Page 22 of Caged

I sigh and pull a fresh cami over my head. The pants fit well enough that I should be able to sleep in them.

They feel warm, too. Which is good, since it’s likely I’ll be in bed alone.

Shit.

One more day passing could mean one more body part removed from my brother.

Maybe I need to try the sympathy route again.

I nearly run into the brick wall of Nikolai’s chest when I step out into the hall.

“You can have this room.” He flips on the light, showcasing a plain queen sized bed with a white comforter.

The walls are more barer than a hotel.

He drops the bags onto the floor next to the only other piece of furniture, a simple dresser with four drawers.

“Okay.” I’ve barely stepped in when he disappears and closes the door behind him.

What is with this guy?

I guess it’s bedtime.

He didn’t even offer to tuck me in.

Do I smell coffee?

With a groan, I roll out from between the stiff, bleached sheets. The fight last night has caught up with me.

My joints rebel as I make my way to the ensuite bathroom.

At least there’s some nice hair products in the bag Lara brought. They make me feel almost human.

Shit. Another day.

It makes me sick thinking about Daniil. I really need to figure out a way to get Nikolai to tell me where the diamonds are.

But, he’s made of stone. How do I coerce that?

The man of marble himself is sitting on the couch in the living room when I make my way out.

“Good morning,” I mumble.

I’m not sure how to get this moving. Coffee first.

“I need to know where the Reapers were keeping you.” He pushes a button on his phone and a map of Las Vegas appears on the large television opposite him.

Well, I guess he’s ready to get it moving.

Tyler and I went over all of the details days ago. All I have to do is act the part.

Blowing on the steaming cup, I curl up on the far end, making a show of limping and wincing when I do.

“I don’t know, it was all kind of a blur. I remember a dark room without windows. They held me there for a few days.” Digging my nails into my palm brings the tears I need.

“That man—” My voice gets shaky as the first sob shudders through me. “—Knox. He’s awful.”

His name was in the dossier. I know Kirill mentioned him too in our most recent meeting.