Stuart started to sweat as the man holding him up became rigid, he could sense his alarm growing with every passing second. The sound of an engine cutting off chilled him to the bone, his gaze wavered as he searched for an easy escape or somewhere they wouldn’t be detected.
Their lack of options had Stuart believing his first urge to lie down and just give up was maybe his only choice. The wave of helplessness that overwhelmed him nearly buckled his legs. We’re never going to evade Joel or his gun.
Stuart couldn’t stop the hopelessness leaking out as he encouraged the man to leave him. “You go, leave me. I’ll only slow you down. Ring the police, let them know what is going on. Go, please get any help you can.” His agitated hoarse whispers were met with what he thought was disbelief but he couldn’t be sure with the poor sight in his left eye.
The other man’s angry words derailed his thoughts. “Fuck that, man, I’m not leaving you. See over there?”
Stuart tried to follow his pointing hand.
“My car is parked just there. We need to get to it, before whoever did this shit to you gets back. Well, that if that’s not him on the bike, but anyway, I’m not leaving you and you wouldn’t ask if you could see yourself, man. Your face looks like chopped liver, and I value my face far too much to get caught. So come on and get your ass in gear.”
The harsh whispered words had him wanting to feel his face for an instant before reconsidering. He shuddered, trying to focus on the car park while his trembling legs were speaking volumes. They weren’t convinced they could hold him up to travel that far to escape.
Stuart attempted to still his harsh breathing, convinced his body was trying to tell him something important. His bleary eye tried to see, straining harder, his heart leapt at the two familiar figures he could just make out moving fast towards them. Unaware tears trickled down his face creating tracks in the dried blood. Stuart’s elation swarmed past the misery, they came for me.
His body collapsed under the weight of his liberation, forgetting the man holding him up. The loud grunt in his ear had Stuart trying to take some weight back onto his aching legs, but before he could the man righted them, keeping them both upright. The action had Stuart biting back the grunt, chewing his busted lip, not wanting the man to feel bad. Instead he focused on directing the man towards their salvation.
“There, look, help.” He could hear the raw emotions in his hoarse voice, wishing with everything in him that he could run to Joe and hold on, and convey his true feelings.
The man oblivious to Stuart’s rioting emotions took him at his word, propelling them both towards Joe and Aaden. Stuart said a silent prayer they’d get to them before Joel found them. The thought of the gun had him urging the man forward faster than was wise. Stuart locked his jaw, clamping his lips together to keep the whimpers of agony in.
Air backed up in Stuart’s lungs making it impossible to draw in a breath, his insides endeavoured to revolt at the noise coming from inside the museum. Screams and shouts followed by the sounds of breaking furniture had Stuart jerking into movement. “Arrrrrgh.” Struggling to fight past the all-consuming pain, Stuart swayed towards Joe’s frantic calls, the pounding in his head making it hard to focus on anything.
“You’re alright, come on! Your friends are here to help. Stay with me.”
Pleas and demands floated around his mind, trying to shake off the grey fog only seemed to make it worse. His limbs shook violently as he tried to steady himself, knowing it was too late when the darkness started to steal the last of the greyness. Stuart sank towards the ground, his mind screaming for Joe. His whole body convulsed hearing a gun firing as the sound ricocheted into his dulled brain a second before the darkness claimed him.
Aaden lurched forward as Stuart collapsed to the ground, pulling the smaller man with him. Not thinking, he caught both men, embracing them as they landed hard. Electricity fired up his arms, startling Aaden into forgetting the pain in his back and ass.
His mind flooded with memories not his own, leaving him gasping. Aaden fought against the abhorrent images replayed horrifically, showing scenes no person should ever have to witness. His grief welled fast making cold sweat bead, soaking his hair, swiping it out of his face he breathed deep, regretting it instantly when he dragged in fragrant air.
The scent of lemongrass invaded his senses making him want to bury his face and hide from the past. Using all of his strength he pushed the memories back into the box. A box he’d built in his mind over the last twenty years, allowing him to stay sane while it remained closed. Aaden struggled to pull himself together when the stark reminder of what he lived with daily for twenty years captivated all his attention.
