The Unfortunates(49)

∞ Nine ∞



The woman I walk with, Kathryn, she’s yet to talk, but every now and then, she’ll stare at the side of my face, smiling. I’ve never been creeped out before—not in this way—and the feeling is unsettling. Every tenth step I take, I inch away from her.

“How are you liking Freeport so far, Nine?” she asks, finally breaking the silence.

“I like it very much,” I reply. It isn’t a total lie. I prefer being out here than behind the walls of the camp. It’s just a shame such earthly beauty is ruined by overcompensating manors and the tall skyscrapers in the distance.

“And your Fortunate, Master Kade, is he good to you?”

I eye her sideways. Her invasive question doesn’t sit well with me. Why would she care if he treats me well or not?

“I’d rather not say,” I tell her. “If that’s okay with you?”

I don’t think Master Kade will appreciate me telling people he treats me very well for a Fortunate. I don’t think he’d appreciate me sharing unwarranted horror stories, either.

“Fair enough. I shouldn’t pry into another Fortunate’s life.”

With a polite smile, she drops the conversation. In a few long strides, we reach her table and, as luck would have it, Elizabeth is sitting pretty at the head of it. Where I stand, I’m three tables away from the side door that leads into the kitchen and I don’t hesitate in my steps towards it.

“You’re going to walk away without being dismissed?” Elizabeth snarls, stopping me in my tracks.

I turn around and open my mouth to explain that I already have orders from my Fortunate to go to my room, but Kathryn cuts me off.

“She’s under current order by Kade Sario to go straight to the house.”

Elizabeth, wearing a pretty violet gown with glistening silver straps, narrows her irritatingly perfect eyebrows.

“He’s not coming to dinner?” She taps her red fingernails on the table in the vacant space next to her. I assume it’s for Kade.

“He’s a little caught up,” I tell her. “I’ll let him know you’re upset when he comes inside.” I can’t help it. I say it with a curve in my lips. My gaze flicks to Kathryn, who lowers herself into her chair and quickly brings her wine glass to her mouth to hide a rapidly growing smile. I feel a nervous giggle bubbling in my chest. I purse my lips together to stop it. When I look back to Elizabeth, the urge to laugh fades along with the curve on my lips. She has her own smile, one that sends regret hurtling through my chest.

“I’m not allowed to toy with you, but Kade never said anything about making someone else toy with you.” She leans forward, resting her elbows on the table. “River!” she calls and I frown. Oookay…

An arm brushes against mine and I startle, moving to the side.

“Yes, Miss Elizabeth.”

I peer sideways at the boy.

“This is my Unfortunate. River.”

I take in his golden skin, bright green eyes and unkempt, jet black hair. I guess all Fortunates make sure their personal slave is well taken care of. Not one bruise, scratch, or scar paints his flawless skin. I survey more of him, taking note of his fingers that twitch nervously around a small tray of drinks. He’s tall, much taller than me, and lean, too. Decent ropes of muscle can be seen as they make up his thick arms. He’s very masculine, but what kind of name is River? Why would she choose that for someone like him? He’d suit something a little more… tough. Like Blake or Tony. Then, her words float back to me; ‘this is my Unfortunate’ This is her Unfortunate? Doesn’t he make Kade jealous, like I make her jealous?

“Now that she’s met your Unfortunate, let the girl go to bed,” Kathryn interrupts. “Master Kade will be furious if she’s not where he told her to be.”

“All in due time, Kathryn. First, we’re going to have a little fun.”

Fun? Fear awakens in painful spikes all through my body.

“You know what River likes to do? He likes to kiss.”

I clench my jaw imperceptibly and beside me, I hear River swallow.

“Why don’t you show her?”

“This is ridiculous,” Kathryn protests and I’m right on her heels.

“You can’t make me kiss him.” I peer over Elizabeth’s shoulder and see Kade talking to a larger man at a single table. They’re engaged in a serious conversation—too serious to notice the events that are unfolding not far from them. I desperately will for his eyes to find me, to see me. Only he can stop this from happening. If I act out right now, these Fortunates can create any story to get me killed and it won’t take long for a moderator to be convinced. I wouldn’t put it past Elizabeth. She’s probably looking for a reason to end me. She’s consumed with jealousy and as far as she’s concerned, Kade is hers and I’m threatening that—not that she makes much sense. If Kade and Elizabeth decide to get married, personal slaves are the first to go. Only uncommitted Fortunates are allowed a personal Unfortunate, and besides, Kade doesn’t want to get married. He wouldn’t have offered me freedom inside his home otherwise. I’d tell her that if I wasn’t petrified of the repercussion from Kade.