“Cindy, I thought you should know. Thank you for making this easy.”
Turning, I ignore her loud “Fuck you.”
Walking past all the curious stares and hushed whispers, I go straight into the clubhouse and up the stairs to my beautiful jewel.
Tonight, I’ll probably murder the rat, but today… today I have my jewel, my sparkling light.
And I’m gonna unleash myself on her.
JULIANNA
Present
Disciples’ clubhouse
Burbank, CA
As I sit looking at my nails, I’m tempted to pick off the polish. Instead, I smooth my already perfect dress.
After Ryder left me, I couldn’t go back to sleep, so I took a shower and got ready.
At the sound of loud screams and splashing, I get up and look outside at the party that appears to be in full force. I can’t see what anyone is wearing, and hope my dress is fine. It’s white and flirty, with a cute black belt, definitely more of a cocktail dress than barbecue attire, but it’s the most casual thing I own. I look down at it with my ballet flats and know I’m overdressed, but whatever. I don’t want to wear jeans—I’ll roast. That, and I don’t have a blouse that would work anyway. I need to go shopping since I’m staying.
“Yes, I’m moving.” I just made up my mind—I’m done with New York. There’s absolutely nothing there for me except bad memories of a person I never want to be. I can do my charities in LA. I can get a nice little house and maybe a dog… I wonder if Ryder likes dogs.
The more I think about this, the more I can’t believe I’ve waited so long. I grab my phone, which was charging, and text Gia.
ME: I’m moving to LA.
My eyes take in Ryder’s room. For some crazy reason, this room feels more comfortable than the multimillion-dollar apartment we had in Manhattan. Although, that was all Matthew. He loved the goth style of the building and turned it into a creepy replica of Versailles. Taking a breath, I push all thoughts of him from my mind. They’ll only make me mad at what a complete idiot I was. Because my dad is my dad. I should have had the confidence to stand up to him. It’s almost like those years happened to another person.
My phone vibrates, and I almost scream, because it’s not Gia, it’s Matthew, which of course makes me paranoid and instantly worried that my phone is bugged. I mean, what are the odds?
MATTHEW: We need to talk. Please don’t make me get on a plane to Los Angeles to get you. We are all very concerned that you are being hurt. Your dad is considering calling the police.
ME: Fuck off.
I take a deep breath. I don’t think I’ve ever actually typed that. He must be in shock because three dots appear, then stop, then appear with his next message:
MATTHEW: I’m starting to worry like your dad. At least we know you’re alive. You have not answered any calls.
ME: My lawyer will be in touch. Sign the papers, Matthew!
Where the heck is Gia? I check my message to her to make sure I pressed send. What the heck? I sent it, so I send another.
ME: Okay, Matthew said my dad wants to call the police. What do I do? RED ALERT!
“What’s wrong?” Ryder’s voice makes me scream and I drop my phone.
“Ryder, you scared me.” I dip down to retrieve it. He looks at me strangely.
“I think my phone is—” Before I can finish he’s upon me, stealing my very soul. Right now, everything and everyone ceases to exist. This is why New York always felt foreign. Ryder is, and always has been, my home, my security, my life.
Warm hands wrap around my face as his lips take mine. I lean into him, and his tongue thrusts deep into my mouth, claiming me.
Branded. That’s what I feel like. It’s the only way I can describe this feeling that consumes me.
“I need to fuck you.” It’s guttural, primal, desperate, and in the back of my mind I know something has happened, but my body is throbbing with need, so the real world can wait.
“Wrap your legs around me.” He lifts me up. My back hits the wall.
“Give me those fucking lips,” his voice rumbles. He unzips his jeans and everything changes.
My life.
This world.
Ruined.
His cock impales me.
“Oh my God.” I groan at the pleasure zinging through me, my head falling back against the wall with a thud.
In and out he pumps into me, fucking me hard against the wall, his mouth demanding as he bites my bottom lip. All I can do is hold on and take everything he’s willing to give. My body starts to climb.
“Ryder, I’m gonna come.” I almost scream it, because, no joke, I can’t stop it. He’s too deep, and the wet string that was my panties seems to be adding friction on my clit.