Shocked, beautiful pale blue eyes were riveted to his, the moment endless as Aaden felt his hungry stare devour what he’d only seen in his nightmares. A face more familiar than his showed an abundance of freckles scattered across a button nose and pale cheeks. The freckles highlighted the sharpness of his cheekbones, giving an elfin quality to his face. The full luscious red lips perfectly matched the short glowing wild red hair forming a perfect bright halo around his face.
Aaden watched in fascination as the man’s pale skin warmed, pink imbuing his pale cheeks reminding him of the pink lady apples he loved to eat. Aaden wet his lips, almost tasting the tart sweetness. The man’s sharp exhale made him realise how close he’d been to taking a taste of those luscious lips.
Aaden tried to focus on Stuart cradled in his other arm while he pulled himself together, giving himself a stern telling off. Now was not the time to think about his past clashing with his present, no, it fucking wasn’t.
Aaden barely registered Stuart as he put the other man down on the ground next to him, out of harm’s way. Removing all skin contact feeling it was safer for the moment when he realised how little the man was wearing. Aaden choose to ignore the immediate feeling of loss, convincing himself it wasn’t the hardest thing he’d ever done. The tingling in his left hand had him rubbing it vigorously down his trousers hoping it would ease.
He cast a quick glance at the guy’s flushed face only to be met with a dreamy smile that pushed those lush red lips up into a cupid bow. Aaden moved his hand to prevent it from pulling the man back in for a taste, growling in displeasure.
Aaden was sorry when the man’s smile dimmed at his growl, reassuring himself it was for the best. He quickly glanced away before he did something utterly ridiculous, like pick the man up and run off with him. Instead, Aaden searched for Joe, berating himself for being a crap friend, his mind kicked into gear when he remembered the shot. Shit, is Joe alright?
He released a sigh of relief when he caught sight of Joe slithering across the grass towards him and Stuart. Joe’s sudden indrawn breath had him take in Stuart properly as he laid him on the grass. Aaden couldn’t prevent the snarl of distress at Stuart’s grossly swollen and battered, almost unrecognisable face. His body suffered a similar torment: covered with bruises, ligature marks, and swollen limbs. Though, he supposed the one saving grace was there didn’t appear to be any broken bones. Aaden had seen with his own eyes that Stuart was able to stand, albeit with support, but he checked him over to make sure.
Stuart whimpered as pain penetrated the white fog. Who the hell thought it would be clever to move my arms? Fluttering his left eye open, groaning as the dull light lanced into his brain. He slammed his eye shut, chugging in a breath, hoping like anything that this nightmare was over. His fuzzy mind alerting him that he needed to check on Joe. Processing for a second, Stuart opened his eye only seeing Aaden hovering over him, panic had him trying to rise.
Aaden’s large warm hands held him in place, speaking calmly. “He is fine, he’s here. Just hold still, we’re going to get you moved and sorted as soon as possible.”
Stuart turned his head at the feel of icy fingers touching his sore cheek, seeing Joe’s watery chocolate eyes felt like the best medicine in the world. He was surprised he still had more tears left as they flowed onto Joe’s fingers, thinking he should be all cried out by now.
“Shush, shush now. It’s fine, I’ve got you.”
Stuart moaned his displeasure at the lack of Joe’s gentle touch when he pulled away.
“It’s alright, I’m just getting some painkillers and water that’s all. Come on you must be thirsty and in need of something for the pain right about now, hey.” Joe’s choked words had him considering how bad he must look if medication was the first thing Joe wanted to give him.
Stuart let Joe place the pills on his dry tongue before tilting his head to take a sip of the water. The first hit sliding down his raw throat had him in two minds, whether to sigh in pleasure or cry in agony both equally tempting. Though the one thing he did know for certain, the water had never tasted better. He took another sip with Joe’s encouragement, letting the cool liquid spill over his dry lips, it felt like nirvana.
Joe pulled the bottle back from him, “Don’t rush, baby, there’s plenty more. Sip it slowly.”
Stuart followed his instructions, keeping his eye glued to Joe, not missing the look of concern he threw at Aaden. Stuart pushed Joe’s hand away even though the movement hurt when he realised they were wasting precious time.
