Page 18 of Brutal Alpha Dragon

“I brought dinner for you,” she announces as she picks up the tray. “You haven't eaten since you arrived.”

“Why am I here, Kairo?” I ask tentatively, though my eagerness to take the tray stems from the hole in my stomach. I take a seat on the foot of the bed, and Kairo joins me.

She sighs as she picks up a roasted sweet potato and bites into it. The act is intimate like she's comfortable enough around me. While she chews, I stare at the side of her face, my eyes tracing her flawless skin. While she stares blankly ahead of her, I catch her eye flashing with gold.

Doing a double-take, I blink fervently. But as quickly as it was there, it's gone now. She turns to me, and her eyes are still green.

“That's something my brother will have to explain,” she says with a hesitant half-smile.

As any hope for the truth fades, so does my appetite. I place the roasted sweet potato I’d picked up earlier back on the plate, heaving a heavy sigh of discontentment.

“Your brother, huh?” I sneer sardonically. “Drake? The miserable man who kidnapped me?”

Kairo stares out into the void again, gulping hard. Something about the way her shoulders slump is remorseful. Even then, it’s not good enough.

“I’m sorry, Lily,” she apologizes as she turns to me with that remorse flashing in her eyes like golden bolts amidst the greenery. “He’s the only one who can explain. I’m just here to ensure your well-being.”

“Then let me out, Kairo. Please,” I add as I plead with the young woman.

Kairo hesitates a moment before she slowly shakes her head. She proceeds to rise to her feet as if horror had stricken her. She steps backward, still shaking her head, blonde curls bouncing about.

“I’m sorry, Lily,” she says before spinning on her heel. Like a featherlight fairy, she floats out of the bedroom and shuts the door behind her.

In an instant, I rush to the bedroom door and grab the handle. But my hope is lost when I pull the metal bar, and it doesn’t budge. It’s locked.

Sinking to the floor in a heap of hopelessness, a new bout of tears flow from eyes that haven’t seen the outside of this place.

***

My eyes automatically open at the sound of the door being opened again. It’s the third time today. And my third night here.

I’ve lost any desire to spring up at the familiar sound. Laying on the bed, I continue staring at the ceiling through the cascading organza hanging from the bedposts.

“Lily…?” comes Kairo’s voice—the only thing I’ve become remotely familiar with. Even though I’m upset with her, she still insists on coming here at mealtimes.

To bring me food. It’s how she takes care of my well-being. Though I cannot outwardly show my gratitude, I am grateful for her. She reminds me so much of my sister.

And somehow, she reminds me of Samantha with her bubbling curls and round face.

“Yes?” I say without moving.

She comes over and slides the tray of food beside me. “Dinner,” is all she says as she hangs beside the bed.

Her lingering presence fills me with enough guilt to finally sit upright. She’s trying, very hard, to ensure my comfort in this unknown place.

“Thanks, Kai,” I acknowledge as I pull the tray over. Melted cheese on the surface of a generous helping of lasagne melts my heart.

And somehow, Kairo’s heart has melted as she smiles at me.

“You called me ‘Kai,’” she observes eagerly before pursing her lips with a sneaky smile.

I can’t stifle my humor, giggling as I pat an empty spot on the bed. Somehow, she has a way of making me forget that I should be angry.

When Kairo cheerfully plunges on the bed, I pass her the extra fork she’d purposely brought with her. We both dig into the lasagne, quietly chewing on the hearty goodness of cheese and meat.

“Has Draco been to see you today?” she asks on a mouthful.

I stop chewing. “Draco?”

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