Using my shirt and Ethan’s, we rip enough strips for both of us. My ribs are wrapped as tightly as we could manage and it’s still agonizing, but at least I can somewhat stand. Ana fashioned herself a makeshift sort of bra with the remainder. By the time we are finished, faint sounds from above are starting to carry through and we both know it’s time.
It’s only moments later when we hear footsteps coming down the corridor.
“Help me stand,” I ask her. I’m blown away by how strong she is, bringing her arm under me to help me stand. She isn’t a weak woman, but still no match for the savagery of The Tomb. I have to win. I have to.
I’ve spent a lot of the night thinking over various techniques I can use. My arm is still tender, but it is my sight and my ribs that are my biggest problems. Even with my midsection wrapped, breathing is agony and I know if Cole hits me there, I’m a goner.
I have to win. For Ana.
It runs through my head, a mantra.
When the door opens to reveal Oscar and Ethan, we are both standing there waiting for them. Ana tried to help me stay standing by putting an arm under me, seeing how I wobbled, but I wouldn’t let her. I need to appear strong, use what reputation I have. Fear is a powerful ally when wielded well, and I can only hope Cole still feared me in some way. Appearing as weak wouldn’t help, and as much as I felt leaning on Ana to be a sign of strength, the others would not.
Taking one more deep breath, or as deep as I can with my ribs wrapped so tightly, I take a step forward with Ana at my side. Oscar catches my eye and I give him a nod, showing him my thanks for putting her with me. I don’t look into Ethan’s face, I can’t.
The two men lead us back up and into the yard. I’m grateful they keep a slow pace, it’s hard enough to walk as it is and I’m trying not to limp. They don’t bind us in any way, they know there is nowhere we can go. I wonder at Cole’s choice to send these two men to get us, but it doesn’t really matter. I glance over at Ana, who is walking with her head high despite the many looks in her direction. She looks fierce. Blood spattered all over her with her thin wrap covering her chest. Her pants hang loose from her, showing her firm body. Small as she is, she is muscular, and her face is determined and angry.
She is strong, I remind myself. She will make it through this, no matter what.
I finally let myself catch Ethan’s eye, darting a glance to her. He follows my stare and gives me a small nod, and I know he’ll do what he can for her.
When we finally reach the yard it looks as though the entire population is waiting for us. All along the upper levels, I can see they are filled with other inmates looking down, the yard full save for a path leading to the platform at the front end. I see Cole standing there, watching us with a look of satisfaction on his face.
“Bring her here,” he shouts, and Ana turns to me, her eyes wild. I reach out and grab her face, kissing her fiercely before putting her forehead to mine.
“It will be okay,” I tell her, swallowing deeply. “I love you.”
Her eyes widen further as Ethan takes her arm and leads her away from me. The entire time she watches me, stumbling over her feet. Turning back to Cole, I snarl but his attention is focused on the goddess approaching him. When she reaches the platform, she begins to struggle against Ethan’s hold.
Cole laughs and beckons with his arms. “Come to daddy, princess.”
Thirty Seven
Ana
I’m so shocked by Ax’s declaration I don’t even pay attention as Ethan pulls me towards the platform. It isn’t until I hear Cole’s laugh that my attention is brought back to what’s happening.
“Come to daddy, princess,” he says, holding his arms open, and I struggle in earnest. Ethan’s grip is ironclad though, and I can’t move away as he pulls me towards Cole. When I look up into Ethan’s eyes, I see remorse whereas Cole’s scream of possessiveness and violence. When I’m standing in front of him, he puts a hand out to cup my breast and I flinch, rearing back and spitting in his face.
“Fucking bitch!” he shouts as he wipes the offending substance from his face before backhanding me. I cry out on reflex, spinning to the ground. Fuck, he hits hard.
“Fucking coward,” Ax shouts from across the yard and I can see the other man is holding him back now. Cole’s eyes narrow at Ax, glancing at me briefly.
“Let’s get this over with,” he says as he walks forward. I watch Ax release from the grips holding him. He does well trying to appear unhurt, but I can see the tension in his body and the sweat on his brow. I know how even standing up straight is a challenge. My heart drops and suddenly all our preparation seems for nothing.
There is no way he can win this.
“Josh sacrificed himself for you because he loved you.”
“It will be okay, I love you.”
No.
“Cole!” I shout back at him, still in the dirt with my cheek throbbing. The shouts and cheers around us hush at my voice. I stand, never taking my eyes off him.
“I challenge you.” I stand up, lifting my chin.
Cole turns to me, shock marring his face until he lets out a laugh.