Chapter 21
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Aspen
Darkness blanketed me, enveloping me in its clutches. It had to be after four in the morning and I still hadn’t managed to sleep a wink aside from when I’d been forced to by whatever drug Myles had jammed into my neck. The pillows between me and Foster didn’t help either. I felt suffocated—like I couldn’t move. The boy beside me obviously wasn’t having the same issues. His even breathing reverberated throughout the room which only pissed me off more.
My body ached, my eyes were tired, but I was too uncomfortable. Reluctantly, I reached forward and removed the pillows from in between us, tossing them to the floor. He was the one who wanted me to sleep in here in the first place; the least he could do was be more hospitable. I’d face whatever repercussions came with this, but I just wanted a decent night of rest after working.
I scooted closer to the boy sleeping nearby, making sure to leave enough space between us. The mattress shifted beneath my weight, but finally, I didn’t feel so restricted. Placing my hand beneath my head, my eyes drifted closed.
The next morning, I awoke with strong arms wrapped around me and something hard digging into my ass. My breathing labored as I recounted everything that had happened last night leading up to this moment. Turning my head, I spared a glance over my shoulder. Foster’s eyes were still closed, and he didn’t even stir in his sleep.
Maybe if I could somehow untangle him from my body, I’d get out of this position without him ever knowing. I shifted in the bed, trying my best to weasel my way out of his grasp. He groaned, making my body tense. His grip tightened around me, and he buried his nose in the column of my neck, still very much asleep.
The door creaked open, causing my eyes to dart in that direction. Myles stood in the doorway; a look of surprise etched into his features as he took us in. I discreetly shook my head, internally praying he wouldn’t fuck me over on this.
A sinister smile curled the corners of his mouth as he closed the door behind him and then folded his arms over his chest. “You two look cozy,” he said way too loudly, making me flinch.
Foster’s arms tightened and he stirred from behind me. I didn’t need to look at him to know he was awake. I could tell by the change in his breathing and how tense his body had become.
“What the fuck,” he growled from behind me, his voice more alert than expected given the fact he’d just woken up.
Foster quickly untangled himself from me and I wasted no time rushing off the bed and putting as much distance between us as possible. His hair was a mess, making him look even more edgy than usual. I didn’t have much time to appreciate the way he looked because he was throwing the comforter from his body and stalking toward me.
Fear coursed through my body, and I practically dove behind Myles. He wouldn’t protect me. I knew he wouldn’t, but it was the only thing I could think of.
“You want my protection, little dove?” Myles asked, humor slithering through his words.
I peeked around the massive guy standing in front of me and chanced a look at the blonde who was seething and shaking with rage. His lips were curled in a deadly snarl as his eyes locked on mine.
“I can explain,” I began from behind my human shield.
Foster stalked forward, his gaze sliding to Myles. “Move,” he growled, the sound sending chills through me.
Without hesitation, Myles stepped to the side, making me an easy target. Asshole . I shot him a glare. But the douchebag just grinned in response like he was enjoying this.
“Explain to me why the fuck you were pressed up against my dick,” Foster demanded, approaching me.
I rolled my eyes, already annoyed by his misplaced accusations. It was partially my fault because I’d removed the pillows, but it wasn’t me pressed against him . “Last time I checked, you were the one wrapped around me,” I shot back against my better judgement. “How was I supposed to know you were a cuddler?”
Myles snickered from his spot a few feet away which seemed to add fuel to Foster’s fire because he was shoving me up against the wall in the next second, his hand wrapped around my throat.
My nails bit into his arm which made his eyes flash with fury, and he tightened his grip on my neck even more making it harder to breathe.
“T-the pillows,” I choked out through pants. “Made it hard to sleep.”
His facial expression morphed into confusion before he released his grip on me and I buckled forward, gasping for air. “Fucking dick,” I sputtered, clutching my stomach.
“Don’t do it again,” he snapped.
I sucked another breath of air into my lungs before I’d finally managed to compose myself and then I lifted my head to meet his gaze. “The next time you touch me, I will touch you back,” I warned, sick and tired of his double standards.
“Sounds kinky,” Myles chipped in with a smirk as he strode over to us. “Does that rule extend to me?” His arm snaked around my shoulders, and he pulled me against his side making annoyance bubble up inside me along with another feeling I didn’t even want to consider.
It felt like we’d all fell back into some weird ass routine. I pissed them off, they retaliated, and then the cycle started again. This time around, I’d be smarter while I bid my time in secret and waited for the perfect opportunity to strike. I’d never forgive them for what they did, but I could play along for now.
