Chapter 5

Chapter Five

Brendan

" B oyo, good of you to come see me," Seán O'Brien booms out from his office. It's been two weeks since I've been out to the house. It doesn't mean I haven't been busy doing things for the boss, I just haven't needed to be in the mafia boss' presence.

There is a nerdy man in the chair in front of his desk, and he looks nervous as he glances up at me. The guy has a computer on his lap and keeps shifting his weight in his seat. Does he need to take a shit?

"Yes, Sir," I murmur as I move closer to him. "How can I help?"

"I'll let the tech guy explain what he found. I'm not the best when it comes to this shit," Seán mutters. "I have all the family businesses properly monitored with cameras and…"

"Firewalls, Sir," the man says softly.

"Yes! That shit," Seán says with a nod. "Attacks from our enemies can come from anywhere. There's a lot of digital information everywhere. We need to protect ourselves."

He's always believed that people were out to get him, but in the last year it's gotten worse.

"And we are," the man in front of us says.

"Who are you?" I ask, crossing my arms across my chest. The man pales, but I don't care. I'm scary, it's part of my damn charm.

"I'm Skyler O'Brien," he says meekly. "I do all of the communication media protection. Mainly, I watch for any hint of people attempting to hack into our networks."

"He's worth his weight in gold!" Seán crows. Instead of blushing with the praise, Skyler attempts to make himself smaller.

He's smart, because no one is exempt from the boss' anger if someone fucks up. Better to be ignored.

"Ah, well," Skyler mutters. "There was some activity on our servers yesterday, so I looked into it. Someone was sitting at the O'Malley bar hacking into our camera system. We caught him though."

"Well, what was he doing?" I ask, confused. "Did he not know whose bar it was?"

"His niece sang two nights ago at the bar during open mic night," Seán grunts, jerking his head at Skyler to pull something up. "She's a damn songbird. She'd sell very well at an auction."

Swallowing hard as I keep my face impassive, I lean forward to watch the video Skyler has for me. The woman with blonde hair is on the shorter side, and singing her heart out.

At one point, Mila who is the coordinator for these open mic nights and related in some way to Seán, comes over to whisper in her ear. The woman pales before rallying, and I wonder what she said.

"What happened there?" I ask, pointing at the camera. Thankfully, Seán has the footage memorized and knows what I'm talking about without looking.

"There was an issue and Mila and her brothers exterminated it," Seán says smugly. "They needed to make sure they'd have the time to be able to drag his ass out to clean up their mess. Unfortunately, this chit found herself slightly involved while it happened."

"Okay…" I drawl, knowing my boss doesn't like to leave loose ends alive. It would be a shame if he killed her, the girl can really sing. "So what are we doing with her?"

"Not her, her uncle," Seán says, a gleam in his eye. "He's the one who was tinkering around in our computer networks, searching for God knows what. He was real smooth too, Skyler says. Almost didn't catch him."

"But I did," he insists before pressing his lips together.

Did Seán call me in to kill the nerd?

"Yes, yes," my boss says, waving a hand. "I had him brought in because I'm curious about the man who risked himself to make sure his niece would be safe. He won't succeed, I'll still find a way to get my hands on her, but I want him to shore up my intellectual defenses."

I don't understand, so I blink in confusion.

"He wants him to help hack into our enemies' computers and networks," Skyler explains. "I'm good, but this guy works in a way I've never seen before. The only reason I caught him is because he tripped a silent alarm in the system. He's fucking ballsy, too. Ordered a drink, opened his computer, and started working."

"Not only that, as you know, we had to kill Kellen, because he was stealing money from me. He was our money laundering man, but I don't trust anyone to do it now," Seán grumbles.

"Huh. So he's in Chicago now?" I ask. "What are my orders?"

"He's a valued guest for the foreseeable future," Seán grunts. "Rough him up a bit, make him see the error of his ways, but don't fuck up his hands. I want him to know where he stands. I want him to overhaul our security systems and then hack into our enemies networks along with money laundering for me. Things have been too damn quiet and we are getting closer to Líadan's debut to the family as my heir. I need to know if anyone is planning to fuck something up."

Skyler 's eyes get large, and I can tell he's worried about his continued health. He hasn't fucked up, so I think he's fine.

