Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 127712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 639(@200wpm)___ 511(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 639(@200wpm)___ 511(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
“Very pretty,” Mercer agrees.
Then she reaches out and strokes my head. For a moment I imagine a very sick twist that involves the three of us, but I push it away quickly. That’s gross. And I’m not doing that, I don’t care if the Institute kicks me out. I’d rather leave than get caught up in something that disgusting.
“She has nice bone structure. And her legs are gorgeous.”
“They are.”
“I don’t recall her pedigree, Mercer. What does it look like?”
They’re talking about me like I’m a dog.
“Not impressive,” Mercer deadpans. And he must know I’ve about had enough, because he squeezes my shoulder for a moment. Like he’s steadying me.
Just stay calm and don’t overreact.
That’s how I interpret it.
They continue like that and I try my best to tune them out, but it’s not easy to do. Patricia pets me. Strokes my cheek. And then the limo stops. The driver gets out, opens Patricia’s door, and helps her out. She leans back in and smiles, both at me and at her son. If that’s what he is. I have my doubts. “I’ll see you both tomorrow.”
Then the door closes and Mercer and I are alone.
“You can get up now, Nova.”
I scramble onto my knees, then crawl up on the seat. As the limo pulls away, I take a moment to collect myself. Breathe deeply before I even look at him. But when I do, he’s waiting for the explosion.
I’ve learned a thing or two about the elites in this world since I started grad school. They do things slowly. Deliberately. And they expect a certain decorum, even during dissent.
I have practiced this over the years. Maybe I haven’t exactly perfected it, but I’m not an amateur.
So I do not explode. I simply look at him and state my mind. “You have a good explanation for this, I hope. Because if you don’t, Mercer, I will not be staying the night in New York. I don’t care if I have to walk out of this city on my own fucking feet, I will not stay. And when I get back to the island, I will pack up my shit and I will be gone.”
Like I said, I have not perfected it yet. When I get upset, the trailer park leaks through.
“It’s a test, Nova. Of obedience. I’m sure you’re aware by now that we’re doing very important things on that island. We need to trust you. They,” he corrects, “need to trust you.”
“And this is how you show it?”
“It was a powerful example. Take my word on this, if nothing else, she is satisfied.”
But I’m not sure that I am satisfied.
He places a hand on my arm and urges me to scoot closer to him. I do, because… well. I’m not sure why, actually. I like Mercer. I haven’t been dreaming of him as my life partner or anything, but I was excited about this twist in our relationship. It’s intriguing.
It’s dark. He’s dark. And I want to peel back his layers. Not to save him, or anything stupid like that, but just to get a glimpse of the real man underneath.
This is why I’m attracted to the dark ones.
They’re bewitching, and complicated, and maybe, if I’m being honest, slightly intoxicating.
I’m addicted to this feeling of discovery.
That’s where my satisfaction comes from.
It’s why I like science, I think.
“We have all night together, Nova. And I wasn’t going to tell you this, but Locke is meeting us here.”
“He is?” I perk up a little.
Mercer does not miss this perkiness. “You’ve missed him this week?”
I offer up a one-shoulder shrug. “A little.”
“He’s missed you. He’s complained about my ban every night. Even with my arms around him, he’s protested. I will tell you this, as well. We have shared women before. In this same way. But he’s enamored with you. Maybe slightly too much.”
I picture them in bed at night, talking about me. And an exhilarating tingle begins to stir between my legs.
Locke. He’s dark too. But in a completely different way. If I had to choose which of these two men I knew better at this point, I’d choose Mercer. Locke is still very much a mystery. I’m even more into peeling back his layers than I am Mercer’s.
“Mother hates him. But she knows he’s here to stay. So she puts up with it, without comment, most times. I think Locke is invaluable in what we’re doing. She does not agree. But she’s wrong. He’s very special. And he’ll be joining us tonight. Does that comfort you? At least a little?”
I let out a long sigh. “A little.”
“You like him as well?”
“Yes.” Mercer is quiet, so I look up at him. And find him smiling. “What?”
He reaches out and strokes my cheek with the back of his fingers. “You’ve been a very good girl this week. You have earned a reward and you’re going to get it tonight.”