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“You sound as if you’re a walking sex advertisement,” he chuckles. “It’s sultry and beautiful, just different.”

Nodding, I shift in his lap, surprised when I rock against something hard. “Oh,” I breathe, my eyes widening.

“That hasn’t happened in ages,” Grayson says, his brow raising. “It doesn’t have to mean anything. We don’t have to do anything about it. Just know that outside of a morning erection, none of our libidos are worth a shit.”

“None?” I ask, wonder and surprise in my voice. The Trio always had happy sexual appetites, though before everything went to shit they revolved around me.

“Nope. Life has been dull, sad, and lonely without you. We have each other for comfort with our memories, but nothing else. You’re the glue, Dangerous Girl. Now remember who the fuck you are, and get ready because they’re on the way here,” Grayson rumbles.

Who the hell am I?I don’t even know.

Clambering off Grayson’s lap, I step back into my heels and pick up my gloves. Pulling them on, he looks at me strangely before passing me to speak to his secretary. Drying my face with tissues on Gray’s desk, I take a deep breath as my trembling fingers take several attempts to line up into the correct holes in the Godsdamned gloves. Once done, I blow out a breath of frustration as I walk to the chair facing the Warden’s desk.

“It’s alright,” Grayson soothes as he sits down. “Remember to breathe. There are no enemies in this room.”

A harsh knock makes me flinch at the sound.

“You summoned us, Warden?” Sidney snipes, and it makes me smile. Some things never change.

“Come in, you louts,” Grayson roars, his strong, sure voice bolstering my confidence just a touch.

My back is facing the door as they walk in.

“Another audit, Warden?” Isaac asks, surprised.

Waiting for the door to close behind them, I stand. I bite my lip anxiously, knowing I either have to turn to face them, or wait for them to come to me.

Gray gives me a look, and I remember his words. Reminding myself that this won’t kill me, even if it feels as if it may, I turn as the four of them approach me.

Their eyes widen, Andrya bursts into tears, and I wrap my arms around myself.

“Hi,” I whisper.

Four

ANDRYA

I’m dreaming.

“Is this for real?” I gasp, tears running down my cheeks. I’m having a break from reality. “Do you see her too?”

“I’m real,” the Silla lookalike says. Sidney leans in, linking his fingers in mine for support. “She looks real, Sweetness.”

“I’ve hugged her and spoken a bit to her, so I can assure you that she’s real. The Queen has sent her to talk to us about something, but first I want to clear up concerns Silla has,” Grayson begins, walking around his desk to sit on the edge.

“What concerns? Fuck, I can’t believe you’re here,” Isaac says in wonder.

“I—” Silla’s voice cracks, and she shudders. It’s filled with emotions, unshed tears, but sounds different to me. What’s wrong with her voice? I still remember it, even after all of this time.

“Take your time,” Grayson murmurs. “Someone grab her some water? Silla, it’s okay to cry, we’ll figure out your makeup after so you’re immaculate again.”

Silla nods jerkily, forcing herself to take a breath, and shaking out her hands. Ayden immediately goes to grab her a glass of water, but my eyes are on her hands. Her hands are covered in short navy gloves, so none of her skin is showing. Her dress is long-sleeved and brushes along the ground. Is she trying to hide something? Are there scars and bruises?

“Silla, you’re safe in this room,” I tell her, taking a small step toward her. “Ayden and Isaac sweep this room for bugs constantly, and if you walked in with anything, a sensor would beep on Grayson and Isaac’s computers. Take a breath. We love you. We’ve missed you. Happy birthday, Baby.”

Silla sobs at my words, the sounds jagged and broken. “You should…hate me,” she gasps, covering her mouth with her hand.

“No one hates you,” Isaac growls, also stepping forward. We’re scared to touch her, she’s already hysterical.