Page 53 of Ravage

Chapter 19

Damon

"A cell?" Avery asks in disbelief, staring at the tiny black device in my palm like it has razor-sharp teeth.

"No, it's a vibrator," I scoff sarcastically. "Of course it's a cell. Take it already."

I thrust it toward her, watching as she scrambles to regain cognitive ability to grab it. Once she has it securely in her own grasp, I pull a second one out from my pocket.

"I think it's important that we are all able to communicate when separated," I tell her, flipping it open so that the screen lights up. It's not a fancy cell by any means—just a TCL Flip. But somehow, I was able to convince Christopher to purchase them on my behalf and sneak them in.

The upside of his behavior recently is he seems more inclined to help—but only when it benefits others. Not me.

He was reluctant at first, but once I mentioned that my circle, including Avery, would be issued with a cell, he was suddenly willing.

The smug fucking bastard.

"What do I do with it?" Avery questions hesitantly.

My arm drops to my side, the cell dangling carelessly in my fingertips. "It's a cell, Avery. You call and text on it."

That seems to snap her back to reality, her eyes narrowing as she glares at my offensive remark. "I know how to use a cell," she argues.

"Do you?" I act surprised. "Because you are gawking at the damn thing like it's from the future."

Her face relaxes. "I just mean what wouldyoulike me to do with it specifically?"

I smile, enjoying the banter that I disgustingly missed. "I've taken the liberty of pre-saving all of our numbers to your speed dial. Should you need to contact us when we are not with you, just call or message."

"So, I won't be with someone at all times."

A rush of icy discomfort goes through me. "Unfortunately, no. As much as we want to make that work long-term, it's not going to always be possible. But this way, you can reach out. We'll always have tabs on your whereabouts, but if you are in session or in your room, we'll know you need us at that moment."

She nods. "I can't pay for this," she murmurs. "Assuming there's going to be a bill at the end of each month."

I raise an eyebrow, perplexed by the thought that she assumes I'm going to make her pay for a present. "It's agift," I reiterate. "For safety measures."

"I'm surprised Dr. Smith didn't mention it in session," she mutters with a scoff, looking down at the carpet.

My eyes scan over her frame, taking in her body language. She's not hostile exactly, but she's also thrown off by something. I decide to pry, becauseeverythingis a need-to-know basis for me.

"What did Christopher say to you?" I ask, straight to the point.

Avery lifts her head to meet my gaze. "He was very chatty today. Told me all about how he framed me with the damn staff card."

It's not very often that I'm surprised, but I can say with ease that I didn't expect Christopher to admit that to her face.

It was on my to-do list to fill her in once she was settled, but as usual, he'll do anything to beat me to the punch.

"He did," I answer, confirming it. "Fucking idiot has quite the chip on his shoulder—savior complex."

Her lips twitch at my response, but her eyes turn cool—her gray irises flashing with knowledge. "He also mentioned that Alexander couldn't have given two shits about my return. But you cut a deal with him."

That statement actually makes me laugh out loud. Classic Christopher.

"I did," I nod. "More so because he doesn't consider that actions have consequences—one of those would have been the facility dealing with an out of control Grey had you not returned."

"But he hated me at the time," she points out.

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