Chapter 12- Just Rats

As I finish wrapping Lusso's torso, I will myself to work a little slower than usual. I don't want him to leave just yet, and I'm hoping to get some clarity on the whole kiss thing.

After putting up the bandages, I find him still shirtless waiting for me to return. "What are your plans for tonight?" he asks, a Cheshire grin carved onto his face.

"I don't really have any," I stumble over my words. "Why?"

He gets up, rising to his full height and I shrink. He makes me seem so tiny. I have to look up at him like a damn skyscraper. "Well, I was going to start a new TV show and thought you might like it."

I rub my nose in an attempt to hide a blush. "Um, yeah. Sure." I smile. It's a little foreign at first since its been so long since I've genuinely smiled, but when it settles in it feels good. Great, really.

His eyes dance with happiness at my agreeance, and we both sprawl out on my soft, lavender bed. I don't miss how Lusso lays on his side to avoid his back, but I don't comment on it because I know he doesn't like me seeing him hurt.

"So. What this 'new show' called?" I quirk my eyebrows playfully.

He chuckles. "Vikings," he types in his Netflix password, "I should warn you though, the trailers made it look a little brutal."

"I can handle it," I shrug off his concern.

I shouldn't have.

In just the first two episodes, I got a glimpse of how violent the show truly is. While I was shaken at first, Lusso didn't seemed bothered at all. He just watched on like it was some cartoon from the Disney channel.

Hours pass and sleep chases after me, till I'm about to fall asleep at the end of the second episode. Lusso clearly notices, so he leans a little closer to me as I curl up on my side, a soft look of adoration on his perfect face.

"Are you sleepy, Bella?" he coos.

I nod lightly, my eyelids dropping and shutting a little bit more with each blink.

"Alright, then. We'll continue this another night." He rolls off the bed then helps me under the blankets. He plants a gentle kiss on my cheek, then pulls himself into the vents.

"Good night, mio bellissimo," he echoes down the vents, and I drift off to the sound of him shuffling away.

*****

I wake up to sticky skin and a sweaty scalp. It's far to hot in my room, a steep contrast to the freezing temperatures of last night. I have no doubt the unordinary temperature fluctuation has everything to do with Cidney and Lusso's venting exploration last night.

I debate showing up for breakfast, not wanting to see everyone after yesterday. But in the end, I'm more scared of the consequences of ditching than I am the judgmental stares of the people in attendance.

Sitting down, I'm immediately glad I came. Todays strawberry French-Toast day, my favorite. Fuck all them, I'm here for the food not to be graced with their presence.

Lusso's not here this morning, and I'm immediately bothered. The last time I didn't see him, he was getting tortured by some monster.

I force myself to go about my day, heading to the medical wing to find no new patients. Relieved, I decide to work on reorganizing my equipment.

Around 1:00, Jacob, a recovering patient, comes to visit me.

"Hey! It's good to see you on your feet again!" I welcome.

"All thanks to you doc!" he winks, then pushes his white hair out of his face. "But ya know, I'm running low on those pain meds you gave me, and was looking for a refill."

I frown. "Jacob, that bottle was supposed to last you two weeks. It's been just over three days."

After reading Jacob's file, I didn't expect him to have any types of problems moderating and being responsible with the medication. He didn't have any signs of an addictive personality, and I was very clear with him that he should take two a day, tops.

"I get that, but I'm out. I need more." his demeanor slips from the happy, friendly side to darker, demanding one. I take a step back, eyes racing to find an escape route.

"Jacob, why don't instead you come by daily and I'll give you one, that way we make sure you don't run out again?" I steady my voice, desperate to diffuse the argument.

"No, Anna, that's not how this is going to work. You're going to give me what I'm asking for, and you're going to do it now," he growls, crossing the room to get right in my face.

I could just give it to him, let him continue his addiction and stop it later when I'm not alone in the room with him. But that thought weights heavy on my conscience, testing my ethics and morals.

With Jacobs heaving breaths down my neck, I'm limited on time to make a decision. I'm ready to open my mouth when Jacob is ripped away from me.

A dark blur has him thrown against the wall, pinned there by his collar.

A primitive growl floods the room. "What the hells going on in here?" Lusso barks.

"Lusso, its okay! He's not thinking straight!" I shout, trying to calm him. He glares at Jacob with a down right murderous look, and I fear for Jacob's safety.

Lusso's body trembles in anger, while Jacob's shivers in fear. When Lusso shows no immediate response to my words, I charge towards him and throw myself into his side. Its a pour effort at shoving someone, especially considering he barley budges.

I grab ahold of his bicep and shake him as hard as I possibly can, till he finally looks at me. His expression softens, and he lets Jacob sink to the ground.

"Its okay, you're okay." I give him a small smile, my attempt at bringing him back to earth. His eyes clear up, and he nods. Unsure at first, he seems to search the room for what to do next.

He then turns to Jacob. "You tell anyone about this, I'll dig your left eye out with a spoon, then feed it to the maggots in the chambers."

He frantically nods, then darts to the exit, pain pills forgotten.

I look Lusso up and down. "Are there actually maggots in the chambers?" disgust lacing my tone.

He smirks. "No Bella, just rats."