Chapter 30
CHAPTER 30
Ivy
I can’t believe he actually took a picture for posterity after I already gave him my fucking body. But what’s even worse is the fact that I’m still high from whatever the fuck that mind-blowing sex just was.
As Heath unties my wrists from the hook, Silas fishes a wad of cash from his pocket and drops it on the floor between my feet.
“What’s that for?” I ask, while Max unstraps my ankles from the bar.
“You needed a job, right?” He tilts his head. “This is your job now.”
What?!
That’s it.
I shove Heath away, push Max in the chest to make him fall backward, and I steal Silas’s knife that’s right beside him, turning around to aim it at Silas’s chest.
“Whoa, getting spicy now?”
I cut but miss as he steps back, but I keep slicing until I’ve cornered him against the wall, the knife at his throat.
“Get back!” Heath growls at me. “Don’t make me—”
“Don’t, Heath,” Silas says with a smug smile. “I wanna know where this vicious thought of hers leads.”
“I’m not a whore,” I say through gritted teeth.
“Yet you eagerly gave your body to me ,” he responds. “You’re not just anyone’s whore … You’re mine.”
My nostrils flare. “I don’t want to be yours.”
“Too late,” he says, inching closer to the blade, almost like he’s enjoying it. “And I think you know that. You can’t kill me,” he says as the blade etches his skin.
“No?” I reply, blood rolling down his skin. “You deserve it.”
He smirks. “I do …” He leans in even farther, his tongue dipping out to actually lick my top lip while the blood rolls down. “But you’re not a killer.”
I grind my teeth over and over until finally I push away. I hate, hate, hate that he’s right, and that he knew before I did.
I snatch the money off the floor and throw it at his face. “Keep your filthy money. I don’t want it.”
“Oh, now the thief is getting all righteous?” he scoffs.
I snatch the oversized bathrobe off his door and swiftly put it on, then walk out the door, completely ignoring him.
“Ivy, wait!” Max calls as I race down the stairs.
“She’ll come back soon enough. Don’t fucking worry,” Silas calls from the top of the stairs. “She needs us.”
I stick up my middle finger as I waltz toward the door. “The fuck I do!”
“The money is going somewhere, thief …” His voice is dark, heavy, threatening as he clutches the banister while staring down at me with those hollowed-out eyes. “That trail will lead to inevitable death.”
I pause and glance at him, wondering if he’s trying to tell me something.
“The only question is who will be the reaper?”
A reaper.
A murderer without a conscience.
A killer who could end all my troubles once and for all.
A shiver runs down my spine, but I still march off and slam the front door shut behind me.
I walk across the street, hoping no one will notice me walking in a bathrobe, but it’s too late. People are already staring, and I just know they want to ask me the reason so they can gossip about it later. I’m not about to answer some questions like some head of press, so I head straight for the first building in my path.
Alpha Psi. The sorority Océane belongs to.
I knock on the door a few times and wait. When someone opens, I immediately ask, “Is Océane here?” Before they even have the chance to question me.
“Um … sure, let me go get her.” The girl looks confused as fuck but still leaves the door open for me as she walks off.
Minutes later, Océane comes to the door.
“Ivy?” She looks me up and down. “What happened?”
“Can I borrow some clothes, please?” I ask.
Her brows furrow. “Um … sure.”
I know we’re not the best of friends, but I appreciate her helping me out. “Thanks.”
But when I enter, Talon’s stern gaze catches me off guard.
“Um, hi,” I mutter to him.
He just stares at me like I interrupted their private time, then turns his head back to the other girls who are all chatting in the kitchen.
Océane closes the door after I’m in and places a hand on my shoulder. “Are you okay?” she asks. “Why are you wearing this?”
“I … I’d rather not talk about it.”
I can’t lie, I wouldn’t even know how to explain this anyway. It’s not like I hiked up the mountain and tore my clothes, then found a random bathrobe lying around. But I don’t want to tell the truth either and risk exposing myself as a fraud, a thief, just like Silas marked me as.
I clear my throat and add, “Sorry.”
She nods. “I understand. C’mon. Let’s go upstairs.”
