Page 132 of Inferno

Way out of her comfort zone as she rubs the black cuffs on her wrists with a nervous disposition.

She keeps her head down as she walks to the fourth room.

Rolling up my sleeve, I look at my Rolex as my stomach rumbles. My mind is spinning. I need a break and my brothers to knock me back into sense.

Dialing Finn, he answers straight away.

“We’re taking a break for a few hours. Meet me at Inferno.”

“Copy that. Girls to their rooms?”

“Yep. Make sure Reggie stands guard in Ebony’s room.”

There’s a slight pause.

“I’ll send Rowan and Reggie,” he tells me.

She’s really rattled my brother.

“See you in ten.” I cut the call, pull out my cigarette packet, and grab my mask.

Air. I need some air.

I can’t be behaving like this over her. She is the enemy, the one who betrayed me.

Chapter 49

CHARLOTTE

It’s a long drag back down the purple hallway.

I’d rather get this over and done with than delay it any further. More time to ponder. And after the last game, my mind is reeling.

Was that Richard helping me again? Why did his words have such an impact on me?

It’s like he knew how to control me, how to enjoy me.

The problem is, I’m starting to doubt my own mind. I need to end this, not take a nap.

I stop before the guard closes the door. Richard has a friend this time to escort me. It’s like looking into identical sets of eyes.

“Why are there two of you?” I ask as we stop outside my door.

“Less contestants to look after now,” Richard replies flatly.

“How long have I got?” I ask.

He scratches his jaw and looks behind him.

“A few hours. I’ll bring you some lunch up soon.”

I give him a sweet smile. You never know who can save your life. Or who I could sacrifice to save my life.

“Thank you.”

As the door softly closes and locks with a gentle click, I flop onto the bed and bury my face in the cloud-like softness of the lush pillows, their scent a comforting blend of lavender and cotton.

Two rooms to go.

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