Page 109 of Devotion

“Van, wake up.” I hate to disturb her.

“Hm?”

“The butler says the hot baths are ready.”

“Not funny. I would kill for a hot bath.”

“I would kill for…just kill. All of them.”

“Same.” She sits up, staying close to conserve our warmth.

“How’s your…everything?”

“Better than your face looks.”

“Why do they always go for the face?”

“At least you will have a few more sexy scars.”

“You know, most people would think you’re being sarcastic…”

“I’d kiss you, but…”

“It’s the drooling isn’t it? Doctor said it will stop eventually.”

“I am not sure which welt is your lip.”

“Oh the humanity,” I mutter in deadpan. A few years ago, I really would have been devastated by the loss of my perfect looks. Now look at me.

I make Jean Valjean look like a prince.

Shaking my head to clear the haze, I rise with a little help, pacing the room. It’s nicer than the first cell they had me in. Seems…higher up. Less deep.

Less cold.

“We really stepped in it, huh?”

“We should not have come,” Vanya grumbles, wrapping her arms around her legs.

“We had to rule out Pyotr being here. Shit, maybe he’s in the cell next door?”

Van raises an eyebrow.

“Would it make you feel better if we jump the guy in the mask when he comes back? I’ll hold his arms. You can question him.”

“I already tried asking him questions. He did not answer.”

“You do know the point of him torturing you was for you to answer…” It comes as no surprise that she would still be planning and fighting through even the worst torture.

“He must pay for Matvey. But I do not think we will get this chance.”

“He will pay. They all will.” I meet her gaze. “The Volk will not stand for it. Even if we never get out of here. Someone will come for these Mocro bastards.”

“We will get out. We must,” she says softly. “You deserve to go home. To your family. What’s left of it, anyway.”

“What are you saying, Vanya?”

“Matvey made you promise to stay with me. But I do not hold you to this if we can escape. I want you to be free. Free from Bratva. Free from Viperas, Diamantes. Whatever you want to do. Go be with your brothers, if you know where they are.”

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