Page 8 of Monster's Edge

I walk in a straight line, heading directly toward him. I don’t saunter or sway or try to make myself look sexier than I am. I just walk normally. It’s an ordinary sort of walk. I reach him in seconds and stop just in front of him.

“Look at me.”

I look up.

“It’s time to find out why you’re here, Rose,” he tells me.

I nod.

It’s time to find out whether or not I’m going to die.

3

“Your father is a badman.”

I stare at Ian. He can’t be serious. This is why he brought me here? Because my father is a bad man? Yes. Yes, I know that. Of course, my father is a bad man. He’s only one of the baddest. There’s a reason I can basically do whatever I want and get away with it. Everyone is so scared of my father that I’m untouchable.

Well, I thought I was.

That was before Ian decided to take the leap and poison me and bring me to his house, though.

Somehow, the party feels like a lifetime ago.

“He’s a bad man,” I repeat idly. I’m not sure why exactlyIanthinks my dad is a bad man. Ian works with him, after all. Why would he work with someone he despises? That’s a stupid thought. I shake my head. It’s the money, isn’t it? It’s always about the money.

“How much do you know about Marco Amato?” Ian asks me. His voice is firm, but not loud. He’s speaking softly to me. Almost gently.

I’m not fooled.

I know that this is the part of the experience where he’s going to try to get me to turn on my dad. He’s going to try to get me to share information about my father.

Right?

That’s what he wants, isn’t it?

Still, I know that Ian is expecting an answer from me, so I don’t really have any choice but to give it. I have to give him what he wants or he’s going to hurt me. If I don’t do this, then he’ll kill me. A guy like Ian won’t make it pleasant, either. He might fuck me first. I expect he’s going to do that soon regardless. His cock is practically straining at the front of his pants, just dying to escape.

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