Page 126 of Marks of Rebellion
"Are you going to hurt yourself or others?"
"No."
"Do you want privileges?"
I nod as tears fall fast.
She sits down and strokes my hair. "Are you ready to start coming back to society?"
"Please," I whisper.
Carlos comes closer, and I sob in fear. He scowls. "See that? She can't—"
"Leave the room."
"Excuse me?"
"You want her to get better in time for the wedding?"
The wedding? Oh God. No. No, no, no!
"Of course."
"Make the statement to the press. Tell the wedding coordinator to put everything in motion. I will have her ready by then."
Why is she telling him this?
I want to scream no, but I can't get any air in my lungs.
"Arja, you better not make a fool of me."
"She will be ready," she sternly says then smiles at me. "You want your freedom, right?"
Freedom. There is nothing of the sort with Carlos.
I want my freedom with Hunter.
Is he even alive?
The grief I've felt since I last saw him swells, and my tears become so thick I can't see.
"Answer me," she sweetly says, but there's evil in her voice.
"Yes," I manage to get out.
"Good. Ten days and you can take her to dinner. One month she'll be ready for the nuptials."
"If you're—"
"Let me do my job. Go." She points to the door.
I've never heard any woman talk to Carlos like that.
How does she get away with it?
Carlos leans and kisses my cheek then whispers, "It's time to come back to me."
I close my eyes and wait until I hear the door shut and feel the woman unwrapping my legs.
