The bulge in his pants says otherwise. He smirks at me before turning his back on me and leaving.
I’m shivering, soaked through and through and still naked. Dexter regards me with a cool expression before pulling off his varsity hoodie and tossing it at me.
“Here, cover yourself up before the other girls get back.”
I catch the hoodie mid-air, pulling it on. I’m still shivering.
“I’ll see you later, toy,” Dexter tells me as the bell announces the end of the lesson.
He lingers, as if wanting to say something else, then takes a step forward, touching his fingertips to my skin. I look up, hating myself for being so fearful.
“The guys are not going to hurt you.”
“But you are,” I point out the obvious.
“Of course,” he smirks. “That’s what you were made for, after all.”
Eight
Pandora
Kelley picks me up along with Brazen in front of the school. My brother doesn't even give me a second glance as he gets into the car, lighting another blunt as I join him on the luxurious leather seats. Our driver doesn't comment on what he's doing, which makes me wonder how many things he's seen, and kept quiet about.
At least my secrets are safe with him.
The drive back home is silent, with my brother scrolling through his phone and me seething in anger because I still don't have one. I have a feeling my father is withholding it because he's aware I'll try to get in touch with my real family the moment he gives me the option.
When we arrive home, Brazen gets out without saying goodbye to me or Kelley. I linger though, none too eager to head back to my chambers for another evening of doing absolutely nothing. Nobody said anything about being filthy rich was this boring.
"Miss Oakes?" I turn in the direction of Kelley's voice. He gives me a kind smile before continuing. "I do believe they've found a personal maid for you."
"Oh," I reply lamely, remembering the cold and impersonal Belle who's been helping me out at the Estate. "It's not Belle, is it?"
"Why don't you go inside and check," Kelley suggests with a friendly smile. "I'll be right behind you. And, Miss Oakes?"
"Yeah?"
"I know things may seem bad right now." He gives me an encouraging smile. "But I think they're going to start working in your favor soon enough."
"You're more optimistic than I am," I shake my head. "Everyone hates me here. I don't fit in at all."
"Well, if I may offer some advice..." He takes his hat off and tucks it under his arm as he winks at me. "You just have to learn some ground rules."
"Like what?"
"Like, if you do what your father wants, you will get what you want in return."
"You think he'll let me speak to my parents, my sister?"
My voice is pathetically hopeful, but I can't help it. I've never felt more alone, more out of place. I'm desperate for the comfort of my real family.
"Eventually," Kelley says with a confident smile. "He's a quid pro quo kind of person, Miss Oakes. Do what he says. Try to play his game. Then, reap the rewards."
"Thank you, Kelley."
I'm grateful for his input. So far, he's the only one besides Araminta who's shown some interest in my well-being.
"I really appreciate it."