"Good work, Skyler. Keep it up. Jordan isn't taking over your job, so rest assured. I need someone to work for me that I can trust and isn't being tortured into doing it," Seán says. "Say hello to your mother for me. You're dismissed."

"Thank you, Sir," he whispers, closing up his laptop and scurrying off.

"I think he may have wet himself," I say with a small chuckle. "Is there anything else you want me to do with this Jordan fellow?"

"I think the Banshee needs to be involved," Seán says, surprising me. "You have an extra room in that townhouse of yours, right? I don't want him in my home."

"I don't really know what your plans are here," I say carefully. Our home is our port in the storm of this shit show of a life. I don't want anyone else there.

"He will receive his workload from me daily after we come to an agreement on our terms," he says with a shrug.

Code: I beat the agreement from him.

"And how will he be receiving his work load?" I ask. I don't want Seán to have an excuse to come by whenever he wants. He has let Lía live in peace since she moved out as long as she attends to his every whim.

"I'll have it delivered electronically, of course," Seán says, exasperated. "There are encrypted message thing-a-majigs now, boy."

God save me from this man. I cannot handle him speaking like that, while I'm trying not to laugh. It's just unfair and ridiculous.

"Yes, Sir," I say instead. "I wasn't aware. Will you be dropping in often to check in?"

"I don't know yet. I don't want to be told what to do with my prisoners," Seán scoffs. "You can keep your idyllic little bubble a while longer. It won't last, boy. She's meant to rule, and you're just a henchman."

I let him say what he needs to as I wait in front of him, knowing that he'll move on if I stare stonily at him long enough.

"Bah," Seán spits out, proving me right. "He's strung up against the wall at the warehouse down in the South Shore. You know where it is. Pick my daughter up on your way. Contain her. He can't die."

Lía has more control than he gives her credit for. The reason she takes over the jobs where people are going to die either way is because she can let her demons loose completely. Dead men tell no tales and all that.

"Yes, Sir," I say, ready to get the fuck out of this mausoleum. I haven't been comfortable walking into this house in the last few years. It feels fucking evil, or maybe the devil's essence is seeping into the walls.

"Do you want him to spend the night in the warehouse before we bring him back to our home?"

"Leave him to soak in his own filth for three days, and then you can cut him down," he grunts, clearly done with the conversation.

Nodding, I turn and walk out of the office, my mind reeling. I don't have a last name for this guy so I can't do my own research. Usually I wouldn't care if I was walking in blindly because my victims are people who deserve it, but it really seems as if this guy was looking out for his niece.

In a world where I've watched people sell their children, wives, or their own mother for greed, I'm not used to such protectiveness.

My luck turns as I see Skyler talking to Corbin before he leaves. Timing my exit well, I find myself walking out the front door at the same time as Seán's computer nerd does.

"It's Skyler, right?" I ask as I tip my head toward him.

"Ah, yes," he says with a nod.

"Any chance you'd like to give me the last name of the man who will be living in my home?" I growl.

I don't know how Skyler's managed to live this long amongst so many killers because he fucking whimpers. God, who does he even belong to?

"Jordan Miles, Sir," he whispers. "Shit, I don't know if I was supposed to tell you that."

"It's my house, and I'm going to make the fucker scream for me, so I'll go with ‘yes' you were. Thanks, kid," I say, waving at him as I walk to my car.

Now, to do a little research as I head home to my girl and let her know to get ready. As I leave Seán's property behind, I call Lía to catch her up on the latest development.

" Hi, what did Daddy need?" she asks, sounding a bit breathless.

I forgot she went to the gym and then the gun range afterwards today. I've been on her ass about making sure she's comfortable with a firearm, so she finally decided to take it seriously. I don't care how well your knife treats you, a bullet will still kill you.

"Are you headed home soon? Your dad wants us to rough up some guy who hacked into his computer network," I tell her. "Apparently, his niece was an accomplice in a murder at O'Malley's bar in Vermont. You remember Mila and her brothers, right?"

" Fucking gang bangers ," Lía complains. " I feel like Daddy is always covering for them. I'm just finishing up at the gun range, Brendan. So why is this girl's uncle involved? Why aren't we kidnapping the girl?"

One thing about Lía is that she knows few people ever get a pass in life. There's always a loophole, the floor is always one step away from falling out from under her. I wish things were different for us, but as long as we're in this life, it won't be.

I explain the situation the best I can, and I can hear her packing up and leaving the gun range as I speak.

