Page 82 of The Devils Melody

What the hell is she doing?

Retta: Sorry. Still sick.

That uneasy feeling takes over once again as I shove a handful of popcorn into my mouth before typing.

Me: Retta, if you’re still that sick, you should go to the hospital. Want me to come pick you up and take you?

Retta: No, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.

Me: You know that’s not possible, Retta.

She never writes back, and the weight of unanswered text messages sits heavy on my chest. I don’t want to keep pushing her if she’s not up for it. The last thing I want to do is get on Retta’s bad side after all she’s done for me. I just wish there was something I could do to help her.

My mind drifts off to thoughts of Chen and wondering if he’s been found yet. Opening the web browser on my phone, I type inSun Hong Kongin a google search. What I find is not what I expected. There’s literally nothing. Not a damn thing. Why? The restuarant was fucking broken into and the boys said they called the police. Why isn’t there a single news article posted or anything about it?

As if they knew I was thinking about them, a new text message thread pops up at the top of my screen. Clicking on it, I seeMonster Cockhas created a new group chat with me andSexy Cuck Gremlinthat henamedBird Sandwich.

I don't think this man has a serious bone in his body.

Monster Cock: Hey, little bird. Wanna play 20 questions?

I smile down at the screen and bite my nails.Wait, what the fuck?Why am I acting like a lovesick teenager? I’m supposed to be upset with them.

Me: Bird Sandwich? Really?

Sexy Cuck Gremlin: I’m about to leave the chat.

I can’t help the laugh that bubbles out of me. Nox is always so broody.

Monster Cock: C’mon, babygirl. I’m bored. Entertain me

Monster Cock: I’ll make it worth your while later tonight

Well that sounds appetizing. I guess answering a few questions couldn’t hurt.

Me: Fine. What do you want to know?

Monster Cock: What’s your body count?

Sexy Cuck Gremlin: Seriously, Kage?

The question is simple, but the answer is not and itlands like a punch to the gut. How do you tell someone that you have two answers to that question? One being your willing participation, and the other that was brutally taken from you. I have never told a partner about my past, not wanting them to judge me or think I’m tainted. And I won’t start by airing that out over a text thread calledBird Sandwich.

Me: Uhh, next question.

Monster Cock: Boo, you guys are boring. Ok fine, what’s your last name?

That’s a better question. And one that doesn’t make me internally cringe.

Me: Daniels

Monster Cock: Hmm, I don’t like it. I think Monroe sounds better

Sexy Cuck Gremlin: Real smooth, brother.

Me: Is that your last name?

Monster Cock: It is. And one day, it’ll be ours.