Page 217 of Brainwashed

Because Manuel Blanco is every bit a monster as the rest of us.

There is no innocence on this island.

He tells me to come in and I do, closing the door behind me as I wander up to his large desk. The massive window behind him is looking out at nothing but ocean, and it’s mesmerizing. This is the only place in this prison with an actual view… And it’s a stunning one. The waters are deep teal, a bit choppy, but still, it looks refreshing as hell.

Manuel is typing on his phone, but he mutters, “Lem, please sit. I’ll be right with you.”

If I were trying to gauge his mood, I’d say so far, he seems moderately happy. But who knows with this guy.

I wait a minute, just sitting here staring out the window, listening to the clicks of his rampant texting before he sighs and places the phone down on his desk, eyes finally springing up to mine.

His lips curl. “So… You’re back.”

“I’m back.” I keep my tone casually firm.

He leans back in his chair. “Well, I can’t say that I’m surprised. This thing between you and Felix Darcey is… interesting. To say the least.”

My mouth opens, but he holds his hand up before I can speak.

“Lem, I’ll be frank. I don’t give a single fuck who you’re banging,” he says, fully serious, though his eyes are alit with amusement. “If you choose to stick your dick in a hornet’s nest, that’s your call. You’ve proven yourself invaluable and made it worth my while, which is why I’ve allowed you back. And also, I won’t lie… I rather enjoy having you here.”

He pauses for a moment, and I see the strangest flash of vulnerability. It’s barely visible, just a quick flicker in his dark eyes that’s gone in less than a blink. But I caught it…

“I’m not sure if you’ve been aware of the… I guess we’ll saydramathat’s been going on here. With my officers and myself…” His jaw ticks. “But I’ll admit, I’m finding it very hard to trust people at the moment. And trust, Lemuel—” he leans in, “—is everything.”

“I would certainly agree.” I nod.And I don’t trust you, or those pricks you calldoctors.

“So regardless of what’s happening with you and The Carver, I’m glad to have you back.” He smirks. “So long as your gift arrives soon.”

My lips purse.“I’ve heard it should be any day now.”

He nods. “See that it gets here without a hitch… Or I’m sure you won’t enjoy what happens.”

I let his threat roll right off, simply shifting my head to the side.

“The only other thing I’ll say to you is this,” he goes on. “Whether you’re fucking him or not, The Carver is stillmypossession. Don’t ever forget that, Lemuel. He belongs to me. And now that you’re here indefinitely, so do you.”

I flight the urge to gulp as my fingers curl by my side and I hold on to his dark gaze.

“You’ve chosen to make Felix Darcey your responsibility, so anything he does on this island will be onyou. You’re placing your trust in The Carver, Lemuel. Just know that… Your life is in his hands, and vice versa.”

I nod in agreement, though my blood is sort of simmering.

Is there a teeny tiny voice inside me that’s just the slightest bit worried? Of course. After all, in the grand scheme, I haven’t known Felix for all that long. He’s a very sick human being, so attempting to navigate a relationship with that is like bobbing and weaving through a minefield in stilettos.

That said, my heart beats for him. It’s a physical draw that keeps us together, a force of magnetism I wouldn’t be able to untangle from if I tried. I did, at first. But it was no use.

Felix Darcey has weaved his way through the fibers of me. He’s a poison in my veins… And I have no interest in the antidote.

“Speaking of trust, and the best interest of keeping Felix safe, there is something I wanted to mention to you…” I begin, ready to come at him about the bullshit he pulled, giving Felix over to Templeton.

But I’m interrupted by a knock at the door.

Manuel holds up his index finger to me, then barks, “Yes?”

The door opens and Officer Chevelle pops his head in. When he sees me, his eyes shift to Manuel as if to ask,should I come back?

“What is it, Officer?” Manuel mutters, sounding very unenthused.