" Okay, so he's Daddy's new employee, though he's not earning a paycheck ," she murmurs. " This is simply an opportunity to interrogate him a bit and rough him, right? I don't understand why he wants me for this, Brendan."

"I don't either, beautiful. I think your father is intrigued by this guy. I don't think it'll save his niece, but it's admirable nonetheless."

" What do you mean?" Lía asks.

"The girl has a beautiful voice and he called her a songbird. You know how he gets with rare beauties and the auctions," I sigh.

" This man wanted to save her by hacking into the bar's computer network to make sure the security cameras didn't have any incriminating evidence, but Daddy still sees dollar signs, " she mutters. " Fuck. Well, he'll get his way regardless of what I want."

I hate that Líadan doesn't have any self confidence about how incredible she is. She knows her worth in regards to what she offers her father's organization, but outside of that she doesn't understand how fucking smart and wonderful she is. Seán O'Brien attempted to stomp out her creativity and excitement over life.

I'm proud to say I still see glimpses of it. It's just not as often anymore.

"We'll cross that bridge when we have to," I remind her. "Can you find me a mask too, please? I think mine is somewhere. The last time I used it was around Halloween when I chased you through the park woods at two in the morning."

An honest to goodness raspy laugh comes over the line and I hold it tightly to my chest. Goddamn, she has the most beautiful laugh.

"That was a fun night," she murmurs . "Fuck, I'm wet just thinking about it."

I can hear her walking home, her shoes scuffing along on the sidewalk. I love our three bedroom home and how close it is to everything we need. While she does have a car, Lía rarely drives it.

" Milseán , I don't like to drive with an erection unless I know you'll suck me off," I tease her, loving the way she whines softly for me. "I'll see you soon."

"Bye," she says as she hangs up.

Knowing she'll dig out the mask, I call up one of my trusted contacts to find out everything he can about Jordan Miles.

Jordan

I fucked up.

It was a pretty ballsy move to hack into the bar's surveillance system on their own property. However, I didn't realize until I began to dive deeper how far their mafia ties ran. Mila and her brothers run the bar business to hide the seedier side of their lives.

The back hallway cameras show constant activity, and the night Layla sang at the bar, a man was murdered. Fucking Atlas and Mav took my niece to a mafia ridden bar. I may kill them if I ever get out of this.

Looking around the cold room I'm in, I can't say I'm very pleased with my current accommodations. Mold crawls up the brick warehouse walls, and the chains holding my naked back against it are making my arms fall asleep. I definitely can't imagine myself recommending this kind of treatment.

Seán O'Brien visited me by video chat earlier. There was a pale nerdy man who came in who appeared to be scared of his own shadow. I'm surprised he's not dead yet with the company he keeps.

" Mr. Miles, your snooping is the reason you're here today," Mr. O'Brien told me a few hours ago.

I really don't know how long it's been since the windows are blacked out so I can't tell how much time has passed.

I kept quiet as Mr. O'Brien spoke to me simply because it isn't smart to mouth off if you don't understand the stakes involved.

" Your niece witnessed some things she shouldn't have, and since your skills are something I need despite Skyler's talents, I'll keep you with me to ensure her silence," he says.

Ahh, so that's what this mousy kid's name is. Skyler looks very uncomfortable as he continues to hold up the tablet for me to watch.

"What talents are those?" I asked. I have many, but I doubt he's looking for my managerial skills.

" The computer hacking thing," Mr. O'Brien said. " I have many enemies, and I want to keep an eye on what they're doing. I also recently lost my money laundering man because he double crossed me. You'll remain a guest of mine while you work for me."

"What about Layla?" I asked. I need to know she's okay.

"Eh, she's pretty. As long as you keep me happy, I have no reason to hurt her," he grunted dismissively. " You'll be having some visitors soon. Hang tight."

Skyler hid a smile as he closed out the chat and left, and I've been "hanging tight" ever since.

Blowing out a breath, I attempt to stretch without pulling anything. I'm in my early fifties now, I work out often and eat right, but getting kidnapped was not on my bucket list this year. While I'm not short, O'Brien's thugs pulled the chains so hard, my toes are the only things remaining on the ground.

Grunting in pain, I hold onto the chains above my head and raise my feet to keep them from cramping up. My face contorts as I bicycle my legs to stretch out the muscles, holding back the curse words I want to say.

