Page 79 of Fragments
My gaze flings to Ren, who’s grinning at Parker fondly, like they’re already good friends. But there’s also a wisp of cunning conviction. I’m starting to think it’s a personality trait.
“Oh, I see.” I glance at him between bites. “So this is, like, your thing?”
His forehead lines. “Whatthing?”
“You emotionally dissect people. Probably store up the juicy bits for gossip, or to use as leverage…” He’s close enough that I can almost feel him stiffen. “I’d ask if you’re a shrink, but clearly none of us are paying you for this super fun dining experience.”
Ren is quietly staring at me, but I’m still just eating, forcing myself not to face him fully. I’m pretty proud of how witty I’m being right now.
But then he huffs. “You’re just mad I’m figuring you out after only knowing you for a few minutes. You fancy yourself a pretty little enigma, don’t you,Lexington?”
Pausing mid-chew, I drop my fork and turn slowly to face him. “Okay, who the hell are you?? Where did you even come from?”
He blinds me with another one of those smiles; annoyingly shiny and flawless. “Oooh, I’ve got him on the hook.” I blink, and he bites his lip. “Time to reel him in…”
No, but seriously… what’s up with this dude??
These aren’t the games I like to play, man.
I’m exhausted. Talking to him for five minutes is more mentally taxing than the entire previous year in prison. I don’t think it’s good for me to associate with this person, regardless of how interesting and funny he is, in an unhinged basket case kind of way.
“I’m not on any hook,” I mutter firmly. “I’m just identifying how much of a frickin’ weirdo you are.”
Glancing across the table, I look to the guys for confirmation, but they’re both just watching the two of us interact like it’s highly entertaining. Toby is smirking at me, and I don’t like what I think that look is saying.
“Yea, well, I’m sure the same could be said about everyone in this place,” Ren rasps, picking at his food, though it’s clear he’s not going to eat it. “We’re on the island of misfit toys.”
My mouth wants to slope into a grin, but I won’t let it.
“You should eat.” I nod at his tray. “They might not feed us again until midday tomorrow, and the sedatives in your system could make you sick.”
His face slants, blue eyes sparkling at my face. “You’re very thoughtful, Lexington.”
“Can you please just call meLuthor??” I grumble in annoyance.
He shakes his head, declining to acknowledge my request. “Plus, from what I understand, there’s a way to get better stuff in here… And it’s probably something I’d excel at.”
My gaze narrows. “You mean, like… through the guards?” Ren purses his lips and shrugs, playing it coy, but it’s obvious that’s what he means. I peer at Parker. “Man, you really told him everything, huh? In a matter of hours??”
“I just figured I’d let him know what to expect…” Parker shrugs.
“I have no confusion about where I am,” Ren says with full sincerity. “I’m not one of these guys pounding my fists on the bars, and you won’t catch me whining or complaining about the things I can’t change. If I want something, I get it. But make no mistake… I fullydeserveto be here.”
We’re staring at each other for a few heavy seconds that feel like minutes on end before I clear my throat and murmur, “So you’re cool with selling your body in exchange for goods?”
“I’m used to it.” He lifts a shoulder. I show him a puzzled look, to which he expands, “I’m a sex worker.”
Alright… didn’t expect that.
“Oh…” I mutter, my blinking going sort of rapid. “Really…? That’s, um… cool.”
He flashes me an extremely charming smile, leaning in a bit closer. “Even more interested now, huh?”
Um… Why does it feel like he’s flirting with me?
My gut is churning, but I ignore it, going back to my food once more. “No, I’m just… I just think you should be careful. It might be different in here… from what you’re used to, I mean.”
“Do you have experience with male escorts?” he asks through a sly grin.
