It feels like he gets a gargantuan head start in this race, my soul is telling me Ineedto finish. Because Mirabelleismine.
“It’s him being able to keep other people from fucking hurting you,” I continue.
“I’m the best shot Mirabelle has in this place,” Rowan says, finally fucking speaking up in this place. “No one else is going to bother treating her like a person. Best-case scenario, she’s a tool to keep you guys in line, worst-case scenario, she’s a plaything for my fucking brother.”
My jaw creaks from how hard I’m clenching it.
He’s right.
I hate that he’s fucking right.
“Which is why I need your help,” Rowan continues.
Ah, and there it is, the real agenda.
‘Cause everyone has a fucking agenda.
Well, then so do I. One day, I’ll use this fucker to escape. And then I’ll run away with Mirabelle, andI’llbe the one to protect her.
And I’ll do it properly.
CHAPTER 22
Mirabelle
“You did a good job, Ash actually agreed to help us!” I say, leaning forward to meet Rowan’s gaze.
He glances away, scrubbing a hand down his face.
“Yeah, you’re right, I guess. He’s just... Scary. A little intimidating. I never know what he’s thinking.”
“He definitely seems to think a lot,” I say, bobbing my head in a series of nods.
Rowan’s lips quirk up in the hint of a smile as he reaches out and pats my head gently.
“You really are special, you know that? You don’t need to comfort me.”
“But you’re upset. People should be comforted when they’re upset.”
“How’re you feeling?” He asks.
I’m smart enough to pick up on the fact he’s deflecting from the earlier topic of conversation.
“I’m fine.”
“You sure? Even though you know what we’re headed to?”
Lunch with Rowan’s dad. Norman Mercer.
Rowan has spent a some time giving me little tidbits of what he’s like, but all of it seems to leave a bitter taste in my mouth.
It’s obvious that Norman wasn’t much of a father to Rowan at all.
Plus, he’s the man responsible for the fighters and I being kept captive.
I automatically hate him.
After getting to know all the guys who everyone seems to treat like animals, like monsters, I know who the real monster is.
