Page 46 of Monstrosity

He kisses me again, quick but thorough. "Check on Florencia? Make sure she gets to bed at a reasonable hour? You and I know this one will be out for the rest of the night."

"Already planning on it."

He heads back to the meeting, and I return to the media room.

The movie's almost over, and several of the younger kids are already asleep in the pillow nest.

Florencia is still awake but yawning.

"Ready for bed?" I ask her.

She nods, taking my hand as we navigate around sleeping children.

"Dasha?" she says as I'm tucking her into the top bunk. "Are we going to be okay?"

The question breaks my heart a little. "Yes, sweetheart. We're going to be fine."

"Promise?"

"I promise we're going to do everything we can to stay safe and together," I say carefully. "Your daddy and all his friends are working hard to fix the problem."

She seems to accept this, snuggling into her pillow. "I'm glad you're here."

"Me too, baby. Sweet dreams."

I leave a small light on and settle into the chair by the window with a book I grabbed from the main room.

I can't focus on the words, but it gives me something to do while I wait for Rio.

The clubhouse settles into nighttime rhythms.

I hear doors closing, muffled conversations, someone's TV through the walls.

It's like living in a very dangerous apartment complex.

My phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number.

My blood freezes until I read it:

This is Magnolia. Saved your number from the dinner list. If you need anything tonight, I'm down the hall, in room 12. Don't hesitate. - M

The kindness of these women continues to amaze me.

I save her number and send back a thank you.

Another buzz, this time from Meghan:

Still up? Wine in my room if you need company.

I consider it, but decide to wait for Rio.

I want to be here when he gets back, to see for myself that he's okay.

Time passes. I must doze because the next thing I know, Rio's gently taking the book from my hands.

"Hey," I mumble, disoriented. "What time is it?"

"Late. After two." He helps me stand. "Come on, let's get you to bed properly."