Page 11 of The Bratva Sinner

I take another bite. I’m still queasy, but the food and juice help.

“I assume you didn’t choose to be with them?”

I scoff. “Why would I?”

“How did you end up with them? They don’t typically leave Florida.”

I’m not ready to talk to anyone about that. I can’t give it words. Not yet.

“They took me,” I whisper.

She nods. “You fought them. That’s how you were injured.”

“I’m fine.”

“I cleaned the cut on your head. It should have been stitched, but it looks a couple of days old. What happened?”

“I got hit.”

“The drugs… choice, or forced?”

“I don’t do drugs.”

“Do you know what they gave you?”

I shrug. “I think it was in my water. I had a headache, and I remember taking a couple of pills that someone gave me.”

She nods again, and I think I see relief on her face. “Lila, I’d like to bring in a doctor to check for injuries I can’t see.”

“No.”

“You might need antibiotics. The doctor will check for other things. Blood work.”

I frown. “Why?”

“Because you might have contracted something without knowing you’re sick.”

“I have a concussion. Or had. I think it’s just the drugs.”

She almost smiles, and I feel like she wants to pat me on my poor, naive head. “How old are you?”

“Old enough.”

“Lila, I’m not your enemy. I’m trying to help you. It’s obvious you’ve been through hell, and we’re all trying to help you through it.”

“Why? You don’t know me.”

“Nope, I don’t, but Maksim has taken you under his wing.”

“You’re being forced to bring me food?”

“No one forces me to do anything.”

“You just said Maksim is forcing you to help me.”

“Not what I said.”

She gets to her feet. “Eat. Rest. The bathroom is through there. You can shower if you’d like.”