Page 29 of Echoes

"No worries," I mutter, turning around and heading over to the food.

The kitchen staff have to prepare the usual daily food in the most cost-effective way possible, but with a little bit ofpersuasion,I was able to convince them to provide us with something a bit more edible. I've been waiting all day to get my hands on the brisket, and apparently, that's what has Avery's attention too.

Reaching past her, I grab a handful of the tender meat, watching as she looks up surprised. I bet she didn't expect I'd be in close range again so soon, but seeing her reaction makes me want to taunt her even more.

If I can't have her, then maybe I'll just torture her. Just like she tortures me.

"Moist, isn't it?" I murmur. "Slow-cooked at the perfect temperature."

Avery glances at the meat, nodding slowly. "I guess so."

Popping a piece into my mouth, I lock eyes with her, annoyed that she's still yet to eat.

I shouldn't care.

But I do.

It's fucking annoying.

Picking up another piece, I hold it up to her lips, pressing it against the soft curve of her mouth. Juice trickles over her lips and suddenly Damon's words hit me. I am playing with fire—I want to burn.

When Avery's involved, I want everything.

Life.

Death.

Torture.

Pleasure.

Pain.

Every-fucking-thing she can offer me.

She looks at me, stunned, but opens her mouth so I can push the meat inside. Tipping her chin with my finger, I close her mouth, turning away. "Eat."

It's as if she's on auto-pilot, following instructions perfectly. A range of expressions cross her face—surprise, bewilderment, confusion, appreciation.

"It's good," she mutters after swallowing. "Really good."

"I know," I reply back in a snarky tone, reaching for a baked potato. "You should eat. Stop wasting my efforts."

Before she can respond, I walk away from the table, heading to the red curtain. I have no intention of involving myself with anyone, but as I disappear behind it, I hear a soft gasp from the food table. It hurts knowing that I'm hurting her, but at the same time, the pain is all I have to hold on to.

Jemison is balls-deep in the glory hole, while a few others are making out against the shelves. I lean against the shelf myself, watching curiously. These fuckers have no idea just how good we treat them. We're not all that scary. Fear is a powerful tool to wield, but at the end of the day, we reward everyone just as hard. Respect us and do as you're told, and you'll reap the benefits.

It just comes with a price first.

Chapter 11

Avery

I'm dragged out of bed with the first sign of morning light, feet barely getting a chance to touch the floor.

As the guard pulls me down the hall, I'm happy to find we're heading in the opposite direction of the bathrooms and toilets. Given my lack of sleep last night, I don't trust myself with chemicals. Hell, I don't trust myself enough not to fall asleep with my head in the toilet like my father used to do after a night of heavy drinking.

When we reach the door at the end of the rooms, I find myself in the main entrance of Lilydale. Despite being early, I spot Mr. Whittingham in his office, the door wide open.

---