“He’s going to numb you up first, so it’s just one quick shot. You can handle that, can’t you? You can be a good girl for us?” From his spot by the door, Rath shakes his head, muttering, “Give me a break.” Sniffling, I stare up at the ceiling, feeling brittle and stiff. “I’ll…be good.” He looks relieved, bending to pluck a slow, chaste kiss from my lips. “That’s our Lady. I’ll get you something nice, okay?” I don’t answer, taking the time to gather myself up, just like Ms. Crane had said. All the parts of me I want to keep—I lock them away, tight and safe. I’m not this girl who’s about to be
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