Page 186 of Brainwashed
“Why are you toying with me?” I mumble, barely able to form sentences with how tightly this thing is wrapped over my lips.
“Because I can,” he sighs, clearly very pleased with himself. “Because it’s myjob. And we have much work to do. But first, I’m bringing you for a little field trip.”
Templeton disappears behind me. I try straining my neck to move and look for him, but I’m strapped down around my throat. If I move, I choke myself.
But suddenly, I am moving. My whole body is.
I startle, eyes flinging about as I’m pushed toward the door. They have me on some sort of handcart. Templeton is literally wheeling me out of the dark room I was in, through a doorway and up a long corridor.
God, what the fuck is going on?? Where is he bringing me…? What’s he going to do to me?
And wherethe fuckis Lem??
Templeton wheels me for a while. We pass a few guards who gawk at me like I’m crazy. And that’s exactly what I am.
I’m a monster in fucking chains. Muzzled and strapped down.
And I know I deserve it.
I was an idiot to think I could have any kind of relationship with Lem. Any kind of normal thing…
The truth is, I’m not normal. I’m one of the least normal people ever created. I’m the point-zero-zero-zero-zero-six percent of the population. A killer, with no remorse.
What would ever lead me to believe I’m worthy love…? Especially love with someone like Lemuel…
He’s a genius. He’s so damn smart, and thoughtful, and inquisitive. Reserved, but when you get inside him just enough, it’s like finding a treasure chest full of shiny gold emotions.
He’s the perfect mix of good and bad, twisted and scarred in the best possible ways. He’s goddamnbeautifulinside and out, and I love him. Ilovehim, more than I’ve ever loved anyone.
It has and always will be my downfall. My curse.
To fall in love withLove, just out of reach.
I hear noises. Sounds I haven’t heard in a while…
Voices. Lots of them.Shouting, surrounded by loud clanks and clunks. We’re nearing general population.
Fuck.
I’m wheeled through the halls and, go figure, it’s the exact moment when the guards are herding inmates out of the cafeteria.
“Holy shit! Is that The Carver?!” someone shouts.
And then pandemonium ensues.
Inmates are shouting, swarming around me while the guards shove them back.
“Fall in line, you sorry pricks!” Joy’s voice bellows, and everyone cowers.
I can’t see much, since I can’t turn my head, but I catch a blurry glimpse of the guys I met in the shower that time… Luthor and Ren, confirmed by their familiar voices.
“Shit, man… That’s messed up,” Luthor says quietly while Rook shoves him along.
“Move, inmate,” Rook grumbles, though his sympathetic eyes are set on me. “Nothing to see here.”
“Are you fucking high?!” someone roars, and even though I can’t see him, I know right away that it’s Velle. “What would make your pea-sized brain think it’s a good idea to bring him up here right now??”
“I have orders, Officer,” Templeton mumbles, then continues pushing me. “If you’ll excuse me…”
