Episode 5

*Kaya Chinaider

I struggle to open my eyes; the sunlight invades the balcony. Sleep eluded me last night, and now my body aches as though I've been run over by a truck.

"Lesly."

I shake her gently, and her eyes meet mine.

"God, it wasn't a nightmare."

She wraps her arms around her knees, shrinking into a corner.

"We have to find a way out of here."

I say it just as the door swings open, the metallic clamor is piercing. A young boy edges closer, toting several bags.

"Here, blondie, compliments of the boss."

He tosses at me two bottles of water and what seems to be sandwiches.

"Don't try any funny business, Venom's the devil, got it? No one makes a fool of him."

He seems to read my thoughts, leaning in close and whispering.

"Me and half the crew can't wait for you girls to join the game; it's gonna be real fun with you and your dark-haired friend there."

He licks his lips.

"Sweet thing, I bet you're nice and tight, aren't you?"

Nausea churns in my stomach; God, this kid's almost a child, can't be more than fifteen.

"Scram, Stilts."

A tall man approaches, signaling for the boy, who winks before leaving.

"Ignore the runt; he's off his rocker."

He smiles, a good-looking man, glancing at Lesly as he speaks, and it frightens me.

"The name's GB."

He crosses his arms.

"Look, I get this warehouse ain't cool, it's hot, no privacy, and I don't want to be a total jerk, but you two need a shower."

He surveys both Lesly and myself, looking disheveled and dirty.

"The boss is a tough one; he won't be happy about moving you two."

Running a hand through his hair.

"If you promise to behave, I'll ask for permission to get you a shack, you'll have a bathroom, a bed, and privacy. It can't be nice being ogled all the time by a bunch of horny assh*les."

He casts a stern glance at one of the men who are watching us.

"Do we have a deal?"

I nod yes, and so does Lesly.

"It's settled, then."

He leaves us alone and I try to eat some of the food they brought; meanwhile, Lesly only drinks water, her selective eating poses a serious problem now.

"You need to eat."

"I'm not hungry."

"Lesly, we don't know how long we'll be stuck here; you can't just live on water."

She curls up even more; I'm worried. I move closer, laying her head in my lap, and stroke her hair until she falls asleep again. When GB returns, his face is etched with frustration.

"Sorry, blondie, he wasn't up for a chat."

He says, hands in his pockets.

"Is she okay?"

"She's weak, hasn't eaten, and it was no different at home."

He looks on with concern.

"Why isn't she eating? The food's good; I had my mom make it."

"Lesly... Well, she's anorexic, under treatment. I need the medications and the food her doctor prescribed."

"Damn."

He gazes at me seriously.

"Okay, can you remember the names? The things she needs?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll sort it out."

He listens carefully to everything I say.

"Alright."

He's about to leave when I call him back.

"Your boss."

He nods.

"Take me to him. We can't stay in this situation."

"It's not a good idea."

"Please, I need a shower, my cousin needs care."

He considers it for a moment.

"You're putting me in a bind."

"Please."

He nods again.

"Okay, but I'll warn you, don't mess with Venom. The guy's crazy, he'll end you without a second thought."

A shiver runs through my entire body; God help me, I'm about to come face-to-face with the devil, and from what everyone says, he's as cruel as he is deranged.

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