Page 13 of Morgue

“What? No! Heavens no. I was referring to Morgue. The man hasn’t left your side since they got you all here. Morgue isn’t one to make attachments easily. In fact, he only interacts with the men of Iron Tzars when he has to. He’s decided it’s his job to protect you or something. I’m glad, because it’s not good for him to be by himself so much.”

“Why would he do that?”

She shrugged. “Don’t know, honey. But it’s obvious to all of us he has. He’ll be the best protector you could have.”

“He saved me.” I have no idea why I said that, but I meant it. I’d felt safe with him from the first time I saw him. I’d pegged him as the most dangerous man in a roomful of dangerous men and put my life in his hands willingly.

“The men here tend to do that. They’ve saved all of us in one way or another. But we all saved them right back.”

I hoped she was right. I felt like I needed saving from my life. Lord knew I could use a fresh start. But was that life here? Or was this just as bad as the other place? I had to admit, though, if the people here were trying to draw me into some kind of sex ring -- like they’d pulled me out of -- they were doing an elaborate set-up. I was scared, but everyone here had been nothing but nice.

Also, Iris was right. Morgue had been with me every time I’d woken up. I’d had vague flashes of waking up frightened or hurting, and Morgue’s face was the thing I was able to focus on most. I’d remembered Stitches telling me why Morgue had his name and instead of being horrified or scared, I’d been relieved. Because he was protecting me -- for whatever reason. As far as I was concerned, the more deadly he was the better. It meant no one was getting to me. No one would take me from him. “I believe you. At least, about the first part. I’m not sure I have it in me to save anyone. Not even myself.”

“You do.” She squeezed my shoulder encouragingly. “I bet you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. You wouldn’t have caught Morgue’s attention otherwise.”

With another sweet smile, Iris left me alone. I thought about what she said while I showered and gave myself a thorough going over. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been in that hellhole, but I hadn’t bathed the entire time I was there. I knew I looked a fright and was surprised I hadn’t fretted about it until now. But my hair was so tangled and matted, I doubted there was any way I’d ever get it brushed out.

I was in the shower for a good thirty minutes. Probably longer. I still didn’t feel clean. I doubted all the hot water in the world was going to help, either. My head still wasn’t clear. Occasionally, I’d get dizzy, especially with the hot water. But there was no way I was cooling it down. I’d never get clean otherwise.

So, I’d sat on the small bench in the corner of the shower and continued to scrub with more and more soap. Every part of my body. I shaved everything but the hair on my head, which would likely follow later.

By the time I was finished, I’d used half the bottle of shower gel and nearly that much shampoo and conditioner. My skin was red where the water had scalded me. Other than the hopeless mess of my hair, I felt a little better.

The clothes Iris had left for me were wonderful. She’d brought me some sweats, shorts, and three T-shirts, as well as a pair of jeans, socks, and a couple pairs of shoes. One was a pair of motorcycle boots that looked brand-new, the other a pair of canvas shoes with no laces. Looked like they were planning on me staying for the long haul.

I dressed quickly in the sweats and a shirt. I kept the canvas shoes close, but I didn’t really plan on going anywhere unless I had to. I was still battered both mentally and physically. And I still had no idea how long I’d been a captive. Besides all that, my belly was really cramping, and I was sweating and shaking and felt like complete shit.

No sooner had I sat down, completely spent after my long shower, then there was a knock at the door.

“It’s Iris. Me and Blossom brought food.”

I took a breath. Letting strangers in was hard, but these were women, and they were only trying to help. Standing, I crossed to the door and opened it to find the two women with trays laden with more food than I could imagine eating in a week.

“We brought several things so you could choose.” The woman I didn’t know set her tray down on the coffee table before sticking out her hand to me. “I’m Blossom. Walker is my man. Well” -- she waved her hand in the air dismissively -- “when I claim him. He’s a tad ornery. Sometimes I have to kick him in the balls.”

I’d shut the door when they entered, but now there was a high-pitched whine and something scratching at the door. I frowned but opened the door again and a dog slunk in, tail between her legs as she looked at me, then hurried to Blossom and lay at the woman’s feet.

“Oh, sorry.” Blossom gave me an apologetic smile. “Sparkle doesn’t like to be away from me. I should have said something, but I honestly don’t even think about it anymore. She’s always there. I can put her outside if you don’t want her in your space.”

“No. It’s fine. Really.” I smiled and squatted down, holding out my hand to the dog. Sparkle crawled over to me, still whining, and tentatively sniffed, then licked my fingers. Then her tail wagged and she moved closer. I rubbed her head and silky ears and the dog looked like she was in heaven.

“Awww, she likes you.” Blossom was so genuinely pleased, I couldn’t help but smile back at her.

“She’s very friendly.”

“Sometimes she is. Walker tried to sell her when she was a puppy and she’s never forgiven him for it.”

“What?” I looked up at her with wide eyes. “Your husband tried to sell your dog?”

“Well, to be fair, he’d already sold the dog before I came along. But Sparkle and me went through shit together and bonded.”

“Right,” Iris said with a roll of her eyes. “Not Walker’s finest moment as I recall.”

“He still pays for it when I get miffed at him.” Blossom gave Iris a smug smile. “But I love it when he makes it up to me all over again.”

Iris snorted. “Yeah. I bet you do.” The women giggled. I loved the banter between the two. It was like my roommates at college. That thought made me stiffen. They were like my roommates in college. Which hurt me more than I was willing to admit. Even to myself.

Immediately, Blossom’s features grew alarmed. “Dorothy? I’m sorry if we said something to make you uncomfortable. The men here aren’t bad. Not by a long shot.”