Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Monroe
Maybe my actions were unreasonable; I had no right to feel the way I did, but the jealousy was still there, nonetheless. As soon as Aspen went back to the academy—which I assumed she would—meant that she’d be my student again. The fact she was a former student was also bad enough. Overall, Rocky was a good kid and would be great for her. She didn’t need me complicating her life. There was no future for us, but I couldn’t shake this urge. The urge to pin her down and fuck her over the dinner table, or to sneak into the bathroom while she was showering and take her right there. My infatuation with this girl was barbaric and completely out of character for me. She deserved a life where she could just be a young adult, not having to worry about me getting in trouble for my own selfish desires.
The sounds were still imprinted into my mind, causing my heart to thump a little harder than usual. The screams, the moans, the heavy breathing. These walls were thin, allowing me to hear every single thing that happened, which was a gift and a curse. It only reminded me of when I had her at my will, her body shaking while I drove into her countlessly.
My cock strained against my pajama pants, aching to be inside the girl I wasn’t allowed to have. This was the purest form of torture. Green eyes peeked over at me, invading my headspace; eyes I’d never be able to forget. From the moment she stepped foot in that academy, I was screwed. Slipping my hand beneath my waistband, I gripped my throbbing member, working my hand in an up and down motion.
It didn’t matter how many times I told myself she was off-limits, or how many times I kept my distance; there was no doubt in my mind that this was going to end badly. How much longer could I stay away from her?
My chest rose and fell in rapid succession as I fantasized about the girl who only slept a door away. It didn’t matter what I felt; nothing was going to change. That didn’t stop me from picturing her down on her knees before me though. She would look up at me, peering at me through those bright green eyes I couldn’t seem to get out of my head. Her gaze would be challenging, never one to submit. I knew she’d take me all the way to the back of the narrow little throat too. The thought was enough to have a growl ripping from my chest.
After she swallowed my cum, I’d take her on the kitchen table. Not caring who heard as I plowed into that tight little pussy over and over again. Her tits would bounce wildly with each thrust, her hands gripping the edge of the table for support like she’d done with my desk. Until finally, we both let go.
A hiss left me as my hot seed coated my hand, shooting across my thighs and painting them with the off-white color. Sighing, I leaned my head back against my headboard. I couldn’t keep doing this. The fantasies only made me want her more, but how could I stop when she’s all I thought about?
Grabbing a tissue from my nightstand, I cleaned myself up and then tugged my pants back over my hips before tossing the tissue in the trash. My hands ran through my hair, frustration eating at me from the inside out. My hand would only work for so long, and even now, it was losing its power.
Aspen was seated at the island when I entered the kitchen, a cup of coffee resting between her dainty hands. She turned, glancing over her shoulder, her piercing eyes digging into my soul. The girl was magnificent. With how petite she was, it was surprising that she had any meat on her bones at all, but she did. All in the right places.
“Can I ask you for advice?” she questioned, slicing through my thoughts, and making me feel like an ass.
Clearing my throat, I nodded and ventured toward the other side of the island to fix myself a drink. I poured two glasses and pushed one toward her which she seemed to find amusing if the small breath of laughter was anything to go by.
“I don’t think Rocky will be messaging me anytime soon,” she began. “And I’m still all in with getting revenge on the guys. I want them to pay, Monroe. More than I’ve ever wanted anything. Will you please help me?”
Working up close and personal with Aspen didn’t sound like a good idea. I was already struggling as it was and didn’t know how much longer I’d be able to hold off. But how could I leave her out in the cold like that? Especially when she was practically begging me.
Lifting my glass to my lips, I took a long swallow of the amber liquid, allowing it to coat my throat and chest. My teeth sunk into the inside of my cheek as my mind worked to think up a decent response.
These guys have tortured her, belittled her, stole from her, nearly killed her, and she survived. Now, she was sitting here asking for my help in her little revenge scheme. My initial reasons for not being on board with it from the beginning were entirely selfish. I didn’t want her to end up dead, but she was an adult. If this was what she wanted, who was I to stop her?
“What did you have in mind?” I questioned, setting my glass back down.
Her lips parted in surprise, almost like she hadn’t expected me to agree. Once she composed herself, she took her own drink of whiskey and then situated herself in her seat so that her posture was straight.
“I’m not a murderer,” she started. “As much as I want those fuckers dead. But I do want them to suffer.”