“Aren’t you supposed to be in class?” Foster demanded, narrowing his eyes.
“It’s lunch time, fuck wit. I just brought Collin up something to eat. You may want to feed her though.” He inclined his head toward me for emphasis.
Foster groaned, running a hand down the front of his face. “We really slept that long?”
Myles smirked in response, his gaze sliding to me. “Cuddling will do that to you.” He winked, making Foster glare at him. I snorted in amusement. He wasn’t going to let Foster live that down and I was here for it. Anything to get under his skin.
“Whatever,” he mumbled. “Take her to Collin’s room. I’ll grab her some food on my way back from the cafeteria.”
My heart rate spiked at the mere mention of his name. If I hadn’t let my emotions get in the way over seeing him in so much pain, I might have made it out of there and wouldn’t be standing here with them today. If I had just been stronger, I wouldn’t have hesitated. That couldn’t happen again.
Horror snaked through me as my mind flashed to Rocky and Monroe. They were probably worried about me. I didn’t check in with them and Monroe was supposed to pick me up from work last night. My phone was tucked away in my locker at the club, so texting them wasn’t an option.
“Come on,” Myles instructed, motioning toward the door.
Reluctantly, I followed behind him. It felt weird leaving in nothing but a T-shirt. I’d taken my panties off after my shower last night, not wanting to wear them after sweating in them all night. It wasn’t like I could stop and grab my clothes from my room. Rocky had already taken them to Monroe’s, and I couldn’t stomach the thought of being in that room after Raven…
Once we were walking down the hall, I turned to look at Myles. “My phone is at the club,” I told him. “Is there any way I could go back and get it?”
“Why?” he questioned, raising an eyebrow. “So, you can run the first chance you get or call for help?”
My teeth clenched as anger and annoyance washed through me. I knew it was a long shot even attempting to go back to the club for anything, but you can’t blame a girl for trying.
“I’m not going to run,” I snapped back. “I made a deal with Foster.”
His eyebrows raised in surprise. Clearly, he hadn’t heard anything about it just yet. “Foster negotiated with you about something?” he pressed; confusion etched into his features.
Myles was fucking hot, and I hated it. Especially when he let his mask slip and showed a sliver of emotion on his face that wasn’t arrogance or anger. His eyes were blue like Foster’s, but much darker. He had a strong jaw line that helped with the overall appeal of his facial structure and his nose was just the right size for his face. As for his hair, it was as black as night and swept across his face in a jagged cut that hid the majority of his forehead.
I didn’t realize how long I’d been staring at him until his gaze landed on me and an arrogant smirk curled the corners of his mouth. “If you keep looking at me like that, Little Dove, I’m going to have to take you back to my room.” He shot me a wink, my face heating from his implication.
Clearing my throat, I glanced away, choosing to focus on the looming hallway ahead instead. “I’ll pass,” I said dryly, despite my heart racing in my chest.
He grabbed my arm, surprising me and turned me around so we were facing. “Let’s make a deal,” he began, reaching forward and tucking my hair behind my ear. “You let me bury my cock in that tight fucking pussy and I’ll take you to go get your phone and even some clothes.” I shuddered against his touch, hating the way my body betrayed me.
Myles was my biggest tormentor. After he took my virginity, I had nightmares for years. When we saw each other again, he made it his mission to destroy me, and succeeded. The fact that he was standing here right now, propositioning me for my body made my hairs stand on end.
“Since when do you ask permission,” I shot back, remembering the night of the Halloween party.
He shrugged casually, like it meant nothing to him. Like he had no regrets about what he’s done to me. I wasn’t sure why I expected him to. “I prefer my girls willing. But I have a hunch that you enjoy being forced.” A sinister smile stretched across his face, sending chills spiraling through me. “If the way you screamed for me and came is any indication of that.”
“Fuck you, Myles,” I snapped back. “I will never give myself to you by choice.”
He shrugged nonchalantly. “Then have fun wearing our shirts for the foreseeable future.” He paused, an idea sparking in that sadistic head of his. “Maybe we’ll take that away too and make you walk around naked.”
My lips parted in shock. “You’re kidding me, right?” I demanded as we started walking again.
“Deny me and find out.”
I stewed in my anger for the rest of the walk. Part of me wanted to punch him just because it would make me feel better, but the other part of me was scared of what he’d do if I did. Decisions…decisions.
