“I know, Zeek. And for that, I’m sorry. That wasn’t at all my intention. I––”
“I don’t really give a fuck what your intentions were, Destri!” I snapped, cutting her off. “You broke our contract. We’re done.”
“No, we aren’t.” she sat up taller, appearing more determined. “I know you well enough to know that you’ll end up right back where you were when I found you the other night. Or worse––at the end of something you won’t be able to come back from. This last time was bad, Zeek.” Her voice softened. “Judah cares way too much about your well-being to let me walk away like everything in my body tells me to do. That being said, I’m willing to put aside my issues to make sure you don’t get hurt again. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something more serious were to happen.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Please, Zeek,” she pled, reaching across the table. I pulled my hand back to where she couldn’t touch me, causing her face to fall. “I made a mistake. All I’m asking for is a second chance. If not for me, then for yourself.” She paused. “And if you not for yourself, then do it for Judah.”
“I don’t know if I can,” I confessed, my voice shaky. “You betrayed my trust. Not to mention, you got me kicked out of the club. Why would I ever want to go back to you after that? At this point, I’d much rather have anyone else give me what I need. Risks be damned. So, tell me––give me one good reason I should reconsider coming back to you?”
“Then perhaps I can help you in another way. Let me see if Eli would be up to the task.”
“No!” I stated firmly, my voice low. If there was something between he and Judah, I refused to be the reason it all went to hell.
“It’s not because he’s a male, is it?”
I shook my head. “He’s…he’s just not an option.”
“He’s not with the boy, if that’s what you’re concerned about.”
Even though that was a relief to know, I still shook my head. “No––not him.”
“Then I’ll find someone else. But if you need a release, I’ll make do whatever I need to do in order to ensure I am the one in charge.”
“Fine.”
“Zeek––”
“Yes, Mistress Destri.” I sighed, instinctively dropping my eyes to the table’s surface again.
“Good. Now,” she paused, weighing her next words carefully. “As for the club…I didn’t get you kicked out. I never got around to reporting you.”
My eyes shot to hers with a questioning look.At least she’s good at not following through on one thing.
“Is that all?”
“I guess so.”
“Then you know the way out. I’m going to take a nap.”
She went to open her mouth, but snapped it shut just as quickly. We both knew she would only stick her foot farther into her mouth if she were to say anything else.
Ezekiel
Apiece of bread and a paper bowl filled with some sort of broth was set just within reach before the tattooed man stepped back out of the cell, the metal barred door clanking shut before he moved to deliver the next cell’s food.
I handed the kid’s meal to him before taking my own and sitting back in my usual spot on the floor with a sigh. I was so tired of being here. Every breath I took was filled with stale, humid air, my skin peppered in sweat.
Thankfully, today was on the cooler side. I could only assume I was going crazy because I swore I could smell the familiar scent of freshly fallen rain. Which would make sense since they say your imagination tends to take over when you find yourself in an impossible situation. At least that’s what they would always say on the documentaries.
“Zeek?” the kid asked between small bites of food. He sat on the floor, not far from me, his legs crossed over one another. I looked over at him just before he muttered in a low voice, “I’ve never even kissed a boy.”
‘That was certainly not what I was expecting,’ I thought in shock.
“Okaaaay.” The word was drawn out, confusion lacing my voice. “Why are you telling me this?”
“I don’t really know. I just wanted to say it.”
