Unmarked

27. Attack

Walking into the corridor, I realise I've only got Grey's oversized t-shirt and shorts on. I don't care anymore. Everyone here has seen me wear a lot less, and tonight I can only guess it will be even worse.

I'm not going to bother getting changed and not because I'm avoiding my room where all my clothes are. I'm not scared of possible flashbacks from last night. No, that's not the reason at all.

The clatter of cutlery against plates and conversation drifts up the stairs. Me and Grey descend the steps and I notice the sound is more subdued than usual, it lacks the usual animated chatter and laughter.

Stepping into view, I stiffen as I'm greeted by a barrier of silence. Grey's hand rests on the small of my back, gently pushing me forward, supporting and grounding me. It's an odd sensation. I'm not used to relying on others.

Darla and Lottie run towards me, fussing and murmuring words of comfort which do nothing, everything feels forced. Looking past their tense faces, I see Lena sitting at the table. She's still here, eating food with everyone as though nothing has happened.

Hot sparks of rage shoot through me and I'm lunging towards her. Darla and Lottie step forward as Grey grabs my waist and pulls me back.

He whispers in my ear, 'Don't give her the satisfaction. She's not worth your energy or time.'

"I see one man wasn't enough for you last night." Lena snarls, the kind and gentle girl I knew has disappeared.

Grey is still holding onto me securely as I struggle to get to her when suddenly Gloria storms over, swings her arm and smacks Lena across the face, fast and hard, the sound echoes across the room.

"You watch your mouth. Lars hasn't decided what to do with you yet and I am quite happy to recommend you get transferred to someone like your previous owner," Gloria growls.

Lena stiffens and her eyes widen with fear. I unwrap Grey's arms from around my waist, walk towards the table and say slowly, "I thought you would have left with him by now. Isn't that what he promised you, a way out of here? Let me guess, he didn't hold up his end of the bargain. You're more gullible and stupid than I thought."

Lena winces at my words.

"Cady, we're starting preparations early today. Rena will be here soon so sit and eat something." Gloria avoids looking at me and instead stares intently at Grey behind me. After everything, you'd think she'd have the decency to look at me.

"Let's sit at the bar," Grey says, guiding me towards the other side of the room. He grabs two stools and I position myself so I'm facing Lena. Not taking my eyes off her as the hatred and rage builds.

Grey loads up two plates of food from the table while Darla and Lottie stand in front of me on the other side of the bar, both of them shuffling uncomfortably.

"How are you feeling, Cady?" Lottie asks.

"Fine," I mumble watching Lena. Lottie and Darla follow my gaze and both sigh.

"Lena's been allowed to stay whilst they decide what to do with her. We want you to sleep with us but until we know what's happening with Lena, you should stay in Grey's room. We'll collect your stuff from the private room so you don't have to go into it." Lottie smiles gently.

I don't remind them I'll be going tonight. I'll be passed onto a stranger who will take me who knows where and do who knows what.

I imagine the man in that room touching the few clothes I have. My skin ripples with unease. I don't want anything from that room. "Thank you for the offer but I don't have any stuff to collect."