Page 39 of Savage Desires

"I know… it's hard to trust that we are safe here," Tabitha says sadly.

"Did he tell you what they're going to do with us?" Reghan whispers.

I shake my head. "No… I was pretty out of it when I regained consciousness. The doctor checked me over, then I took a shower and slept. I don't even know how long I've been here…"

"It's Monday," Lexis says, setting her book aside.

My eyes widen. I must've been unconscious for longer than I thought. No wonder Kisten looks so exhausted. Though I noticed he's wearing different clothes today, he must've showered and changed while I slept.

"Now you know why we worried," Lucy says with a pout.

For some reason, I doubt she was as worried about me as she claims. Unless it's because she didn't have me to hide behind. I don't think she cares what happens to me. We've barely spoken in the months she was at Mecca, and I can't say I particularly liked her. Being her friend was a dangerous thing. Considering her roommate is here as well says as much. Stacia wasn't a troublemaker for Madame until Lucy came. Stacia hadn't been at Mecca long, but she already had the lay of the land and knew how to avoid trouble. Lucy came, and she became difficult.

"How are you guys?" I ask, looking at each woman.

They all look surprisingly good. They are wearing nice clothes and look like they've gotten rest and a few good meals. They don't look like a bunch of slaves anymore. Though I have no doubt some of it is a front so they don't feel vulnerable in front of strangers. Lucy and Stacia are the only two who don't seem to care who sees them cry and break down. In fact, it's like they are begging for sympathy.

"We're good. Everyone here is nice. Dr. Wolfe gave us all exams to make sure we are healthy. Gladys is an angel, and her daughter is great too. A few others have come in to help clean and bring supplies," Tabitha answers for everyone.

"It's boring here," Lucy whines. "They don't have internet or cable TV! Just a bunch of DVDs… who even watches DVDs anymore?"

Her ungratefulness and judgment pisses me off. These people have taken us in and given us everything we could possibly need. And this isn't the first time they've done it. They are well organized and have a freaking doctor that has an exam room here. This isn't a one-time thing. How could anyone scoff in the face of all their kindness?

"Oh, shut up, Lucy. I'm about sick of your whining," Reghan barks.

I raise my brows in surprise. Reghan has always been quiet and kept to herself if we were ever in a group. She likes to melt into the background as much as possible. She must really be annoyed with Lucy to snap like that. Makes me kind of happy to see her show some fire even if it is to tell someone to shut up. Reghan notices my look and shrugs with a smile.

"She's been bitching since we got here. You should see the crap she asked them for when they asked if we wanted anything specific," she says with disgust.

"Do you know how long it's been since I had decent clothes? Not to mention shampoo and conditioner. Makeup! Ugh. It's been forever…"

"You asked for special shampoo and makeup?" I ask, floored by her audacity.

"Of course. They said anything. I'm sure you asked for something, too," she says accusingly.

I frown because she's right. I did ask for something frivolous. A notebook and a pencil aren't expensive, though—not like specialty toiletries and makeup. And I said I would be happy with a partially used notebook and pen they have lying around.

"See, you did ask for something," she says. She obviously feels validated knowing I selfishly asked for something special.

"What did you request?" Tabitha asks curiously.

I look down at my clasped hands. "A notebook and pencil. I told them it could be an extra they had lying around, but I have a feeling Gladys didn't listen."

Lucy's mouth falls open. "Paper and a pencil?" she says incredulously. "That's what you asked for?""

I shrug. "I like to draw. It's been a long time…"

"I asked for a book," Lexis says, holding up the book she's reading.

Tabitha laughs. "I got gummy worms. I asked for cake too. Gladys is baking one. She nearly had a conniption when I said it could be store-bought or a boxed cake."

I smile. I never would've guessed that Tabitha would ask for candy and dessert, though I don't really know her, so maybe that's not unusual for her.

"Reghan and Stacia asked for a bunch of stuff, too!" Lucy says snottily.

Reghan scoffs. "Mine wasn't frivolous crap."

"What did you get?" I ask, curious.