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When we reached Tuxedo Man he asked, “Private room for how many, sir?”

“Just the restroom,” I said

“Of course Down this hall and to the right”

I led Aleks down the hallway All the private rooms had letters on them and there were keypads on the doors

Which meant the little slips of paper that Tuxedo Man had been handing out were the codes for the doors

I tuned out the sounds I could hear co from the other side of so the same The bathroom was clearly marked and empty I ushered Aleks inside and closed and locked the door I quickly scanned the room for any video cas, because not only did they take too long to set up, but it wasn’t like these people wanted their activities recorded on film in any way, shape, or form

“It’s safe, Aleks,” I said after adevices”

I began to reach for him, but he put out his hand to stop me “No,” he whispered “Don’t touch me”

Shock reverberated through me

And hurt

Sohurt

“Aleks—” I began in disbelief, but he shook his head and lifted his eyes to ed to keep the

“I’ to lose it and I won’t be able to go back out there”

His words made me feel both better and worse at the same time

“It’s aler”

Aleks stiffened his spine and nodded, then wiped at his eyes He went to the bathroom mirror and checked his face to make sure there wasn’t any proof of his tears He was careful not to look at the collar or his outfit He returned to me and sucked in a few breaths “I’m ready,” he murmured