“I told you to leave. To go and never come back. Forget about me.” Those last words tore my throat apart from their reluctance of being released.

“Don’t worry. After the fundraiser ball, I’m gone.” Her statement fractured something inside me. I raised my hand—to do what? I don’t even know. She flicked my fingers away with a sharp snap of her wrist, the motion bruising. “Don’t fucking touch me,” she said, blasting me with my own words.

Why the fuck did I come after her? What fucking right does she have getting angry at this situation, anyway? No one should be angrier than me.

“You think I want to touch that fucking woman? Think I want to give up my dick for that desperate bitch?! I was providing payment. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Micah scoffed. “What, you’re her whore?”

I pressed into her, my hand snaking upward to twine in her hair, wrenching her head backward.

“That’s exactly what I am.” My teeth ground together, the enamel cracking under the pressure. “And when I’m done with all of this, done with this fucking place, she will regret the day she ever degraded me into a fucking prosthetic sex toy she could command.”

A flash in my periphery was my single warning before Micah’s fist made contact with my face, simultaneously pulling herself free from my hold, her features clear with betrayal.

“That’s it, though. You’ll never be done with this place. You will never escape, never leave. You’re a willing prisoner in a jail of your own making.” Her words cut into my chest as swift and sharp as any knife. “I offered you help. You denied me. Now live with the consequences.”

Micah fully bodychecked me and charged out the door. I didn’t even have the strength to stop her, feeling as little and insignificant as my actions deemed me to be. I wouldn’t follow, wouldn’t justify my reasons. I was someone that was worthy of this fate, and she was right. I had to deal with the consequences.

You let her leave…again.

The declaration pushed me over the edge. What little resolve I had completely shattered as I proceeded to destroy the room around me, attempting to smash the walls down to accompany the remnants of my lost dignity.

Chapter 11Micah

Iwas in a foul mood as the disturbing sight played in my mind on repeat. Katsy on her knees, Psycho thrusting into her panting mouth. I wanted to destroy him, repeatedly shattering that stupid face.

Even worse, I still couldn’t bring myself to torture him for the answers I required. I wasn’t lying to Tanner. Even with Psycho’s latest escapade, I didn’t know if I was capable.

I cringed internally at my own uselessness, now my constant companion.

Maybe I should kill him and remove this unfounded weakness. It was a weakness I had never experienced before. I wasn’t a runner, but I knew when to cut my losses. I had to leave before my identity was jeopardised.

I burst into Burner’s office without knocking, and came up short to find him in deep conversation with Katsy. Their speech hushed as they turned to me in unison, both sporting fake, welcoming grins.

“I’m glad you’re here, Olivia,” Burner said. “You’ve heard the news then?”

“News?”

“Some idiot has threatened chemical warfare on the city.”

My brows lifted. What the fuck did he just say? Surely I misheard.

Katsy giggled at my expression. “The government has released a city-wide alert. Everyone is to stay indoors until the threat has been neutralised.”

I ignored them, grabbing my phone and scrolling through numerous unread messages.

Spencer: Let’s go shopping. I need a few more dresses.

Tanner: No.

Emerson: You’ll get poisoned and die.

Spencer: The government’s a conspiracy.

Tanner: True. Still, the answer is no.

Spencer: Micah? What do you think?

I rolled my eyes before typing out a reply.

Micah: Veto the shopping, Spence. Save it for another day.

Spencer: Too late.

Image Received

Attached was a selfie of Spencer wearing a gas mask. Where she got that, I had no idea. Another image followed straight after: Emerson pulling hard on Spencer’s hair, the shot blurry with movement.

I ran a loose hand down my face and sighed.

Katsy aimed for the exit, her arm skimming mine as she passed. “Looks like we’re stuck here all night. Let’s have some fun together.”

Red filtered into my vision and my fingers strained tight, digging into my phone. My expression remained clear as I counted my respirations, re-establishing equilibrium.

When I was stabilised, Katsy was gone and Burner remained at his desk, perusing the official warning directive from the government.

He flicked a reassuring gaze my way. “I know this isn’t ideal, but a chemical weapon is a serious matter, and you’ll be safer indoors. We will ensure your comfort as best we can.”

I nodded, sparing another glance at my phone.

Tanner: Greattttt. Now you’re contaminated.

Spencer: OMG! I swear I can’t breathe.

Emerson: And yet, she has enough breath to keep on whinging. Stay where you are, Micah. The threat is around the corner from Oakview.

I swear, I couldn’t make this shit up if I tried. If Emerson was concerned, the threat must be legitimate.

Since I was trapped and opposed to the idea of gassing myself alive, I had to remain in character until I could officially leave for good.

Burner offered Katsy’s empty seat. “While I’ve got you, I wanted to say how impressed I am with your work. No psychiatrist has lasted more than one session with Psycho.”

No shit. Psycho wasn’t here to be rehabilitated, he was here to be punished.

Besides the Caverns and famed fighting pits, Ludus Maximus was an influential crime organisation that provided security and soldiers to the world’s elite. Maximus had enough jurisdiction and power to influence if someone was to remain locked up or not.

Burner continued with his worthless drivel. “Except you. I’d be lying if I didn’t wonder what you talked about in your sessions. No security, no protection, no witnesses. He must trust you.”