Stuart gritted his teeth, willing himself to sound confident. “What are we going to do now? I’m not sure I can run but I could walk with assistance.”
Three sets of eyes stared at him all conveying an array of emotions he struggled to see through his swollen gritty eye. Stuart felt his frustration rise, but the fear had him pushing on.
“Please, we need to get away from here, from Joel and definitely that gun he’s been waving around.” His thoughts turned to Princess, his own distress forgotten.
“Princess?”
Stuart’s tongue felt thick just saying her name, he stumbled over it as fear gripped his throat. Joe gave him a giant smile, brighter than the sun, making hope slam into his chest and leaving him breathless.
“She is going to be fine. The vet fixed her up good. Max is guarding her.”
Joe’s chuckle at his one eyed ‘what the fuck’ look had his own lips trying to lift. Stuart tried heroically to bite back the moan at the pain slicing through his face, failing miserably.
“We need to come up with a plan to get out of here in one piece.” Aaden’s surly face peered down at him and Joe as he spoke, excluding the third man.
Stuart fought his befuddled mind and poor vision to understand what he was missing. Taking a look at the other man’s bright red face, the morning light caught his vibrant red hair, the earlier niggle of familiarity came back with a vengeance.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Joe’s panic filled voice hardly registered past Stuart’s shock.
“Greg? Greg, is that you?” Stuart thought Greg’s face appeared to look like a rabbit caught in the headlights as he spoke.
“Holy God, Stuart, is that you?” Greg’s stunned gasp filled the air making everyone freeze.
“Do you know this man?” Aaden’s livid accusation caused Stuart to pause. What the bloody hell is his problem?
Joe gave Greg a suspicious look before releasing an impatient huff which Stuart ignored for now, knowing it was not the time to get into it. He nodded at Aaden, looking at Joe as he answered. “Greg and I work for Martin. This is Greg, the office manager I talk about from the office.”
Joe’s answering smile had him chuckling, exhaling sharply he winced as pain radiated up his sides, clutching his arms to his chest he breathed through it. Joe bent quickly, touching him gently as if trying to ease his pain. Love pulsed inside Stuart at the thoughtful gesture.
The air seemed to spark with electrical energy, sapping Stuart, unsure where it was coming from, he looked between Aaden and Greg. Both men, it appeared, were apparently having a stare off competition making the situation weirder by the moment. Each appearing to antagonise the other, his eye watered trying to focus but his fascination kept him riveted. Aaden finally broke eye contact first, his rigid stance giving nothing away as he looked back at him and Joe.
“I will go into the museum and distract our friend while you get Stuart back to the car, Joe.”
The audible gulp from Greg had them all turn to stare at him. Stuart was convinced he saw pleasure bloom across Aaden’s face before he’d masked it at Greg’s obvious concern.
Greg’s normally timid voice turned forceful as he spoke. “Surely we should call the police? Doesn’t one of you have a phone we could use? They have to be better equipped to deal with whatever this fucked up situation is, hey?”
Stuart’s pounding head struggled to comprehend what was going on with Greg and Aaden, the angst between them seemed to be escalating. Hell, the air all but vibrated with tension that didn’t appear to have anything to do with Joel.
Stuart spoke up, unable to contain his worry any longer. “Please, we need to do something and now, if you haven’t noticed it’s gone really quiet in that building. I think he might be planning something, and I for one don’t want to hang around and find out what it is. He has already fired one shot and I don’t want to be around for the next.” His quavering voice unrecognisable as he trembled, knowing full well what Joel could inflict on any of them.
They were wasting time they could ill afford as the thoughts pushed through, Stuart used Joe and Greg’s arms to help him stand. Dragging his screaming body to vertical, he swayed, panting like a birthing mother winded from the exertion. Stuart clung on, cold sweat coating his sticky skin while the smell of stale sweat wafted around him. Stuart had the insane urge to pull away from Joe not wanting him to be disgusted by how bad he must stink. He had to force himself to stay put at his own ridiculousness, he was grateful when Aaden spoke, taking his mind of his woes.