She takes me up to what I assume is her room and opens the drawers. “Just grab whatever fits you best.”
“Are you sure it’s okay?” I ask.
“Mm-hmm.” She nods a few times. “It’s fine. I have enough anyway.”
I pick a soft white blouse and a pair of dark skinny jeans, along with a fresh pair of panties.
“Do you think I could also take a shower?”
“Yeah, of course. It’s over here.” She opens the door across from her room and shows me the stalls. “Some rooms have a private bathroom, but mine doesn’t, unfortunately.”
“It’s okay. This is perfect, thank you,” I say.
“If you need anything, just let me know.”
I nod, and she closes the door, leaving me to it.
I walk into a stall and turn on the warm shower so I can put my hand underneath. The heat of the water makes me feel alive—like I could scald off the tainted mark on my soul.
I swallow and drop the bathrobe, but the mirror on the wall behind me instantly reminds me of the viciousness of these boys I’ve involved myself with. My clothes are torn to shreds, and all that’s left are reddened spank marks on my ass … and the hickeys on my pubic bone.
I swallow away the lump in my throat.
Max left those, and it makes me wonder if it was a desperate attempt to leave an equally lasting mark on me … after Silas already claimed me as his.
A blush spreads on my cheeks, but I swiftly push the thought away and step under the shower, washing away all of their sins and mine.
Max played me.
I thought he liked me, genuinely liked me.
But it was all a game from the start.
I brush off the pain and focus on rinsing off the grime. Even if I can still feel their tongues, their complete and utter claim on my body, I tell myself it doesn’t matter. That I can give my body away to boys like them without ever taking the fall.
But I’m slowly realizing none of this will be without a grave cost.
I turn off the shower, dry off, and put on the clothes I grabbed from Océane’s closet. My flat ass doesn’t nearly fill up the jeans, but the waist fits well enough that it won’t slip, so I’m grateful. The blouse is perfect for my size, and when I look in the mirror, I almost feel like myself again. Almost.
I throw the dirty robe in the towel bin and head out, but the moment I take one foot outside, I come to a full stop. Talon’s right in front of me, his hand firmly propped against the wall, like he doesn’t intend to let me pass.
“What’s up?” I ask, trying to lighten the mood.
“I don’t appreciate that you came here,” he says.
“O-kay…” I cross my arms. “This isn’t your sorority, though, so it’s not your problem.”
“No, but it is my girlfriend’s sorority, and it’s my job to protect her.”
I frown. “From me?”
“From the shit you bring to her doorstep.” His dark-brown eyes intensify. “Those fuckers from the Skull and Serpent Society have attached themselves to you for some reason, and I’m not about to stand by and watch you involve her in whatever is going on with the four of you.”
My face turns white hot. “I can assure you, I’m not interested in any involvement—”
“They have your number, and they’ve been talking about you nonstop in class. I know the truth, skinny.”
Damn.
He taps my chest. “Don’t bring my girlfriend into their shit. You got it?”
I swat his hand away. “I’m not doing anything. She offered me help, and I accepted. That’s it.”
“What’s going on?” Océane suddenly approaches, and Talon swiftly lowers his arm and backs off.
“Nothing,” he says, clearing his throat. “Just checking to see if she’s okay.”
I scowl. “Right.”
“I’m gonna go to class.” He kisses her on the cheek. “See you later, ’kay?”
He waltzes off before I can say anything else, almost like he doesn’t wanna get caught.
“Did he say something to you?” she asks.
I shake my head. I’m not about to start another war here on campus grounds.
“Was the shower okay?”
“Yeah, perfect,” I say. “Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask … do you think I could borrow some cash? Just two hundred, that’s it.” When her brows begin to furrow in apprehension, I add, “I’ll pay you back, I promise.”
She sighs. “If you really need it, sure.” She pulls out her wallet and takes out a few bills. “Here.”
I swiftly tuck it into my pocket. “Thanks. I won’t let you down.”
“As long as I get it back by next month. I need to buy a present for Talon.”
“Of course,” I reply, smiling.
