Come on, let’s get out of here. I muttered, starting to make my way towards the door, Nathan slightly limping as he tried not to throw all of his weight onto me.
Wait. Nathan stopped, causing me to look up at him. Grab that. He said, nodding his head at a gun lying by our feet.
I bent down to grab it, handing it to Nathan as I stood back up.
Thanks princess. Nathan said, looking down at me with a small smile that made my insides melt.
I just reached up to give him a small kiss on his cheek in response, before opening the unlocked door cautiously. We both looked down both ends of the dark and empty hallway before stepping out of the room. I silently shut the door behind us and clicked the lock back into place.
Turning to face the way we had come from, Nathan and I silently made our way down the hall.
Once we reached the end, we found a small staircase and climbed it. I patiently waited on each step for Nathan as he tried his best to not use his bad leg.
Once we reached the top at ground level, I turned to face Nathan. What way do we go from here ? I whispered.
If we go right, it’d be faster and easier, but we’ll probably end up running into Ryland’s guards. If we go left, the path is slightly longer but the exit is through the main doors, so we’ll have to be really fast. Nathan explained.
We both agreed to go with the safer option and went left. Nathan was in no shape to be a sexy hero right now. He was just a sexy injured guy.
I was suddenly thankful that the whole building was really dark as Nathan and I crept along the shadows, out of sight. We were making our way down a wide, dark hall with doors lined all along the sides. It made me wonder how many other prisoners were stuck in there. But then I reminded myself that as soon as we got out of here, we’d call the police and all the prisoners could escape. Including Hana. If we couldn’t get her out of here, then the police would have to do it. That’s what Nathan and I had agreed on.
We finally reached the end of the long hall, and Nathan motioned to go right, where the exit was.
Hold on. Nathan whispered, his arm around my shoulder suddenly tightening and holding me in place as he moved us back against the wall, deeper into the shadows.
I held my breath as I suddenly heard voices coming from around the corner. I strained my ears to listen.
No, please. You don’t understand ! An all too familiar voice cried out, causing me to freeze and tense up.
No. How could Ryland have taken her ?
Hey let her go ! It’s me you want ! A gruff voice yelled out this time, followed by some shuffling.
He was here too ?
Actually, you’re wrong. You see this is not all about you, Randy. Ryland’s annoying little voice caused me to clench my fists.
I heard Nathan suck in a surprised breath.
What the hell could you possibly want from me ? I can’t help you in any way so just please let me go ! And let Skylar go too ! A new voice pleaded.
Jess. I breathed out in shock.
She couldn’t be here. I couldn’t let her get hurt too !
The first thing that came to mind was to run out there and demand Ryland to free my best friend. Then I’d figure out a way to get my mom and step-dad out of this too. Even though we never got along, I wasn’t just gonna leave them to die.
Just as I took a step forward to go around the corner and reveal myself, I felt Nathan’s strong arms grab my waist and pull me back.
Hold on Skylar. You’re not going out there. Nathan whispered in my ear, his tone commanding.
But they have- I started to argue but he shushed me.
I know. So what we’re gonna do is figure out a more reasonable way to get them out of here. Nathan explained to me, causing me to slightly relax and give him a reluctant nod. He was right.
Actually, you can help me. You and your friend’s parents are going to help me. Ryland explained in a calm tone.
With what ? Jess yelled at him in frustration.
I smiled at the girl. She always was an aggressive one.
Revenge, my dear. Sweet, sweet revenge. Ryland spoke, and I could just picture the sinister smile on his face.
What did we ever do to you ? I heard my mother’s small, fragile voice ask him.
You killed my brother you dirty slut. Ryland spat out, his voice suddenly cold.
He got shot because his involvement in your gang ! She had nothing to do with it ! She was just his punching bag so how could she have caused this ? Randy yelled out at him, sounding frustrated and I could hear a bit of desperation in his tone.
No you idiot ! That’s where you’re wrong ! Your snitch of a bitch tipped the rivals and organized his death ! Ryland yelled, causing the room to grow silent.
I was frozen too, my mind blank.
So my own mother had killed my dad…
He would beat me and my kids nonstop ! He was a drunken monster ! I heard my mother’s shrill voice scream.
Shut up ! He walked away from you. You were fine ! Ryland shut her down.
I was scared he’d come back ! I was so fucking scared everyday that I had to do it. I couldn’t live ! She admitted, causing the room to grow silent again.
I suddenly felt like throwing up. What horrible and delusional monsters my parents were… What did that make me ?
As if sensing my sudden mood, I felt Nathan turn me around so I was facing him.
He gazed down at me as if I was the only girl in the world and we weren’t currently hiding from my evil uncle and trying to escape this mess.
Then, without a word, he pulled me into his chest and held me tight.
And that’s when I was reminded why I was even here in the first place. Because I wanted to fight for him. I wanted to be with him and not have to worry again. It wasn’t easy, but I knew that this was what I wanted and I was willing to fight for it. No matter how much I felt like falling down.
So, after holding onto each other as if our lives were about to end in seconds, I pulled away and looked up at him with a small smile.
I think I’ve got a plan. Nathan said, causing my smile to grow.
Good. I was counting on it. I said.
You can also count on a nice trip away from everything once this is all over. Nathan smiled down at me, his green eyes twinkling.
So then what are we waiting for ? Let’s get this over with, I don’t think I can wait any longer. I smiled up at Nathan, adrenaline pumping through my blood.
So, here’s what we do. Nathan started explaining the plan in a hushed voice. I could hear Ryland, Jess, Randy and my mother around the corner, all of them still arguing, so it gave us time.
As Nathan explained what we were to do, I wondered if this would be the last time we’d have to come up with a plan under all of this pressure and short amount of time.