Page 44 of Wallflower

Dread threads through my body, pulling every muscle taut with unease again. What does she have to recuperate from? “Sir, you can?—“

“This routine of yours is growing tiresome, Samuel. Pick a toy and stick with it. If you’re bored with Cynthia, Miss Chelsea is unclaimed.”

My lip curls in disgust. I will not fuck my future sister-in-law.

“But know that if you kill that one, it won’t be me you have to contend with. Karson will come for your head.”

My eyes snap up. If she’s Karson’s for the time being, why is he offering her to me?

“And I’ll let him.”

Fuck.

Any sway I thought I had with the boss evaporates into thin air as the ground beneath my feet crumbles away.

“Are we clear?”

“Yes, sir.” I grind out.

“Say it.”

“Rose is off-limits.”

A sick smile pulls at his lips. “Good. You’re dismissed.”

Nodding, I leave the room.

My pace is quick as I cross Bleakcrest. Coming up on the blue wing, I stand outside the sky room. What I’m about to do could damn us both.

But nothing will keep me from Rose.

“Hey, wake up.”

Something jabs into my breast bone.

Incessantly.

Like a finger that wants to be broken.

“Wake up, red.”

Fuck.

“Go away, Brad,” I rasp.

“Shit, I thought you were dead. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, fucking peachy,” I reply, not managing to muster the strength to open my eyes, much less lift my head from where it lolls against my up-stretched arm. “Why are you here?”

“Why did you save me?” he asks.

Is he serious right now?“I don’t know, I just jumped in.”

“I only have a cracked rib, thanks to you. I could have been missing a torso.”

“Well, you’re welcome, I guess.”

An uncomfortable silence hangs between us as a cough works its way up my scratchy throat.