“I want you three to go now, head to the car and don’t argue. I’ll take care of Joel. I need you lot to keep as low to the ground as possible. Walk in the longer grass which will help shield you a little. I’ve got your backs. Joe, ring the police when you have signal, but I’d only do that when you get back to the car and are safely on your way to the hospital, okay? Joe don’t forget, we use our back up plan, make sure you follow that.”
Joe and Greg stilled at Stuart’s sides, neither speaking.
“Now, go.” Aaden’s biting command had them all moving at once.
Taking one last look at Aaden’s retreating back, Stuart looked up at the dull grey sky. “If there is a God up there, you’d better make sure Joel doesn’t hurt Aaden, you hear me?” The dry chuckles on either side of him had a flush creeping up his cheeks. Hoping they would put it down to the effort it was taking to progress down the uneven grassy slope.
Stuart felt the dried grass scratch his bare skin, his body rebelling with every step his jellified legs took. He worried his bloody lip, panic building with every passing minute Joel could get at them. Keeping his eyes focused on the car he willed it closer, as his muscles screamed from the exertion.
Panting, his chest heaved as he collapsed against Martin’s car, not sure how long it had taken, minutes, hours? He laid his feverish body against the cold metal, hoping it would ease the constant pain and cool his burning muscles. The sound of the car unlocking was music to his ears. Helped into the soft cushioned leather seat. Stuart was never more grateful for Martin’s lavish car. Groaning in pleasure at the soft cushioned seat cupped his pain ridden body that cried for a merciful God as the car cocooned him when the door shut. He was never sorrier for how pungent he smelt in the confined warm space. His mind seeing the funny side, he would have thought it was hilarious stinking up Martin’s expensive car if it wasn’t for the direness of their situation.
Stuart blinked several times trying to keep his eye on Joe as he walked towards Greg, pulling out his phone as he moved. When he got off the phone he could see them discussing something, but the closed doors muffled the sounds. He was getting the gist it wasn’t good when Greg bounced up and down, arms flailing as if in temper. Unsure whether he should interfere, Stuart dithered not entirely positive his legs would hold him. Grabbing the door handle, praying he didn’t end up on his ass, he paused when Greg flounced off towards his car.
The roar of the engine broke the silence as gravel spat at Martin’s shiny paint work making Stuart cringe. He watched Greg’s little Skoda Octavia fly down the road, heading towards Douglas. Surely he should have waited for the police? What on earth was going on?
Frowning at Joe’s obvious dejection, he was unable to refrain from asking what was going on when Joe got into the car.
His voice strained to be heard, the earlier relief from the water long gone. “What was that all about, surely he should have waited for the police?” Joe’s lack of response and eye contact had his insides fluttering with anxiety. The car rumbled to life as Joe started the engine. Stuart grabbed Joe’s arm, trying to contain the moan he spoke through gritted teeth.
“Hey, hold on, what are you doing? We need to wait for Aaden.” His alarm grew as the silence continued. Watching in horror as Joe put the car in gear and taking off fast, pain exploded through his chest from the seat belt making his body throb with agony. This time the groan escaped past his clenched jaw. Sucking in several breaths through his teeth, Stuart was grateful Joe had at least stopped.
Swallowing past the pain Stuart pleaded with Joe. “Please, tell me what’s going on.”
Joe’s distressed eyes glittered with unushered tears making him see the truth of the situation. Stuart sagged under the weight of the responsibility for putting Aaden at risk.
“Aaden doesn’t want any help, does he?”
Joe’s shaking head pounded home the reality he didn’t want to acknowledge. “Please believe me, you don’t want to know what Aaden is capable of, Stuart. It’s for the best we don’t wait. I have rung the police, but I’ve asked them to come to the hospital instead. I’m taking you now so we can get you taken care of.”
The plea in his voice had Stuart settling. Unable to cope any longer he shut his aching eye, wanting nothing more than to hide from everything that had happened. Stuart could feel the effects of the pain pills taking hold, his limbs grew heavy while his mind floated in a cloud of drugs. Trusting Joe, he let the drugs pull him into an exhausted sleep.