Page 97 of Uprising

“I won’t.” I say quickly. “I’ll be good.”

He nods. “Fine then. Be the perfect wife and I’ll be the perfect husband to you Rose.”

I smile, planting another kiss on his back. “That’s all I want.” I say. Each word a lie. Each word a piece of blasphemy on my tongue.

But it doesn’t matter now. I’m as twisted as they are. And every moment I can convince Darius that I’ve broken, that I really have given in, is a moment closer I am to getting my revenge.

* * *

In the morningwe eat breakfast together. Like the perfect picture of matrimonial bliss.

He plants a kiss on my lips when he goes to leave and I make sure I pout my lips, that I cup his cheek with my hand and kiss him back like he really is the love of my life.

When he’s out the door I catch Ty’s face from where he’s stood narrowing his eyes, trying to figure out why my behaviour’s suddenly done a complete one eighty.

I glance at the guards who Darius is still keeping around me during the day time, and then I get up walking out to the balcony beyond.

Ty takes the hint to join me there and for a moment we stand looking down to where the side of the street is just visible over the great walls designed to keep everyone out.

“What’s changed?” He asks quietly.

I look at him sighing. “Nothing.”

“You’re acting like you’re suddenly okay with this.” He states.

I shake my head, my anger rising so quickly. Does he think I’m as fickle as that? “I’m not okay with any of this Ty. I’m playing a game just as you are.”

“Yeah? You seem to have changed the rules then.”

“Maybe I have.” I snap. “Maybe I can’t take it anymore. Maybe after seeing Sofia…”

“What?” He asks stepping nearer me.

I drop my gaze, my eyes threatening to spill over as the images, as the sounds, the horror of what I witnessed once more fills my head.

“What the fuck is happening with Sofia?” He growls.

“They’re drugging her.” I say. “They’re pumping her full of GHB and they’re…” I look away, I can’t even meet his eyes but I know he gets what I’m trying to say. That they’re gang raping her. Otto, Darius, all of them.

He gasps like he’s been mortally wounded.

“You have to tell Roman. You have to help her.” I state.

“I will.” He says. “I’ll get her out.”

“And Lara?” I say. He knows what schools she’s at. He knows exactly where she is. If Roman is going to save Sofia then I need him to save her too or she’ll be a sitting duck when Darius decides to make his own moves.

“She’s safe.” He says.

“Safe how?” I reply.

“Roman got her out.”

I gasp, my heart leaps. “She’s with Roman?” I whisper.

“Yes. She’s safe Rose. You don’t have to worry about her now. Just focus on you.”

“And you can focus on Sofia.” I say.