Chapter 148
I pass by him without a word.
健第18%售
There’s no room for games. The fury of the storm, concerns about supplies and anticipation of chaos have drained what little patience remains. Fragility and frightened looks don’t interest me right now,
I rip off my bloodstained uniform; the thick fabric sticks to my skin with dried sweat. Each piece falls to the floor with the weight of the day. I stand naked without ceremony, indifferent to the rookie leaning against the wall, I turn the hard tap; the cold water falls on my shoulders.
The shock sends a shiver down my spine. I close my eyes and let the water wash away the memories of stained hands. I open them and, reflexively, look over my shoulder.
Adrian doesn’t look back. He keeps his gaze fixed on another point on the wall, holding his breath, afraid of being caught looking. Still, I feel his presence glued to my skin, as if his attention weighed more than his refusal. The feeling is uncomfortable, black eyes following me even
when they look away.
I shake my head and return to the water. Bigger problems await; the boy’s silence is not a priority. I rub my tense muscles, trying to dissolve some of the day’s burden. The constant noise of the shower fills my ears and drowns out even my thoughts.
When I’m done, I turn off the tap. I quickly wrap the towel around myself and rub my body, my skin still burning from the cold. I put on my
clean uniform.
I look back at Adrian. He’s still standing there, eyes fixed on the floor, trying to disappear. He doesn’t speak, doesn’t move, and just waits.
This silence doesn’t bother me; I prefer it this way.
“Let’s go.” My voice comes out dry.
He raises his head just enough to follow. We leave the bathroom; our footsteps echo in the empty hallway. The sharp mountain air enters through the cracks, reminding us that nothing is easy here, nothing is lukewarm.
Adrian walks behind, always two steps behind, struggling to keep up with me. No need to ask where we’re going: there’s only one possible
place, my cell.
We climb creaky stairs; the old bars protest in the wind. Trapped in the corners, they look away when they see us; they don’t dare to face us.
I reach the cell.
The thick iron bars enclose a space larger than the others, a hard–won gain, achieved with blood and threats.
I turn the key. The bars open slowly, revealing the interior.
I enter first; I don’t look back. Adrian follows with his head down, each step seeming like punishment.
The cell is cold but clean in comparison: a reinforced bed, a makeshift she with a few items, and sheets folded in the corner. Nothing luxurious, but enough to mark my territory.
I stop in the center and take a deep breath. The smell of metal, soap, and old mixes with the silence.
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Chapter 148
I lock the bars; the latch clicks.
K18%4
My cell is larger than the others, not out of benevolence, but out of power. Here there are no cramped bunk beds or shared mattresses; the bed is reinforced and larger than the miserable standard of the rest.
It’s not luxury; it’s a demonstration.
I turn to Adrian, still standing motionless by the bars.
“You’re going to sleep with me,” I say, my voice low, unhurried. “You’re lucky. I’m tired, and I don’t want to fuck you; just sleep. So be quiet…
and sleep.”
I walk over to the thick cloth curtain I hung up; I pull it, blocking the view of the hallway.
I climb into bed, my muscular weight sinking into the mattress. I rest my elbows on the bed, turn my body to the side, and look at him.
“Come here,” I say.
He opens his mouth, perhaps to protest, but swallows the sound. He hesitates, takes a slow step, then another, until he approaches the ced. He lies down on his side, stiff, keeping as much distance as possible.
His posture irritates me.
Impatient, I stretch out my arm, grab him by the waist, and pull him close firmly. The sudden movement elicits a stifled gasp. I turn him on his side and hold him close to my body, applying just enough pressure to prevent him from escaping, not as a gesture of affection.
“Stay still,” I order, my voice low in his ear.
The phrase freezes him. Gradually, his body relaxes, against his will. His heart is still racing, but the struggle ceases.
I close my eyes for a moment. I feel the warmth of the restrained body next to me, the smell of soap still present. His breathing stabilizes. The weight of the day pulls me down like a chain.
Tomorrow there will be much to resolve: the storm, shipments, inventory, and discipline. I will have to crush more men to keep this place standing. Now, this silence is enough.
I hold her waist firmly, not out of affection, but to make sure she doesn’t run away, and rest my face on the back of her neck. This is the last gesture before sleep takes me.
For the first time since morning, my body relaxes.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