Once we reached Collin’s floor, my movements stalled at the room that had once been mine and Raven’s. My heart thudded in my chest as I stared at the door, knowing she wouldn’t be behind it. Knowing that all of her stuff was probably still there. My chest tightened and tears pricked against my eyes. All those nights I’d tried to study and got annoyed with her for being loud as fuck. I wish I could take it back. The nights she’d ask me for fashion advice or ramble on and on about Hunter. It was almost like I could picture her in my head, reliving these very moments.
I missed her. She didn’t deserve this. My legs buckled beneath me, and I hit the floor, landing on my knees. She’d been the only one who cared whether or not I’d eaten, always waking me up or disrupting whatever the hell I’d been doing to haul my ass to the cafeteria.
A choked sob forced its way from my throat, tears staining my face. I’d known from the beginning that Hunter wasn’t good for her. I knew he’d hurt her, but I never expected this .
Strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me back to my feet. I whirled on him instantly, fury radiating through me.
“ You did this,” I accused, shoving him in his chest. He didn’t even budge, which pissed me off even more. “ You’re the reason she’s gone.”
“Aspen,” he warned, his eyes darting to my balled-up fists. “Don’t start something you can’t finish.”
I thought I was moving on from all of this. That my heart was becoming stronger, when in reality, I’d just been distracting myself from the pain. I never truly got to mourn.
It felt like my heart was being torn from my chest. She had been an amazing person—an amazing friend. Sure, she was rough around the edges, but who wasn’t? We’ve all done things we weren’t proud of. Raven was unapologetically herself.
Myles cautiously stepped toward me. “Let’s get you to Collin’s room, and we can talk. This isn’t something we need to do in the middle of the hallway,” he insisted.
I knew he was right. No one needed to know our business, but I couldn’t force my legs to move. My gaze slid back to the door, a million emotions slicing through me. Maybe going to the cops would have been a better option. Then again, what proof did I have? It was my word against theirs. It was too late to do a rape kit.
As if sensing my inner turmoil, Myles took another step forward and enveloped me in his arms. The scent of his woodsy cologne invaded my senses, making my head spin. In one motion, he swept me up and tossed me over his shoulder, making a surprised yelp tumble from my lips. The cold air drifted between my legs, making me squeeze them together. He adjusted the shirt I wore—Foster’s shirt—and placed his arm along my upper thighs, making sure I was covered.
I didn’t bother fighting him. My body was too weak, and my head was still filled with all the horrors that had taken place less than two months ago.
When we made it to Collin’s room, he opened the door and sat me down before turning to me. My gaze drifted toward the boy in bed, his eyebrows pinched in confusion when he saw me. I probably looked like a blubbering mess now. Instinctively, I wiped at my eyes, getting rid of the tears that had fallen.
“If you have something to say, then say it,” Myles pushed, drawing my attention back to him.
“ Why ?” I said without hesitation. This question has been running rampant in my mind since everything happened. “Why did you do it?”
My eyes searched his for even a sliver of regret, but he was so hard to read that it was frustrating. He certainly didn’t care when he stole my virginity, he didn’t care when he raped me at the party with his friends, and he didn’t care that he killed my friend.
“You won’t like my answer,” he drawled, never tearing his gaze from mine.
“Tell me.”
He sighed, running a hand through his dark tresses. “Because I wanted to.”
I already had a feeling what he was going to say before the words left his mouth, but it didn’t piss me off any less. He killed Raven because he wanted to. It was as simple as that. He took her fucking life because it was nothing but a sport to him. Fury bubbled up inside me, flooding my system like a current of volcanic acid.
“You know what I want?” I seethed through clenched teeth, taking a step toward him.
Either he didn’t notice my rage, or he was completely disregarding it. He arched an expectant eyebrow. “What would that be, Dove?”
I pulled my arm back and let it fly, my fist connecting with his mouth. He grunted, stumbling back. His eyes flashed, zeroing in on me. I knew I said I’d be smarter, but sometimes, improvisations were necessary. His hand drifted up to meet his busted lip, blood trickling down his chin from my assault.
“You made me bleed,” he pointed out casually as if he were merely discussing the weather.
“Then we’re even on that front,” I growled, recalling the time he sliced into me with his knife. Not only had he carved their names, but he fucking stabbed me in the hip. While it had been a minor injury, it still hurt like a bitch when it happened.
A sadistic smile curled the corners of his mouth, and he immediately grabbed me. “What was it I said in the hallway?” he asked with an edge to his voice, his eyes flashing with excitement. I struggled against him, trying to shake him off, but it was no use. “Didn’t I tell you not to start something you couldn’t finish?”
