Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace (Dexter and Phoebe) novel Chapter 352

"She won't leave," Colin said, pulling me away, his grip firm on my hand as we retreated. He explained in a hushed tone that Zoe was adamant about staying in what used to be her and Carter's place, that she'd rather go mad than leave.

"But she can't just keep doing this... this line of work," I protested, feeling it was too harsh.

"Everyone makes their own choices and has their own way to survive. Zoe's made hers," Colin hurried, eager to get me away from the scene.

Then, a scream for help shattered the silence.

The noise came from the room next to Zoe's, followed by a girl's cries and desperate pleas for help.

I paused, looking at Colin. "Should we check it out? Could be dangerous."

Colin kicked at the door, calling out, "What's going on in there?"

Inside, it sounded like a woman was trying to open the door, her efforts met with a man's cursing, "Bitch, why are you running? Hand over the money."

Frowning, Colin was about to lead me away when Zoe burst out, frantically banging on the door, "Don't hit her, please don't."

Seeing Zoe in distress, I couldn't hold back. I kicked at the door, and with a tremendous force, the lock bent. When my efforts seemed futile, Colin gave it a solid kick, and the door swung open.

Inside, a man stood, barely clothed.

Colin quickly shielded my eyes.

The man cursed, "What the hell? She's my wife."

A woman emerged, battered and bruised, seeking refuge behind Zoe. "Zoe, please help me."

Zoe tried to comfort her, "It's okay, you're safe now."

Then, turning to the man with newfound courage, Zoe lashed out, "Jaxon, you bastard, hitting your wife? You're inhuman."

I froze for a moment, then pushed Colin's hand away, focusing on the woman.

Maybe this was just a way to vent. After all, this scumbag seemed deserving of a good thrashing.

"Does it hurt?" Colin's voice was hoarse, pulling at Jaxon's hair, smashing his head to the ground. "Tell me, does it hurt?"

In that moment, Colin seemed to unleash his true nature, fierce as if he'd emerged from hell itself.

"You're insane... it's you," Jaxon managed a twisted smile despite his swollen eyes, recognizing Colin. "Of course it hurts..."

"Then enjoy," Colin kicked him again.

Jaxon, curled in pain, laughed insanely, "Colin... that fire didn't finish you off. You and Carter... Monsters like you shouldn't exist."

His laughter continued, provoking Colin.

I couldn't tell if Colin was rattled, but I certainly was. A sharp pain coursed through my head, driving me to kick Jaxon in the face. "You're the waste that shouldn't exist. Just you wait."