Page 25 of Born To Be Bad

“And the problem with that is…?” she teases.

“No problem. None at all. Apart from our inevitable demise, of course.”

Ivy shrugs. “Starvation will do that to you. Still, not a bad way to go.”

“The best way to go,” I agree.

Her eyes twinkle mischievously. “Death by orgasm.”

When we enter Ariana’s room, her color is much better, but her expression is still cold. I can’t get used to this version of my sister. The one I had growing up was affectionate, and kind to a fault. I’ve already mourned for so long, but a fresh pang of grief hits me square in the chest when I think of all the time we’ve lost.

“Ariana,” I say, trying to force cheer even though there is a thickness in my throat. “How are you?”

“You’re looking better,” says Ivy.

“Don’t call me that,” she says, looking away.

Ivy stops in her tracks. “What shall we call you?”

“I’d prefer it if we didn’t speak at all, to be honest. But if you insist, you can call me Ari. I haven’t been Ariana since I was a child. Ariana is a different person.”

I exhale audibly.

“All right,” replies Ivy. She takes the same seat in the corner as before, to give Ariana and I some space.

“Has mother been in this morning?” I ask.

“Yes,” Ariana says, folding her arms. “I told her the same thing.”

I won’t take it personally. I remind myself that she’s been brainwashed for years. I can’t even imagine what she’s been through, but I know she needs us now more than ever.

“Is there anything you need? Anything we can bring you?”

“What I need is to get out of here,” she bites out.

“Aria— Ari. You almost died. Just let them look after you a little longer, okay?” When she doesn’t reply, I go on. “You’ve had a torrid time. Now you can rest. Let the dust settle before we make any decisions.”

“We are not going to make any decisions,” she replies. “I will be discharged soon, and I will go on with my life as planned.”

“Which is?” I ask. “What is your plan?”

“It’s none of your business,” she hisses.

I can feel the anger emanating from her. Could they really have poisoned her so much against her own flesh and blood? Clearly so.

“We’re going to see them now,” I say. “The rest of the family. We’re going to the manor.”

“You seem to be confusing me with someone who gives a fuck.”

I glance at Ivy, who mirrors my dismay, then turn back to my bristling sister. “Dr. Sandringham has found a really lovely place for you to recover once you get out of here.”

“I’m not going,” Ariana insists. “And you’re deranged for thinking I might.”

“But, Ari?—”

“I’m not going to your fucking five-star cult retreat, Alistair,” Ariana snaps. “I’ve seen the website. Your quack of a shrink showed it to me. Does it look like I need pottery class and bullshit horseriding therapy? You live in a fucking dream world. And you think I’m the delusional one!”

Despite her venom, I’m calm. “Firstly, Dr. Sandringham is not a quack. She’s an esteemed psychologist who has helped hundreds of people. Secondly, if the retreat doesn’t appeal to you, we’ll find you another one.”

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