Page 148 of Inside the Sun

But there’s nothing relaxing about this place.

This isn’t a spa. It’s survival.

Summer is quiet. He’s always quiet, but today he’s locked up tighter than a bank vault.

The beta carrying a tray approaches. The staff doesn’t give a shit that I’m only eighteen. They serve us wine and cocktails like it’s nothing.

I guess if they think it’s fine for their boss to rape me, then what’s a little alcohol?

Still, I don't touch it. I don't want to let my guard down when I'm outside, where the soldiers can see me.

I sip juice and stare at the water, letting my thoughts drift in random, pointless directions… Until Summer speaks.

"There might be a way," he says. "A way for you to tell Anzo about my power."

I freeze.

His words yank me out of my fog like a slap to the puss.

"What do you mean?"

"If we pick a day, one specific day when you tell him, and then, the next day, I disappear. He would believe I got scared and ran."

I just stare at him. None of this makes sense.

"What are you talking about? What about your family? Wouldn’t the Ferros go after them?"

"There might be… a door opening for me. A chance. I have reasons to believe my parents would be safe, since… there is somebody who can handle it. And if you give Anzo that piece of knowledge, prove you did your job, as he expected, maybe that door will open for you, too."

"That’s… sudden. Tell me what’s going on? Where do you get the idea your parents may be safe?" I mutter and lean forward, suddenly shivering in spite of the heat.

"I trust you, Sun," he says, carefully choosing every word. "You’re a good guy. I know you’re not the kind of person who would walk over corpses to reach your goal."

I keep staring at him, stunned. Even I wouldn’t give myself that much credit. I hope he’s not wrong about me.

"Come with me," Summer says, and suddenly stands.

I nearly jump, he moves so fast. "Summer, nothing about this adds up!"

"But it will," he cuts in. "Maybe it’s time to stop with all the secrets. Maybe it’s time we put our cards on the table."

As we walk deeper into the garden, I see him glance toward Ragnar, who’s trimming trees about twenty yards away. Then Summer makes a small, subtle hand gesture, just enough to call him over.

Still completely lost, I follow. Ragnar joins us a moment later, pale and tense.

We slip between the bushes. Summer heads straight for the gazebo.

Yeah. That gazebo.

The one where Ragnar and I hook up all the time. My mouth goes dry. I just hope Summer’s nose doesn’t pick up the smell of cum on the floor. I let him lead me anyway. My heart is pounding fast, drowning out every other sound.

A moment later, the three of us are standing inside.

Ragnar looks like a coiled spring, ready to snap. I have rarely seen him so tense.

Summer turns to me, face serious. "I want to introduce someone to you. This is my older brother, Ragnar."

Silence.

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