Page 103 of Hart of Darkness
“Good girl,” Misty said. “Okay, tell me something about yourself.”
I inhaled a large breath, knowing she was trying to keep me awake. I said the first thing that came to mind. “I’ve never had a crush on a boy until now. Or had a mind-blowing kiss.” I slurred the last three words.
She giggled. “Have you been hiding under a rock? You’re what? Twenty-five or so? No crushes in high school? First loves?”
I didn’t go to high school. I’d gotten my GED then applied to college. Living in a gang and on the streets was all about survival and not about learning algebra or any subject other than how to stay alive. “When Cory raped me at fourteen, I didn’t go near any men until I was in college, and even then, I only had one-night stands. Sure, men kissed me, but not like they were in love with me or like I meant anything to them other than a girl to have sex with. So when I say I haven’t had a mind-blowing kiss, I mean by a man who loves me.”
“You mean that asshole.” She stabbed her thumb in the direction Cory had rushed off. “Raped you when you were fourteen?”
I nodded.
“Whoa. I say we kill him, then.”
I smiled as best I could. “Slowly. We need to torture him.” It was freeing to inflict Cory with pain, but I didn’t get the satisfaction from it that I thought I would.
Silence hung in the air. Even the girls in the other cages had gone quiet, listening to Misty and me.
“So, kissing isn’t all that great. My first time”—Misty fiddled with my tourniquet—“was with a boy named Chase. His lips were hard. His tongue was nasty. I think he ate a clove of garlic before he kissed me.”
I giggled.
“So you’ve never been in love?” she asked.
I frowned “No. Love is overrated. Or maybe it isn’t. This guy, Dillon, who I was supposed to be on a date with tonight, gives me all kinds of cozy feelings.”
It was her turn to giggle. “I would say you’re experiencing your first love.”
“Misty,” I barely said. “I can’t keep my eyes open.”
She tapped my cheek. “Stay with me.”
Darkness crept in along the edges of my vision. “Tell Dillon that I’m sorry.”
“You tell him.” Her voice began to fade. “Maggie. Mag—”
My heart beat one last time before the noises, pain, and voices died.
