Page 23 of Deadly Sweet

“How was your night?” she asks, crossing her arms as we continue to stand in the middle of the dirt parking lot. I love that she’s letting me have this, not asking to go inside just yet.

“It was good.” I smile.

“How was the bed?” she grins. “I bet you enjoyed that.”

“Nope.” I shake my head. “I’m sure I will at some point, but it’s too big. Too open.”

Her face falls, and she curses. “Shit, I didn't even think about that. I should have known better. Of course, you're not going to want some big open space. We can change rooms, one with a nest.”

“It’s okay,” I assure her. “I’ve already made my own in the closet. My first nest.” I grin hard. “It was the best sleep of my life.” I don’t care if it was on the floor; it was amazing.

“Are you sure?”

“More than sure.” My stomach growls, and we both look down.

“Let’s go get you something to eat,” Duchess suggests.

I hesitate.

“See up there?” She points to the roof of the house. “We have a whole setup: a fire pit, places to sit, a barbecue. It’s a hangout spot. Any time you wanna come outside, to feel the sun against your skin, you can go up there.”

“Can we eat up there?” I ask.

“Yeah, we can. What do you want?”

“Anything,” I answer as I follow her inside. “Anything is better than the crap I’ve been eating.”

An hour later, I’m stuffed full of pancakes and bacon. If I didn’t feel like I’d puke all the tasty food back up, I’d keep going.

We’re up on the rooftop, sitting on a comfy couch. The longer we’re up here, the warmer the sun is. I fucking love it.

Duchess says that if I’m going to stay up here any longer, I’ll need sunscreen. Guess years of not seeing the sun makes someone very pale. I’ve never noticed but I do look pretty white. Almost like a ghost.

We’ve been talking. She’s answered a million of my questions.

So far, I’ve found out my name really is Savannah Banks, and my father, Jonathan Banks, was a senator of New York. We are currently in Los Angeles, California.

I’ve been missing for five years, and it was a worldwide story. My father had everyone looking for me, spent years and millions trying to find me.

Knowing someone cares so much about me to spend all that time and money looking is overwhelming. I want to meet him. When all of this is over with, I want to see him again. To show him I’m okay. I want to thank him for not giving up on me.

Duchess said he’s not doing so well. He lost everything in his pursuit to find me. His money, power, and status. He was removed from his position of power just a few weeks ago.

She said the same thing Jerry did. Corbin got what he wanted from my father: to see him lose everything, and that's why he was done with me.

I’m going to make sure Corbin pays for that, too.

After hearing all that, I told her I didn’t want to know anything else about my old life. I don’t remember anything, and it’s frustrating me. I want to so badly, but every time I try, it’s blank. I don’t even know what my first memory of being locked up is. Over time, days begin to blend together, and you don’t know what's left or right anymore.

“We’ll have you see the doctor today. Once we know more about what's going on with your body, we'll be able to put you on a meal plan, get you all fattened up and healthy.”

I grin. “Sounds like a good time.”

She laughs. “When you're ready, we can start your training.”

My smile falls. “I’m ready now. I don’t want to wait. But maybe I should. Just another week.” My body has been through so much in a short period of time, I should let it heal a little bit longer before taking on more. “I want to learn everything you're willing to teach me. The sooner, the better. Every day that passes is a day those vile beasts have the chance to hurt more people,” I growl.

She nods. “You're right. I like your fire.” She smiles.

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