Bent (The Gifted Series) Read Online Free Page A

casually tossed the wet towel toward the plastic hamper.  She then grabbed a plastic pick and began tackling her tangled heap of hair.  Everything in Joss’ cell was made of either plastic, plexiglass, or manufactured metal—things Joss couldn’t telekinetically control.  Now give her a rock pile, trees or even dirt and she was in business.  Water was another matter, however; it took a vast amount of strength to wield the fluid stuff, and her strength was already limited.
                  Patrice offered her a perfected smile/sneer. “You, mere drudge, are on a need to know basis.  However, I do have a few things I need to know.”
                  Joss stood impassively, picking through the tangles.  What she wouldn’t give for a bottle of conditioner.  “I don’t know what questions you could possibly have.  You’ve already picked my brain …extensively.”  Of course, they only saw what she allowed them to see, but she was ashamed to admit that their initial torture methods forced her to divulge more than she wanted.  She glanced at her pinky nail, cringing that it never grew back.
                  Before her capture, Joss would have described herself as a bit, well … wimpish.  She wasn’t a coward, per say, but didn’t seem to have the necessary constitution for the agency.  She honestly never desired the life. 
                  Regrettably, since her capture, she’d spent many a long night rethinking her choices.  At least one was protected if they worked for the agency.  Damn this gift ! And damn the evil woman standing before her.  This woman killed the previous soft-hearted Jocelyn and created a ruthless assassin, and this assassin desired nothing more than to strangling her maker.
                  Rue the day ! she mentally screamed toward the lanky stick-figure before her. 
                  “So, Jocelyn, do you know this man?” Nathaniel handed Patrice a photo which she then held up for Joss to view.
                  Joss’ heart stopped.  Please no ! It was a head shot of her cousin Declan.  The slight curl to his auburn hair, his broad, teasing smile and jovial eyes that always held a hidden joke.  How her girlfriends loved those dancing eyes.  Joss fought to maintain an impassive stance because she knew what Patrice’s next words would be.  She knew who she’d be forced to kill.
                  Patrice hesitated, studying her. “You do make a fine assassin, Jocelyn.  Void of emotion.  Always thorough and expeditious in your work. Yes, you’re the perfect choice for the job.”  Her icy blues drilled Joss as her long, perfectly manicured finger tapped her chin.  She awaited Joss’ explosion.
                  Joss’ jaw tightened; her fists clenched at her sides.  “Why?  Why him, Patrice?”
                  Patrice donned a smug sneer, enjoying the moment.  Her eyes narrowed as she spoke, “Because he was one of many who had a hand in Marcus’ death and he, like the rest in that revolting agency, will die.  Once you’re through killing him, you’ll slowly pick off the rest, and then I will kill you—the visible defiance in your eyes challenges my nerves.” Patrice swiveled sharply, her heels clicking the concrete as she strode away with Nathaniel two paces behind.
                  Joss stood shaking, overflowing with hatred to the likes she’d never known.  The lights in her cell shut off, and her head fell back as one year and nine months worth of pent up rage exploded from her chest, screaming into the darkness.

                 Chapter 3

    “Baby, what’s on today’s schedule?” Tiago asked, jogging into his and Leah's quarters.  He kicked off his running shoes and began to undress.
                  Leah halted from making their bed.  She never tired of watching Tiago strip down to the bod almighty God