Page 21 of The Rose and the Hound (Ashes and Roses #2)

She stood on the edge of the group, listening intently to the conversation but never speaking herself.

Those coworkers of hers were pathetic. There was a man paying attention, watching her face, but she didn’t seem to notice.

She nursed a drink. It looked like soda but maybe it was a mixed drink.

I’d never seen her drink much, probably because she feared the interaction with her medication.

That’s right, my little regret; you don’t belong in groups. You don’t deserve it. You belong on the outside, or wherever I put you. You don’t get to build your circle unless I give you permission.

My Rose needs to be isolated, where only I can reach her, where only I can punish her, in a loving way of course.