my waistband down with one hand so I could stroke myself with the other.
Too busy fantasizing she was thinking of me the same way I thought of her.
Too busy giving in to the sick need that seemed to grow with each passing day.
Too busy coming harder than I ever had.
Grabbing a handful of tissues, I wiped the come from my stomach and chest and tossed them out. Then I grabbed my whiskey and drained the glass before pouring another.
I might not have felt guilt during, but I sure as hell felt it after.
I kept the camera going when she went to the bathroom. Once she was back in bed, I turned it off and picked up my cell, bringing up my texts with Ash.
Me: Disconnect the bedroom camera tomorrow.
I switched to my ones with Freddy.
Me: Regular menu for J tomorrow.
I thought for a moment before adding one more order.
Me: And a large mug of your good coffee.
I’ll talk to Vera in the morning since she doesn’t check her phone.
Putting my cell down, I knocked back whiskey until I was too drunk to do something stupid.
Or stupider.
Juliet
I woke slowly, feeling rested and not nearly as sore as I’d been.
What time is it?
The men had been getting me up early every day, but I had the distinct feeling it was late.
After taking off my ankle brace, I stretched my foot. A jolt of pain still shot up my calf, so I played it safe and used the scooter to get to the bathroom. By the time I showered and got back to the room, there was a new outfit waiting on my bed.
Black leggings, a gray, slouchy tee, and undies with a matching bralette that were different than the basic cotton ones I’d been given.
Is this just another layer of cruelty meant to build my hopes before shattering them?
I hurried and dressed—though my cheeks heated as I realized how much I missed his joggers. When I scootered into the sitting room, breakfast was already sitting on the table with two domes on the tray. But that wasn’t the most exciting part.
Ms. Vera was.
“You’re back.” I grinned, happiness flowing through me.
“Hi, pretty girl,” she greeted. “Sit.”
I did it immediately, not wanting to give her any reason to leave. She handed me water and my antibiotics before inspecting my scrapes. They were all healed or scabbed over, so there was no need for ointment.
Once she was done looking me over, she moved toward the door. I opened my mouth, ready to beg her to stay, but she just grabbed her cleaning supplies from a carrier.
“Eat,” she ordered as she started dusting. Usually it was a pointless chore, but since she hadn’t been coming, there was actually a little buildup. Not much, but something.
Doing as she said, I checked out the two domed tray. Lifting one revealed eggs Benedict on an English muffin with a side of delicious looking home fries.
No sage.
No rosemary.
No oregano.
I was almost nervous to life the other dome, like there’d be a note announcing the food was fake or poisoned. But when I tentatively peaked under, I saw a large bowl of fresh fruit salad and coffee.
A big coffee.
The delicious aroma flowed free with the heavy barrier out of the way.
I looked up and grinned at Ms. Vera. “This looks amazing.”
“Don’t just drink that coffee, you need to eat. You’re far too skinny.” Returning to get something out of her carrier, she gave me a small smile as she tossed my iPad onto the couch. “Why don’t you read?”
My heart surged at seeing my shiny precious again. As excited as I was to have it back, being able to have a conversation was even better.
“How are you?” I asked.
While she cleaned, Ms. Vera talked about errands and a good book she was reading. I happily listened and dug into the food, eating almost the entire plate. Not even a single drop of coffee went to waste. I savored it as I ate and then sat back, holding the mug under my nose.
Ms. Vera came from the bedroom and picked up my mostly empty tray. When she was almost to the door, she tossed over her shoulder, “Relax. Read. Maybe even watch some TV.”
TV?
Before I could speak, she was gone.
I already got Ms. Vera, my iPad, delicious food, and even better coffee. Could I possibly be lucky enough to have TV back, too?
Holding my breath, I hit the power button on the remote. When the TV turned on, it whooshed out in