Chapter 33
AMELIA
The first thing I notice is the sunlight filtering in through the pink curtains I put up a few weeks ago, secretly trying to slowly make the room more to my taste. My mind is slow to wake, disoriented, foggy. My body feels heavy, with a delicious ache that reminds me of the intensity of last night.
Oh my God, was I overwhelmed with pleasure so much that I passed out? How can he just hijack my body like that, knowing it better than I do myself?
At least it gave me the best sleep of my life. I needed it after the past few days.
I stretch lazily, then hear the faint buzz of my phone on the nightstand.
Blade: Good morning, angel. Julie made breakfast downstairs. I’ll be there in 30 mins
Perfect timing. He sent it just as I woke up.
A smile tugs at my lips but quickly fades as I swing my legs over the bed, the soreness of my muscles making itself known.
When I make it to the kitchen, I find my mom, Frankie, and another blonde girl. My mom and Frankie are deep in conversation, about… architecture, I think? I swear, if talking were an Olympic sport, they’d somehow tie for the gold.
“Amelia!” Frankie beams, practically tackling me in a hug. It hurts a little, but I swallow any moans of pain that want to slip out. “I missed you!”
“I missed you too,” I reply, before breaking free to grab a plate. The food is laid out on the table in serving trays, so I pile on anything that looks good.
“So, how was your trip?” Frankie asks.
“My trip?”
“Yeah, Ash said you found out your mom was in Colorado, so you took a trip to get her. That’s why you were gone for a couple of days. And you missed our spa day, which I may or may not forgive you for.”
I pass a look to my mom, who shrugs, so I turn back to Frankie and say, “It was nice. Lots of mountains and beautiful scenery.”
“Guess what?”
“What?”
“We’re going to the mall later! Woo! ” Frankie starts fidgeting in her chair, doing a little dance with her arms out, fingers pointed, moving them in a circle around the table while humming.
“Frankie, have you had a lot of sugar or something?”
She abruptly stops, fingers still pointed. “Don’t tell anyone that.”
I laugh. “Okay?”
The blonde, I think her name is Amie, leans forward with an overly bright smile. “So, Amelia, any plans for the weekend? Maybe we can go skating or something.”
I shrug noncommittally. “I’ll let you know.”
Even though I don’t plan on letting her know. This happens at least once a week, some random girl filters through the house trying to play nice and be my friend. You’d think they’d take the hint when I’m always nonchalant and indifferent in my responses.
I know Blade is some kind of big deal around campus, but why do they try so hard to be friends with me? For cool points? To steal him away? To be able to hang around him more, eat lunch with us?
I cut into my pancake, but I immediately notice the texture seems off. I inspect one of the pieces more closely. “Is this gluten-free?” Everyone at the table shrugs, so I stand. “I gotta go ask Julie—”
“Ask me what?” Julie’s voice cuts in as she walks through the side doorway of the kitchen.
“Oh.” I sit back down. “Are the pancakes gluten-free? They look different.”
“Yes, you know everything I cook for you is gluten-free. I just used a slightly different recipe since everyone would be eating this time. Is it good?”
“Wait, you cook for Amelia a lot?” my mom asks, her eyebrow raised.
“That’s why I’m here. I’m here three to four days a week, and I meal prep for the rest. I usually don’t spend the night, but last night it got pretty late.”
My mom’s mouth falls open as she stares at me. “I did not raise you to be like that, young lady. To rely on someone else’s labor. Like she’s your servant or something!”
A knot tightens in my stomach at her disapproving look. “Mom, it’s not like that.”
Julie chimes in. “Yes, it’s perfectly fine. I love cooking, and I love Amelia. Plus, I make almost five times more here than at my old job.” She chuckles.
My mom’s voice takes on a sharp edge. “This is exactly what I was afraid of leaving you with your father. You not being raised right.”
Her words cut deep. Her harsh tone is a far cry from the woman I knew six years ago. She would never speak like this, especially to me.
“I work hard too,” I reply. “It’s not fair to say I’m spoiled or wasn’t raised right.”
“Clearly you weren’t because now you’re talking back. I never thought I’d see the day.”
