Unmarked

18. Deciding My Fate

Lars and Gloria stand in front of us. I've been watching them through the window of Gloria's office for the last hour. Their words were inaudible but based on body language and facial expressions they were having an argument. A long and very heated argument.

Now, everyone is gathered to hear the outcome of their argument which based on Lars stance, standing tall and mouth grinning, he won.

Gloria looks uneasy, stealing furtive glances in my direction. I'm still in my underwear, Bo and Taylor towering over me. I'd be embarrassed if I wasn't so petrified.

"We've had an unexpected turn of events. An Unmarked living amongst us without our knowledge. I can only imagine how worried you all are about what this means, but I'm here to assure you this is a fantastic opportunity for us." Lars opens his hands out wide. "We will be closed to our usual customers for the next few days and instead, we will have a different type of clientele attending. A little more upmarket than this place is used to, but I'm certain you will all be marvellous."

A murmur of voices and discontent hums across the room. I stare at Lars. I hadn't expected this outcome. I'm not being turned over to The State instead Lars seems to have alternative plans for me which means for the moment, I will not be hanging from a platform.

"I really think we should consider hosting this at one of your other venues," Gloria says softly.

"No. Too many Officials frequent my other establishments. You very rarely get Officials here so this venue will have to do. We cannot have The State finding out about her," Lars mutters to Gloria before returning his attention to the rest of us. "There will be no more fighting over the next few days. You'll be getting new outfits and your roles will be to simply serve drinks and make the customers feel welcome. I promise, in four days everything will return back to normal and of course, you will all receive a generous bonus in return for your cooperation."

"Go to your rooms. The outfits will be brought up as soon as they arrive," Gloria waves at the others.

I haven't looked at them once. I'm not ready for their judgemental stares. A jumper is thrown into my lap but my saviour is out of sight before I have a chance to thank them.

Pulling the jumper over my head, the usual relief of being covered doesn't come. However, I feel a strange sense of comfort at the familiar smell, the same scent I wore earlier. This is Grey's jumper. I guess he hasn't completely rejected me.

Lars approaches me. "You're more clever than I gave your credit for. I knew you had a secret but you fooled me with your fake love story and dreams of independence."

"You were pretty gullible. It's a common fault." I shrug.

"Yes, unlike your fault which is going to make us a lot of money, my dear." Lars beams.

I don't correct him in his use of the term 'us' which would imply I'm included in this money-making scheme. I will not be benefitting from his plans. I'm certain of that.

"A woman called Rena will be here soon to prepare you for tonight. The clients visiting us over the next few nights will offer money and a range of other attractive incentives but I warn you now, do not agree to any of their offers. We will handle everything, do you understand?" Lars urges.

"No touching, no private deals," Gloria adds, wringing her hands nervously which I'm guessing is to do with the possibility of being caught by Officials. If The State finds out she's hiding an Unmarked, it's the death penalty for both us.

"Don't worry, I will not encourage anything of the sort. In fact, I will be incredibly discouraging," I say flatly.

"My dear little girl you can act any way you like, it will have no impact. They will be coming to see an Unmarked, not to have an in-depth intelligent conversation with you. Willing or unwilling, they are only interested in one thing- you're bare unmarked skin." Lars pats me on the head gently, a wide grin plastered across his face. "I'll see you later tonight."

I watch him leaving the room. Liver failure could still be an option, I'm hopeful, even if it simply means I can watch him suffer.