Detain the Beast

Chapter Seven

The single knock on the cell door, exactly at 3:00pm every Wednesday, was my weekly visit from Winston. In Augustus' eyes, he's a therapist that helps me get over the jail sentence and accusation of murder. Augustus never asks questions; except today.

"I don't like him." He mumbles, eyes locked on the door.

"Who?" I frown and pretend I don't know exactly who he's talking about.

"The therapist."

"You've never even met him."

"I don't need to."

"Augustus..."

"I like it when you say my name."

I freeze, unsure of a response. His stare is impenetrable and I can feel the heat of my blush seep down my neck.

"Belle. I'm waiting." Winston is outside, annoyed by my unexpected hesitance.

I slip out of the door, letting my gaze linger on Augustus' frown. Surely he didn't suspect...

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"So? Any advances since our last meet?" Winston asks with his legs crossed comfortably and arms folded at his chest.

Do I tell him?

"We have conversation without thought or restraint. I think he likes me."

No. I can't.

"He's talked about his murder? His power?"

Would he hurt anyone else if he escaped?

"Well... no. I- I haven't asked. I feel it's not my place."

"Of course it's your place, Belle. He hasn't spat a word to anyone but you and you're telling me you've never even talked about why he's here?"

"I'm telling the truth, Winston. We haven't talked about it. We only breached the subject of my 'imprisonment' terms. You have to understand that, even though we talk openly, he's still reserved in a lot of aspects. I won't force him to tell me anything until he's ready."

"And you will tell me when he does?"

I hesitate. He notices and raises an eyebrow.

"Of course. It's my job."

"Good. I don't want to be placing microphones in your cell. Dismissed. I will see you next week, Belle."

He figuratively shoves me out of the 'therapy' office and Davidson guides me back to my cell. My stomach sinks at my betrayal to Augustus. And it sinks further when I think about what he'd do if he found out.

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Augustus gets up from his bed to meet me at the cell door. He frowns but keeps a few metres away.

"You're upset."

"I'm fine."

"Don't be ridiculous. What did he say to you?" His hand is wrapped around my upper arm and I resist the urge to rest against him.

"I said I'm fine. Drop it." I didn't mean to be so harsh but what else was I to tell him? Oh, nothing much, bud, just that I don't really want to betray you but, hey, what can you do...

He let go of me, frowning slightly.

"I'm sorry, that was rude. I just miss my Dad and my friends and I shouldn't even be here and I'm just so useless here and-" My lip trembled and suddenly I'm wrapped in his embrace, his thumb running circles along my neck.