Page 31 of Reaper

“What else do you want to know?”

“I don’t know.” I lean back against the counter and wring my hands together.

“Have you met any of the girls that hang out around here?”

“I briefly met Tara, and there was one who was here when I got here.” I cringe. “She left more to be desired.”

He nods. “Tara is good people. I don’t know her story or how she ended up here. Daniela though, yeah she’s something else.”

“Harrison told me they all want to be here.”

“Of course.” His eyebrows furrow. “They can leave at any time.”

“Must be nice,” I say softly.

While I know the situations are completely different, I can’t help but feel a little trapped like I did with William.

Jacob’s eyes soften. “Their situations and yours are completely different. I promise.”

Someone calls his name, and he looks over his shoulder. The indecision plays on his face. Does he stay with me or go?

“I’m going to go take a nap,” I lie.

Considering I just woke up I’m not tired, but it’s an easy excuse that he won’t question.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I’m pretty tired. Thanks for hanging out with me though.”

“Anytime. Do you want me to walk you back to your room?”

“I think I’m good.”

“Later,” he says, walking away.

“Bye.”

I make my way back to the room I’m staying in and shut the door. After locking the door, I fall onto the bed and sigh. It was nice hanging out with Jacob, but it was almost too much. As messed up as it is I’m not used to that much social interaction. It was like one minute I was fine, and the next I was just done.

“Your job is to be seen, not heard.” William scowls. “Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

I rub my face and try to shake off the memory.

Will I ever get used to being around others for extended amounts of time?

* * *

Slipping the key inside the lock, I knock on the door as I let myself in.

“Hey,” I say as I step inside my room.

“Hi.”

Natalie is curled up in the corner of my bed with her back against the wall.

“How was your day?” she asks as she shuts the book she was reading.

---