Page 193 of Shadowman
Assistant…
“Pleasure to meet you.” I shift in my seat. Doing my best to portray confidence, but I’m reticent as towhythis person is here.
“Likewise,” he says politely. His lips part, as if he’s going to say more, but a snarl and a thunk draw our attention.
The Warden just tossed his phone down on the desk, cursing in Spanish under his breath.
“All good, sir?” Yari asks.
He simply waves him off, dark eyes settling on me. “So, Trevel… How’ve you been?”
“I’m all—”
“How are things progressing with your sessions?” he cuts me off, getting right to the point as he pins me with a severe look that shrinks me into my seat. “With Lemuel…”
I think back to my last session with Dr. Love. As expected, when the Warden put me up to this covert manipulation game, the sessions haven’t yielded much. Dr. Love is a rock, and Iknewthat going in. He’s virtually impossible to crack.
Despite numerous attempts, he has yet to reveal anything to me, and it’s horribly frustrating. Mainly because I don’t enjoy being bested, but also because I’m still not positive whatexactlyThe Ivory wants. So I decided to try another approach.
After my session, I was skulking around the East Wing, keeping myself hidden. I waited for Dr. Love to inevitably leave his office, which he did. And I followed him…
“Well enough,” I answer the Warden blithely. “I rather enjoy speaking with him. I suppose I always have…”
His gaze narrows. It’s obvious he’s not placated by this response. “Everyonelovesspeaking with the doctor, don’t they…” His tone is dripping with sarcasm.
I clear my throat. “Heisone of the few people I get to interact with…”
The Ivory’s expression shifts. His lips quirk and he sits back in his chair, head sloping to the side. “Ah, yes… You have a cellmate now. How is Byron doing? I understand you two have become quiteclose, is that right?”
Swallowing all the words stuck in my throat, I force myself to remain impassive. “He’s a friend.”
“Trevel, please. Spare me the coquette,” he sneers. “I don’t care who you’re fucking. But I will remind you that, above all else, you belong tome. As does Byron Kang.”
My jaw clenches, fingers digging into my thighs. “Believe me, I’m aware of that.”
“Good,” he grunts, standing up slowly, eyes on mine as he does. “I’m sure you’re alsoawareof how much leeway you’ve been given. You and yourfriend…”
My teeth are about to crumble to bits. “Yes, sir…”
He shows me an evil smirk. “Splendid. So then, if you’d like to continue flitting around this prison with 62 like it’s your own personal playground, I suggest you start making it worth my while.”
Sighing, I rub my eyes. “Look, I’m trying, alright? But I told you it wasn’t going to be easy… Dr. Love doesn’t trust me. He doesn’t trust anyone.”Rightfully so.“Except The Carver…” My face scrunches in displeasure.
All traces of amusement fall away, and The Ivory gets this deranged look in his eyes. It’s alarming how he goes from zero to one hundred like that—from charming garden party host to Hannibal Lecter in seconds flat.
Rounding the desk, he comes to stand in front of me. I’m tense all over. “These sound likeexcuses, 102.”
I blink up at him.
“Perhaps I should find out whereyourloyalties truly lie…”
“What does that—”
“You know, I don’t like to make a habit of interfering in relationships on this island.” He leans up against the desk, folding his arms over his chest. “That said, it can be a very useful tactic, and an entertaining way to pass the time.”
Brow furrowing, I gape up at him.
“Byron has been left in quite the vulnerable position, hasn’t he?” He goes on, watching me carefully. “What with being separated from his friends… The people whofulfilledhim for so long.” He cocks a light brow. Jealousy churns my stomach like indigestion.Exactly what he wants, I’m sure.“Butnow, all he has is you. Twenty-four-seven, justyou…andhim. It’s amazing what simply keeping people apart can do in here…” He sighs, and I struggle to keep my emotions in check.
