Page 469 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

Roman is still chained on the floor.

Riley goes inside and splashes water on his face, amazed it’s still running. He cups water in his hands to drink.

Then he looks at Roman.

‘You want water?’

‘I’d love some.’

Riley grabs the jug from beside the bath, fills it and then holds it high over Roman’s face. ‘Open up.’

Riley pours. Roman swallows.

‘That was kind, thank you. We’re good friends now, you and I. Sure, it can’t replace the bond you had with your baby brother, but in time, I bet you and me…’ Roman grins. ‘We’ll be besties.’

Riley crouches in front of him. ‘You were a distraction.’

‘Do I distract you, Riley?’

‘The surrounding forces were there to keep us in here. Tell me why.’

‘Of course I will. We’re friends,’ Roman says sweetly. ‘You’ve come up to see me alone, build a bond, offer me something. Maybe even share a vulnerable moment, appeal to my humanity. There’s plenty to be had, don’t worry. God is real, love conquers all, goodness persists and maybe, if Master Penhalyx fucks you at just the right time, the baby you birth will look like your brother.’

A lesser man might snap.

Lash out.

Lose it.

Riley just takes a slow, solid breath and reads everything Roman doesn’t want him to. Even with that shit in his blood, Riley can always taste a lie on a human. ‘What is it you don’t want me seeing?’ he wonders aloud, patiently curious. ‘Buried beneath all that bright, neon cruelty, there’s something hidden.’

‘Reach inside and find out.’

‘Why did he need us distracted? He didn’t break inside until after the window for the Knot had passed.’

‘As I told you, the mechanics of the Refinement have evolved.’ Riley waits. ‘The moon’s timing is not an issue.’

The ripe rot of little white arms seeking death.

‘Lie.’

‘Aww, who bit you, sweetheart?’

‘The moon’s timing mattered.’

‘Did you at least get the courtesy of a reach-around?’

‘He didn’t worry about Lee getting into the Estate.’

‘Has anyone ever made you come?’

‘He wanted us to find the body.’

‘Would they even know how?’

‘I think you knew how much Vasily wanted to save you.’

‘How badly do you want me?’ he whispers. ‘Tell me you wouldn’t love to hate-fuck someone right now. Someone truly deserving of it, hmm? Let all that loss and grief and rage slip free into another. You’ve earned it.’