I don’t know how I’ll pay this back yet, but I’ll make it happen, regardless.
“It’s his birthday?” I ask.
“No, it’s just our monthly anniversary.” She winks. “I wanna throw him a private party somewhere. Speaking of parties, wanna come with me to a party at the Phantom Society tomorrow? Not one of my friends can come, and I don’t wanna go alone.”
“Wait, not even Aspen? But she loves parties,” I say.
“Nope.” She slams her lips together. “Something about burned homework and her parents being angry.”
“What about Xav?”
“Oh no, I’m not even thinking about it. Sunny’s also gonna be there, and I’m not looking for the drama attached to whatever is brewing there. Besides, he doesn’t like the Phantoms.”
I snort. “There’s no way Xav would make a move on her.”
“I’m not gonna risk it. I’d rather just hang with you and Talon.” She smiles. “If you’re okay with it, of course.”
I don’t know what to say, so I just agree. “Sure. He won’t mind if I tag along?”
“Of course not. He can get a little possessive, so that’s exactly why I need to take him to these parties. Loosen him up a little.” She jests. “Besides, you don’t have a dick, so he doesn’t consider you a threat.”
I shake my head, laughing. If only that were true. “As long as he doesn’t look at me like he wants to kill me, I think I can handle it.”
“Cool. I’ll tell him to simmer down the glare. You need anything else?”
“No, I’m good,” I reply.
She places her hand on my arm again. “You can always come to me if you need help, okay? Don’t be shy.”
Her warmth radiates through her voice, and it reminds me of my mother so much tears actually well up in my eyes, but I push them away. “Thanks. I feel much better now. Honestly.”
At least now no one can see the ravage those boys left me in.
Océane walks me to the front door.
“Oh, and if you see Heath Preston, tell him Mavis Rivera was looking for him.”
The mere mention of his name makes all the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. “Why’d you think I’d see Heath?”
“I’ve seen you enter the Skull and Serpent Society. Aren’t you friends? People have seen you talking in the school hallways, so word got around.”
I swallow away the lump in my throat. I don’t even know what to say. He’s not my friend, but I know him in ways I never thought I would. But I can’t deny I know him either.
“I’ll … tell him,” I mutter as I walk away feeling numb.
“Great. Thanks.” She closes the door, but the only thing that roars through my head is how the whole school must already know more than I thought they did.
Everyone’s seen me talk with them.
They don’t know what was said, but it doesn’t matter.
Word gets around.
And everywhere I look, people are gawking at me, whispering, gossiping.
She’s that girl.
The girl those popular boys are obsessed with.
The girl who put a target on her own head.
Might as well shoot me now and get it over with.
I swiftly head home and knock on Mrs. Schwartz’s door with the bills still in my hand. She immediately opens up and snatches them from me.
“That’s not enough for that hungry gremlin, and I’m not talking about the cat.”
“I’ll give you more soon, I promise,” I say as I take Cora’s hand and leave.
“I didn’t clean the litterbox, so there’s poop all over the floor.”
I sigh. “No worries, I’ll take care of it.”
“You’re welcome,” she snarls before shutting the door.
“She was not nic—”
“Cora, not now,” I interrupt.
I can’t have her slandering the only person who’s willing to help me on a daily basis.
I head into our home and close the door behind us before I go to eye level with her. “It is what it is, okay? I’m trying my best to get us out of this.”
“But how much longer do we have to stay here?”
Her little pouty face makes me feel guilty. “I know you miss your old home. But we can create a new one here. Together.”
She hugs me so tight, tears well up in my eyes as she begins to cry. “Can’t you stay with me all day long?”
Some tears roll down my cheeks. “I can’t, I’m sorry.”
“But why?”
“We need money to live here, and I can’t earn any if I stay home.”
She sighs, so I grab her shoulders. “But we can stay up late tonight and watch a movie together on my cell phone. You up for it?”
The sweet smile that reappears on her face makes all my troubles worth it. And I don’t even have to say a word for her to squeal. “YES!”
Within an hour of turning on the movie, she’s already fallen asleep in my arms, and I bring her to bed and tuck her in tight.
