Page 43 of Shattered Soulmates

“Starved,” she murmurs.

“Let’s go get you something to eat.”

Chapter 19–Unmasking the Lies

***TW - Drug use reference***

Lynsey

I’m looking forward to the interrogation of Joyride, especially after hearing Paisley relate her story. Joyride is a self-centered piece of work that has been getting away with too much for too long. I usually don’t participate in the day-to-day workings of the club, but they called me in to kidnap Paisley, so I’m now involved in righting this injustice done to her.Since Snake, and let’s face it, most of the club, are enamored with Joyride–I'll take care of this personally.

To prevent everyone from rioting, especially Snake, I had to concede to questioning her here in the office, rather than in the basement. I wanted to wait for Drágon to return and assist me, since everyone’s acting stupid, but he hasn't returned yet, and it’s been over aweek since her arrest. So, Que, Snake, and I are in the office with Joyride.

I sit her down on a ladder-back armchair in the middle of the room. We typically use these chairs when we need to restrain someone; it just makes it easier. Even though she’s a mouthy she-devil and I’ve had enough of her, she’s not yet tied to the chair.

“I demand to be let go,” she shrieks, standing up in my face menacingly.

“Ho-ride,” I growl. “You need to back down before I stomp you on the floor.”

“You hear that, Snake?” she frantically asks, her eyes wide.“She’s threatening me. Are you going to let her get away with that?”

Snake studies Joyride silently with a confused expression.

“Snake!” She jumps up and tugs his shirt. He sits her back down on the chair, firmly. Taking out a couple of zip ties, he fastens her wrists to the arms, all without saying a word.Quite frankly, I’m surprised.Of course, Joyride fights him every step of the way, but she’s no match for Snake’s strength, and he easily subdues her.

“What are you doing, Snake?” Joyride screams, struggling to pull her arms free.He removes his belt,wraps it around her mid-section, and fastens it behind the chair, pinning her in place.

“Why are you doing this, Snake?” Her eyes plead with him as her movement becomes more restricted.

“What’s going on, Joyride?” Snake asks quietly, crouching in front of her with a confused look. “Something feels wrong.” He shakes his head.

Her eyes widen, and a fearful expression flickers across her face. “Snake,” she says calmly. “I need my medication. I’ve been without it for a week, and it’s in my room.”

“What medication? I’ve never seen you take any medication.”

“Well... it’s a tea—a calming blend I drink every day. I haven’t had any all week.”

A sense of distrust crawls up my spine.She’s hiding something. “What kind of medication is it, Joyride?” I press. “What’s it for?”

“Anxiety,” she spits out.

“No,” I reply.

“What do you mean, no?” she shouts, desperate.

“You’re not being truthful.”

“Snake, please,” she begs, turning to him and blatantly ignoring me.

He shakes his head. “No. If Dragoness says you’re being dishonest about something, we go no further until you spill it.”

Joyride’s eyes dart between Snake and me, frantic as if she’s searching for any sign of mercy. Her hands twist against the zip ties, cutting into her wrists, but she doesn’t seem to notice. Her gaze locks on Snake, pleading and desperate. “ I-I need my tea,” she breathes. “Please,” she whispers, the words barely escaping. Her eyes keep shifting between us, growing more frantic with each second, her yearning for the drink obvious.

I glance at Snake pointedly. It appears as if Joyride is coming down from some drug and needs her next fix. “Where’s this tea, exactly?”

“In my room,” she sighs desperately. “On my bedside table in an unlabeled jar. Thank you,”she breathes out jerkily, almost soothed.

“Do we have permission to go into your room?”

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