Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
I picked up the catheter and bag it was attached to. What the fuck was I supposed to do with that? Thankfully, it wasn’t hard to figure out how to empty the bag into the toilet. I threw the rest of it into the trash before finding a cloth to wet and clean myself. Stitches was correct. I wanted a shower. A long, hot shower. I needed to scrub myself clean, though I suspected that might be impossible.
I’d just finished cleaning up when there was a knock at the door. At first, I didn’t answer. The shirt I was wearing covered everything, but did I really want to walk around bare-assed in a place with a bunch of strange men? That the line of thought led me to panic.
I took a deep breath just before the knock came again. “Dorothy? My name’s Iris. I’ve got some stuff for you. Clothes. Toiletries. Can I come in? I’ve got water, and some Gatorade, too.”
I tried to tell the other woman she could come in, but my throat was parched. I unlocked the door and opened it a crack.
“Hi, Dorothy.” The pretty, petite woman who peered in held an armload of clothes and other things. She didn’t look very old, but there was a keen, assessing look in her eyes. She was definitely sizing me up, but not in a creepy way. More like she was trying to figure out the best way to talk to me without frightening me. “I’m Iris. Can I come in?”
I nodded, pulsing the door back enough to unlock the chain and swallowing before I spoke. “Yeah. I’m sorry.”
She smiled kindly. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for. The men here can be a handful, but they’re the best people I know. I brought you some toiletries as well as a couple changes of clothes. Shoes. If there’s anything else you need, I’ll be happy to get it for you.” She set her load on the couch. Then she picked up a moderately sized bag on top of the pile and handed it to me. “Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. Also got a new hairbrush and toothbrush and toothpaste. There’s also a razor if you need it. Still in the packages.” Then she picked up another, smaller bag. “New underwear and feminine products. Do you want me to go while you shower? I can come back if you prefer.”
“I, uh. I don’t… I don’t know.”
“Hmm. How about I leave you and come back in an hour. That way you can take your time. I’ll bring some burgers and potato salad if you want.”
“That sounds delicious.” I gave her a tight smile. It really did sound good. I just wasn’t sure how much or if I could eat. “I’m a little off-balance. It was bad choices that led me here. I’m afraid to do anything now. Afraid it’ll be a bad choice.”
“I think all the old ladies here could say the same thing.” She gave me an understanding smile. “You go on and clean up. If you need anything, I’m sure your bodyguard will be just outside. All you have to do is yell for him.”
“Bodyguard?” That made my heart speed up. “Am I a prisoner?”
“What? No! Heavens no. I was referring to Morgue. The man hasn’t left your side since they got you all here. Morgue isn’t one to make attachments easily. In fact, he only interacts with the men of Iron Tzars when he has to. He’s decided it’s his job to protect you or something. I’m glad, because it’s not good for him to be by himself so much.”
“Why would he do that?”
She shrugged. “Don’t know, honey. But it’s obvious to all of us he has. He’ll be the best protector you could have.”
“He saved me.” I have no idea why I said that, but I meant it. I’d felt safe with him from the first time I saw him. I’d pegged him as the most dangerous man in a roomful of dangerous men and put my life in his hands willingly.
“The men here tend to do that. They’ve saved all of us in one way or another. But we all saved them right back.”
I hoped she was right. I felt like I needed saving from my life. Lord knew I could use a fresh start. But was that life here? Or was this just as bad as the other place? I had to admit, though, if the people here were trying to draw me into some kind of sex ring -- like they’d pulled me out of -- they were doing an elaborate set-up. I was scared, but everyone here had been nothing but nice.
Also, Iris was right. Morgue had been with me every time I’d woken up. I’d had vague flashes of waking up frightened or hurting, and Morgue’s face was the thing I was able to focus on most. I’d remembered Stitches telling me why Morgue had his name and instead of being horrified or scared, I’d been relieved. Because he was protecting me -- for whatever reason. As far as I was concerned, the more deadly he was the better. It meant no one was getting to me. No one would take me from him. “I believe you. At least, about the first part. I’m not sure I have it in me to save anyone. Not even myself.”