As she continues her tirade, the door to the dining room section of the kitchen swings open, and Blade walks in, his presence instantly shifting the energy in the room and commanding everyone’s attention.
“What the hell is going on here?” he demands, his eyes glaring at my mom, then softening as they flick to me.
My mom crosses her arms, lips pressed into a thin line. “What have you done to my daughter to make her so spoiled?”
Frankie, sitting next to me, leans in and whispers, “Your mom needs a damn chill pill. Send her back to Colorado.”
Blade’s jaw tightens, but other than that his face remains calm. “First things first, you’re not going to talk to her or about her like that, especially not in that tone.”
Frankie snickers quietly, leaning in again, “Right. Who does she think she is?” I nudge her with my elbow to keep quiet.
“I’m her mom, and clearly she needs it.”
“I don’t care who you are. As long as you’re in my house, you will respect her. That goes for anyone. If you don’t agree, you’re free to leave.”
My mom scoffs, and the tension in the room thickens. I gulp, my heart aching at my mom not only berating me but also arguing with him. This isn’t how I wanted things to go. It was supposed to be perfect once she finally got here.
“We have something we need to go do,” Blade says, turning to me.
“Oka—”
My mom interrupts. “Actually, she already agreed to go with me to her dad’s house this morning.”
When did I do that? I don’t want to see that bastard, especially after he tried to kill her.
Blade snaps his head to me, his eyes sharp, cutting through me with a look that rocks me to my core. I avert my gaze, feeling trapped between the both of them. “Really? That doesn’t sound like something she’d do.”
“Yeah, well.”
“Okay.” He says it, but the low and dangerous edge in his voice tells me it’s far from okay. He turns and leaves out of the room, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.
I avoid eye contact with my mom as I rise from my seat, not wanting to see the look of disapproval in her eyes. “Um, excuse me.”
When I reach the stairs, Blade is sitting on the bottom step, waiting for me. Like he knew I’d follow him.
Without a word, he nods his head towards the stairs, leading me up to his room. While we’re walking up the steps, I ask, “How come from the room I couldn’t hear all the commotion down here this morning and them eating breakfast? I usually can.”
An amused smile lifts the corners of his lips. “We might’ve had a complaint or two about all the screaming you do, so I soundproofed the door both ways.”
I slap my hand over my mouth and scrunch my eyes shut. Oh my God, that is so embarrassing. Especially having to look in their faces the morning after.
Once we reach the room, he shuts the door and turns to me, his expression suddenly hard. And… pained?
“I don’t care who is with you, I don’t care what the circumstances are, you’re not ever going to your dad’s house again. Do you understand?”
His forceful tone and the abruptness of his words catches me off guard. I know there have been previous issues with my dad, but the way Blade is talking, like something new and serious is going on, throws me for a loop.
“Wha—”
“That isn’t up for discussion. Just nod and agree.”
I slowly nod, and his eyes soften the moment I do. Which tells me something definitely is wrong.
He steps closer, his tone gentler now. “A home doctor is on the way to check you out from your time away, make sure nothing is wrong, and give you medicine.” Before I can respond, he leans in and presses a kiss to my forehead, exhaling slowly. “I’m sorry. I’m just looking out for you. Trust me, okay?” he whispers.
···
Whew, shopping can take a lot out of a girl. I need a warm bath and a good book as soon as I get back home. I don’t think I’ve ever been to this many stores in one day. Frankie and I walk ahead, while Blade and Asher trail behind, adding a couple of new bags for them to carry with each new store we go to.
Our good little helpers. But don’t tell them that to their face.
We all wander into Kaya, a store that sells basics—shapewear, bodysuits, t-shirts, undergarments. It’s like if Victoria’s Secret Pink and Skims had a baby. Blade and Asher stand off to the side while we shop, engrossed in what looks to be a serious conversation.
As I browse through leggings, Frankie nudges me and nods towards one of the employees. I realize it’s Crystal, one of Catalina’s friends. Frankie shoots her a side eye, she must have some kind of problem with her, but my thoughts immediately go to Catalina—I haven’t seen her since she was crying in the locker room. I decide to check in with Crystal, maybe she’ll know.
