Unmarked

47. Guilt Ridden

The distraction worked. It was also fun. My afterglow, however, is overridden by a lump of guilt growing and burrowing into the pit of my stomach which is ridiculous. I'm partly doing this to keep Grey safe.

Tugging at the hem of my clothes, I ignore Jas's look of contempt as I pass him in the hotel corridor and head towards the stairs.

"You smell like sex." Jas wrinkles his nose in disgust, stepping in-line with me.

"And you smell like cheap cologne. Is your business struggling?"

Jas laughs. "You've changed considerably in the last six months. You were more friendly back then."

'A lot has happened." I shrug, descending the stairs.

"You really shouldn't feel guilty. The Official got what he deserved," Jas's voice is low, soothing and gentle. He's trying to comfort me, reassure me but I don't want it. Not from him. "Anyone in your position would have done the same."

Would they? Because after the first stab, after he dropped to the floor, I kept going. Over and over uncontrollably, only stopping my stabbing frenzy once it was too late. I shake my head trying to disperse the images. "What do you want? I'm meeting someone and I'm already running late."

"I'll give you a lift.' Jas grabs my elbow, guiding me through the hotel foyer we exit through the double doors onto the street and into a waiting car. "Same boy and location as yesterday?"

"Yes," I say slowly, looking out the window to hide my surprise.

Jaz did warn me I was being watched. Does he also have someone watching me in my room? I shudder at the thought. He wouldn't, would he? "Jas, you haven't set up cameras in my room have you?"

"Don't flatter yourself." Jas smirks, adjusting his suit jacket. "So why are you meeting the boy again?"

"He's promised to get me into State Headquarters."

"Why would he promise such a thing?"

"We're friends and he can get me access to the building." I try to sound casual.

Jas laughs. "Oh, Cady you do like to pick them. An Official and a labour camp escapee. Don't look so shocked, the only reason someone would have access is if they were an Official. As for lover boy, I noticed the labour camp markings on his wrists this morning."

I inhale sharply. "Don't tell anyone, please."

"Of course I won't. I am rather intrigued as to how he got out. Successful labour camp escapees are very rare indeed. He will be more of an asset than I anticipated," Jas says. "But right this moment, I need to know exactly what you've told the Official, every detail. What reason did you give for needing to access State Headquarters?"

"I said I wanted to access private files on Talbot's computer about other Unmarkeds and my mother."

Jas presses his lips together before speaking. "And he agreed? He is willing to risk everything for you?"

"He promised to help me get in."

"Is he also going to help get you out?" Jas arches an eyebrow.

I don't respond because I honestly don't know.

He clears his throat. "Have you mentioned anything about us, about our organisation?"

"No. I didn't mention or refer to any of you. He won't help me if he knows the real reason I need to go in."

"Good. Although I'm sure your intentions having nothing to do with my protection and everything to do with saving lover boy back there."

"His name is Grey and he's just a friend."