Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Aspen
I wasn’t sure when I’d fallen asleep. The events from last night were foggy at best. My head pounded, my lips were chapped, my mouth was dry, and my body felt weak. I was also starving . This shit was brutal, but the drugs had numbed all the pain I’d felt yesterday from everything that’s happened in my life. It was a beautiful distraction. One I wouldn’t mind partaking in again.
As the sleep started to wear off, my senses came back to me. Something hard pressed against my ass, sending alarm bells racing through my skull. I glanced over my shoulder, Foster fast asleep. My heart thudded violently within my chest as I tried to piece the events from last night back together.
I briefly remembered touching Hunter in the pool, but it felt so distant…like a dream. Foster hauled me away and then he was in the shower. My stomach sank as I recalled following after him. Grinding on him. Making us both come. Bile rose to the back of my throat, my stomach tightening with disgust. He’d let me touch him. Why?
Probably because he was just as fucked up as I was. He’d definitely put more drugs into his body than me and drank more.
It could have been worse. We could have gone all the way. Thank God for small miracles.
The door opened, startling me. Myles stepped inside, his eyes widening in surprise momentarily before he cleared his throat. “Breakfast is ready.” His gaze swept over the two of us, and I knew it didn’t take a genius to figure out that we were both naked. Especially with his bare leg wrapped around the comforter.
“Nothing happened,” I snapped, hating the way he was staring. I shoved the blankets from my body, working to untangle the asshole from around me, but he clung tighter in his sleep-induced state.
Myles arched an accusing eyebrow, a smirk toying at the corners of his mouth. “That’s not what it looks like from where I’m standing.”
Foster groaned tiredly before his eyes snapped open. It took a few moments for him to take in the scene before he released me immediately. I took that time to climb out of the bed, folding my arms across my chest once I’d successfully made it.
“This is the second time I’ve walked in on you two cuddling,” Myles continued, his tone playful. “Except…you both had more clothes on then.”
Foster scowled, throwing the rest of the blanket from his body before standing. His jaw was tight with tension as he crossed the room, striding toward the dresser. My gaze traveled over every inch of his body, my heart racing from how hot he was. I’d never seen him naked before. Well…aside from last night, but it was all hazy. His ass was small and toned, the perfect size for him really. He had amazing back definition from time spent working out and fighting.
He grabbed a pair of sweats, not even bothering with boxers before he stepped into them, tugging them over his legs and hips. Next, he grabbed a long sleeve henley and ran his hands through his mess of blonde hair.
My gaze caught Myles’s who smirked knowingly at me, making my face heat. Maybe I should have been more subtle in checking him out. I quickly schooled my features and brushed past the douchebag blocking the doorway, making my way into the kitchen.
Hunter was seated on a barstool at the island with a plate of French toast, bacon, and eggs in front of him. The assortment of smells captured my senses, making my stomach rumble. It felt like I hadn’t eaten in days.
“Did you have fun?” he asked, not bothering to look at me.
My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “With what?”
He licked the syrup from his lips before he finally brought his gaze to mine and then he shrugged. “We all came in shortly after you did. The walls are pretty thin, and I happened to be right next door to you.” He smirked, taking in my flustered expression. “What I’m trying to say is…I heard the moans.”
“Fuck off, Hunter,” Foster growled, striding into the room.
Tension filled the room instantly, and despite being used to my naked state by now, it felt weird all of a sudden. Goosebumps marred my flesh, sending a shudder through me. Maybe it was the air conditioning. Regret sat heavily in the depths of my stomach, making my organs curl with unease. I’d instigated it. It happened because of me .
Hunter scoffed, shoveling another bite into his mouth before washing it down with a glass of milk. The muscle along the side of his jaw popped viciously before he directed his attention back to Foster who’d entered the kitchen. “You know what I don’t understand?” he began. He waited for Foster to look at him again before continuing. “How you’re the only one allowed to break the rules.”
I shifted uncomfortably on the balls of my feet as I watched the exchange. Moments later, Myles and Collin appeared, taking in the scene with matching looks of confusion.
“I didn’t break any rules,” Foster growled.
“No?” Hunter challenged, placing both hands down on the island. He leaned forward in his seat, a crazed look in his eyes that had my heart hammering against my ribcage. “What about the no sex rule?”
