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Silas remarked, “This is how the Yellows are forced to live, while the Reds get all the perks.”
His obvious jealousy had me asking, “What color were you assigned?”
“I started out red because of how my parents are ranked, but because of jealousy, I was demoted to yellow,” he growled.
“Colors can be downgraded?” Not something I’d learned.
“Stupid Cabal. They didn’t like the things I had to say about their management.” His lips curled.
“You’ve met them?”
“No. Only the commanders ever deal with them. Cowards.”
I had a hard time believing an all-powerful group like the Cabal would be afraid of someone like Silas. I couldn’t help remarking, “More like you’re not worth the time or effort.”
The slap wasn’t unexpected. I tasted blood as my teeth cut my lip.
“I am beginning to wonder how the commander didn’t kill you. Mouthy. Disrespectful.”
I could have told him I respected the commander, but given my face throbbed enough already, I held my tongue.
“Enough chattering. We don’t want to be late for our meeting. Get clean.”
He shoved me in the direction of the bathing chamber. It had a more compact design than the one I’d been using, with the shower stall containing the toilet for fecal evacuation. Better than the hole in my cell. Worse, Silas stood in the doorway, arms crossed, staring at me. “Get undressed.”
I didn’t want to. I found an excuse. I held up my hands. “Can’t. I’ll have to cleanse with them on.”
“These units don’t work on fabric. Don’t try anything,” he warned as he undid the knots and shoved the rope into his pocket.
I rubbed my wrists.
“Strip,” he ordered.
“I would like privacy.”
“I’m sure you would.” His tone indicated I wouldn’t get it.
I hesitated too long. A fist in my hair yanked hard enough to draw a sharp gasp of pain. He whispered hotly against my ear, “Either you get naked on your own, or I’ll assume you want my hands on you.”
The threat proved enough to have me unzipping and ridding myself of the coveralls and then the undergarments that remained from the gala. I kept my gaze down, but my cheeks heated, knowing Silas stared.
Even though he didn’t physically touch me, I felt dirty and shamed. Me, who’d had no concept of nudity until recently. I now understood that his gaze wasn’t impersonal. He imagined things I’d only ever done with Sebastian, the only one I wanted touching me.
“I can see why he chose you.” Silas flicked a nipple.
My stomach roiled. I put a hand to my mouth.
“Don’t you dare!” he threatened.
The fact I might puke had him leaving me alone. I took advantage of the reprieve. The shower didn’t have liquid, just the lasers, and it didn’t take long to rid me of the dirt caking my flesh. My hair turned sleek and oil-free.
As I emerged, Silas returned with fresh clothing. He thrust the yellow oversized shirt and pants at me, but at least they’d cover me. When Silas acted like he’d stay and watch me dress, I coughed. He fled. I doubted that little trick would last long.
Once dressed, I had no choice but to join Silas. I emerged to find him waiting with the rope. He once more bound my wrists and tethered me to the metal support of a table that was bolted to the floor. I couldn’t escape. I fretted the entire time Silas cleansed himself.
What would happen next?
He emerged, nude and unabashed. I averted my gaze. He dressed, speaking the entire time. “We shouldn’t encounter anyone leaving, but if we do, keep your head down. Say one word, and I will kill you.”
