“Yes. It’s all right. She just made a mistake,” Charlie said coolly. “It won’t happen again.”
The guard sneered. “You’re lucky this one’s your girl, Wahkin.” The guard let me go, but took the basket and the cookies with him. Oberi began licking Charlie’s fingers, and he stroked the dog’s ears lightly.
I fumed. “Since when do the guards listen to you? And who hurt you?” I asked. “Give me a name, so I can drive a foot straight up their ass!”
“Not here, Ava.” Charlie’s tone was short. Oberi barked, like he wanted us to follow. Charlie moved slowly as Oberi led us to a deserted corner of the prison.
Once we were alone, I said, “Charlie, you look awful. What happened last night? I was so worried.”
“Don’t be.” His tone was sullen. “It’s nothing to be concerned over.”
“Nothing to be— Charlie, your face!”
“I got in a fight. You should see the other guy.” He smirked.
“Who the hell is theother guy?” I threw my arms up.
“I fought Damien.”
“The crazy-ass Atlantean?” I spat. I’d seen him put a kid into a pretzel just last week. He was still in the infirmary.
“Yeah, and I put him in his place,” Charlie said firmly.
“Why?” I put a hand on my hip. “You aren’t one to go around starting shit just because you can.” That was, effectively, my job in the relationship.
“Let’s just say he had it coming.” Charlie’s smirk grew wider.
I began poking him in the chest. “Listen here, buddy. You’re hiding something from me, and I think it’s time we get it out in the open. Did Damien hit on Chancey or something? Is that why you’re mad?”
Charlie’s look was blank. “Chancey? Why would I care?”
“Come on. You don’t have to hide it. I already know,” I said tiredly. “You and Chancey have been banging on the side. I get it. Where else would you be going so late? You’re always with him. You can stop creeping around on me. I don’t mind, really.”
Charlie sputtered. “You think I’ve been sneaking off at night so I canfuck Chancey?!”
“Obviously,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I know we’re not exclusive, so I have to be okay with it.”
“I’m not fucking Chancey! I’m not even bisexual!” Charlie shouted.
“You don’t have to sit here and convince me you’re only into women. Whodoesn’twant a good dick now and then? By the way, how big is—?”
Charlie pinched the bridge of his nose. “Ava, Ipromise youI’m not into Chancey. I’ve never seen his dick, nor do I want to.”
“Then what have you been doing with him, running around at all hours?” I asked. “I demand to know!”
“I’m just trying to keep you safe. But I guess if the alternative is you thinking I’m sleeping around, then…”
Charlie hesitated. “You... know about the underground fight club, right?”
Oberi gave a groan, like he knew what was coming. I put several things together very quickly. Then, I fucking exploded.
“Thefight club?!” I shrieked. “Are youinsane? Charlie, do you know how many guys get really hurt down there? Do you know how many people don’t make it out alive?”
“I can take care of myself,” Charlie said, and Oberi began to whine.
“Did Chancey get you into this? Ooh, I’m gonna have awordwith that angel,” I growled.
“Chancey runs the bets. He’s been training me, says I can make good money.”
