The shower is where he washed me so sweetly,so tenderly.
As for the bed, well, it is probably best if I don’t let my mind wander down that path. Not while my sister is here.
But the point is still clear, Jade is everything that’s good in my life. I’m making the right decision, I know it. I’m not leaving anything behind, I’m stepping towards a bright new future.
I take a deep breath. My new found certainty is helping me to breathe a little easier.
Everything’s packed. My mind is made. And now, in perfect timing, the cab is honking downstairs.
Cara hugs me again at the door. It’s tighter this time. Like she doesn’t want to let go.
“Be safe,” she says.
“I will.”
“Call me. Often.”
“Deal.”
I pull away, pick up my bags. But before I leave, I glance back one last time.
“I love you, Cara.”
She smiles, eyes wet. “Love you more.”
And then I’m gone.
Out the door. Down the stairs. Into the cab and on my way to a stately home I’ve never seen, to a future I don’t fully understand. With a boy who is magic, and a heart that’s already halfway lost.
And even though I should be terrified, all I feel is… ready.
Chapter twenty-three
Jade
As dungeons go, this is a pretty nice one. Not that I have any actual experience of dungeons outside of films and books, but still. This one isn’t damp or unreasonably cold. The rough-hewn stone walls are clean. I haven’t seen any spiders or rats.
All in all, things could be a lot worse.
My laugh echoes around. Look at me, finally looking on the bright side instead of being a negative nelly. It seems Flyn really is bringing out the best in me.
My gaze goes to the heavy wooden door that leads to the stairs and the exit. I’m glad I finally got Flyn to go out for some fresh air. I feel guilty for lying about wanting a nap, even though it is for his benefit.
I can survive down here for a couple of hours by myself. The double bed is comfy. The boys found a nice circular rug that covers most of the floor. It’s a shame the TV can’t pick up any signal or Wi-Fi, but Pink is hunting for a DVD player and some DVDs. In the meantime, there is a stack of books and a mountain of snacks.
It’s fine, it really is. Goddess knows I’ve dealt with worse in my life. For all its lack of finery, I’d much rather be here than in the penthouse Ritchie kept us imprisoned in.
I take in a deep breath. I’m glad I’m feeling okay now. The little wobble I had as we swept down the drive of Monty’s estate, was as unexpected as it was unpleasant. The frantic beating of my heart is not something I want to experience again.
I was born and raised on an estate like this. An earl’s experiment and hobby. Like breeding horses or dogs. But that’s no reason for me to get hysterical.
My childhood wasn’t that terrible. I wasn’t alone. We weren’t experimented on or tortured. We were given an education. Fed well and taken care of.
I got to do teenage things, like fool around with boys and steal cars.
So what if I was never loved? Or was never free? Thousands of people have loveless childhoods. It doesn’t make me special.
Being sold to Ritchie was spectacularly shitty, but I’m not alone in that either. The boys went through that with me.
