Pretty Prize (Rags to Riches 2)

I know how powerful men are. I’ve lived all my years under one’s thumb. They are always strategizing to get what they want. If one tactic doesn’t work they switch to another until they reach their end goal. I was Hunter’s end goal but would he go as far as getting down on his knees to have me? How far is someone willing to go for something they want more than anything? I’ve sold myself to get away from my brother and to save my aunt. I guess this will be a battle of wills between us. In time we will see who has stronger control over their body. I’m not so confident in mine.

Hunter has woken up something inside me. My body is suddenly coming alive for the first time. I’m not sure how to handle the throb between my legs that grows by the second. The fabric of my designer dress no longer feels like silk but sandpaper against my puckered nipples. My entire body is aching with arousal as I try to keep my face stoic. I need to get it together but instead I lean up, almost offering him my mouth.

The small vibration in my pocket pulls me back to reality. “Bathroom?” I breathe against his mouth. He sucks in a deep breath, jerking himself forcefully back from me.

“There.” He points to a door that I know is a private bathroom. Damn it. I wanted more space. More time. I nod, getting up from my chair, not feeling so stable in my heels anymore. As gracefully as I can, I make my way to the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. I lean up against it, taking a long breath and trying to get it together before pulling out my cell phone to see all my missed texts from Cara.

Cara: Is he as hot in person?

Cara: Don’t leave a girl hanging here.

Cara: Oh! What if he’s one of them that’s sniffing around to marry you. I bet you two would make some good babies.

I’d laugh if her jokes didn’t hit so close to home. She’s teasing, not knowing the reality of what she’s saying is the truth.

Me: Garrick handed me over to him like a pretty prize.

Cara: I need more details than that!

Cara’s response is instant.

Me: Marriage.

I type the one simple word. I knew the day would come when it would happen. I don’t know why I feel hurt over it now. I guess the reality is all too real. My phone starts to vibrate in my hand. I push off the door looking at it. It looks kind of thick. It might be able to muffle the sounds. Guess we’ll find out.

“Hey,” I whisper, answering the call.

“You’re getting married to Hunter Keal?” she yells into the phone, not picking up on the fact that I whisper-answered the call.

“Cara!” I whisper-yell back at her. “I’m in his office bathroom hiding.”

“Well.” She’s not asking if I’m really marrying him. She’s in the same boat pretty much. She’s waiting for her father to sell her off to the best suitor.

“Yes, he’s even more handsome in person,” I admit. “And ruthless.” Yeah, that has been whispered too. The man doesn’t hold his tongue. “He’s demanding, cocky, confident, rude, overbearing and he has the filthiest mouth,” I manage to get out all in one breath.

“You’re so lucky that Garrick picked him! Your brother is the creepiest douchebag I know so Hunter must have made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”

I was thinking the same thing. The offer had to have been good. Cara always said my brother was creepy and stared at me in ways he shouldn’t. I wasn’t sure. I’m not around men for the most part. Garrick made sure of that.

“We both know he wouldn’t have let you go for some chump change. Let’s face the facts, he didn’t do this for your benefit. At least you’re free of that asshole now.”

Yeah, I’ve been tossed from one asshole to another.

“I can’t believe you’re going to marry Hunter Keal.” She lets out a dreamy sigh. All the girls have been wondering about him and why he’s never given any of them the time of day. It looks like I’ll be getting most of it. “I’m dying of jealousy.” Those are the last words I hear before the door is shoved open. I stand there in shock as Hunter snatches my phone from my hand.

Not my phone. My heart drops in my chest. Cara is the only thing that keeps me sane. Garrick did not approve of my friendship with her but he couldn’t completely stop it. We ran in the same circles. Hence the secret phone so we could stay close. It was easier for him to not see how often we talked or what we text to one another.