But when my phone buzzes, and I pick it up, all the hopeful joy is instantly drained from my heart.
Anonymous: Five grand. Tomorrow. 2 a.m. Same place.
My eyes widen, and I ram the buttons to PM him back.
Me: I need more time.
Anonymous: You had enough.
Me: This wasn’t our agreement.
Anonymous: Terms changed. Time’s up. Tomorrow night … or you know what will happen.
My nerves get the best of me, and I chuck the phone away in anger.
Shit. How am I going to get five grand by tomorrow?
I run my hands through my hair and scratch while pacing around the living room, wishing I could force my brain to come up with a solution. I could steal from the Skull and Serpent Society again, but they’re probably expecting me now.
Shit, shit, shit! What do I do?
Wait.
I run to my phone and pick it up from the floor to check my past messages from my friends.
Tomorrow. Yes. It should be doable. It’s crazy, but it might just work.
In the kitchen, I grab my notebook and a pen and start penning down all the money I still need in order to stay safe and alive … All the money I will have to steal.
And I know just the place.
Heath
In the middle of the night, I turn the key into the lock as silently as possible and lean my ear against the door to listen. No noise except for the soft buzzing of what sounds like a crooked fan.
I pull out the key and slowly push open the door to peer around. The lights are all out except one next to the couch in the living area. No one is here, so I enter and close the door behind me.
Sneaking in, I take care not to bump into anything so I don’t wake up the ghosts that haunt this place. The fan in the bedroom is on high speed as I slowly approach. I grip the wooden slats and peer inside. There she is, lying in bed with her eyes closed and her petite body tucked underneath a tattered blanket.
The ghost who haunts my dreams.
Ivy Clark.
A smile perks up my lips, and I fish my hairband from my pocket and tie up my hair. Then I approach Ivy in the darkness. I tilt my head to watch her chest rise and fall with every breath she takes, and it’s quite literally breathtaking.
For a moment, I stay there, listening to her breathing while my heart begins to thud.
This is the girl who’s gotten Max so goddamn weak he fell to his knees for her. Yet …
My lips hover close to her skin, and I take in her sweet, fruity scent through my nostrils. My dick throbs at the memory of having her body, but I don’t understand why.
I’ve never wanted like this, hungered for more like this, or been brought to the brink of desperation where I’m almost tempted to lick this supple skin beneath my teeth.
Taking her tight little pussy was the best feeling ever, and it still didn’t satisfy my cravings.
Is this why Max kept coming back?
Why he couldn’t stop himself from falling for the girl he was supposed to trick?
My nostrils flare, but this fucking girl sleeping in her bed, blissfully unaware of my presence, has captured my gaze. I’m so enamored I can’t look away.
There’s something huddled underneath her arm.
I lean over and carefully peel away the blanket to look, and my jaw slowly drops.
A girl.
Does she have a child?
I frown as I look closely at the girl, whose little finger is wrapped around her dark hair. She’s so tiny, and those red apples on her cheeks make me smile.
Why? Why does it make me smile?
Suddenly, she coughs, and I take five steps back, disappearing through the bedroom door again before either of them open their eyes. But a paper on the kitchen counter grabs my attention on the way out, and I pause to pick it up. There’s a list of places and stores, as well as a fuck ton of numbers written down, like she made some kind of calculation. Along with a few dollar signs … and the word “owed.”
Does she owe someone money?
Is this the reason she kept stealing from us?
I flip the page and gawk my eyes out at the hasty drawing scribbled on here with arrows and illegible writings all over, and with all those stripes and squares it almost looks like a map.
Or more specifically, a map of the Phantom Society.
I fish my phone from my pocket and take a couple of pictures of both sides before I put the page down exactly the way I found it. Then I exit the apartment and close the door behind me, locking it with the same key I used to open this Pandora’s box with.
A long-drawn-out sigh leaves my mouth before I head down the hallway and grab my phone, dialing Silas’s number.
“Hey. Guess what we’re doing tomorrow evening?” I pull the hairband from my hair and let it all fall over my shoulders. “Crashing a party at the Phantom Society.”