BRIGHT PRINCES.

“You two know each other?” the guy accompanying Ryder asks. I don’t remember him from earlier.

“No, not really,” Ryder hastens to claim, “We just crossed paths, if you know what I mean.”

Oh, I know what he means, crossed paths? This mother... I go to retort, but a sharp pain in my back stops me.

Did that stupid lizard just pinch me?

“Shut up! He’s trying to signal you not to say anything.”

Oh right, I offer a tight smile, which seems to appease the other guy.

“Well let’s get you cleaned up and ready to see the boss,” he says clapping his hands.

“What boss?”

“Shut up and be still, let me make you all pretty.”

I slap his hands away from the sheets that are holding my dignity, my mind not really grasping how the hell this was happening to me.

“Hey, keep your hands to yourself, mister.”

“Relax little girl, it is nothing I haven’t seen before; besides you are not my type.”