Lowering my legs again, I go back to standing on my toes. Fuck, this is uncomfortable.

The sound of the door opening forces me to relax as if I don't have a care in the world. I've worn enough masks in my life to know how to look closed off and unbothered. Two people step inside, both wearing white masks over their faces with horns and a black strip over where their eyes would be.

It's obvious as they move that one is a female while the other is a male.

Women can be even deadlier than men which I know damn well, and as a cart is wheeled in behind them, I take a deep breath. I know this isn't a social call as I see knives, electrical prods, tasers, and more on the cart.

I don't have any idea if this is an interrogation or simply a reminder that I'm their's to do whatever the fuck they want.

The girl is wearing a pair of cut up jeans, a black hooded-sweatshirt, and black combat boots. I can't see her hair because it's hidden away under her mask, but I recognize the curves. I must be a sick fuck to be turned on by this.

I've always had sexual proclivities that I've hidden well. I like a bit of pain with my carnal activities.

The girl is looking over her choices as the man puts on a pair of black gloves. There are goosebumps all over my body, though it's only partly because of the cold. I'm wearing a pair of boxer briefs and nothing else, which was a great way to speak to my captor on video chat earlier.

The girl turns toward me, her eyes moving up my body slowly until I can tell she sees me, despite the fact that I can't see her eyes. I swear her feet stumble for a moment before she slowly turns away.

I don't know what her issue is, but I doubt I've ever met someone who tortures and murders others for a living.

Well, for the mafia, anyway. I know a couple of serial killers, but it's never affected my physical health before.

"It seems you've found yourself as a person of interest, Mr. Jordan Miles," the man says gruffly.

It's obvious to me that his voice is being altered, because there's a mechanical undertone. It's one of the better voice altering devices, but I'm in the music business and have a well turned ear. I almost roll my eyes when he says my name.

Yes, you know my name, good for you.

"I'm just protecting my niece," I state idly. We could be fucking chatting around a fire pit for as many fucks as I'm willing to give him right now. "I will continue to do just that for as long as I need to."

"That's admirable," the girl says.

Her voice changer is a creepy, shrill tone that reminds me of a horror movie, and matches the mask perfectly. It forces me to hold back a shiver, because it's really fucking unsettling.

She lifts a bat from the myriad of items, which almost makes me laugh. Why do so many unhinged people like their bats? I wonder if she's named it.

God, I'm twisted.

"You don't seem very worried, Mr. Jordan Miles," the man says, and I finally release the eye roll.

"That's a bit of overkill, don't you think, you psychotic bastard?" I ask, snorting. I don't think they can kill me, so fuck it. "You all know who I am, congratu-a-fucking-lations. As long as I do the techy shit O'Brien wants me to do, my niece will be safe."

The girl sings a lyric I know quite well before she walks up to me and swings the bat hard into my torso. Grunting, I struggle to breathe after the force of it robs me of my air. Coughing, I gasp as I stare at the disrespectful little brat in front of me as she steps back.

"I think it's clear," I wheeze, "that your strings are being pulled by your boss. Do whatever the fuck you need to do, I have nothing else to say to you."

And I don't. I ignore them as the man punches me in the face, the girl hits me with her damn bat, and even when she pulls out the electrical wand. I have a high tolerance for pain, and I know O'Brien needs my fucking fingers. I highly doubt they'll start cutting off body parts. Even I'm not dramatic enough to imagine that.

"Where did you hear that song?" I ask as the girl continues to sing under her breath. My curiosity is getting the best of me, my body is sore, and I don't have much to lose right now. They're going to beat me regardless.

She's off tune because of the voice changer and it's even more haunting than when Lenny sings it.

"Just some band I heard on the radio once," the girl says, shrugging.

Staring into the faceless mask is nerve wracking. I want to demand to see their faces, because I find it cowardly to torture a man and remain unidentified. Gritting my teeth is the only thing that keeps me from asking more questions.

The hair on my legs stands up on end as she drags the wand up my right leg. The man crosses his arms as he watches her, content to do whatever she wants.

"We aren't allowed to kill him, but we can play a bit, I suppose," he rasps. "Are you frying his cock or his balls tonight?"

At least I know it's been over twenty-four-hours since I was taken. Fuck, Layla and the guys will be freaking out soon.

