Page 103 of Marked

“Quinn, honey, you have to stay awake, baby. Please,” Mom begged Quinn to wake up. But she was too deep in sleep to hear her. I scooted across the cement as much as my chains would allow and tried to tap her arm. But nothing.

“She’s tired, Mom. I think they hurt her pretty bad last time.” I linked my fingers with hers. She’d been so bruised when they brought her back and dumped her next to me. Her face was swollen and purple on one side.

Mom sniffled.

“I can’t believe this is happening.” She folded herself into herself, resting her head on the knees.

The door opened and a second later, the overhead lights flickered to life. I squinted; the light was too bright. It hurt.

“Hello, ladies.” A voice I hadn’t heard before greeted us. He sounded so happy, like a game was about to start.

“Please. No more,” Mom whimpered. “Don’t touch them.”

“Don’t worry, Mommy dearest. I won’t.” Jimmy pulled a chair in front of Quinn and me. Sitting backwards on it, he rested his chin on the chair back. “Looks like they’ve been all used up already anyway.” He frowned at Quinn. “She still breathing?”

“I am.” Quinn shoved her hands against the cement and pushed herself back up, turning her battered face to him. Relief washed over me. She hadn’t spoken since they tossed her back in her spot hours ago.

“Good.” He pulled a gun from the back of his jeans. “Unfortunately, your time is up. We need the room for fresh product.”

“Product?” I looked behind him. Arthur stood at the doorway, a sinister grin on his lips.

“Yeah. We were going to wait until the price went up a little more, but you know, I really fucking need this today.” He pointed the gun at Quinn. I tried to jump in front of her, but the chains on my ankle kept me just out of reach.

Jimmy laughed.

“Fuck, you are a stupid bitch, aren’t you? How long you been here, and you still don’t know you can’t get to each other?”

“Leave them alone. Just take me,” Mom whimpered. “Just take me!” she yelled.

Jimmy’s eyebrows lifted.

“What would the fun be in that?” He laughed again. “But look. I’ve got somewhere I need to be, so let’s just get right to it.” He stood up, pushed away the rolling chair and stood between Quinn and me. “Mom, it’s time.”

“For what?” She jumped to her feet. “What are you doing?”

“Which one?” He moved the gun from Quinn to me then back again. “Which one do you want to keep?”

“No!” She tugged on the chains. “Me. Take me. I choose me!” She waved her arms in the air. “Take me!”

“Sorry.” He shrugged. “That’s not an option. But if you keep fucking with me, I can have my guys come out here and have another go at them.”

Mom sank to her knees, sobs wracking her back.

“No. Please. No more.”

“That’s what I’m saying. This can end now.” He motioned toward us. “Which one is it?”

Mom lifted her head, stared at us. Tears dripped down her cheeks. She’d aged so much in the time we’d been locked away.

“Forgive me.” She whispered; her eyes locked on me. “Harley.”

“Good choice.” He moved closer.

My chest tightened.

Too many thoughts jammed into my brain at one time. Feelings were out of control.

She said my name.

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