Page 65 of Wallflower

She’s mine to hurt.

From below, he wraps his legs around Rose’s middle, squeezing tight. I see the agony scrawl across her face as his grip turns punishing. Straightening his legs, locked at the ankles, he forces her down his body, away from his face.

Quickly, he gets a hold of her wrists, crossing her arms over her chest. He maneuvers them until he’s straddled atop her and she’s scowling something fierce. It reminds me of the photo her father presented to me, Rose glaring at someone off camera. She’s stunning with this dark hair, but the bright red is fucking ravishing. Which does she prefer?

Karson leans down close, obstructing Rose from the camera feed. The room is silent, and I half wonder if the feed is compromised.

All the fight leaks out of Rose’s body as Karson rights himself on his feet.

Rose lets loose another scream. This one pained and frustrated.

Her handler extends his hand, and she slips hers into it without an ounce of hesitation. Karson scoops her up, cradling her to his chest, as he moves to the bed, sitting with her in his lap.

He pulls his phone from his pocket, and the one in Maximus’s palm lights up with “K”.

Answering the call, he leaves it on speaker. “Karson?”

“Clean up and first aid are required.”

“Riot gear?” Maximus jokes.

On the phone screen, Karson looks to Rose, who in turn shakes her head. It bothers me like a splinter beneath my skin that I can’t hear what he whispers to her.

“Protective gear isn’t needed at this time.”

“Thank you, Karson.”

“Yes, sir.”

Maximus looks to me, pocketing his phone. “Satisfied?”

“Far from, but okay for now.” Something disgusting twists in my gut. “Thank you for allowing me that peace of mind.”

“As I said previously, I aim to please. Are you opposed to sedation?”

“To tend to her injuries?”

Mr. Smythe nods.

“It’s fine, please inform her I’ll be swinging by again soon.”

“Of course. Have a good night, Mr. Morgan.”

“You as well.”

Reid swings the door open, and I cross the threshold into the chilled tropical air. Dark clouds are rolling in, blocking out the twinkling stars. There wasn’t supposed to be a storm, but the weather here changes quick as a whip.

Reid follows me like a chauffeur to my rental, unnerving me. The headlights blink when I hit the unlock button on the key. “If I may, Mr. Morgan.” Reid leans in, pulling on the door handle.

“Much obliged, Reid, but I can open my own doors from now on.”

“Of course, sir.” He nods, stepping back. “If I may speak out of turn…”

Shocked and questioning whether this is a set-up or not, I reply, “Sure, Reid. What is it?” I feign annoyance, but my heart thunders in my chest. Does he carry a gun? Is he wearing a wire? Does he know who I am? What my plan is?

“I’ve known Mr. Smythe a long time, and while I do not at all agree with his choice of profession, he does run a tight ship. Loyalty is important to him.”

Okay… Is he trying to assuage my trepidation where Rose’s wellbeing is concerned? Or is he trying to get a read on my loyalty to Maximus and our deal?