Page 31 of Degradation
Chapter Three
DAISY
‘Why did you let me have your robe?’
Shade jumps a little and I see that he thought I was still asleep.
‘What do you mean?’ he rumbles.
I glance around the room, noticing that Blake is gone, and the TV is on screensaver.
Sea waves.
‘It was a gift from my mom, Mav said. He told me you barely let anyone even touch it.’
Shade regards me stonily. ‘Mav talks too much.’
‘Where’s Blake?’
Shade rises from the chair he’s sitting at by the desk. ‘He had to leave. Wrestling stuff.’
‘Oh.’
I sit up, wincing at the soreness that rolls through me and seems worse than before.
‘What time is it?’
‘Almost nine,’ Shade replies. ‘Mav’ll be back soon. He’s bringing you something to eat.’
‘I could use some more painkillers if there are any.’ I wrinkle my nose. ‘And I’m not hungry.’
‘You’re going to eat anyway.’
My eyes flash at him. ‘Regardless of what those rent-a-cops said, you do know you’re not actually my guardian, don’t you? I’m not just going to be ordered about by you.’
He smirks at me. ’Someone’s feeling better.’
I consider for a second. ‘Yeah. My head does feel clearer.’
‘Okay. Noted.’ He stands up and comes closer. ‘Mav is bringing food. He and I will be eating, and he’s bringing you some too. You haven’t had anything but water in over twenty-four hours. It would be good if you could try to eat...please.’
‘We’ll see,’ I murmur.
He leans over me, caging me in. ‘Or maybe I turn you over and give you a few smacks on your ass if you don’t.’
There’s a spark in his eyes, like he’d love to do just that. I remember the look from when he bent me over my desk and did it before. Hewantsto. My eyes widen a little. Helikesit.
My cheeks heat and I cover my awkwardness with a snort. He looks surprised.
‘You won’t do that,’ I say confidently, and wondering why my stomach clenches almost pleasurably at the thought of him doing it, why I feel a little disappointed that he isn’t really going to.
DoIwant him to?
‘No?’ he asks.
I shake my head. ‘My whole body hurts. I’m covered in bruises. My head aches. My ankle is probably sprained, and I was assaulted by your friends. Even you wouldn’t do more to me, Jack, not right now.’
There’s something else in his face now. It takes me a moment to work it out though.
