Page 21 of The Caged Girl

“Demi…” His voice echoed in the minimalistic space as my racing thoughts combated the peace in his tone.

Clearing my throat, I replied, “Yes?”

“Come to bed,” he said calmly.

I wanted to go back to my room, but I knew better, so I obeyed. I walked through the door and saw Alister Ivory standing in front of the oversized window. I couldn’t see the ocean since the darkened skies met with the water, blending into an abyss of nothingness.

He was wearing a matching black silk pajama set with his hair brushed neatly.

“I’d like to go back to my room with Marcie, please. I sleep well there, and I’m sure I need to tend to Mrs. Rothschild. She’s probably wondering where I had gone. I truly apologize about leaving my position and coming to the Euphoria floor, Mr. Ivory.” I had my arms behind my back and my fingers laced together.

Alister stared out of the windows, and the small clock on his end table taunted me with its ticking.

“Do you know what I’ve always dreamt of, Demi?” He spoke softly before turning around, his dark eyes such a contrast from his brother’s.

“No,” I replied almost inaudibly.

“I’ve always wanted a family. A wife and a few children. Children I could raise into happy and productive humans. A wife who looked at me with pride and knew I did what I had to do.”

“I’m sure you have plenty of inventory here for a bride.” As fast as I said the snarky statement, I regretted it. Alister’s hand curled into a fist. Stumbling back, I put my hands in front of my face. “I didn’t…” I stammered as he filled the space between us.

Peeling my hands down, he looked at me carefully. “You’re right, Demi. I could fuck, marry, or kill any girl I want to.” He brushed his hands against my cheek. “But you see, since I was a young boy, Ian has always won in every single way. Our father’s love and adoration, our mother’s care and comfort. I was always the…well, the black sheep of the family.” He ran his hand through his hair and smirked at me.

“Then I found out about you—the one person who successfully took my brother down. And a woman, nonetheless.” He let out a dry laugh. “My nephews, Conrad and Bradley, were fighting over you the way my brother and I did over who’d get to help Papa kill his next victim.”

My heart sank. Ian and Alister’s father was just like them… Was this why they were natural killers? This family business ran on for generations.

“You know, I’ve always been lonely. But I’ve also been more fearful if I choose the wrong woman and feel some kind of emotion to her, she’ll then betray me. I’d have to kill her, and then our children would forever be upset with me.” He brushed his fingers against my eyelashes, causing me to flinch.

“Please,” I whispered. I didn’t know what I was pleading for. “Ouch!” I cried out. Alister had ripped out some of my eyelashes and held them in between his fingers. My eye watered as I covered it.

“Did you know if you make a wish on an eyelash, it comes true?” Alister smiled. “My mother would let us do that.” He placed my eyelashes in his palm and lifted one near my lips.

“Make a wish, Demi,” he crooned.

My nostrils fluttered as fear coursed through me. “I don’t have one,” I breathed out.

“Of course, you do. Everyone has a wish.” Alister closed his eyes and mouthed words silently. “There, I’ve made it for you. You’re welcome.”

Blowing some of my eyelashes away, he opened his eyes. “Let’s go to sleep.” He tugged at my hand and pointed at the bed.

He walked over to a jar displayed on his dresser and lifted the glass top off.

Sprinkling the rest of my eyelashes into it before shutting and placing the jar back on the dresser, he sighed proudly. I immediately climbed into bed as my chest rose and fell rapidly.

“Sweet dreams, Demi.” He kissed my cheek, and the lights all turned off.

I waited until his breathing shifted to slide out of the bed. The moonlight provided just enough light for me to make my way to the jar.

Leaning over, I lifted the glass top and squinted. Sticking my fingers into the jar, I felt the soft little hairs.

Slapping my hand over my mouth, I realized something.

It was a jar full of eyelashes. Cringing, I shut it quickly, but the glass clinked too loudly.

“You’ve thought of a wish, my darling raven?” I shot around and saw Alister sitting up in bed, watching me. The whites of his teeth and eyes stood out in the darkness.

“I’m so sorry,” I stammered and raced back to the bed. Climbing in, I laid flat, praying he wouldn’t be upset.

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