“Yeah. Good call.” How can he act like anything between us is even remotely normal? What has to be wrong with a person that they’re able to do that? He and Nix, both.

I don’t have it in me to ask, and I’m too hungry to waste time with questions, anyway.

The toasted bagel sits next to three dollops on the plate: butter, jelly, and cream cheese. A banana and a cup of yogurt round out the meal. I immediately slather the cream cheese and jelly on the bagel and take a big bite. It never occurred to me to wonder if they put anything in the food. Right now, I’m not even sure I care anymore. Whatever they do to me while I’m unconscious, they’re going to do to me while I’m conscious, too. It’s an illusion to think I have any control over any aspect of it. I would probably do better to get rid of that illusion now.

“You know,” I mumble, my mouth full, “I have to ask myself what’s in this for you. Why are you going out of your way?”

“Is making sure you don’t starve to death going out of my way? It’s not like I cooked you a big meal or anything.” He snickers before giving me a wry smirk. “Believe me. You don’t want me to try to cook for you.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I peel the banana and take a big bite before the memory of having Colt’s dick in my mouth threatens to sour the entire meal. No. I’m not going to let that happen. I deserve to eat.

“Are you okay?” he asks. “I mean, at least physically?”

“Are you actually asking me that question? Or did your father tell you to ask me?”

“You know what, we don’t have to do this.” He starts to stand, but I make a noise that stops him. I don’t even know why I want to stop him. Am I this desperate for human contact? I guess I must be.

“Physically, I’m fine.”

“It’s easier just to give him what he wants.”

“Easier for who? For me, or for you?”

“I said what I said.” He looks at the floor, one knee jiggling up and down a little. “Do you have any tutoring today?”

“No, actually. My schedule was already clear.”

“Okay. I guess just, you know, let me know if you have another session. Don’t want a bunch of kids failing out of middle school because they couldn’t get a math lesson from you.” He glances up for an instant, and our eyes meet. I find myself wanting to grin, and I can’t understand why.