Page 61

“Well, to get to you, of course. Excuse my impolite methods, however, time is of the essence,” I answer, flashing a grin. Ryk

er snarls in response.

Touchy.

“Does Dr. Garrison ring any bells?”

A collective silence ensues for a few moments, and then Daire chuckles. “That was you, wasn’t it? That set him and his place on fire?”

“Sure was. I happened across some intriguing footage with Ryker’s face on it. Intriguing enough for me to investigate, and it’s like Jesus himself handed me a gift. Word on the street is that you’re all very particular… tradesmen. And I have a current need for that.”

Ryker glances at Teresa, who’s staring up at us with complete boredom on her face.

Sensing Ryker’s need for secrecy, she waves her hand. “Leave. It’s my nap time.”

He glances at me before walking to an end table next to Teresa’s chair and snatching a crumpled receipt and pen. She grumbles when he starts scribbling on it but doesn’t stop him.

Straightening, he hands the slip of paper to me. “You caught us in the middle of something. Meet us at this address in four hours. Don’t be late. Now get out.”

I arch a brow when I spot hemorrhoid cream on the receipt but quickly decide it’s not my business what’s growing on Teresa’s ass.

“I’ll be early,” I say. “Bye, Mama T.”

“Good luck,” she calls. I wave a hand in acknowledgment before opening and shutting the front door behind me.

I don’t need luck, just the help of four men, who are probably going to be enough pains in my ass that I’ll need the hemorrhoid cream next.

Chapter 14

The Diamond

That’s such a good girl, little mouse. Open that pretty mouth and taste me…

You’ve been naughty, mouse. You like it when I punish you, don’t you?

I could eat you for days, and it would never be enough…

Fuck, baby, I’m so fucking addicted…

I jolt awake, and for one beautiful second, I thought I was back in Parsons Manor with Zade. Images of mismatched eyes and a wicked smirk clog my headspace, but the sudden movement lances sharp needles of pain throughout my skull. The memories dissipate, Zade’s deep tenor fading as the dull throb that radiates from between my legs feels like a curse that was cast by an evil witch—a curse that won’t let me forget.

Bright sunlight pierces through the dusty curtains, and it almost feels mocking. I squint my eyes, the migraine worsening as I train my tired eyes on the dirty window.

It’s cold outside, but it doesn’t look like we’ll be plagued by the usual rainy forecast today.

The phantom in the sky really is a devil. Why else would She make such a gruesome day so bright and sunny?

Today is the Culling, and already the house seems to be filling up with chatter.

To make matters worse, my body doesn’t feel nearly as broken as I thought it would. My soul? Completely shattered. But at least I can fart without feeling like I’m going to pass out, right?

Wrong. If I could hardly move, it might've provided me with an excuse to not participate in the Culling.

Despite the beating my body took three days ago from my punishment for failing the practice test, my wounds are healing, so lying to her about my physical well-being when the other girls will still have to take part… It makes me feel like a coward.

So, thank you, God, for the small blessings in life and for allowing me to see another day and pass gas properly. A-fucking-men, bitch.

Phoebe, Bethany, and Gloria were raped alongside me. Jillian kept her head down when she walked past us, but Sydney blatantly laughed in our faces, and all I wanted to do was grab her hair and drag her down on that dirty ground next to us. It was her fault I was on that floor to begin with, naked men crowding around me, and already injured from her stunt with Francesca.