Firstlife Read Online Free PDF Page B

Sloan could have lied to me. Her version of payback, I suppose. Although keeping us frazzled tonight so we’re useless tomorrow isn’t exactly her MO. She likes to use shivs of her own.
    Finally the doors slide open. I tense, ready to strike. Four men wearing black masks march into the room.
    They know where we’re hiding. The two men in front swing their arms to deliver a brutal punch. One to each of us.
    I’m slower than usual, so I fail to duck in time. I take a fist to the center of the chest, my heart skipping a beat...then another...before leaping into a too-fast rhythm. Bow manages to duck just fine, grab her guy by the arm and, using her elbow as a hammer, break his radius. As he howls with pain, she kicks out her leg, nailing my guy in the torso, causing him to double over.
    I act quickly, slamming my knee into his nose. He goes down as another guy dives on me, knocking me down. Upon impact, agony consumes me. I can barely breathe, my lungs flattened, stars winking behind my eyelids.
    Get up! I have to win this.
    I try without success. Meanwhile, I hear a rustle of clothing, the crunch of other bones breaking...another howl of pain. Dragging sounds. A feminine grunt.
    A shadow falls over me. I hold out my hands to ward off—
    â€œIt’s okay,” Bow says. “It’s just me.”
    Relieved, I sag against the cold, hard floor.
    â€œThe men are out for the count and now in the hall.”
    Good, that’s good. Guess she had this, after all.
    Maybe I can trust her a little?
    No, no. Must resist the urge . Despite what Sloan said—despite Bow’s actions—no good can come from an alliance. We’re too different, and with Bow’s support of Troika, she’ll turn on me soon enough.
    â€œI guess we’re even,” I manage to say. I had her back with Sloan, and she had mine with the guards. I got the better end of the deal, but that’s not a me problem.
    â€œWow. You are one tough Nutter to crack. And that’s not a compliment.”
    â€œI used to be nice,” I tell her. My version of an apology, I suppose. “I was even shy.”
    I don’t miss the girl I used to be; she’s a stranger in so many ways. She was scared and weak.
    With a strength that baffles me, Bow picks me up and carries me to my bed. She gently lays me across the mattress, saying, “What you need is—”
    â€œDo not say light.”
    â€œFine. A distraction from your troubles. Want to make out a little?” There’s a teasing note in her tone. “This would be a pity session, nothing more. You may be female, but you’re still not my type. You’re way too mouthy. Oh! I know! I can teach you better uses for your—”
    â€œShut. Up,” I say, trying not to laugh. Laughing will only make the hurt worse.
    â€œIs that a soft no?”
    â€œHard no. I’m currently in a relationship.”
    She arches a brow. “You have a boyfriend?”
    â€œNo.” Miss you so much, James. “I’m dating myself.”
    Bow snorts. “You want my advice? Break up with her. She’s no good for you.”
    â€œHey!”
    â€œWell, it’s true. Right now her priorities are seriously screwed up.”
    * * *
    The next six days are surprisingly good. Well, as good as can be expected in a place as vile as Prynne.
    The four guards were culled from the pack. Dr. Vans says they just up and disappeared, but that can’t be true. He never punishes his men. I think the bastards are recovering in the medical ward. I just don’t know why Bow and I haven’t been punished.
    I mean, we’ve been fed three squares every day, we haven’t been singled out during any of our classes, and Sloan hasn’t attacked us.
    It’s the little things.
    My biggest complaint? Most of Bow’s conversations begin with “If you sign with Troika, you’ll...”
    Discover the true meaning of joy.
    Know peace for