CHAPTER 222

Melina

The pain from the needle was minor. Irritating might be the best way to describe it. I’ve thought of getting a tattoo before, but I knew my brother would burn it from my skin with a blow torch. There was no reason to give him an excuse to hurt me. And I’ve seen the results of his favorite torture method and cringe at the memory of the screams.

I pull the blanket tighter, thankful that I have it again. Even with the added protection, I’m uncomfortable on the cold floor and the tattoo on my back stings. He said weeks. He. I don’t even know his name. Should I care? Probably not but there seems to be a lack of manners in today’s torture session. I actually giggle until the sound becomes sobbing. Why the fuck am I being such a baby?

Sniffing loudly, I inhale deeply and pull myself together. I will not give into weakness. I’ve survived my father and my brother. The man marking my body has no idea that he’s nothing in my world of constant emotional and physical pain. Shifting beneath