Page 24 of Angel Condemned

So I hit a nerve. “And the little whistle your nose makes adds to the symphony. Honestly, it’s better than any torture the Roulex have done to me to keep me from getting any sleep.”

And the damn Roulex should be here before nightfall to rip into me with their claws and instruments for not performing like a fucking pet.

“Whatever the Roulex have promised you,” I lowered my voice, “It’s a lie. That’s what they do. Either torture you physically or psychologically.” Or in some cases, both.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She rubbed her arms, backing away from me and toward the barred doors. “I’m in here the same as you.”

“No… no, you’re not.” I stood, my shadow darkening over her from across the cell. “And I think it’s damn time you tell me what the fuck you’re doing in here with me.”

She bumped into the iron bars, her laugh fake and high. “You’re crazy.”

“Am I?” I rushed toward her, pinning her before she could blink. “Tell me I’m wrong. That you’re not waiting to accept some farfetched promise that Roulex have sold you.”

She flinched before lifting her chin in defiance. Fuck! Why hadn’t I seen through her earlier? Because I’d been blinded by her charm. I can’t believe I fell for her emotions that must have been faked. I had thought her to be the opposite of my dead sister. If she was, then she might survive this place. I’d wanted to help her. Redeem myself somehow. But she hadn’t been afraid, because she had an out—get pregnant with my child— “What did the Roulex promise you?”

“Back away,” she said between clenched teeth.

I tilted my head to the side, examining her now that I wasn’t running on hope and sympathy. “Couldn’t be freedom. You don’t have a mark on you. What could they possibly have said they’d grant you to make you sell your body, your soul like this?”

“Fuck you. Get out of my face or—”

“Or what?” I leaned forward, unable to resist inhaling her scent again before they came to beat me into unconsciousness.

She didn’t give me a third warning but jerked her knee up into my groin. I doubled over, pain radiating through my gut.

“Guards, guards,” she yelled, scooting back from me.

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