Foster rolled his eyes like this conversation was beneath him. “I didn’t fuck her,” he snapped. “Wouldn’t.” His gaze slid to me, a look of annoyance cresting across his features.
“Good,” Myles stated, sliding up beside me. He reached out, taking my chin between his thumb and forefinger. “Because the next person to fuck her will be me.” He narrowed his eyes at me in warning.
“Then consider me celibate,” I muttered.
His grip tightened around my aching face. “We’ll see.” He released me and made a beeline for the kitchen.
I blew out a breath. My hands ran through my long strands in an attempt to smooth it out. I pulled my hair down over each breast, trying to give myself as much coverage as possible. At least that’s one good thing these extensions offered.
“Let’s table this for later,” Collin said. “I’m sure we’re all starving.”
I watched wordlessly as he limped toward the kitchen, a pained expression twisting his features as he moved. Guilt filled me instantly. I never should have elbowed him knowing his ribs were in bad condition. That had to hurt.
“Go sit down,” Foster snapped at him.
“I can do it.”
“Listen to what I’m fucking telling you,” he hissed. “You’re supposed to be in bed. Either sit the fuck down, or I’ll have you cuffed to the damn bedpost.”
Collin shot him a glare before he started moving back in the direction he’d come. With every step, he limped. His face was twisted up in what appeared to be agony.
“Here,” I said, making my way over to him. I wasn’t even sure if I could handle his weight, but it was worth a shot. My arm snaked around his bare waist, the feel of his skin against mine doing something to me. A shuddering breath expelled from my lungs at the contact. Hesitantly, he wound his arm around my neck, leaning part of his weight on me. I knew he was holding back in fear of crushing me, but it seemed to help him a little bit.
We made our way into the living room at a snail’s pace, and I eased him onto the couch. His arm snapped out and he wound his hand around my wrist, tugging me down into the spot beside him. I was hungry as shit, but if he wanted me to sit here with him for a few minutes, I would. My emotions when it came to Collin were conflicting at best. He’d had a hand in hurting me, but it was taking everything in my being to hate him.
“Why did you help me?” he asked suddenly, glancing over in my direction.
I swallowed thickly. “It’s my fault you got hurt again.”
A gasp fluttered past my lips when he lurched forward, taking my face in between his hands. “Don’t beat yourself up over that,” he said fiercely. “We’ve done much worse to you.” His thumb brushed along my cheekbone in a soothing gesture.
I nodded. “Yeah, but…”
“No buts, Aspen. I’ll heal from a few broken ribs. You won’t heal from all the trauma we’ve put you through.”
I sucked in a sharp breath, his words burrowing deep inside me. It was the last thing I expected him to say. This was the Collin I remembered, the one who’d captivated me almost instantly.
Foster cleared his throat, slicing through our moment. Collin dropped his hands away from my face and we both peered at the asshole expectantly, wondering what the hell he wanted.
“You move fast, don’t you?” he asked, pinning his gaze on me.
I rolled my eyes. “Why? Jealous?”
He snorted in response and placed a plate down on my lap before doing the same to Collin. “Hardley. Just an observation.” He sneered down at me before leaving the room again, presumably to get his own food.
“Asshole,” I muttered, glaring at the food in front of me. I wouldn’t put it past him to poison it.
Collin nodded in agreement but didn’t say anything. Instead, he started shoveling food into his mouth. Reluctantly, I did the same. The flavors danced along my tongue, making me crave more and more of it.
As we ate, Foster and Myles shuffled into the room. Myles took the seat beside me, leaving Foster to gravitate toward the chair across from us.
My skull ached from last night’s events. Even though the food was good, it felt like sandpaper against my tongue. I’ve heard of comedowns before, and I didn’t recommend. However, the high had been so mind-blowing, I wanted to feel that way again. I needed to. Consequences be damned. It was so freeing. I felt like I could do anything. The thought of dying hadn’t even scared me. What a dangerous substance. Dangerously delicious.
Once we finished eating, I collected mine and Collin’s plates and rinsed them in the sink before setting them in the dishwasher. Now that I was sober, I could see much more clearly. All of the floors were wooden aside from the bathroom. Even the walls were made of wood. The entire place had a rustic look. From the strange paintings to the mounted deer head on the living room wall. Something I hadn’t noticed before.
