Page 108 of Depraved

“What-fucking-ever, man. I’m not your girl.”

“Neon, we spoke about this.”

“Bullshit. You spoke about it. I’m not your girl.”

Ink cut his gaze from Granite down to her. “Stop fighting it, Neon. Just admit you’ve wanted me ever since you first laid eyes on me.”

“Fuck you. I wouldn’t want your dick even if it was the last one on Earth.”

“You’re not fooling anyone, Neon.” Ink turned to face her. “I’ve featured in every wet dream you’ve ever had.”

Neon attempted to laugh and closed her eye. “Sorry, dude. I’ve never had a wet dream about a walking STD.”

Onyx was first to laugh before everyone else erupted in laughter. Even me. It was truly her. Not even pain and torture could stop her sense of humor. But as I laughed, tears joined, and my laughter slowly turned into soft cries.

“Ink, move your ass back so Swan Lake can move up.”

Ink glanced from her, to me, to Granite—then back to her as he slowly stepped back. “There you go.” Neon smiled. “Now, sit in the corner like the good little watchdog you are.”

Ink shot her a cocky grin. “The only dog you’ll get from me is with you bent forward, sweet cheeks.”

“Gross.”

I let out another chuckle and moved closer. “Neon⁠—”

“It’s okay, Swan Lake. I’m fine. You, on the other hand,” she took a breath and closed her eye briefly, “you look like shit.” Her words came out with shallow breaths. She was exhausted. “Let me guess, you’re on another hunger strike?”

I didn’t say anything. I simply stood there, still trying to accept the fact that she was alive and breathing. It was really her.

“Do me a favor, would ya? Don’t hate the boss man.”

“What do you mean?”

She closed her eye and took a breath. “I made Granite promise me he wouldn’t tell you.”

“What? Why?” I leaned with my elbow on the bed, lightly touching her arm with my fingers.

She smiled half-heartedly. “You’re too fragile for this world, Swan Lake. You were already tearing at the seams. I didn’t want you to see me like this.”

“Neon—”

“I’m serious, Alyx. Believe me, if I had my way, you wouldn’t be here right now. But these assholes overruled me.” She rolled her eyes. “Plus, Onyx told me you weren’t eating, so I figured I’d let Granite off the hook and tell you.”

I reached out to gently touch the side of her face, but thought better of it, afraid I might hurt her. “He promised you, huh?”

“Yup.” She let out a breath, and I could hear she was tired.

I glanced up at Granite. “So, he was just doing what needed to be done.”

“Exactly. He might be a pain in the ass, Swan Lake, but his word is solid.”

“Yeah,” I breathed while keeping my gaze on him for a second longer, starting to see the bigger picture of what was going on.

“Listen,” Neon started, “I’m about to crash. Just,” she opened her eye, staring at me for a moment, “eat something, would you? No one likes a bony ass.”

I chuckled. “Only if you promise to get better soon.”

“Deal. Now, leave. You assholes are giving me a headache. That includes you, Ink.”