"All cocks get hard when they're touched, don't they?" she asks. Her voice is almost innocent as she raises the wand inch by inch. I don't know if this is a test, but if it is, I'm probably fucked. My cock is already beginning to stir, which is seriously messed up.

"Typically, yes," the man says, pulling off his long-sleeved shirt and tossing it away. There's a sheen of sweat down his body, and muscles rippling down. He has an incredibly sexy happy trail that makes me grit my teeth as my cock decides it's very interested in what it sees.

I've always enjoyed female and male bodies, though I've never been very open about it with the outside world. It's my business, no one else's. I'm too busy to date, and it's been way too long since I've fucked anyone.

I'm blaming my celibacy on my cock's indiscriminate interest in pretty psychopaths.

God, if I make it through this, I'm finding someone to stick my dick in immediately. I know that my cock thickening in my boxer briefs is playing with fire.

The girl releases a God awful creepy sound that is between a laugh and a snarl as she presses the wand into my upper thigh. Electrical pulses run through me as I lose the ability to keep from saying anything.

Instead, it's a wordless scream, because fuck that hurts. I know it's probably not the highest setting it'll go, but I'm still twitching when she lifts the wand.

My cock is now rock hard, and the man palms it in interest. Groaning, I drop my head back onto the cold brick wall, because as much as my body is still reacting to the electricity, my shaft still twitches in his hand.

"I think he liked it, baby," he grunts.

Are they together? Again, thoughts I shouldn't be thinking as I hang at their mercy fill my mind, because I have nothing better to do.

"He's still hard," the girl says, as if in awe.

Do they play these sick games with all of their prisoners?

"As fun as it is to have you massage my cock," I say as I get oxygen back into my lungs, "it's going to continue to get hard if you do that. They generally get hard if you play with them. If this is a test, it's not a very good one. Is this some weird kind of kink I'm not aware of?"

"You enjoy pain," the girl says, ignoring the question. I wish I could hear her real voice because the creepy high pitched sound is scary as fuck. "I want to play."

She sounds petulant as the man pulls my boxer briefs down my ass until my cock bounces free.

"It's pierced," the man says clinically as he leaves them around my thighs. The material is also keeping me from being as mobile as usual and I can't jerk away effectively as the girl uses the electrical wand to push my cock upward.

I should be begging her to leave me alone, and while my chest begins to heave as I pant from the exertion of the electricity, I find that I want to let it ride. I want to see how far they're willing to go.

My cock is already leaking pre-cum, to my embarrassment, as she strokes it gently with the electrical wand. Fuck, this is sick.

Struggling to not make a noise, I find my hips jerking forward as she plays.

"You're awfully calm for a man who has the health of his cock in my hands," she says.

The woman hands the wand to the man as she pulls her sweatshirt over her head as well. There's no identifying features showing as she tosses it aside. Her skin is creamy and pale, her breasts perky, and her waist tapers in. Damn, even her knees are pretty where her jeans are ripped, and her thin tank-top leaves very little to the imagination. Fuck, she looks young too. They both do.

Goddamnit.

"As you removed your hands, I no longer have my cock in them," I state easily.

It's an easy banter, even though she sounds like an evil character in a scary movie. I may not be able to watch them again without getting hard. How is that for irony?

The girl doesn't say a word as she rubs the rounded end of the wand under my scrotum. My eyes roll despite the dangerous dance we're currently doing. All it would take is for her finger to slip.

"You're enjoying this," the man growls, almost disturbed.

"The joke is on you since I fucking enjoy a bit of pain," I grunt. "If she turns the wand on at this moment, I'd be out of commission for longer than Mr. O'Brien would like. So please, continue to get me off. It wouldn't take much at this point."

"Fuck, you're twisted," the man mutters.

The girl is breathing a bit hard as she pants, and her nipples are pebbled as she rubs up my cock.

"I didn't think cocks could be pretty. Well, other than yours," she says so softly I almost can't hear her.

" Milseán , are we ready to play in a different way?" he asks, moving to wrap his arms around her waist. "Is your pussy soaked right now? I can already tell you're worked up. If we aren't going to beat him anymore, then I vote that we explore how you're feeling. What do you think?"

Milseán means sweetheart, an Irish word that denotes a closeness to the other person. He's also giving her permission to use me however she wants, and I have to admit that's incredibly hot.

