Guts & Glass by Madi Skyla

Author:Madi, Skyla [Madi, Skyla]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC
Published: 2018-01-22T16:00:00+00:00

SEVEN

Emily

Function

I’m hyperaware of his palm pressed against the curve of my backside. It exudes ownership and control, sending pulses of irritation through me. I can feel Jai’s stare on my back, burning holes into my skin through this God-awful dress. The stiff bodice is tight, causing a dull ache in my ribs, and I can’t breathe. I think Laura chose this size as punishment for what happened earlier today and, annoyingly enough, it didn’t end there. Whatever Monique and I requested for our hair, makeup and jewelry, she gave us the opposite. I can’t hate her for it though. Monique did hit her over the head with a blow dryer and stash her in the bathroom. Then I stole her revenge out from underneath her by bribing her “lover” with promises I don’t intend to keep, so she’s allowed to be a little passive aggressive.

A petite woman dressed in a crisp white shirt and a long, black skirt approaches us, holding a large tray of champagne flutes on the palm of her hand. Skull plucks a glass off the tray and hands it to Monique, then he grabs another for me, forgoing one for himself. I walk beside him, trying my damn hardest to keep a neutral expression on my face as people approach him and shake his hand. They ask about Monique and Joel, strangely pleased they’re both back in Skull’s possession, but their real interest is in Jai and me. I sip at my champagne, seemingly disinterested while Skull talks about me like I’m not standing right next to him. As he tells them about our adventures so far, I realize the people listening don’t bat a single eyelid in surprise—or fake a smile out of fear. Instead, they grin and nod, excited as if he were retelling an old camp story.

Swallowing the last mouthful of my champagne, I glance over my shoulder and peer around the room. Flamboyant gowns swish, like colorful fish, in the turbulent sea of crisp, black suits. Though they all smile and laugh at each other, flashing their white teeth as they gossip over glasses of expensive champagne and smooth whiskey, I know they’re far from friendly. In fact, I’ve deduced that everyone in this room is a criminal, and not the shady kind you’d find prowling the alleys of New York City or dwelling in seedy biker bars. These criminals walk in plain sight, their expensive Armani suits and Givenchy dresses hugging their selfish bodies. They’re the kind you see smiling on TV and waving in newspapers, the kind that sit in expensive offices, drive expensive vehicles, and sleep in penthouses that could house several needy families.

I’m certain I saw Senator David Ferraro, New York City’s lovable senator, dancing with a young woman not long ago, and Janice Frederick, a Justice for the State of New York Court of Appeals, was pestering a waitress for red wine instead of champagne.

Being trapped in this house for so long, I’ve forgotten how dangerous Skull is.

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