“I did ask for it,” Jean said. Rhemann needed to know that about him before he wasted his time getting offended on Jean’s behalf. “They—” hated me they all hated me “—asked me if I liked it, and I—” was so afraid “—said yes. I wasn’t allowed to say no.” That last part wasn’t meant to be said aloud, but it was out before he could catch it. Jean pressed unsteady fingers to his lips and shoved until he tasted blood. “I didn’t—” want it I hated it I hated them “—know what else to do.”