Walking back into the living room, Hunter caught my eye. He’d stolen my spot on the couch, causing my lip to curl in a sneer. Asshole .
“Need a place to sit?” Myles asked, his breath fanning against the back of my neck. My entire body tensed. He was a sneaky fucker, that was for sure. For some reason, he was making it his mission to make me as uncomfortable as humanly possible.
I turned to face him. “Is this your idea of foreplay?”
A wicked grin spilled onto his face, making shudders roll down my spine. “When I’m going down on you, you won’t even have to question whether it’s foreplay or not.” His gaze darted to my lips, a hungry look flashing through his blue irises.
I swallowed thickly, trying my best to keep the mask fixed on my face. He couldn’t see me crumble. He didn’t need to know the effect he had on me. He didn’t deserve it. “You sound so sure of yourself,” I sneered, leveling him with a hard look. “Arrogance is a real turn off.”
His jaw ticked, giving away his frustration. Hook, line, and sinker bitch . I was done letting these assholes string me around like a puppet. It was time for me to get creative. Myles wanted me to want him, which would never fucking happen. In true narcissistic fashion, he expected it. He probably wouldn’t be too happy if one of his friends got a taste of me first, though. A smirk tugged at the corners of my mouth at the thought.
Plan Myles: Piss him off.
I could do that. I’m sure Hunter wouldn’t tell me no when it came down to it. Not with how much he seemed to want me last night. If Collin wasn’t in so much pain, he’d be my first option. Then again…I could probably manage to fuck him without hurting him. He’d just have to lay there and take it like a good boy.
I turned away without another word and strode back into the living room. I stole the spot Myles would have taken had he been able to beat me to it, putting me right next to Hunter and the arm of the furniture.
Hunter was back to avoiding me. That much was clear, considering the fact that he wouldn’t even glance in my direction. I rolled my eyes, focusing them on Foster instead. His gaze was already pinned on me, his jaw tight with tension as he took me in. It wasn’t a secret that he hated me. And after last night, that probably just made him hate me even more. Not that I gave a shit.
“You’re in my spot,” Myles supplied as he came to stand in front of me.
I peered up at him and shrugged. “I got here first. Snoose, you lose.”
He narrowed his eyes at me, his patience thinning and giving way to the monster lurking beneath his skin. Sometimes I forgot just how terrifying he could be. “You know our deal,” he replied in a dangerously low voice that had chills racing down my back. “Spread your legs and get whatever you want from me, or…lose it all.”
I wanted to shout at him that I wasn’t a damn prostitute, but given my career choices, that would be difficult to argue. A frustrated huff of air left me and I turned my head, not wanting to look at him a second longer. What the hell was his obsession with me? First, he wanted to kill me, now he wants me to have sex with him.
“Put her on the floor where she belongs,” Foster snapped, drawing my attention back to him.
Anger surged through me. He promised not to torture me. Humiliation was definitely a form of torture last time I checked. “Do that, and I will raise all kinds of hell, asshole.”
There’s a pool out back. They’ll might drown you if you pushed them too far. They’ve done it once before.
My heart thudded rapidly in my chest as my subconscious taunted me. They wouldn’t… Collin wouldn’t let them. Right?
A cripple can’t do much, can he?
Myles tilted his head, contemplating what Foster had suggested, I presumed. Finally, a wicked gleam flashed across his face. He grabbed me by my arms, lifting me off the couch with inhuman strength.
A hiss fluttered past my lips from the bruising grip he had on me, and I started kicking him in the legs. Not that it did much good since I didn’t have shoes on. He cackled at my lame attempt and dropped me on the ground, making pain splinter through my tail bone. He sank down onto the couch, smirking at me like he’d gotten immense pleasure out of this.
“Fucking asshole,” I growled, scrambling to my feet.
“If you want it to stop, you know what to do.”
I scoffed, rage bleeding through every inch of my body. He was fucking deranged. “Do you honestly think that this is going to make me want you?” I bit out. “If anything, it’s ensuring that I don’t give you the time of day.”
He shrugged. “Then keep suffering.”
My hands balled into fists at my sides, and I stalked off down the hallway without a backward glance. He was a goddamn lunatic. I had no idea where I was even going. Foster would throw a tantrum if I went back into his room, especially unannounced. Hunter said he’d taken the room next to Foster and I knew he was rooming with Collin. A wicked idea sprouted in my mind, and without another thought, I pushed through Myles’s door, stepping inside his space. The door clicked shut behind me as I gave the room a small sweep.
