A Hurt So Sweet Volume Three (Elite of Eden Falls Prep 3)

"You're really going to make me leave right now?"

She's pouting, and it's kind of cute. I smirk and tuck a strand of chocolate brown hair behind her ear.

"You got what you wanted," I repeat. "And I'll see you soon, anyway. Now go home before your father blows a coronary when he finds you left."

"About that..." She chews on her bottom lip. "I meant to tell you before."

I knit my brows together in worry. Something tells me I won't like what's coming. "Tell me what?"

"My father, he..." She swallows, and her eyes aren't meeting mine. "He attacked Minnie..."

"He did what?"

"I... I think he broke her arm," she stutters. "But I got in soon after that because I heard screaming, and Brazen-"

"Fuck, Pandora!" My fist slams into the door. I've bruised and bloodied my knuckles but I don't give a shit. "And you're still living in that house with him? Where the fuck was Belle when this happened?"

She shrugs helplessly. "I don't think she cares."

"He's going to kill that girl," I say matter-of-factly.

"I know," she whispers. "I'm trying to stop him, but I think everyone's too scared. But I have a plan to help Minnie."

"Help her?" I laugh bitterly. "Like you helped her today? He broke her arm, Pandora. And you came running here, neglecting to tell me about that and riding my dick for hours before you brought it up. You're as bad as he is."

She pales visibly, then a look of pure rage crosses her face and she jams a finger into my chest. "Take that back, Dexter."

"No, I mean it." I force her hands away and whistle to Kelley who just pulled up in our driveway. "You're going home, Pandora. And don't come back for my pity, because you don't fucking deserve it."

"As if you didn't want to fuck me," she snarls, staring me down with contempt. "I'll never come back here."

"Sure you won't," I smirk.

"You don't believe me?"

"Here's the thing... You know where I am," I tell her with a cool smile. "And I know what you are."

She narrows her eyes at me, muttering, "Why don't you just-"

"Save it." I kiss her lips, soft and sweet, leaving her wanting more as I pull away and she attempts to hide the desire plainly visible in her hungry eyes. "I'll be waiting for you, Pandora. We both know you're coming back."

With that, I close the front door, leaving her stranded on my doorstep.

Once I unlock the door to Lily Anna's room, I fully expect her to launch herself at me, demanding answers and coming for my blood. But she's sitting in the corner of the room instead, her back upright and a calm smile playing on her face. She rises when I enter, coming toward me with long, deliberate and confident steps.

"Hello," I speak up formally. "I'm sorry I haven't checked in on you in a few hours."

She examines my face with interest. I'm glad I don't wear my heart on my sleeve, otherwise she'd be able to tell instantly what I spent my day doing. Even though I took a long shower, regretting every second I spent under the hot spray off the water, I still smell Pandora's scent on me. I can't get enough of it. I hated washing it off. I want to envelop myself in her like her scent is expensive cologne.

She doesn't ask me where I was, just comes up to me, wrinkling her nose. Then, her eyes meet mine, searching my gaze for answers. I force myself not to look away, staring right back at her and daring her to call me out on the truth. But Lily Anna doesn't. Instead, she offers a sugary sweet smile as she draws out, "That's alright."

I'm surprised by how lucid she seems. For the first time in months, I feel like I'm seeing a glimpse of the old Lily Anna, the girl I loved so years ago, before it all went to shit.

Something takes over me then, and I surprise myself by saying, "Do you want to come to the living room for a while?"

Her eyes light up at the opportunity. I'm risking everything by bringing her out of her room, but the desire to give her more is too strong to stop myself. Finally, she nods tentatively, and I unlock the door again, motioning for her to walk in front of me.

She takes painfully slow steps down the hallway, and I follow behind closely, making sure she's safe and not trying to get away from me. She behaves like a good girl and gives me no reason to worry, making my heart swell with guilt.