacking me. I don't stop though. It feels as if my hands have been sewn into his skin. My handle on his throat doesn't waiver or falter, regardless of what he does.
My monsters are out to play, and the only word they know is kill.
KILL .
KILL .
Lorenzo has been smart enough to keep his distance and stay away from me. Stay out of my reach. I don't realize he’s dead until a small hand is wrapping around my arm and tugging on it. My name is repeated and the soft voice draws me out of the darkness that overtook me. Like the light at the end of the tunnel, Blair pulls me back from the depths of my mind. I turn around to her small body wrapped in the blanket, her hair matted and tears dried on her face.
“ He’s dead Emmett , you can let go,” Blair whispers, clinging the blanket to herself tighter. Her words penetrate the black haze as my surroundings slowly come back to me. Relief floods my body as I look back down at Lorenzo’s lifeless body. The grip the darkness has on me begins to loosen and I take a deep breath, focusing back on getting Blair the fuck out of here.
I’m frantically patting down his pockets searching for the keys to unlock the chains on us, when a gunshot rings out. I'm up and looking for Blair to cover her when I freeze. Pride swells in my chest at the sight of her. She stands tall, gun in her outstretched hands, aimed straight at Lorenzo’s chest. A chest that is now pooling out blood.
“ For good measure?” I ask with a small chuckle, my eyes never leaving hers. She nods and I locate the keys in Lorenzo’s pockets.
Taking the keys, I quickly start unlocking the cuffs and chains that have kept us captive for days. I take the gun out of Blair’s hand, and tuck it into the waistband of my pants. The safety is off in case someone else tries to stop us from leaving.
Lifting Blair into my arms, I carry her up the stairs with her still wrapped in the tattered, bloodied blanket. I shift her gently in my hold and push open the door. Light assaults my eyes and I rotate Blair , shielding her from the brightness.
Looking around, I find myself face-to-face with a handful of female workers. They stare at me with wide eyes, taking in the blood covering us both. I don’t know if the wide eyes are due to the b lood, or the fact that the prisoners are no longer locked up.
“ I need clothes and a phone, right now! Hesitate or refuse and you will fucking die! Right fucking here and right fucking now!” I shout throughout the corridor, my voice bouncing off the walls.
The women scurry in different directions, rushing to gather whatever they can for us. One woman returns with a baggy shirt and sweatpants, which I assume belong to Lorenzo . The thought of Blair in his clothing turns my stomach, but it’s our only option. Another woman brings a bowl of water and a towel. She holds it up and makes eye contact with me. She’s older and doesn’t look as afraid as before.
“ Do you want us to clean her off before dressing her?” She asks. I appreciate her offer, but no fucking way. There’s absolutely no fucking way I’m letting anyone touch her. Never again will I leave her side. Never again will someone else touch her.
I set Blair down on her shaky feet and help her step into the borrowed clothes. Once she’s dressed, I pick her back up again and head toward the front of the property.
Pulling out the phone, I dial the only other number I know by heart. I lift the phone to my ear, listening as the dial rings. I know Grimm isn't still here. Blair had counted the days we were held captive by scratching tally marks on the wall.
“ Hello ?”
“ It’s Emmett . We escaped. I have Blair . I need you to come get us.” The sounds of an engine revving fill the background.
“ I’m already on the way. I figured something had happened to you. They gunned me down so I had to leave and make a plan, get Eli and Jaden to help me fuck shit up and get you out. I’m five minutes out,” Grimm responds.
I glance down at my brave girl and tighten my hold on her. “ See you soon, man,” I say, settling down on the porch with Blair still in my arms. We wait for Grimm’s arrival.
Grimm’s tires squeal as the black McLaren speeds its way towards us. He halts to a stop and quickly jumps out, rounding the car and opening the back door for me. I carefully slide inside the car, being cautious to not hit her legs or head on the car's exterior.
I shift her body onto my lap until she hums a soft sound. Taking my hand, I gently pet her hair, trying to coax her into a peaceful state.
Blair nestles into my chest more, hiding herself from the world. Leaning forward, I whisper words that only she can hear. “ You and me, Blair . We will forever be intertwined. Our shattered souls will merge as one. You’re mine, little obsession. I'll fill those cracks in your heart for you, just as you did mine.” I murmur, my voice gentle.
Pulling my gaze away from her, I look out the window and watch the scenery blur past as we make our way home.