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“A few. I’ve picked up bits of many from the other inmates.”
“What does that one mean?”
“Little treasure,” he replies, and my smile grows.
“And last night? You called me…drahhga. What is that?”
“Precious or honey,” he replies. “It’s Romanian if I recall.”
I feel my face redden further. I’m not used to compliments, much less terms of endearment. Even Josh only ever called me Ana, or maybe brat.
“I like them.”
He chuckles and kisses my forehead.
“Of course you do.” He stands and starts to head towards the door before pausing. “There’s food in some bins under the table, help yourself to anything.” With a final nod of his head, he walks out and I sigh, wondering how I am going to keep my heart safe if this keeps up. Twelve hours with the man and I’m already missing him when he hasn’t been gone thirty seconds.
I sit here for a few more minutes looking down towards the yard from the second-floor vantage. The hole in Ax’s wall acts as a perfect window down to the entire area. I can see Ethan barking orders at a few other inmates around the pit, and my stomach does a flip when I remember what Axle said about pit battles. I am not totally sure what that entails but recall Axle’s comment about how challenges are to the death. I may be good at fighting, but that doesn’t mean I like violence. My mind flicks back to images of the other new prisoner being gutted the night before, and I quickly turn away from the window.
Despite the grotesque imagery going through my head, I’m still, and always will be, a stress eater. I find I’m famished and make my way over to find something to eat. The night before I had been a bit distracted, happy enough with my apple, but today I need a bit more to get me through.
I rummage through the stacked crates underneath the table and find some bread that is only a bit stale and more fruit. Everything else will require cooking, and I want to get out of this room. I quickly eat it and grab another glass of water. I debate washing my face before realizing I am already probably too clean looking for the average inmate. I settle for splashing some water on it before cringing as I grab a bit of dirt and rub it on my cheek for effect. At least the rest of me is clean. Feeling better, I grab my hat and go off to see if I can find Theo.
Seventeen
Axle
“He’s a fucking animal, Ax,” Emilio exclaims. “Even for this place, this is too fucking much!” I nod my head at the old Italian, letting him say his piece. “Tony was a good guy, you know that. What they did to him—we demand justice.”
My mouth hardens as I consider his words.
Emilio has been in this prison for a long time. Though he doesn’t have the strength to lead, he could never beat me in the Pit, his crew are not ones I want to be on the wrong side of. There is a certain dynamic here. Smaller groups led by a select few, such as Cole or Emilio.
Unlike Cole, Emilio and I have long respected one another, and he is right. Tony was one of the good ones, or as good as you can be in the Tomb. It turns even my stomach when I think of how he was found in.
Even still, I can’t pick sides, or I’ll have problems with others. It’s a delicate balance.
“You know the rules, Emilio,” I tell him firmly. “If you wish to challenge him in The Pit, you may.” Emilio’s face reddens.
“That fucking prick didn’t challenge Tony! He’s the one who broke the rules, so what are you going to do about it?” he accuses. My eyes harden and I see a glimmer of fear hit the man’s eyes. I may respect Emilio, but I don’t take shit from him, or anyone.
“Then be the better man,” I reply coldly, “and challenge him if you feel the need for vengeance.”
Emilio sighs, and I allow him a moment to consider. In the outside world, Emilio was the head of what was once the Italian Mafia before The Split. A proud man, and a dangerous one. I know he considers the well-being of those in his circle to be important which is one of the reasons I do respect him. He’s as ruthless as any of us, but heisloyal. Loyalty counts for a lot in a world of cutthroat thieves and murderers.
We are in his cell, the rest of his crew outside. My eyes flick around the room while I wait for him to reply. He certainly has a nicer area than most of the inmates not to mention the supplies. I see a crate in the corner I’m sure is filled with liquor and other niceties, a result of his own agreements with the guards. I’ve never had a problem with it, so long as it doesn’t interfere with my own. It occurs to me the only thing we have limited to us in here is women and I feel a pang of worry for Ana. Hades only knows what would happen if the men found out. I barely manage a monthly Nun visit as it is.
I bring my attention back to the cell and see the moment of decision in Emilio’s face, and know he will do as I said and issue a formal challenge. If only I could sway Cole and his men so easily. Standing, I turn to him before I leave.
“Who will it be?”
“Marco,” he tells me. “But in three days.” I nod my approval.
“I shall have someone inform Cole.”
On my way out, Marco and the others nod at me respectfully as I pass, and I return the gesture. Ethan is waiting for me already, but wisely waits until we have walked away to speak.
“Set up the challenge,” I tell him. “Marco and Cole, three days.” Ethan’s eyebrow rises.
