Page 110 of Shadowman

It’s clear from the look on his face that The Ivory doesn’t believe me. Fortunately for me, he lets it go, sipping from his drink again. “As long as you’re not having any trouble. I want you to be comfortable here, Trevel. You’re very important to me.”

A few seconds pass, wherein I stare at him and contemplate what, if anything, I should say to that remark. On the one hand, I want to stay in his good graces, because at least here, I get treats and access to his personal security. On the other, I’m not always the best at holding my tongue, especially when I feel I’m being toyed with.

“You know what would make me even more comfortable?” I sit back in my seat, mirroring his body language. “A room in your mansion with my own en suite.”

The Ivory chuckles, shaking his head. But the laughter stops abruptly, and he lifts a light eyebrow. “Don’t push it, Trevel.”

“Yes, sir,” I mumble.

It was worth a shot.

“Look, I understand that this isn’t fun for you.” He swivels back and forth in his chair. “The prison is no picnic. I get that. But this is where you must stay, Trevel. Make your peace with it anddon’tlook a gift horse in the mouth. There are plenty of inmates, I’d say damn near every last one, who would kill to have their own private cell stocked with food, and the opportunity to wander about at their leisure—within reason, of course.”

Yes, yes… withinreason.

“But, sir, the thing is, I’m feeling a tad… isolated.” My fingers twist in my lap. “I do relish my privacy, but I’m already going mad with boredom. I don’t know how the inmates who have been here for years do it.”

Once again, my thoughts go to Byron.He said he’s been here several…

No wonder he seems desperate for someone to open up to. Bottling up his frustrations foryearswith no one to properly…pop the top, so to speak.

Bollocks. If I keep thinking about him, I may need to cross my legs.

The Ivory unleashes a rather cunning smirk, leaning forward in his chair. “I’m so happy to hear you say that, Trevel. Because, in fact, Idohave a plan to get you socializing more.”

I’m not sure what prompts this, but a frisson of thrill runs through me at the idea that he might give me a cellmate.Maybe even a certain fuckhot Asian bloke with a sinful mouth and muscles I want to lick like candy…

I cannot evenfathomhow thirsty I am for this lad.It’s becoming worrying.

“Color me intrigued.” I scoot up to the edge of my seat.

“I’ve been thinking,” the Warden says. “How would you feel about restarting your sessions with Dr. Love?”

My heart leaps into my throat.

Alright, then. I suppose we’re talking about theotherman I found myself painfully attracted to…

The nodding of my head becomes gradually more enthusiastic the longer that suggestion swims through my brain. “I think that’s a fine idea. I could really use some… good old-fashioned therapy.”

I grin, mentally sifting through all of the possibilities.

Oh, how I wouldloveto start seeing the good doctor again…

“Wonderful,” Manuel chirps. “I was hoping you’d feel that way.”

Opening his laptop, he presses a few buttons. Then he spins it so that I can see the screen. It’s playing what looks like… a video feed. “What you’re seeing here is video from the East Wing.”

An odd sensation settles in my gut at what I’m seeing.

Bloody hell… I’m back in Riverwoods.

“The east side of the prison was developed first,” he goes on, giving me a history lesson while I’m floundering inside. “Initially, this building was slated to be an institution, called Alabaster Asylum. But ultimately, it was requested that it be made into a penitentiary instead.”

“Requested…?” I murmur absentmindedly. “By whom?”

The Ivory gives me a look that says,I can’t tell you that.

Hm… Ominous.