Page 83 of Inferno

I look up at him and he cringes.

“Words.” I press, throwing the paper on my desk.

“Vlad was given an exclusive invite. Men are invited to sacrifice their wives or daughters to the games. Every year it’s hosted, apparently. Only one woman survives and gets a ticket to freedom with some cash; the family of the winner is granted entry into Inferno. That’s what the real prize is.”

“Hmm.”

I don’t know what to say. Vlad wants an ‘in’ to America, and I’m the fucking bait.

“And I am what? Vlad’s golden ticket into America?” I shut up as my voice raises.

“Am I his fucking sacrifice?”

I slam my fist on the table, the sound echoing in the sudden silence.

“I’m not doing it. I’m not walking into my death.”

Drago steps closer. I hold my hand up and shake my head.

“No. That isn’t your job.”

I flick my head up.

“Your job is to go in, win the games, and get that fucking ticket to the Master. Once you’re taken to him, you interrogate him.”

I tap my nails on the wooden desk.

“Interrogate him, why? No more secrets, not like Italy. I need everything. Who even is he?”

Drago frowns. He’s hiding something. His pupils dilate. Ew. What if it’s some sick, creepy old man?

“It’s linked to Italy, sort of. Vlad mentioned Enzo extended the invite especially for him. Whoever is behind these games is running it for Enzo. We need to know who and why. We need to know what the purpose of the games are.”

I look at the scattered paperwork.

“To fulfill some fucked-up fantasies they have?”

Drago shakes his head.

“There is more behind those gates, Charlotte. Read the contract and the terms in full. Fill out the questionnaire. I’ve included a sheet with your alias details. There are some, umm, preferences.”

“Preferences?”

He clears his throat and shuffles on his feet.

“Sexual. Do some googling after you read the terms. Make sure you hit the points he wants.”

A shiver runs down my spine and I look down at my hands on my lap.

Is this all I’ll ever be? A man’s fucking property?

“I’m sorry, Charlotte. But this could be our last resort to get you out of here.” His voice is laced with pain.

He knows what I endure.

He crouches beside me, and I force myself to look at him.

“You think I can honestly win this? I fight, Drago. This isn’t my speciality.”

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