It looked a lot like the room I’d shared with Foster last night. Bare walls, a dresser, a closet, a king size bed. Nothing fancy. Against the wall to my right was his backpack. A grin stretched across my face, and I strode over to it, kneeling and unzipping it.
I peered inside, my breath catching in my throat. There were an assortment of knives and daggers in here along with what appeared to be drugs and prescription bottles of pills. Disregarding the weapons and drugs, I grabbed an orange bottle and read the label.
Oxycodone
No surprise there. I stuffed it back into the bag and grabbed another. My eyes roamed over it just like before, and a small smile curled the corners of my mouth. Laxatives. While they probably wouldn’t do a lot of harm, they were perfect for ruining someone’s day. I opened the container and spilled two pills into the palm of my hand, rolling them between my fingers. On second thought…one more could become quite useful. I dumped another one out in my palm and then screwed the cap back on the bottle, letting it fall back into the bag with the other objects.
I had no idea where to hide these since clothes weren’t an option. I just had to make sure they weren’t spotted before lunch. Since Collin and Hunter were already sharing a room, and Foster shared with me last night, I’d probably end up in here with Myles.
I walked over to the bed and lifted the mattress, placing the three delicate pill on the thick box spring before lowering the bed once more and taking a step back.
Voices sounded out from the hallway, making my stomach lurch. If they caught me doing anything remotely shady, my ass would be toast. I broke out into a run, making my footsteps as quiet as possible. I quickly zipped up the bag and rushed into the adjoined bathroom to make it look like I’d been occupying it.
Fear slithered through me at what they might do once they realized they’d been drugged. My throat closed up as air evaded me. The cellar, the dungeon, the torture chamber, the pond, the Halloween party. Nausea twisted my stomach. Why was I so…fucked up? All I did was self-sabotage. I new they’d react, but for some reason, it wasn’t enough to deter me from acting out in the first place. Blowing out a breath, I turned on the water to the sink and ran my hands beneath the warm liquid.
Breathe.
You need to act normal.
Myles will be able to smell your fear.
He’ll know you’re up to something.
Those thoughts did little to calm me, but if I didn’t get myself under control, I’d fail. With every ounce of strength I possessed, I schooled my features and let out a slow, calming breath.
“I hear the water running,” Hunter called out. His voice much too close for my liking.
Moments later, the bathroom door swung open. All the guys, except for Collin, blocked the doorway. They looked at me with varying expressions of skepticism. They were right not to trust me. I was a ticking time bomb and would always fight back. Maybe that’s what they expected.
I arched an eyebrow. “Can a girl piss in piece? Or is that being taken from me too?”
They exchanged confused looks as I turned the water off and dried my hands with a towel hanging nearby.
Foster rolled his eyes and left the room. Hunter did the same moments later, and Myles. He just stood there. Watching me. It took a lot to get under Myles’s skin it seemed. It felt like nothing pissed him off when it came to me. Hell. I’d even slapped him, and he barely reacted.
I made my way toward him, pausing when he didn’t immediately step out of the way. Instead, he peered down at me. Those dark, blue eyes of his boring into my soul. My breath caught in my throat as my head spun. Did he know I’d done something? He always seemed to know. Like it was a sixth sense or some shit. His gaze raked down my body in a slow, deliberate manner. Chills erupted along my skin, making my heart rate increase.
“What?” I snapped, not wanting him to see what he was doing to me.
He stepped forward, invading my personal space. His eyes darkened with heat before he reached out and brushed a strand of hair from my shoulder. I jerked away from him, anger radiating through me. He had some fucking nerve if he thought I’d let him touch me after that stunt he pulled.
“I’m going to give you one more chance before things get more difficult for you,” he began calmly. “Have you considered my offer?”
I released a humorless laugh. He was fucking insane. “There’s nothing to consider. I will never let you inside me.”
His lips tilted into a smirk that sent shudders careening down my spine. “Then let the games begin.” He stepped to the side, allowing me to exit. His words bounced around my head as I made my way back to the living room.