"She seems like a brat," I grunt as the wand rubs over the crown of my cock. "Fuck me."

"I don't know if she's interested in your cock that way," the man says, amused. "The Banshee is a brat, though. She gets whatever she wants."

"Only the things you're willing to give me," she says, her breaths coming fast. I think he's right. It wouldn't take long for her to find her release.

God, I want to know what she looks like when she orgasms. The fucking mask won't let me though.

"Well, I want to give you an orgasm," he growls, unbuttoning her pants and pushing his hand down it until he's rubbing through her arousal. "God, you're so wet. Take my fingers inside your pussy and see how far you can push our sexy captive."

My mind short circuits as I watch them together, groaning as the girl continues to explore.

"I want to touch it," she mewls, the voice changer making her sound like a scary porn star.

The man pushes her closer, rocking his hips against her ass as he searches for friction.

"Wrap your fingers around him," he growls, continuing to fuck her with his fingers. I can see the motion of his hand, and I wish I could watch.

I'm almost hyperventilating with need as she does as he says, and it's the perfect pressure.

"Fuck, that feels good," I mutter. I'm sure my pupils are blown in desire, and I can feel my skin begin to sweat, despite the cooler air.

"Like this?" she asks almost hesitantly as she begins to stroke my shaft. I can't say a word because I'm overstimulated. Breathing deeply, I swear I can smell her pussy. It's light and slightly sweet, and the more the man plays with her, the louder her arousal is.

"More."

The man shoves her pants down a bit, until she's bare. She's not wearing panties. Fuck me.

"I need to fuck you," he groans as he releases his cock from his jeans. I can just see the thick, veiny masterpiece as he pumps the base of it, and it just makes me wish the lights were brighter so I could see more.

"Don't let go of that cock, or I'll spank you when we get home."

The girl whines just before he lines his cock up with her entrance and thrusts forward. Her hand tightens further, making me cry out. I need her hand to move. Oh God, I'm so fucking close. Watching these two gorgeous people fuck after they mildly tortured me is fucking insane. I shouldn't want this.

…But I do. I need this more than my next breath. My balls feel heavy as the girl uses my pre-cum as lubricant as she finds a rhythm to fuck my cock with her hand.

"You two are incredible together," I groan as he fucks her pussy. He holds her tightly so she won't be shoved forward, controlling the force of his hips.

Her little moans, even warped as they are by the manipulation of the device against her neck, are sexy as hell as she strokes my cock.

"This changes nothing in the light of day," she says, her head dropping back as she gasps. "You still mean nothing to us. Oh fuck."

"Come around my cock," the man grunts. His thumb moves to her clit, rubbing in tight circles. I wish I could see better, because there's something metallic that keeps winking in the dull light. You can tell they've been together for a while, because he knows how close she is, and what she needs to fucking get there.

"B…ugh," she whines. Under normal circumstances, I'd wonder what she was going to say, I'm too busy mindlessly using her hand to thrust into. My back is tingling, and I know I'm going to blow.

"I'm going to come," I gasp. "If you're edging me, little girl, you better let go of my cock. I can't hold back."

"The Banshee plays for keeps," the man rasps. His other hand pushes up her top, releasing her breasts. Fuck, she's not wearing a bra.

Why isn't she wearing one?

The girl shudders as she comes, and the rushing sound of her orgasm as she squirts makes me roar as I come. Ropes of cum jut straight up into the air as my hips continue to piston. I'm jealous of the man who holds the girl in his arms so possessively.

Something is familiar about her, and the air smells like cinnamon and apples as the man also finds his release.

We're all gasping for air as we struggle to come down from our high. Straightening, they fix their clothes, but leave my cock flapping in the wind. There's cum on the girl's hand, and she stares at it curiously. The man pushes his mask up so his full lips peek out, and he grabs her hand. His tongue licks up my release, his gorgeous lips sucking on the cum that's collected between her thumb and index finger.

"Just a touch salty, baby," he murmurs. "Finish up and let's get the fuck out of here."

I can see the humor in her body, which is odd to say when she hasn't said anything and I can't see her face. I'm unfortunately distracted by her body as she raises the wand, turning it on and pressing it against my neck. I can't help my scream this time because it fucking hurts, and the world begins to darken.

"See you soon, Jordan," the girl says as my eyes close.

I don't know why I'll see her soon, but I'm sure I'll find out.