“See,” Scout says, slowly sliding his finger from my clit to gently press inside me. “That wasn’t so hard. Got you nice and wet too.” He bites my shoulder hard enough I shriek out in pain. “Don’t worry, sis. When I fuck you, my brothers will be there to take their turn. A big dick for every one of your holes.”
He pulls his finger out and smacks my ass. I shudder, curling my arms around my waist. Soaking wet, he steps out of the shower, splashing water everywhere.
“Get dressed and go to bed,” he orders. “If I catch you whoring it out again, I’ll be forced to remind you who you belong to.”
As soon as he’s gone, I slide to the shower floor, giving in to full-bodied sobs. I hug myself, crying, until the water goes cold and my teeth chatter. By the time I turn the shower off and towel off, he’s gone. I pull on my warmest pajamas, find my phone on the floor, and then crawl into bed. Once under the covers, I check to see if I’ve missed any texts.
Nothing.
I send Winston a text.
Me: I can’t do this anymore. I’m sorry.
He responds immediately.
Winston: You don’t have a choice. See you at eight AM sharp.
Me: I can’t, Win. I have to quit.
Winston: The Morellis are evil as fuck, Ash. I’m sorry if I was being an asshole tonight, but I’m pissed and have to figure out a way to get them off my back. Don’t quit, please.
Me: It’s not that.
Winston: Then why?
Me: I have to.
Several minutes go by with no response. I yawn and am nearly asleep when he texts back.
Winston: The car will be by to pick you up in the morning. You’re to get in with no complaint. We’ll talk about what’s bothering you. In person. You’re not quitting over text.
I still have to get my bird.
Me: Okay.
Winston: Good girl.
His text has me bursting into tears once more.
I walk into Winston’s living room, exhausted and overwhelmed. My emotions are all over the place. Disgust makes me sick to my stomach. I had to sit through breakfast with Sparrow and Manda like Scout didn’t just violate me the night before. As soon as I saw the black Mercedes pull up to pick me up, I flew out of the house, not bothering to say goodbye.
I’m wearing clothes too warm for the day, but I couldn’t bear the idea to show more skin than necessary this morning. The jeans I have on are my comfiest pair, and the hoodie is oversized. Tennis shoes and a ponytail complete the look. My eyes are still puffy from last night, but I couldn’t be bothered to put on makeup to cover them up.
“Good morning,” Winston rumbles, appearing from the hallway, dressed in his usual suit. “The personal shopper will be here by nine to take your measurements—”
He stops mid-sentence as his eyes sweep over me, taking in my outfit. I hug my middle, unable to meet his stare. Shrimp chirps from someplace high, but other than that, it’s quiet. Winston approaches, his shoes stopping when they’re inches from mine.
“Look at me.”
I blink back tears, shaking my head.
His grip is gentle on my jaw as he tilts my head up. “Are you upset with me?”
“No,” I choke out, my lip wobbling.
“Why are you upset then?”
A tear escapes, racing down my cheek as I shrug.
“Not an answer, darling. Who upset you?” His eyes darken. “Did the Morellis come to your house?”
“No,” I assure him. “I had a fight with my stepbrother.”
“About?”
“You.”
His eyes narrow. “Elaborate.”
“I’m not allowed to see you.”
“I see,” he rumbles, his jaw clenching. “What does Dr. Mannford have to say?”
“She thinks it’s a wonderful opportunity for me to work for you.” I sniffle and bark out a laugh. “She thinks I can nab me a Constantine.”
“We’re not that easy to pin down.” He smirks at me. “So, who gives a fuck about what your stepbrother says?”
I cringe as I remember last night. Winston clutches my shoulder in a comforting move, but I cry out the second his fingers press into the bruise Scout gave to me with his teeth.
“Take off your hoodie,” Winston growls.
“That’ll cost you.” Tears skate down my cheeks.
“I’ll fucking pay it. Take it off.”
I nod and pull it off my body. He takes it from me, tossing it to the floor. Sweeping my hair to the side, he pulls on my tank top strap so he can see.
“These are teeth marks, Ash,” Winston utters, his voice low and furious. “Your stepbrother do this to you?”
“He’s a mean bastard.”
“You’re not quitting.”
I chew on my lip. “I have to.”
“Or he’ll bite you again?” Winston roars. “Fuck that guy. I’ll take care of this shit.”
Grabbing his tie, I pull him closer. “Please don’t. It’ll make it worse.”
He wraps his hand around my ponytail and presses his lips to mine, kissing me like he owns me. All the bad stuff melts away as his tongue lashes against mine, dominating me and making unspoken promises. I groan when he palms my ass and squeezes.