Page 24 (1/2)

Bowen shakes his head "Too dangerous," he says, wiping his knife on the edge of the dusty dresser, leaving a glob of shaving crea itinBowen hates and fears Whichto turn into a beast, though," I say, still staring at ns of it, I’ll leave I swear Please Don’t take me to the lab Take me with you" I look up from my tattoo and stare at his reflection in the mirror as he slips the knife into a black sheath attached to his belt

"It’s not too dangerous for erous for you What if I can’t protect you?" He won’t look at me He turns and cliainst the headboard He picks up his gun and balances it on his knees I climb onto the other side of the bed and curl up on my side, my arm beneath my head, my back to hi to take that risk," I murmur "Because I don’t want to leave you, Dreyden I’d rather take my chances on the outside With you"

He shifts, theht above my ear "I shot my mother in the head It took me two tries to kill her," he whispers

I turn and look up into his dead, cold eyes His jaw ht her For two days I tried to get her free For two nights, she screa, when the sun rose, I finally got up the nerve" Darkness haunts his eyes "It’s not safe out there, Fo I don’t want to have to kill you, too Life in the lab will be a lot more pleasant Trust me And you never know Maybe one day they’ll find a cure"

He cliet the horror of his words, his hopeless eyes

Chapter 24

I drearass and honey and flowers Sunshine warms my skin and rose petals brush my lips, a feathery touch that ainst my lower lip Slowly, he pulls his hand froreen eyes and wait forin your sleep," he whispers "So , our faces mere inches apart I look at his lips and reainst mine--smooth as honey and just as sweet They curve into a warain

"You were staring at my mouth"

I squeeze hs

"I have a surprise for you," he says, touchingheat to htly damp, as if he’s just had a shower and he smells like shampoo "Co but a couple of dusty, sun-bleached suitcases that used to be some shade of purple and several empty water bottles He points to the tub Two inches of water shimmer in it--clean water, clear water Bowen points to the sink next A toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste are on the counter beside a full water bottle And a co his hand over the bald patch above his ear

"Does this place have running water?" I ask, staring at the grimy sink

He shakes his head and his tan cheeks flush, a hint of pink beneath the healthy gold glow "While you were sleeping I gathered water from the toilet tanks in the hotel and carried it here in water bottles It’s not dirty or anything … I thought you’d like to get clean"

More than anything, I’d like to get clean I stare at Bowen, andfor my chest A sudden assault of tears blursthe tears, turns to leave but pauses in the doorway, not looking at my face "There’s stuff in those suitcases that should fit you, too" He shuts the door

I peel offfrom my breasts, and climb into the tepid water When I sit, it only reaches halfway up hs Even so, the water is heaven

On the side of the tub are a little soap packet, a tiny bottle of shampoo, and a tiny bottle of conditioner I lie back and scrub my scalp with the entire bottle of shampoo, then work the conditioner into my hair By the time I’ve soaped every square inch of usted to sit in it any longer I drain the tub and climb out

Hot su the h s to the side so my entire face shows

The face in the er’s Only led cheekbones and a h the suitcases and find purple cotton underwear, a white camisole tank top, and a pink sundress I pull the clothes over my clean body and twirl in front of the ain--alrown-up face, I leave the bathroo out theat the evening sky, his dark brows drawn together, co