“Hey, Crystal.”
“Hey,” she responds flatly, barely looking at me.
Wow, she acts like she doesn’t even know me. Maybe she’s forgotten since I have been doing practices solo lately.
“It’s Amelia. I was just wondering about Catalina. Last time I saw her, she wasn’t doing so great. Is she okay?”
Crystal pauses, a strained smile creeping on her face. “Amelia? Oh, Amelia! She’s fine, as best as she can be. She’s actually taking over her parent’s business with her brothers. The last time I talked to her she said she met someone new at the company and she actually seemed happy.”
I blow out a small breath of relief. “You don’t have how glad I am to hear that.”
“Oh, and I just wanted to say that I’m sorry for everything we put you through at cheer practice. She was just jealous about… well, you know. And I went along with it. And I shouldn’t have.”
“I forgive you. And please, please keep me updated on Catalina. I want to make sure she stays okay.”
“Will do. And if you need any help in the store, let me know.”
I thank her and head to the dressing room with Frankie. The rooms are in the far back, practically cut off from the rest of the store.
“That bitch! I hate her guts,” Frankie mutters.
“Hey, be nice.” I nudge her with my elbow.
“Yes, mother,” she says sarcastically. “But no, do you know when Asher and I first got together, she just had to tell me all about their drunken night together last Halloween? And she really thought she could steal him from me!”
“Just ignore her. Look at it this way, you’re the one with what she wants and will never get, so you’ve already won. Let’s just try on our clothes and go.”
“I guess you’re right,” she relents, but knowing Frankie, I know she probably won’t let it go that easily.
After passing on a couple of t-shirts, I try on a skin-tight, black, floor-length dress with spaghetti straps—the one that’s been going pretty viral on social media lately.
“You look hot as hell in that. If I were into women, you’d be my first choice. Like, we’d be on the floor doing it right now,” Frankie quips.
“Oh my God, Frankie.” I gasp, covering my mouth to hold in a laugh. “I’ll take that as a compliment. Thank you, my lady.” I courtesy as if we were in some old British movie and Frankie laughs.
Out of nowhere, Crystal’s voice chimes outside our dressing room “Need any help, ladies?”
“No, dirty cunt, leave us alone,” Frankie snaps back, swift and cutting. My eyes widen.
Asher’s sudden voice booms in the air, it almost makes me flinch. “Frankie! Watch your mouth.”
“How can I? It’s too far below my eyes to watch it.”
“Oh, you’re asking for it now.”
Frankie smothers her laughter behind her hand, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Get out here, now .”
She lets out an exaggerated sigh, rolling her eyes before turning on her heel and opening the dressing room door.
Alone now, I stare at myself in the mirror, debating whether to buy the dress. When I finally decide, I start pulling it off—then the door budges open behind me.
“Frankie, you are a mess,” I chuckle.
“She is,” a familiar deep voice responds.
I freeze, then slowly turn around. Blade’s eyes are locked on me, burning with an intensity that sends a tingle through my skin. He inhales sharply, his eyes darkening with desire. I glance down to realize the top of my dress is pulled down, leaving my breasts exposed.
“Fuck,” he murmurs, voice rough, his eyes devouring me. “Every time I look at them, it’s like the first time all over again.”
He’s always had a thing for my boobs. Sometimes I think he likes them more than he likes me, with the way he’s always giving them attention.
He steps closer, locking the door behind him with a soft click. He doesn’t say anything, just stares, taking in every inch of me, the hunger in his eyes raw and unapologetic.
His hand reaches out, fingers grazing my skin before he palms my breast, rubbing his thumb over the nipple until it pebbles. Still, he says nothing, like he’s in a trance by looking at me.
“Aiden,” I finally manage to whisper. The sound of his name seems to break the spell.
He leans in closer, his lips grazing my ear.“Wanna play a game?” he whispers against the shell. It sends a shiver down my spine.
“What kind of game?” I ask, my voice breathy and strained.