“I know these boys well,” I admitted. “They’ve been fighting for me for years and I’ve heard many of their conversations. I’ll help you, but it won’t be a walk in the park.”
Her face lit up instinctively, and she jumped out of her seat. Before I knew what was happening, she was rounding the island and throwing her arms around my neck. A grunt of surprise left me as she pressed her body firmly against mine, the feel of her breasts and heat between her legs almost enough to make me buckle.
Reluctantly, I returned her embrace with my heart hammering so hard, I was certain she could feel it.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
When she pulled away, relief skittered through me. This was a bad idea, but I couldn’t exactly turn around and tell her to fuck off. Not when she was that excited over it. I didn’t even know what helping her entailed. Keep her from getting killed? I’d do my best on that front. It wasn’t like I could follow her around campus like some deranged stalker/bodyguard.
“Who is your first target?” I questioned, taking a step backwards to create distance between us.
Her eyebrows furrowed and something flashed across her face, but it disappeared as quickly as it had come. “Foster. I figured getting to the harder ones first would make it easier. Next is Hunter, and then Myles.”
“You think Myles will be easier than Hunter?” I questioned; curiosity piqued.
“I think they’ll be equally difficult.”
My gaze tracked her movements as she reached for her glass again, wrapping her lips around the rim before tilting it back and swallowing another mouthful.
“And what is it you need from me exactly?” I pried. She seemed to have it all figured out on her own.
A slow smile stretched across her face, almost like she’d been fantasizing about this as much as I fantasized about her. “You have access to everyone’s room as a teacher, right?” Unease flooded my system; not sure I’d like where she was heading with this. Hesitantly, I nodded. “Great. I’m going to need you to break into Foster’s room and put a sleeping pill in his water.”
I reeled back, my jaw slackening. “What?” I asked dumbfounded.
“Well, I can’t exactly have him aware of me in his room until he’s been restrained. He’s strong as fuck.”
She had a point there, but I could get in some serious trouble for this. Not only was it illegal, but it could cost me my job. Running my hands through my hair in distress, I released a loaded sigh.
As if noticing my change in reaction, she placed her hand on mine, the simple touch sending bolts of electricity through me. “Or just give Rocky the key and have him do it,” she suggested. “Assuming he will, anyways.”
I nodded. “I’ll get him to. I see him tonight actually.”
“Right…” she trailed off thoughtfully. “It’s Saturday.”
“When do you need Henderson drugged?” I asked, changing the subject. If I was going to talk to Rocky about this, then I’d need all the details.
“I’ve already ordered the pills. They’ll be here in three weeks.” She frowned.
Aspen was impulsive and acted out of emotion. To find out that we had three weeks was a relief. Maybe she’d even change her mind by then. Doubtful, but anything could happen.
When I made it to the gym, it was bustling as usual. All the fighters were already separated into their assigned groups, waiting for it to begin. My gaze roamed around the room, in search of one person in particular. If I wanted to talk to him, it needed to be now.
When my gaze snagged on him, disbelief coursed through me. It took a lot to surprise me. I wasn’t usually wrong about people but seeing Barlow with his tongue down some chick’s throat on the other side of the room sent rage vibrating through me. Didn’t he just tell Aspen he liked her and then proceeded to fuck her?
Storming across the gym, my adrenaline pushed me forward. I didn’t know what the hell I was doing, but the urge to protect Aspen’s heart consumed me. That girl has lost so much, and the fact that Rocky knew that, pissed me off even more. The last thing she needed was him playing with her feelings.
Once I reached the couple, I cleared my throat as dramatically as I could. The girl was the one who jerked away, tucking a strand of black hair behind her ear, and shooting me a sheepish smile. Rocky rolled his eyes as if already sensing me before turning in my direction.
“This isn’t a whore house,” I barked. “You want to make out or get laid, then do it in private.” My gaze slid over to her. I knew she wasn’t a fighter, so there was no reason for her presence. “Leave,” I ordered, leaving no room for argument.
She seemed taken aback by the harshness in my tone, but that was the least of my concerns. Rocky shot me a glare, his jaw tightening in frustration, but there was nothing he could do. I was in charge here.
He turned to face the girl once more, his expression softening. “Sorry, D. I’ll see you afterwards, okay?” This seemed to appease her because she shot him a feline smile before prancing away.
Once we were finally alone and I made sure we were out of earshot, I faced him. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I growled.
