Page 28 of Wrath

“I hate everyone,” he mutters.

“But not me,” I sing-song. “Plus, I got you a treat,” I add, placing a square of chocolate on his tray. “Don’t tell the guards,” I whisper.

He eyes it suspiciously. “What is it?”

“It’s the best-tasting thing ever,” I reply. “Try it.” He takes it carefully, sniffing it before licking the edge. Then he pops it in his mouth and groans in delight. “Now do you like me?” I ask, heading for the door.

“I’ll think about it.”

Maximus is sleeping, so I leave his tray on the table and go straight to Abraham. “Good afternoon, Abe,” I say, placing his tray down.

“Why are you always so happy?” he snaps in irritation.

“I’m not happy at all,” I tell him, “but neither are you. We’re in the same boat, so I thought I should be nice to you.”

“Not the same boat,” he mutters. “You’re free out there.”

“It may look like that, Abe, but trust me, I’m not.” I place the chocolate square down. “I also stole this for you,” I whisper. “It’s a sweet treat. Don’t tell the guards.”

He stuffs it in his mouth. “What is this?” he asks, his eyes wide with surprise.

I smile. “A square of happiness.”

Wrath is chained at the table with his back to me. The second I’m close, he inhales then turns to look at me. “Good afternoon,” I say, placing his tray down. “I’ll be bringing your meals fromnow on,” I add. “So, be on your best behaviour and we’ll get to see each other.” His eyes narrow, scanning my face like he’s looking for something. “I also got you this,” I say, holding out two squares of chocolate, there’s no point in Max’s going to waste.

He doesn’t take it, so I place it on his tray. He suddenly makes a grab for my hand, and I almost cry out in surprise. He stares at the faint finger bruises Lenny left on my skin. “Guard,” he mutters.

I glance back to make sure no one is watching from the doorway before gently placing a hand over his wrist. “I’m fine,” I whisper.

“He hurt you,” he says, and his deep, rumbling voice makes my heart swell.

“But I’m okay.”

“It’s not okay,” he says, taking my other wrist and examining the bruises there. His eyes trail up to meet mine. He raises a hand, but the chain is too short, and he growls, tugging it even though it’s clear it won’t budge.

I gently cup his face, and he leans into my touch. “Be good so they have no reason to stop you eating,” I whisper. “I’ll be back this evening.” I take a square of the chocolate from the tray and rest it against his lips. “Open.” He does, and I slide it in, watching as his eyes light up. And then I do something I’ve been dreaming about doing for days—I press my lips to his. I linger there for a moment, enjoying being close, and when I pull back, his eyes are closed like he’s lost in the moment too. I step back and release a long breath before turning and heading out.

Wrath

I stare after her. My lips are tingling, and the urge to drag her back to me is overwhelming. I close my eyes and picture the bruises that bastard left on her perfect skin.He’ll pay.

The door opens and in he comes, smirking like he has every day for months. Out of all the guards, he’s the worst. He gets a kick from causing pain, but up until now, I’ve taken whatever he’s given. “Looks like you’re in demand,” he sneers, placing a metal cuff over my wrist and releasing the short one from the wall. He chains my hands together and leads me from the room like a lamb to slaughter. I’ve performed in three ceremonies this week, and I’ve hated every last one. The only thing getting me through is thinking about Wynter. I picture her beneath me and it’s over pretty quickly.

I’m forced to swallow some of the blue pills they make us take before ceremonies. “You need to last longer,” he warns me. “You’re making it too quick.” But that’s how I want it to be, because it’s clear each woman is terrified. I cause them pain, make them bleed, and they cry quietly beneath me, waiting for me to spill into them so it can all be over.

As we make our way through the caves, he glances back. “Bet you’re pleased Wynter will be bringing your food every day now. Just don’t get any ideas because she belongs to me.” My hands clench into tight fists. “I’m gonna fill her with my fucking babies,” he adds. “Then she can’t leave me.”

The thought of Wynter carrying this idiot’s child fills me with rage. I have nothing here, only memories of my mother, and Wynter is the first light I’ve felt in so long, I refuse to let this monster dull it.

I slam my fist into the back of his head, making him stumble. He reaches for the yellow thing in his side pocket, but I pull on my chains hard and he falls back onto his arse. I grip the chain between my hands and wrap it around his neck, my heart pumping fast as adrenaline fills my body.

He tries desperately to loosen it, coughing violently as I choke the air from him. I tug harder, and he falls limp, his head lolling to one side and his hands easing their grip on the chain.

I wait a second, making sure he’s not breathing before unwrapping it. Reaching into his pocket, I take his keys and unlock the cuffs, sighing in relief. I don’t remember the last time I walked free.

I stare at Lenny’s lifeless body and smile.She belongs to me.

I make my way along the familiar tunnel that leads outside. Then I make my way up the hill and into the church, where everyone is waiting for the ceremony to begin. I walk along the fluffy carpet, my toes sinking into the softness, making my heart even happier.

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