Page 169 of Fragments
Maybe he’s looking for some relief from the stress of his treacherous life at The Ivory’s helm, and decided to get it between Ren’s legs.
The thought makes me so dizzy I feel like I might fall down.
I can’t even fucking do this anymore, man. I’m losing it.
Friends don’t obsess this much about who their friends are fucking. It’s totally unhealthy. And I can act like I’m ignoring it all I want, but I think we all know I’m not.
I need to talk to Ren right away, and tell him I don’t want him fucking Velle just so I can have a toy to play with when I’m bored.
This shit is toxic as fuck. I’m over it.
Unfortunately, it’s getting late. We’re in for the night, and shy of screaming this conversation up the row to his cell, I have no other option but to wait until I see him tomorrow.
Unless…
Striding up to the bars without a second thought, I start kicking them over and over, gripping them in my fists and rattling the door to make as much noise as possible. “Hey! Help! I need medical attention! I’m injured!” I holler out into the row, banging the door around in hopes either someone will hear me, or the control room guys will send someone.
And it works. Footsteps come marching, and as soon as the guard is in my view, I release an exhale of relief.
It’s Rook.Perfect.
“What’s wrong?” He staggers inside with concern on his face. “Are you alright??”
I can’t help the bloom in my chest at how sweet he is. Like a chivalrous Midwestern cowboy with dimples and golden hair. I swear, he’s theonlyguard in this place who isn’t completely devoid of emotion.
I fidget in front of him, offering a weak smile. “Um… yea. Yea, I’m good. How are you?”
I know I sound like an idiot, but I’m a little out of my wheelhouse right now. Ineverbribe guards.
Rook stares at me like I’m crazy. “You said you were injured…” His eyes trail over me for some sign of damage.
“Oh… yea, not necessarily,” I mutter, feeling guilty for luring him in here under false pretenses. “I just needed to get your attention.”
He squints at me, lips forming an unamused line. “48 is rubbing off on you. I don’t like it.”
I huff, shaking my head. “That’s why I need your help. I need to see Ren… Like, right now.”
He pops off a derisive chuckle. “Yea, sorry… Not this time.”
“Rook, please…”
“You must be fucking kidding!” he barks, shocking me with uncharacteristic hostility. “Do you have any idea what’s going on in this place??”
“I know, but I—”
“Luthor, that fucking psycho’s out here slitting dudes’ throats right in front of us…” He rubs his eyes. “We’re all fucked… Us too, not just you guys. No more favors, no more deals. It’s all over.”
My spine stiffens. “Wait, who slit whose throat?”
Rook purses his lips. “Never mind. Just forget it. The point is, I can’t help you. End of discussion. I won’t give that prick any more leverage against him…”
I have no idea what he’s talking about, but he’sleaving,and I can’t let him.
I grab his arm. “Rook, wait.Please.”
He spins to face me, stepping in closer. “The Warden killed one of the control room guards, okay?? Slit his fucking throat right in front of us. And we just had to stand there, watching him bleed out. His name was Steve Islo. He worked in the East, and now he’s justgone.”
My blood runs cold. I can feel the color drain from my face.
