“Take your syphilis-infected ass and move it away,” I hissed to the woman.
She didn’t move, this smiling goddess, zombie, leg, mannequin thing, she just stood there like she was deaf, and she was clearly blind too, because the shaking table and trembling lights had no effect on her.
Karson looked at the girl. “I’d suggest you step away before things get a little messy.”
The brunette stepped back.
I realized then with sudden gut-wrenching clarity that she was mind-controlled. They all were. The dishes stopped rattling, the light stopped swaying. The room was quiet except for the mad beating of my heart. The woman barely batted an eyelid.
Georgie reached across and grabbed the wine Josh had placed out of her reach, then sat down and poured a full glass, sloshing red over the edges.
Rodney ran his hand up and down the blonde girl’s thighs, and she smiled at him.
“It’s a sad day is it not when your charms are so deplorable you have to mind-control girls to pay you attention,” I snapped.
“I can assure you,” Rodney responded lazily, his hand working closer to the girl’s core. “They are only mind-controlled to feel no fear and to forget what happens here tonight. They come to us of their own accord. Isn’t that correct, gorgeous?” he crooned in the blonde’s ear.
“It is,” she agreed, nodding, with a tiny voice that matched her petite frame. “We wanted to come. I met Rodney last night. He’s so charming and handsome I couldn’t resist him,” she gushed like he was the best thing since sliced bread.
I wanted to vomit. I suddenly hated bread. “The strip club must have been quiet last night, then.”
“I think, Rodney, it might be best if all the girls head to the entertainment room,” Michael said, standing and dabbing hismouth with a napkin. “Amelia and Georgie do not need to see certain things.”
A girl touched Josh’s shoulder again. He jumped to his feet and scrambled back. “Good idea, Michael. I fed before dinner, I’m not hungry.” He tried to smile but it was too rigid on his face. “But you all should go. Georgie, let’s go watch that movie.”
She blinked up at him and slurred, “What movie?”
He grabbed her arm. “The one we spoke about,” he muttered as he hauled her to her feet, dragging her toward the stairs.
Karson waited until the others began to move to the entertainment room. The table was empty, except for Rodney. He hadn’t moved. He was analyzing us, testing our relationship.
“Amelia, there is no need to be upset,” Karson said.
I bristled, wanting to slap the words out of his mouth.
I may have to be someone you don’t recognize.
Just be yourself, if you’re anything else he will see straight through you.
There was no acting required. “No need to be upset,” I repeated. “You are fucking with me, aren’t you?”
“Karson,” Mary said, sharper than usual. “I’m off now. Do you need anything else before I go?”
“No, Mary, thank you. Have tomorrow off.” He waved a dismissive hand. “I will sort the mess.”
“Some messes can’t be sorted,” I grated.
He dropped his gaze to me and drawled, “Perhaps it might be best if you go to your room or watch the movie with Georgie.”
Eric stood at the edge of the door with the blonde, his head tilted back, blood running down his lips as he sighed with pleasure. The blonde whispered something in his ear. He took her hand and led her outside to fuck, I assumed. I drew a sharp breath. If he expected me to leave him in the clutches of that woman …
“Perhaps you could walk me to my car, Karson?” Mary said, drawing his attention back as she collected her keys from the hallway stand. “My eyesight isn’t what it used to be. I find it hard in the dark nowadays.”
Was she worried about Eric?
“Of course.” Karson placed his napkin on the table and stood.
“Are you coming, Rodney?” Monique poked her head around the corner. “It’s best to give them a moment before all the lights in the house go out again.”
