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“Charlotte.” Her cheeks are stained, makeup a mess. I’m already off the couch when I realize that underneath the unfamiliar, too-large, jacket the strap of her dress is torn. “What the hell happened?”

“It’s okay,” she says, letting me inspect her. There are no real injuries, just some irritated skin near her shoulder. And the tears. “Some guy got rough with me, but they were there.”

“They?” I tilt my head, realizing that we’re not alone. Instinct propels me to reach for the gun at my back, fingers coiled around the handle. I shove Charlotte behind me, extending the weapon.

Except, the men in the doorway aren’t a threat. At first, I think I’m hallucinating. It wouldn’t be the first time since I got here. Whatever is in the pills Anex makes me take every day sends me on fucked-up trips until they work their way through my system. But my hallucinations don’t touch me and right now the figure closest to me grabs me, pushes the gun aside like a gnat, and pulls me into a tight hug.

“Elon?” I ask, but I feel him. Smell him. An anchor in the storm.

“Yeah man. It’s us.”

Us.I see Levi over his shoulder, and he tugs Elon back, pulling me into an embrace. I squeeze him tight, wanting to feel his warmth and strength. His existence.

He releases me, and I turn, setting the gun on the table. Tears burn at my eyes, relief at seeing them. I wipe them away and ignore the way Elon’s studying me when I turn back around. “Charlotte, honey, why don’t you go clean up? Take a shower. Eat something.”

“Okay.” She turns to the guys. “Thank you, again.”

Elon looks like he wants to say a million things. Throw her over his shoulder and drag her out of here to safety, but he must realize how precarious this situation is, and lets her go with a nod.

Once the door shuts behind her and the lock engages, I return to the couch and sit, sinking into the cushion like a thousand-pound weight rests on my shoulders. The guys don’t wait for an invitation, they each take an armchair.

“Fuck,” I start, pushing my fingers through my hair, “it’s good to see you. I’ve been worried.”

Worried is an understatement.

“We’re okay,” Levi says. “Managing.”

Elon runs his thumb over his knuckles. They’re raw, bloodied recently, but I also note the yellowing bruise by his eye. I’ve spent years taking care of his post-fight wounds. I know a fresh injury when I see it. I can’t help but ask, “You sure about that?”

“Yeah,” Elon replies, noticing my attention. He drops his hands to his sides, out of view. “Tell us what’s going on?”

“What is this place?” Levi adds.

I rub my eyes. They burn from exhaustion. Sleep is elusive. Ever since I was forced to watch Rex Correct Imogene. Watching him punish her formycrimes.

“Thisis what Anex has been preparing me for my whole life.” I laugh, although it comes out more of a choke. “I think he always knew that the four of us weren’t enough to build the membership of Serendee the way he wanted. Our process was too slow.” I look at Elon. “You and Rex flirting your way into rich girl’s pants, giving them just enough to draw them down to The Center. Once there Levi would educate—indoctrinate. And then once they’re good and hooked, I’d seal the deal by providing them with the best orgasms of their life.” I’m not telling them anything they don’t know. “Anex needed something more streamlined. Faster. A broader approach and he created this: a new kind of recruitment center.”

“A whorehouse,” Elon clarifies.

“Anex knows that the way to a man’s wallet is through a woman’s pussy. Or a man’s cock. Whichever applies.” I wave my hands. “And apparently my fate is to orchestrate it all.”

Levi’s eyebrows raise. “You’re a pimp.”

It hurts to hear him say it. I sag back against the cushion. “Basically. I mean, haven’t I always been to a degree? Haven’t we all?”

“Well, I don’t—” Levi starts.

Holding up my hand I cut him off. “We all are, Levi. We all use our bodies one way or the other. Elon’s brawn. Rex’s charm. Your brain. And yeah, my… everything.”

Levi frowns, but for once doesn’t argue. He looks around the room. “So, this is why he’s needed to lock in the bigger fish lately. He needed money to expand.”

“Yes, and that’s also what made him realize that he could be making more money, smaller, but more consistent. And he’s been cultivating his workers for a while: the Fallen.”

Elon shares a look with Levi. “This setup also eliminates nosy family coming around wondering where their family and bank accounts went.”

Levi nods thoughtfully. “I knew he had big ideas, but this is more than I imagined.”

“This place has thirty-six rooms. Right now, only twelve are finished. I’m responsible for four females and three males that are working their way through Re-education by fucking prospective recruits that come in looking for a little Enlightenment.”