He snorted in response. “Trying to get my dick wet,” he retorted. “You might have forgotten what that felt like, but I haven’t.”
Annoyance skittered through me, bubbling in the pits of my stomach. Without much thought, I reached forward and slapped him over the back of the head. He reeled back, completely stunned over what I’d just done, but a small smirk tugged at the corners of my mouth as amusement bubbled within me.
“Ow, asshole,” he hissed, narrowing his eyes, and rubbing the back of his head where I’d hit him. “I’m pretty sure that’s illegal.”
“So, is dealing drugs, but who’s keeping track?” I countered.
Rocky released a huff and folded his arms across his chest. “What do you want, anyways?” After seeing him with that girl, it didn’t seem like it mattered. Clearly, his attention was elsewhere.
Dropping my voice, I took a step toward him. “Aspen wanted your help, but your mind obviously isn’t on her. Have fun with your plaything. She won’t want anything to do with you when she finds out why you haven’t been returning her texts.”
His face paled and his eyes dropped to the floor. Watching him squirm has become my new favorite pastime. He didn’t give a shit about her. He was just as much a fuckboy as Walker was, and soon, Aspen would know it. Knowing that sent a thrill tracking down my spine. At least I wouldn’t have to hear them fucking anymore.
“Why do you even care?” he finally said, a challenge lurking within his icy gaze.
I shrugged, not falling for the bait he was putting out. He wanted me to admit something that I never would. “The question is…why don’t you?” I shot back.
Before he could even think up a response, I was walking back the direction I’d come. The gym was filled with so much noise, my own thoughts had become incoherent. When my gaze snagged on Foster, an internal groan got lodged deep in my throat. It was hard having to be civil around these boys after knowing all the things they’d done. The urge to beat their asses was strong anytime I saw them. They got to live normal lives after destroying them left and right, and I had to sit back and watch it all happen.
Hunter and Myles were in a deep conversation about something I didn’t give a shit about when I approached. As soon as they noticed me, silence enveloped us all—aside from the chatter taking place all around us. My eyes rolled of their own accord.
“Where’s Walker?” I snapped, noticing the missing boy.
Foster exchanged weird looks with his two friends before his eyebrows drew together. “He’s on bedrest, sir. Has been for nearly two weeks now.” Sir? I almost wanted to comment on it, but decided it wasn’t worth my time.
“No excuses,” I barked. “I expect him here next week. It’s his own stupid fault that he got hurt and I don’t pity him.” I didn’t care how harsh it sounded. I wasn’t going easy on any of them; not after what they did. “Now, shut the fuck up and stand over there.” I pointed toward the front row seats, not wanting them anywhere near me until it was necessary.
“Or maybe you could take that stick out of your ass and try that again,” Myles taunted, taking a step in my general direction. His head tilted to the side, bloodlust flashing within his blue orbs. The movements he made were slow and calculated, like he knew exactly how to carve out someone’s intestines with minimal clean-up needed.
My jaw tightened with the need to defend myself. He was nothing but an eighteen-year-old boy. His mom threw him in here of her own volition after he did something terrible. What that something was, I had no idea, but it wouldn’t be hard for me to find out.
I didn’t have time to think up a response, because the first set of names were being called through the speaker. Myles smirked before shouldering past me and heading straight for the ring to meet up with his opponent.
Turning, I slowly assessed Foster while his attention was elsewhere. From the outside, he didn’t look like a psychopath or even a criminal for that matter. His blonde hair was always tousled, like he never cared enough to fix it correctly. Like Myles, he had piercing blue eyes and was an overall appealing guy. He didn’t waste his time messing around with the girls that resided here, nor did he get into a lot of trouble as far as I was concerned. He kept his grades up, stuck to his inner circle, and never said much. However, there was a darkness to him that would be easy to miss if you weren’t around him long enough. The vacant look in his eyes confirmed that, almost like his mind was always somewhere else. He also had ticks. Sucking on the ball of his tongue ring for example, his gaze roaming around the room on numerous occasions like something would jump out at him if he didn’t pay attention. The way his hand would occasionally shake in class, like he was reliving a bad memory. It was easy to tell that he was fucked up if you watched him closely enough, and despite my hatred for him over what he did, it also made me feel sorry for him.
When his eyes met mine, I glanced away, returning my gaze to the fight. There were a lot of layers to Foster Henderson, and I needed to uncover them all.