Page 22 of Cruel Bargain

“Sorry if I don’t give a fuck.”

Suki frowns because she’s as obedient as a lapdog, but Remi gets it, because despite her beingwaaaaaytoo okay with all this, she knows it’s all bullshit.

But is it, though? There’s no way we’d survive out there on our own. The men are taking huge risks every time they leave the Keep, while I never so much as step a pinky toe into harm’s way.

Holy shit—I can’t believe I just thought that.

Selina looks down at the clipboard that holds her notes she so loves to write because she was born a micromanager. “Fine. Act however you want, but never let me hear you complain.”

“It’s all she knows how to do,” Amber scoffs.

Crimson rage wells in my gut. Amber has no right to criticize me. People nearly died trying to recover her and her son, while my sister is… God, I hope she’s not dead.

Dead…or sold.

Because my father is sick in a way I’ll never understand.

“Hey, are you okay?” a soft voice says. I feel hands on my shoulder, but the last thing I want is comfort.

It’s all my fault. If only I’d told Alistair sooner…then…then…

Tears threaten to spill down my cheeks. I can’t let them see me like this.

I fight them back, and bring my gaze to Amber, burying my feelings as deep as they will go. “I’m sorry, but what is it you’re good at, exactly? Being a damn tease? Flashing your tits? Luring kids—”

“Hey!” Selina snaps. “We’re not doing this.”

I gesture to Amber. “She’s the one that’s acting like she’s better than me!”

“I have more reason to hate her than anyone else in this room. Yet, I can tolerate her presence more than yours, most days.”

I hop to my feet, lean into the table, digging my palms into the flat surface, and let her have it.

“It’s because you’re all fucking owned. And for what? Do you even care what your safety costs you? You hate that I didn’t fall for this crap. This load of utter bullshit—”

“Britney?”

A childlike voice catches my attention, and I turn to see Maisy standing in between Alistair and Hunter. I blink a dozen times, unwilling to believe that, for once, I have a reason to be thankful.

This has to be a dream. The world isn’t this kind…

But when Britney’s body crashes into mine, her arms wrapping around me, I know it’s real. My baby sister is safe, away from my father’s sick clutches and toxic mind.

Tears pour like a fountain down my cheeks, but I don’t care to hold them back anymore. I’m too busy hugging my sister, kissing her forehead, smelling her musty hair.

God, she’s filthy and disgusting, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. Because she’s real.

“You never thought to tell us you had a sister?” Came the stern voice of Dr. Christine. I look up to see her scowling at me.

“I…I was scared.”

“She passed inspection, but I’m going to hold her for a few days.”

“Hold her?”

“Med bay. She says she’s twelve, and she’s very smart for her age, but she’s been through trauma. I’d like to observe her to make sure I understand everything going on. Sometime tomorrow, I’d like to discuss the matter with you privately.”

I nod, forcing a smile. Before my father sold me, I knew Maisy was having issues that were never present before. Hopefully, Dr. Christine will fix her.

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