Page 44 of Endgame

The sound digs into my ears. Makes me twitch.

But there’s a silver lining.

The collar is gone. So is the pressure from the butt plug in my ass.

Except…this isn’t really okay, is it? I wasn’t conscious when they removed the plug out of me either.

My lungs deflate. Flatten. “You touched me.”

Elena has the decency to cast her eyes to the floor. Her cheeks burn red. “Mr. Alder’s orders.”

Hate barrels through me. Shame is quick to follow.

It has nothing to do with them and everything to do with me.

I’m embarrassed to admit, even to myself,again, that despite everything…this place is a step up from home.

Of course Everett’s place is awful.

I’m in a constant state of panic.

My heart never stops pounding.

My muscles are weak after being knocked out twice.

Yet I’m here. Nowhere near Winston and Molly. Miles away from the basement.

Tears spring to my eyes.

There has to be something wrong with me.

There always has been. Ever since I was dumped outside my vile parents’ doorstep as a baby without so much as a note, I’ve been doomed.

She couldn’t know though. My biological mom must’ve thought she’d be doing me a favor. That being raised with money would equal a better life.

I have to believe she meant well.

I have to believe someone in my life wanted what was best for me, or I’ll cry until I pass out.

But this, this can’t be the life Mom had in mind for me. To be raised by monsters. To be married to a bigger one.

She didn’t get to ask questions.

Everett’s words flash through my mind, as sharp as the electric shocks he sent through me.

Suddenly, that’s all that matters.

If she is or was someone special to him, or…

My parents never attended Everett’s wedding, meaning this is his first and only one. He’s single, meaning she got away, or her body is rotting in the ground.

Either way, I have to know. The information will help me manipulate him.

“May I?” Rylee brings the washcloth to my shoulder.

“No,” I snap. “Who’sshe?”

Both women turn quiet.