Page 157 of Love Me

He throws his head back and laughs. “I can’t wait for you to beg. It will be music to my ears. Who is helping you?”

“I work alone.”

He slaps me, sending my face sharply to the side. If I had any doubts, they dissolve when I catch Blake’s hands clenched into fists. He’s not a monster like the others. That knowledge will help me stay on top of my game.

Felix tsks. “Young people, they ignite the worst in you.”

He grabs my arm, digging his fingers into my skin, but I swallow down the hiss. He yanks me from the bed and I stumble, falling on my knees.

“Get up. I want to show you someone before we start,” Felix demands.

My legs feel like sticks that could break any moment. I force my body to fight against the drug. After a few attempts, I have better control of my body, and I follow him through long corridors that resemble a white maze.

I steal glances at my surroundings, trying to create a map in my head, but I know I would get lost if I tried to escape. It’s like an intricate labyrinth.

“There is no way out, Celine. Only if I allow it.”

We come face-to-face with a door that looks different from the others. This one is bright red. Felix uses the retinal and fingerprint scanners on the side of the door. A clinical, white room opens before us. It looks like a bedroom but minimally furnished. The wall of glass in the room showcases a small garden.

On the bed, I recognize my mother, her chest rising and falling, her body frail.

I rush to her, but Felix grips my elbow, staring me down.

“Do not wake her up.”

The possessiveness in his voice has me itching to pummel his face. Fuck him. I duck and he doesn’t catch me in time for me to drop to my knees next to her bed and hold her hand.

She looks pale, but I can make out the woman I remember, with a few more lines and a frailer body.

Tears stream down my cheeks, turning to sobs.

“I’m so sorry, Mom.”

I thought my father was fantasizing. It was not until Blake told me she was alive that I had the proof I needed for hope to spark in my chest.

She stirs awake, and he reaches her in three determined strides. Her eyes widen. She blinks at me, tipping her head to the side.

“Felix, who is she?”

My mother doesn’t recognize me. “What did you do to her?” I yell at him, losing the battle with my emotions.

He presses a button while she eyes him.

“It’s okay, honey. She won’t disturb you any longer.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

When she squeezes my hand gently, I notice a pleading look flash in her eyes––she recognizes me.

“Yes, I don’t want her here. I just want you.”

I am losing my mind by the second.

She smiles at him, and I focus on every micro gesture. There is a small tic in her jaw, and her fingers curl lightly around the sheet.

“Of course, my dear.”

Two guards rush inside the room and I say, “Please, I’ll behave. Just a few more minutes.”

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