“Get on your knees and get me off before Frankie comes back, and you can pick a reward. But if you lose, I get to tie you up and do whatever I want to you.”
The emphasis on whatever sends heat rushing through my body, my breath quickening. The intensity in his low, deep voice, laced with both promise and threat, makes my core clench on its own.
“O-okay.” I sink to my knees in front of him.
“Fuck, you’re such a good girl,” he murmurs, cupping my chin, looking down at me. I’m realizing I like being on my knees for him, looking up, waiting for him to tell me what to do next. “You always know how to make me happy.” He reaches for his belt and opens it enough to slide his pants down. “Now, let’s see if you can earn that reward.”
“Can the reward be going to my dad’s house?”
I don’t actually want to go, but I need to know why he’s so angry about it—and gauge his reaction to see how serious the situation is.
His face hardens in an instant, like he has some internal switch he can flip. His hand flies to my throat, gripping it as he hauls me to my feet and pushes me against the wall. My back hits the cool surface, the impact making me gasp.
“Ask to go to your dad’s house one more time. Do it.” His tone is so cold it could freeze hell over.
I stay silent, my heart pounding. His grip on my neck sends a thrill through me—fear, excitement, all tangled together.
His voice lowers to a growl, vibrating through my very being. “I’m only going to say this once, so listen closely. If I say you’re not going to your dad’s house because that’s what will keep you safe, then you’re not going.”
Safe? What does he mean by safe?
Either way, something low in my stomach flutters. Jesus, why do I like this? His control, his dominance—for some reason is intoxicating. It wraps me up in a warm, safe blanket that I never want to take off.
I even like the way his hand tightens around my neck with each word, the way his eyes burn into mine, full of fire that makes my knees weak. But it’s not just about the physical sensation, it’s about surrendering, and giving up control to his raw, unfiltered power.
His hot breath fans against my ear, and I close my eyes, trying to steady my racing heart. “Now get on your knees and suck my dick like a good girl.”
I whimper, about to sink down again when the sudden slam of a door a few feet away makes me jump.
The muffled voices of Frankie and Asher filter through the walls. “This is your last chance. Either you apologize to her or I take off my belt. Are you going to apologize now?”
“Screw you and her.”
Within a second, the metallic clink of a belt buckle echoes in the air. My breath hitches, the air suddenly thick as my chest rises and falls with increased urgency. My pulse races, pounding in my ears, and I bite my lip, trying to calm the wave of unexpected arousal washing over me.
Blade’s voice cuts through my thoughts, low and teasing. “Don’t tell me you’re getting turned on by this. You’re such a dirty little slut.” His fingers trail up my leg until they reach my panties. “Your pussy is dripping wet from hearing your friend get punished. I guess we’ll have to postpone our game. Seems like your soaking cunt needs the attention more, huh?”
I nod vigorously, and he teases the sensitive skin of my thigh. I suck in a breath, my body instinctively arching towards his touch. He knows exactly how to drive me wild, and he takes his time, savoring every reaction he draws out of me.
As his fingers finally find my entrance, I hear the first slap of the belt ring out from the other dressing room. Frankie’s sharp gasp cuts through the air.
Blade’s touch becomes more insistent, his fingers working inside me at just the right pace. I cling to his arm for support, my knees threatening to give out as he rubs my clit with his thumb.
“You like that, don’t you? Listening to her getting spanked while I finger your tight cunt,” he murmurs next to my ear, his voice husky.
I can’t form words, my mind a haze of both the sensations and sounds. All I can do is nod, my body trembling under his expert hands. His fingers move faster, and his other hand pinches my nipple, sending jolts of pleasure through me.
As the sounds from the other room grow more intense, so does the tension coiling inside me, ready to snap. His fingers push me closer, driving me towards the edge.
“Can I…” I whisper, then gasp.
“Come for me, angel. Squirt all over my fingers so I can lick them clean and taste every last drop when you’re done.”
With one final thrust, he hits my g-spot, and my body tenses. A soft cry escapes my lips as my orgasm crashes over me. Blade holds me steady, his fingers working relentlessly through my climax, drawing out every last bit of pleasure he can.