s he fist bumped Thomas. He must've been lying earlier an

ther." Thomas ran a hand through his light brown crew cut as his eyes slid from Der

weather. We'd both heard the same thing. Mitch had an illness, and from all we'd se

four steps and walked toward me, his muscles taunting me. Thomas was ripped. He held out his hand. "I'm real sorry about Derek

but I could only imagine how bad it looked. I needed to clean it

retched. I don't know w

ile. I bet his girlfriend was sitting inside waiting to get back to whatever it was they we

wned. "Do you have a bath

is smile melted. "Tough crowd

d a long night." My

r help. Compassion filled his expression. I really just wanted to get cleaned up and get a move on.

sharp note in Thomas

t did who do? When I didn't an

Thomas's tone was la

forehead wrink

is muscles turned to stone. "You heard me ass

his collar, nearly lifting him off the ground. Thomas had about four

do anything. Just calm down."

had nothing to do w

ased Derek's shirt. "Alright, someone better tell me what's go

e defined patience, b

throom, please?" I glanced toward the door. "Oh, a

ainst his sweats and wave

s by him and grabbed my el

or some reason, I knew he'd be gentle and do his best not to hurt me. I wanted his

d to Grant. The seductive allure of the brothers was uncanny. "Our parents need medic

rm as he dipped his lips next to

from him. Thinking was nearly impossible when he was so close and whispering in my ear. What was

impressively clean. Surprisingly, I didn't see a girl s

t why? A guy like Thomas would be

game. Was that Left 4 Dead 2? It instantly reminded me of Suzie. We

mas said from

and jack of spades held significance to someone. The shower curtain, rugs, toilet seat cover, and to

d me a small box wit

see its contents. Everything I

opening a drawer filled with perfectly folded washcloths and hand towels

t looked in the mirror yet. Honestly, I

need me." Thomas gave me a s

goes nothing. I gave my refl

barely realize they exist, but as soon as someone says anyth

ed with a stin

he few outlying scuffs and scratches would heal up fast. I was more worried about the

as hanging off the opening of the lower cut, but the smeare

lushed, and my long red hair was frizzed

the hot water run hotter. Using the washcloth dowsed in hot water, I scrub

off balance as fear forced me to scrub even harder.

n elbowed. I studied the deep injuries, searching for

made sure to use a bunch to kill all the germs. Applying the first aid

sentable. Just as I was finish

bathroom, I searc

lled from the opposit

stomach. How many times would

s, and grunts fi

e guys until I discovered whe

s yell. "I don't give a shit! He need

n the face. It was worse than Mom's smell earlier in h

"Casey, thank God. Tell him. Tell Derek that Mitc

grandfather. Dark bruises marred Mitch's wrinkled skin. Only his eyes and ears were swollen no

ing uncontrollably. Mi

k's arms were suddenly wrapped around m

he shu

down." Derek breathed in my ear. "Yo

sh? Mitch was dead or nearly dead, and Thomas was most likel

ehead to his chest. The comfort of his arms holding me close hel

" His soft lips

ring my throat. "I... I k

us, his face slack. He was in shock. "So

ke sure they were still attached

s discouraged gaze

now why. Maybe we'll find out, maybe we won't, but I know that if w

nced over to Mitch, then back to me. "I know where they keep all the an

Just maybe. We could stop our lo

e was low, controlled. "If we wai

s do this, Stanley. In and out. I

tanley? Last name. It had

s." I looked between them. "No

want me to?" Thomas strode out of

n't use it if we don't have to. And trus

ou have to," I fin

mes to the people I love. I'll always do what I have to d

osed. "Let's hope it