Make You Beg

“Of course.” She puts her fork down and dabs the corner of her lips with her cloth napkin.

“What made you want to marry Grayson?”

If she’s surprised by my question, she doesn’t show it. “I know that thirty-six isn’t ancient, but my parents and Grayson’s parents were very old-school.”

I tilt my head. “As in?”

“My marriage to Grayson was one of convenience. Our fathers had it decided long before we were old enough to wed.”

“I’m still not following.” The server comes to take our salad plates and tops off our waters.

“My father and Grayson’s father had an agreement. A contract that stated we were to wed.”

“Like an arranged marriage?” My eyes widen. “That’s really a thing?”

She sighs heavily. “Sadly, it is. Both of us grew up with money, and our fathers wanted to guarantee that both kept thriving. You scratch my back; I’ll scratch yours, kind of thing. So, we got married when I was just seventeen, and I had Hamilton a year later.”

“But …” I let out a frustrated breath. I thought my hands were tied when Brenda was killed and I couldn’t prove it, but your own father forcing you to marry a man you don’t love? What’s worse than that?

“I never loved him,” she says simply. “But I did what was expected of me.”

“Which was what exactly?”

“Pretend I did.” She leans forward, placing her forearms on the white tablecloth. “We were the elite, Henley. The one percent. Ball gowns, fundraisers and galas to show off our wealth—our lives were all on display for others to envy and to worship. Grayson was supposed to give the world an heir.” I frown at that word. “And like I said, I never once loved my husband, but Hamilton? I loved that boy before I ever even held him. He is and was worth putting up with Grayson all those years.” She sits back as the server returns. She gives him a bright smile as he places our plates in front of us and thanks him.

I wait for him to leave before I speak again. “If it was something that was arranged, then why did they allow you to get a divorce?”

“Well, arranged marriages are only supposed to end with the death of the wife or husband.” Sometimes death is easier to swallow than any punishment. I think to myself. “But my father-in-law passed away when Hamilton was only two. My father passed a year after that.” She sighs heavily. “Grayson and I were not happy. I hate to say this, but we both stepped out of our loveless marriage, and we decided that it was best if we separated.”

“And Grayson didn’t care?” I ask, and she tilts her head to the side. “I mean, he just walked away without a fight? I feel like he’s not the type of guy who likes to lose.” Even if he didn’t love her. Lisa is gorgeous with her blond hair and blue eyes. Not to mention she’s as sweet as can be with a hint of a Southern accent.

“No. It had gotten to the point where the environment was bad for Hamilton. And as a parent, you care more about your children than anyone else. Even Grayson was able to agree with me on that.”

RYAN SCOUT

Me and the guys stand next to our lockers at the end of the day.

Laney stands next to me; she’s been extra clingy ever since word spread that Henley moved in with Law. I guess she thinks I’ll see her more because she’s living with one of my best friends.

Henley walks by, and Law reaches out, throwing his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side. She doesn’t say anything, but she does glare up at him.

Jamie walks up to us. “Henley, may I speak to you for a second?” She asks softly.

“Yeah, of course.” She shoves Law away, removing herself from underneath his arm. He looks at me and smirks. I hold in my smile.

“Hey.” Laney turns to face me. “Why is Henley wearing that choker that I saw in your bedroom the other night?” she demands as if I owe her an explanation.

“She earned it,” Law tells her.

“Earned it how?” She places her hands on her narrow hips.

“Let’s just say it’s equivalent to a black belt in sucking dick,” he responds with a smile.

“What?” She turns to face me. “Why didn’t you give it to me?”

I say nothing.

“Pretty sure it means you need a little more practice on your knees.” He winks at her. “Lucky for you, I’m willing to be your guinea pig.”

“Fuck you!” She shoves Law’s chest before turning back to me. “Wait! Are you fucking her, Scout?” I think she thought Law gave it to her, but then she remembered it was in my room and not his where she saw it.

“Maybe,” Rellik chimes in, answering the question directed at me. “Why do you care?”