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I held his gaze, willing him to understand that something was going to happen. There was
confusion on his face, but it was paired with determination. After making sure none of the
guards were looking directly at me, I shifted slightly, giving a small tug at my wrists. I glanced
behind me as much as I could, then met Christian's eyes again. He frowned, and I repeated the
gesture.
"Hey," I said loudly. Mia and Mason both jerked in surprise. "Are you guys really going to
keep starving us? Can't we at least have some water or something?"
"Shut up," said one of the guards. It was a pretty standard answer whenever any of us spoke.
"Come on." I used my best bitchy voice. "Not even like a sip of something? My throat's
burning. Practically on fire." My gaze flicked to Christian as I said those last few words, then
returned to the guard who'd spoken.
As expected, he rose from his seat and lurched toward me. "Do not make me repeat myself," he
growled. I didn't know if he'd really do anything violent, but I had no interest in pushing it just
yet. Besides, I'd accomplished my goal. If Christian couldn't take the hint, there was nothing
else to be done for it. Hoping I looked afraid, I shut up.
The guard returned to his seat, and after a while, he stopped watching me. I looked at Christian
again and gave the wrist tug. Come on, come on, I thought. Put it together, Christian.
His eyebrows suddenly shot up, and he stared at me in amazement. Well. He'd apparently
figured out something. I just hoped it was what I'd wanted. His look turned questioning, as
though asking if I was really serious. I nodded emphatically. He frowned in thought for a few
moments and then took a deep, steadying breath.
"All right," he said. Everyone jumped again.
"Shut up," said one of the guards automatically. He sounded weary.
"No," said Christian. "I'm ready. Ready to drink."
Everyone in the room froze for the space of a few heartbeats, including me. This wasn't exactly
what I'd had in mind.