Free August Burning (Book 2): Survival by Tyler Lahey Page A

him. To test the waters.” Jaxton indicated the chained beast.
    “I’m not doing anything you fuck-“ The baton snapped out like a viper.
    “Terrence goes. And maybe Terrence dies. Now take him to the basement. Chain him there.”
    Wilder and several others ushered the bleeding giant away.
    “You need to think about what you’re doing, Jax,” Liam pleaded.
    “Liam, I don’t want to hear it. There’s no place for doubt now.”
    “Good for you Jax.” Harley nodded.
    …
     
    “What the fuck are we doing? Why did you take the gasoline?” Leeroy asked Bennett, as they stood afar from the others.
    “I’m creating a little chaos,” Bennett snarled.
    “Does anyone else know?”
    Bennett shook his head. “They wouldn’t be willing to do what’s necessary.”
    “How far are the police?”
    Bennett smiled greedily. “One day. And his little kingdom will come crashing down.”
    …
     
    Harley slammed Liam against the concrete wall in the old classroom they had made their bedroom. She kissed him hungrily and pressed her voluptuous body against his. Without stealing her attention she undid his belt and shoved his camouflaged hunting pants off.
    Biting his lip, she pressed him into the desk. Liam recoiled slightly. “Easy,” he whispered.
    She shoved him harder and grinded against him as if he alone could cure her famine. She snatched his hand and made him touch her, as she reached down herself. Liam drew back, “easy,” he said, a little firmer.
    She touched him more vigorously, not relenting a fraction. His hot skin incensed her further, and she tingled, sensing what she wanted was close at hand. Harley grabbed his lower neck, before placing her stomach against the desk. She looked back. “I want it. Now. Hurry.”
    Liam struggled to adjust himself. His skin wasn’t flushed like hers. His spine didn’t tingle like hers. His mind was still processing other things. Her voice interrupted his thoughts. “NOW! C’mon! What the fuck are you doing!” She demanded, her pants hanging around her thighs.
    Liam stepped back, feeling his blood boiling. “What is wrong with you!?”
    “What’s wrong with you ? You don’t want to have me?”
    “Jesus fucking Christ we just watched a man get half beaten to death with his hands tied. Tessa died last night. Elvis is still missing. Did you forget all that?!”
    “You two idiots have a real interesting conception of friendship. Elvis probably hates you. Fuck. Forget it Liam.” She raced to put her clothes back on. “And Terrence, he beat the shit out of you! Are you saying you didn’t enjoy seeing him hurt?”
    “That’s not how my mind works, Harley. I don’t get off to beating a bound man.”
    “Learn to love it. That’s as close you’re ever going to get to beating him.”
    Liam recoiled, stung. “What the hell does that mean?”
    “You know damn well, what that means.” The door slammed behind her. Liam sank down, his bulky frame hunkering over the miniature desk. He tried to exhale smoothly, but he couldn’t do it.
    …
     
    Her footsteps clacked loudly on the shiny tile floor. Adira held a torch aloft; it sent shadows dancing on the lockers around her. Two of the other girls followed closely, lest they be left behind in the blackness of the night.
    “Adira.” Bennett emerged suddenly from the side door.
    She nearly dropped the torch. “Jesus. You scared me.”
    “Can we talk?”
    Her eyes were openly suspicious, but they were unwavering. “Go ahead. Start cutting it up. I’ll meet up with you.” The two women scampered off into the kitchen, straight to the supply room where they kept all the canned food.
    Bennett adjusted the straps on his backpack absent-mindedly.
    “What is it, Bennett?”
    Bennett nodded, laughing slightly. “Who would have thought, five months ago, this is how you’d greet me?”
    Adira sighed. “Look. Things are tense, alright? You can’t blame me if I’m a little on edge.”
    He shot a glance behind him. “Well,