Page 31 of Stitches

I looked over at him from my seat next to Sin’s bed and scowled, hating that he was calling me Asylum.

“Maybe because I called this shit in,” I said, loathing this man to my very bones.

“Well, we are so grateful you were in the mood to save a life.” He walked over to Sin’s other side and peered down at him. “Tell me what happened.”

“He fucked up with the watchers. They tossed him out on his ass. Told him to punish himself for his atrocities against them.”

“And those are. . .?” Sully raised a dark brow at me.

“Don’t play stupid,” I snapped at him. “You know what the fuck went down in here. They blame him for Sirena and Malachi.”

“Did Sinclair put the noose around Malachi’s neck?” Sully’s eyes glittered. “I think not. So how is he to blame?”

I shook my head at him. He knew what Sin had done. How he’d given Sirena tous.

“I see. That’s the story you’re sticking to, huh? OK. I’m good with accepting it.”

I didn’t care if he was willing to accept it or not. He could fuck right off the edge of a cliff, and I wouldn’t bat a lash.

“What’s going to happen? You going to keep him here? Torture him as therapy? Abuse him?”

“I think he’s doing a fine enough job on his own, don’t you think?”

I grunted. He was definitely giving it his all.

“So he’s going to get discharged?”

Sully nodded. “Yes. He’s a fantastic specimen to study. Self-flagellation always is. In fact, we adore that sort of therapy here. You should try it sometime.”

“I already have,” I shot back, thinking about my own punishments to myself.

“Yes, well, it’s neither here nor there. He’s been bandaged and medicated. You can pick his meds up at the front desk on your way out once he wakes. His therapy has been doubled, so he’ll be doing it twice a week now instead of once. Make sure to give him the good news.” Sully walked to the door. “Oh, and Asylum?”

I looked over at him.

“Try to stay out of trouble. If you keep coming back here, I’m going to assume you want to stay. Everett has given his blessings on using your services again should I require it.”

I ground my teeth but gave him a curt nod.

Everett was a fuckhead, plain and simple, but I knew the game and what was at stake, so I played along.

At least for now.

Sully smirked at me before departing, leaving me alone with Sin.

I watched him for a long time before I got up and stared out the window. The leaves were changing. Brilliant shades of orange, yellow, red, and brown greeted me.

So many damn trees.

My favorite places to hide.

To lurk.

To watch from.

With the leaves dying, I’d have to find a new place.

We will be fine.

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