As if that could ever happen in a place like this.
As if I could ever open myself up to another person in that way.
* * *
My back hurtsthe next morning, and I crick my head from side to side to try to loosen my stiff muscles. The mattress on the narrow bunk in my cell is hard and lumpy, the pillow flat as a pancake, offering no comfort or support, so it’s no wonder I’m aching all over.
I’m yawning as I pull on the ill-fitting shorts and polo combo I was provided with upon arrival. A shudder works its way through me as I recall the humiliating intake process. Forced to strip completely naked, I then had to suffer the embarrassment of a full body search. At least it was Officer Powell. But having anyone search my vagina and the crack of my ass with gloved fingers is an ordeal I never again want to experience.
A loud yawn escapes my mouth again, and I feel dead on my feet. I only managed to get about three hours sleep, and I’m exhausted. The majority of the night was spent in a cold sweat, fighting heavy eyelids and doing my best to avoid sleep in order to ward off the nightmares.
The doors automatically unlock with a loud click at seven a.m., and I drag my weary body outside, waiting for the others to emerge from their cells. Without fail, each girl glares at me, but hostility from other females isn’t anything new, so it doesn’t bother me.
“Let’s move out,” Officer Powell says once we are in single file. I keep my head down and my hands clasped behind my back, like I was instructed yesterday. Powell walks alongside us, and every time she stares straight ahead, the girl behind me shoves me in the back, almost causing me to trip over my feet every few steps, but I manage to keep my balance, and I make it to the cafeteria in one piece. I’m tempted to launch my elbow back into her gut, but getting into a fight on day two would not set the best first impression. I might despise that perv Watson, but he had a point about keeping my nose clean.
Breakfast is sour grapefruit juice, burnt toast, and overcooked boiled eggs, but at least it’s more palatable than what I had to eat yesterday. Keeping my strength up is important in here if I’m going to defend myself, so I’ll put up and shut up.
I’ve a forkful of eggs halfway to my mouth when the boy who was sitting with the gorgeous one yesterday arrives at my table. “Is anyone sitting here?” he asks, his voice trembling a little. His cheeks flush as he looks expectantly at me, and I don’t have it in my heart to turn him down, even though that’s my first instinct, especially after he asked so nicely. He’s cute and a couple years younger than me, I’d guess, so I don’t see the harm.
“Have at it.” I gesture toward the empty chair with my hand, and his cheeks flare red. God, he’s adorable.
The chair screeches along the tile floor as he sits down across from me. Brushing strands of dark hair out of his eyes, he clears his throat. “I’m Lucas. Lucas Young. But you can call me Luc.”
“Nice to meet you Lucas Young a.k.a. Luc. I’m Zeta Williams.” I almost stutter on my last name. But, in here, having people know what I supposedly did will be a help not a hindrance. Although, Luc doesn’t react adversely to my admission, so he mustn’t know.
“How did your first day go?” he asks, toying with the eggs on his plate.
I shrug, like it’s no biggie. “About how I expected.”
He smiles at me. “Ryder’s right. You’re brave.”
My brows climb to my hairline. “Who’s Ryder?” I ask although I can guess.
He laughs, absently looking over his shoulder. “Oh fuck. This is priceless. You mean to tell me you didn’t notice him?” His chest rumbles with laughter, and I know I’ve called it right. Heisreferring to the gorgeous one. But I’m not about to let Luc know Ididnotice him. Would have to be blind not to. He’s the hottest guy in this place, by a mile.
“What’s so funny?” a deep male voice asks, sending shivers racing up and down my spine. I don’t need to look up to know it’s him.Ryder. I test his name out in my mind, and I like it. I like it a lot.
That weird buzz of electricity swirls around the table, and I wonder if he feels it too.
“Dude, I think I’ve finally found a girl immune to your charms,” Luc jokes.
I almost pee my pants at the irony.
“Is that so?” Ryder’s question is laced with amusement.
Slowly, I raise my eyes, roaming my gaze over his slim hips, washboard abs, broad chest, and wide shoulders and up to that delectable face. A face that belongs on a big screen where he can be adored by the masses. His lips kick up as my gaze wanders over his face, finally meeting his beautiful eyes. My heart goes crazy again, and my stomach lurches wildly as butterflies invade my chest. Hot damn. He’s even more gorgeous up close. He is truly beautiful.
Ryder grins, pulling out a chair beside Luc. Sitting down, he leans back in his chair, casually crossing one leg over the other. “Yeah, I’m not buying that.”
“Wow. Are you always this arrogant?” Heat spreads up my chest and onto my neck, and I will my stupid body to get with the program before he notices my crazy attraction to him.
“Do you always lie to yourself?” he coolly replies.
“Never,” I snap. “I never lie to myself. Not when there are enough people in the world who do that for me.”
I regret the words the instant they leave my mouth, but it’s too late to reclaim them without drawing even more attention.
Ryder straightens up in his chair, all trace of humor gone from his face and his tone when he speaks. He stares at me for a minute, and I’m holding my breath in nervous anticipation. “I can relate to that. Respect that.”
