CHAPTER 41 - BEATRICE
"Please, stop! Caleb, stop! It hurts!" I scream. My entire body blazes with fire as he tests my arms and legs by making them move up and down. I sob again and scream at Caleb. He punches in a new code and my screams stop. I can't speak. My tongue is glued to my mouth. No! No! This isn't how I am supposed to end! No! I close my eyes and breathe.
My eyes snap wide open and I sit bolt upright in the bed. Beside me, Tobias shifts over to give me space for air. I am panting and almost out of breath. Tobias touches my hand.
"Nightmare?" I nod slowly, trying not to throw up. My body shivers violently.
"C'mere," Tobias murmurs, his words sluggish from sleep. He opens his arms to me and I quickly accept the gesture by falling into him. His fingers rub over my shoulders and back, slowly soothing me until my breathing returns to normal. I try to close my eyes.
"What was the nightmare about?" he asks quietly.
"Caleb." I press my forehead to his shoulder and he secures his arms around me.
"Was he there the entire time?" I nod.
"He was the one… that tested the simulations on me. He tortured me Tobias. Why?"
Tobias pulls away so I can see his eyes. Mine start to get blurry with moisture. He wipes a tear off with his thumb. His fingers trace the line of my jaw, my neck, my arms.
"Caleb… the little -," but I cover his mouth with my hand. I shake my head at him to stop his ranting. He gives me a conflicted look. I drop my hand from his mouth.
"I don't want to think about it right now. Or ever."
Tobias sighs before he lays down again. I close my eyes listening to his steady heartbeat and my ragged breathing.