Page 93 of Ravage

"Theo," I say, turning my attention to him. "Thoughts?"

He glances up, face blank. I can tell he's surprised that I'm asking for his opinion, but this isn't a decision I can make on my own.

"I think we need to do whatever we need to do," he replies. "It's not infinite and seems like the only solution based on what Grey has told me."

I nod slowly, trying to work out logistics. "Christopher, we need you for this."

Asking him for cells and equipment is one thing, butthis…

"I don't know," he murmurs. "The repercussions will be extreme."

"Either you fight with us, or you go down with the sinking ship," I shoot back heatedly. "Because you know as well as I do that once they start, it will be like trying to stop a boulder from rolling down a hill."

Christopher throws the paperwork down on his desk, running a hand over his face as he battles internal thoughts. "Alright," he says slowly. "I'll do it. But you realize once they get wind ofthis, I'll be out the door. I won't be able to protect any of you anymore."

"It's a risk we're going to have to take," I acknowledge, nodding toward a box on the floor. "Is that the surveillance equipment?"

He nods. "You're going to have a hell of a difficult time."

"We need to do it now," Grey says urgently. "While Teddy is out sick and Arthur is away from the building."

I walk over and pick up the box, giving Christopher a nod. "Get started on it. We'll do it tomorrow."

"Tomorrow is your birthday," he points out with uncertainty.

"Even more reason to do it—"

I'm cut off with the sound of approaching voices, the four of us falling silent just in time to see Avery appear in the doorway, flanked by Byrone and Leighton, with a confused Markel behind her.

"Hey…" she says suspiciously, looking around the room, her eyes lighting up when they find Theo.

Grey instantly snaps out of his mood, grinning as he slings an arm around her shoulders, walking her over to Theo. "Hey, little killer. Someone has missed you."

Chapter 32

Avery

I barely had time to catch up with Theo before the guards came looking for me.

It took every bit of willpower I had to not vomit on the floor at the thought of being near Elsher. The guys seemed nervous as well, but I heard them whisper something about keeping him occupied while Byrone sorted something out.

Despite Elsher's scowl and protests, Theo and Grey positioned themselves outside his door in the hallway, standing guard while I did myduties.

It turns out my companion for this week is Siobhan, her face confirming she's equally annoyed at being placed here.

Elsher has us sorted out paperwork—much like Arthur did when I had my punishments with him. Except this time, it isn't confidential information or unnecessary copies.

Research papers depicting studies of mental health and treatment methods keep us occupied, and I spend the entire hour literally biting my tongue at the silent jab.

Thankfully, Siobhan seems oblivious—just more annoyed at having to be here.

We don't speak at all, just sort through the paperwork as quickly as possible while Elsher leers at us from his desk. When our time is up, Grey and Theo walk in, glare at Elsher, and promptly escort both of us out. If Siobhan is confused by my entourage, she doesn't show it. If anything, she seems relieved to be getting away, giving me a small careless wave before disappearing into the hall while we wait to get taken to classes.

Grey sticks by my side the entire lesson, much to Charmaine's obvious appreciation that he's present for once. And when free time starts, I fly into Theo's arms in the library.

"Fuck, I was so worried about you," I grumble into his chest.

Theo's arms tighten around me as he laughs softly. "I think of it as a mini vacation. The only downside is being away from you."

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