Page 49 of Pretty Cruel Love

Before I can make the mistake of keeping her out of the cameras’ sight for too long, I help her down and lead her toward the hall.

“I’ll meet you back on your side,” I say, whispering.

She nods and walks in view of the cameras.

I pull on a T-shirt and catch up to her in the kitchen.

“Thank you for helping me with my wound, Miss Pretty,” I say.

“You’re very welcome, Dr. Weiss.”

“Let’s push tomorrow’s morning session back by two hours so you can catch up on your sleep.”

“I would appreciate that.”

Heavier rains attack the roof. She looks unsure of what to do—like she’s tempted to run back to my side or suffer alone.

“I have some noise-canceling headphones,” I say. “Would you like to borrow them for the rest of your stay?”

“Yes, please…”

I walk over to the living room coffee table and pull out the drawer. I hand them to her and she smiles.

“Thank you very much.” She starts to walk toward her room.

“Quick question, Miss Pretty.”

“Yes?”

“After all the time you’ve spent in prison so far, you’ve never had to deal with walking outside on a stormy day?”

“High-profile convicts get the least amount of outside privileges, Doctor.”

“I see.”

“Good night, Dr. Weiss.”

“Goodnight, Miss Pretty.”

21

SADIE

Day Eleven

My body is still on a high from last night, and I can’t help replaying the feel of Dr. Weiss’s fingers inside me. His mouth against my skin.

Unfortunately, from the look on his face as he walks into our morning session, the feelings aren’t mutual.

He hasn’t said a word to me.

Hasn’t even looked my way.

He’s still wearing a T-shirt from hours ago, and although the nurse stopped by and professionally addressed his larger wound, he’s still wearing the fabric of my pillowcase around his arm.

I lean back in the metal chair and wait for him to start.

“Hmmm.” He finally sits across from me, finally looks up. “Are you familiar with the truth serum experiment?”

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