“Myles,” Collin said from his bed, finally speaking up for the first time.
Myles ignored Collin and grabbed me by the throat in one movement. My eyes widened as he steered me, backing me into the dresser that I’d been fucked over mere months ago. My heart raced as I stared up at him, anticipation clawing through me. His rough fingers slid over the column of my throat making me shudder.
His lips kicked up to form a dark smirk as he peered at me through wide, lust-filled eyes. He surely wouldn’t force himself on me right here. Right?
Before I could contemplate that horrendous thought, his mouth came down on mine hard. I tensed beneath his touch as his teeth tugged at my bottom lip. In the next second, he was biting me, forcing a whimper from my throat. A bead of blood trickled down my lip and he quickly licked it away before stepping backwards, dropping his hand from around my neck.
“ Now we’re even.” He smirked.
I moved my hand to my mouth, thumbing my tender lip. If I’d done that to Foster, he would have made me pay severely. Confusion washed over me along with relief.
“I-I thought…” the words came out jumbled, a crease forming between my brows as I tried to wrap my head around what just happened.
“That I’d take you?” he finished, raising his eyebrows. When I nodded, he released a dark chuckle that had goosebumps pricking along my skin. “The next time I fuck you will be because you begged for it.”
With those sweet words, he turned on his heels and stalked out of the room. I fell back against the dresser, my hand moving over my chest to steady my pounding heart. Not that it helped any. Why did he care if I gave him permission? He’s never given a shit before. Regardless, that gave me some sense of relief.
Collin’s words sliced through my thoughts. “Are you okay?” he asked, genuinely sounding concerned.
I nodded, taking in the small boy curled up in the giant bed. He wasn’t small by any means, but with how weak he was looking, that was the best word to describe him. Guilt clawed at my insides when I noted the pained expression on his face. His skin was clammy, making him appear sick.
As much as these assholes deserved to suffer, I didn’t want it to be like this. That wasn’t revenge; it was a low blow on my end.
“Are you okay?” I questioned, already knowing that he was far from it.
“Better now.” He gave me a weak smile and shifted in the bed, wincing before he clutched his ribs. “Might have to go back to the doctor. I think you may have rebroken them.”
I sighed, striding over to the empty side of the bed, and climbed in, lifting the blanket over me. There was a tray on Collin’s lap with an assortment of food, but it appeared to be untouched for the most part. If I was supposed to stay with him today, might as well make the best out of it.
Neither one of us spoke for a long time, soaking in the silence that wrapped around us. Every now and then, he’d wheeze, which was often followed by a groan of pain. It felt weird being back here. Hell, it felt weird being around any of them in general.
The door opened, drawing our attention and Foster stepped inside with a tray of food and a can of soda. His gaze drifted from me to Collin before a muscle thrummed along the side of his jaw. Kicking the door closed behind him, he made his way toward me, offering me the food and drink.
“Thanks,” I mumbled, even though it was the least he could do. I was still mad at him for choking me earlier. It wasn’t my fault he had some weird deep-rooted issues, and it wasn’t my fault I was back here.
He grunted in response. “I ran into Myles on my way up,” he began, running a hand through his blonde hair. “He told me to come collect my shirt from you, that you aren’t allowed clothes until you comply to his request.”
I balked, my eyes widening. I thought he was bluffing. “Are you fucking serious?” I growled, rage simmering beneath my skin.
He shrugged, not giving a shit either way. “That’s what he said.” He held out his hand expectantly, a bored expression written across his face.
Kicking the covers down, I leaned up and tore the shirt from my body before throwing it at his head. He snatched it out of the air before it could make contact and then his gaze slid to Collin.
“No one is allowed to fuck her until Myles does,” he spoke.
I snorted at that. No one was going to be able to fuck me anyways. I didn’t want anything to do with these assholes, so it was perfectly fine with me.
“I don’t think I’ll be doing any fucking for a while,” Collin breathed out, wincing with every word.
Foster nodded. “Just passing along the message.” He shot me one last look before he spun on his heels and left the room.
The cool air washed over my skin, hardening my nipples. I hated this, but it could have been worse. These are just another form of Myles’ mind games. If they wanted me naked, then fine. I wasn’t going to be ashamed of it. They’d already agreed not to take me against my will, so now, they were the ones who had to stare at me like this.
Collin swallowed, keeping his eyes pinned on the food resting on his lap. “You can cover up if you want,” he offered.
“Nope. Two can play at this game.”