My eyes widen. “You’re creating dissension in the ranks.”
He nods.
“And the three versus the seven?”
“The staff’s access is restricted as well. Two is the dose. He was hoping for a clue as to who’s responsible. Less than three and it could have been anyone. Three to six, and there are only a few since that requires access to the pharmacy. Seven or more, and he’d know it was someone who could get to the source. That means Dr. Flores or Chambers.”
“Instructor Chambers?”
He grunts. “She’s his right-hand goon. The fact that you got to her so easily didn’t sit well, I can assure you of that.”
“Is that really how you did it? Wouldn’t they have seen all this in your lab report?”
He looks away, and my heart constricts. “Yes, they saw green pills.”
“So it’s true then. Someone did help you.”
“I’m not going to tell you more. Clausen bought your story because you didn’t know anything else.”
“But if someone’s helping you, can’t they help in other ways? They could help us get out.”
He shakes his head. “I never said anyone helped me. I’m not going to tell you more, so let’s not waste the rest of our time together.”
I cross my arms. “I thought I was finally proving myself to you. I’m supposed to be the knight, remember? But you keep treating me like a pawn in your own game.”
“We’re on the same team.”
“Are we?” His gaze snaps to me in alarm, but I like controlling the conversation for once. “I’ve been choosing to trust you, but how do I know you’re not their most powerful weapon against me? How do I know you’re not their queen?”
“Where’s this coming from?”
“That’s not an answer. How can I trust you any more than I trust them? I know how badly you want to get out of here. Wouldn’t it benefit you more than anyone for them to turn their attention on me?”
His wounded expression pulls at something deep, but I’m not wrong to ask these questions.
“You have no reason to trust my side of the events any more than theirs,” he says quietly.
I stare at him in disbelief. What? He’s supposed to be angry at my lies. Defensive.
“That’s it?” He only studies the floor. “Daniel! Answer me!” I yank his arm and force him to look at me.
“I’m tired,” he sighs. “I wanted out. You’re the one who kept this going.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
He leans back and closes his eyes. “Believe me or don’t. You’ll have to pick a side on faith. Things will go a lot smoother for you if you choose Clausen.”
Fire blazes through me. “Bullshit! I’ve given you my heart and soul. I’ve cried myself to sleep over you. I gave up friends, stood publicly for you, and was even willing to give you my virginity. And that’s all I get?”
His eyes narrow as he leans toward me. “I never asked for any of that. In fact, I’ve always wanted the opposite. How many of these bruises are because of you? Do you even know?”
I curse again and jump to my feet. “Fine. Have it your way.”
I pound on the door to signal the guards.
“Rebecca, wait!”
“Enough,” I hiss. “You win. I’ll leave you alone.”
