“Let’s go for our run outside,” Felix says.
I raise an eyebrow and try to hide my excitement.
Konrad frowns. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“Yes, go grab us some waters,” Felix says.
I hesitate a moment, trying to decide what I should do. I want to see outside. I need to see the perimeter and understand Milo’s guard rotation and security system better. But I need to save the girl.
Kai would never forgive me if I didn’t.
I would never forgive me.
I look down the hallway to where the girl disappeared with one of the guards.
“Are you going to help me save the girl, or am I doing this alone?” I ask.
Felix swallows hard. He’s too deep into this world to help me. I don’t know what collateral Milo has on him, but he’s not going to help me.
“I’ll help you, but I won’t get caught. And if I do, you owe me a job,” Felix says.
I smirk. “Deal.”
“Don’t think this makes us friends. And don’t think I will help you escape.”
“I’m not asking you to help me escape. I’m asking you to help me save the girl.”
He nods. “What’s your plan?”
I grin and crack my neck. It feels good to be doing something useful again.
7
Kai
I sit on the edge of the exam table. The paper gown I’m wearing crinkles as I shift my weight.
The exam was horrible. Not painful exactly, just uncomfortable. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over other people touching me. I would have much preferred one of the doctors I’m gotten used to that worked for Enzo to examine me, but I needed to go see a specialist. I need answers. As bad as the exam was, the wait for answers is worse.
I shiver as the AC kicks on, making my already cold skin feel like ice. The doctor was shocked when she touched me at how chilly my skin was, but she didn’t say anything. Nor did she remark about the scars she saw on my body. She just wanted to know if I was safe.
I chuckle to myself thinking about it. It’s such a ridiculous question to someone like me. Have I ever been safe? Will I ever be safe?
Enzo has tried ever since he fucked up to keep me protected. Something he might say he’s succeeding at, but I know better—he’s failing. Because I’m not safe.
The door starts opening. My heart races and the hair on my arms stand at attention. The doctor always knocks before entering. Whoever is entering isn’t the doctor.
I search for a weapon in the room. I didn’t bring a gun or a knife with me; I didn’t think I would need one at the doctor’s office. And I didn’t think if they found a gun on me, they’d be too happy. I wanted as few questions as possible.
Fuck, I didn’t even bring Langston with me. He’s still searching for any long lost family members I might have.
I jump off the table, and all I can find are tongue compressors. I grab them and then exhale sharply.
“You going to try and choke me to death or something?” Liesel says eyeing my pathetic weapons.
“You should have knocked,” I say, putting them back on the counter as I pull the paper dress tighter over my body. I reluctantly climb back on the table as Liesel grabs a magazine and takes a seat in one of the chairs in the room.
“What are you doing?” I ask as she flips the page.