Page 53 of Mercy & Malice

“There’s nothing we can do right now and there’s no point in wasting energy on worrying.”

“Great.” Why can’t I be more like that? Just don’t worry. Conserve brainpower. No, I have to play out every bad scenario in existence and even a few more extra that are impossible but far worse. None might happen. Hopefully. Why can’t my brain play out good possibilities, like escaping and getting the hell out of here?

It’s not long before the door opens, the light shining through as Warden walks in with a sleeve of crackers. He crumbles the package before opening it then lets the pieces fall to the floor.

“Can we please get something other than crackers off the floor?” I ask as pitifully as I can manage.

“I’m the one stuck here babysitting. You’re lucky you’re getting anything, so appreciate the scraps.”

“I do. But I feel faint, and he admitted he doesn’t feel good either. We can’t keep going like this. If y’all are planning on keeping us around, we won’t be able to do much if we can’t even stand upright without passing out.” I don’t want to be strong for his entertainment, but I try to appeal to some small shred of his humanity. Sensing he’s not exactly happy with being stuck here babysitting us. Maybe he’ll fall for it.

No luck. When he goes to leave, I try again. “Please. Anything would be better than this.”

He saunters over to the gate. “And what exactly is in this for me?”

I wince, taking a step back as I break eye contact with him.

“Ah, tough girl lost her tongue now that there’s a real question on the table.”

“Fuck off,” Micah shouts.

“She gave you head, why can’t I share in the goods? I’m the one stuck here looking after you two useless bastards.” He gawks at me as he says, “So, that’s my offer: I’ll give you some food if you want to make it worthwhile for me.”

The way he looks at my chest makes bile rise in my throat, but I swallow it down. “What exactly are you asking for and what will we get in exchange for it?”

“No, you’re not doing a fucking thing for that motherfucker.” Micah is on his feet, shouting as he blocks my view of Warden who is eyeing us with a smirk.

When I yell, “It’s my choice, not yours,” his smirk grows.

Micah places both of his hands on my arms, holding me in place as he seethes, “I won’t let you do it.”

“It’s not your decision.” I yank out of his grip and focus to Warden’s beaming face who tells me, “Blow job for the goods.”

All I want to do is cut off his dick and ram it into his smiling mouth. “Can I have a blanket or something too? I’m freezing and can’t get warm.”

“Pretty boy not keeping you warm enough?” He laughs.

Micah goes towards him, but I grab his arm and tell him, “No. It’s okay. Survival, remember. I’m freezing and hungry, and so are you.”

Warden pulls out a hunting knife as he holds it up to me. “If you do some stupid shit like bite my dick, I will plunge this into your skull then his heart next.” He focuses to Micah, “And if you try anything I’ll slice up her pussy really good and let you watch her bleed out while I fuck her.”

The image conjures up unsolicited in my brain before I force it away. “How do I know you’re not lying and that you’ll hold up your end of the bargain?” I ask.

“Brooke, don’t do this. Please,” Micah begs, his agony scratching my insides, but I keep my back to him.

Warden leaves then returns with some food and a blanket, tossing all of it on the floor just out of reach. “Suck my dick then you can get it for yourself. Because you’re coming out here to perform while pretty boy stays locked up, secure and safe.”

Micah asks him, “Are you sure they’re not going to throw you in here next when they find out you didn’t follow their rules?”

“They won’t find out. Because if you say anything, I’ll slice her tongue out. And that’d be a shame because it can be put to good use. Maybe even a daily use for more offerings.”

I cringe. The thought of doing it once is revolting but being here and performing sexual favors every day in exchange for basic necessities is inconceivable.

Warden holds up keys in one hand and the knife in the other. “Take your pick, sweetheart.”

I nod, unable to speak as he moves closer to the gate. “Take off your clothes.”

Reluctantly, I do as he instructs, then he orders Micah. “Go all the way to the far corner, then don’t move a fucking inch or she will pay.”