I flopped down on the couch next to Collin, knowing someone would have me removed soon. Just like before. My teeth screeched against one another as I grinded them, the ache in my jaw the only reprieve I had from my head.
“Here,” Collin said, offering me a joint. I’d been so wrapped up in my thoughts I hadn’t even noticed the potent smell of the weed clouding the room.
I took it gratefully, placing it between my lips and inhaling sharply. The burn of the marijuana attacked my throat and chest, making me cough. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d smoked and wasn’t at all accustomed to it. I took one more hit, holding the smoke until I couldn’t any longer. A large, white cloud expelled from my lungs, entering the atmosphere around us.
Collin smirked at me as I passed it back to him. He was so different from his friends, but also the same. He had a darkness lurking beneath his skin too—one he hid all too well. Maybe that made him even more dangerous. The others were more up front about it. I knew what to expect with them. With Collin and Hunter…it was different.
I leaned back against the couch, the high already settling into my muscles and head. Everything seemed to slow around me as I stared at the wall straight ahead. My tongue darted out, wetting my chapped lips. I finally felt at ease. My blood roared within my ears while my body blocked everything else out. I could get used to feeling like this.
Collin passed the joint back to me, and I didn’t hesitate even though I should have. I took another long hit, reveling in the way it felt against my lungs before exhaling. The high grew stronger, causing my body to slacken. I felt weak, yet my eyes were hyper-fixated.
“Where is everyone?” I asked with a heavy tongue when I realized we were still alone.
“Out back. They’re probably fucking around in the pool. The weather is warmer today.” He offered me the joint again after hitting it, but I shook my head. My legs were already numb, and my fingertips tingled. If I took anymore, I’d be a fucking zombie.
I licked my lips again, hating how dry my mouth was, but didn’t want to move. Something brushed along the side of my face, and it took me a moment to realize it was Collin’s hand. I turned to look at him, my breath catching in my throat from how attractive he was.
He hurt you, too.
Even though my subconscious was right, I was too weak to fight against it. My thighs clenched as the high warmed my body from the inside out.
“Have you ever had sex on weed?” he questioned, moving his hand to thumb my bottom lip.
I shook my head.
He smiled in response before scooting closer to me. “You’re missing out.” His leg was right against mine as we sat side by side, the heat from his body pouring onto me. I was suddenly very aware of how close we were and every movement he made.
“Did you get me high so you could make a move?” I asked tiredly.
He snorted in response. “I’m not that much of an asshole.” His hand drifted to the side of my face where he proceeded to cradle it. Fuck. What was he doing to me?
When I didn’t show any obvious signs of discomfort, he leaned in, brushing his lips gently against mine. My eyes fluttered closed of their own accord as I welcomed his touch. My body hummed to life from the mere feel of him and electricity rippled through me. I parted my lips, wanting more. Which he was more than willing to give. He deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue through the small gap of my mouth.
The weed seemed to heighten everything. My head spun like I’d never been kissed before, and my pussy throbbed with want. He was playing a dangerous game. But I was playing one too. Myles wanted me. If someone else got to me first, he wouldn’t be too happy about that. With that thought in mine, I reached up, cradling his face with both hands and forced my lips against his more forcefully.
He groaned into my mouth, the sound only turning me on more. As good as this felt, it was about much more than pleasure for me. It was about revenge. I reached down, cupping his hard-on through his sweats. He gasped out in surprise, which I also took advantage of. I kissed him even harder, massaging his cock through his pants.
He broke off the kiss, breathing heavily as he stared at me with wild eyes. “I never thought I’d taste you again,” he murmured.
I clenched my legs together, needing the friction between them as much as I needed my next breath. “Let me taste you,” I whispered as I continued to rub him.
“Fuck,” he panted, dropping his hands from around my face. “I-I can’t.”
Frustration and determination snaked through me, creating a dangerous combination. He started this. Now, it was up to him to finish it. “Then I’ll take it,” I decided. “Just like you did to me.” Guilt flashed across his face, but I didn’t give a shit. He’d feel better in a few minutes.
I moved from the couch, dropping down between his legs. I hooked my fingers in his waistband before tugging his pants and boxers from his body. A bead of pre-cum coated his tip, showing me just how much he truly wanted this.
“You’re so fucking hard.” I breathed out. “Is that for me?”
He swallowed thickly but nodded. A smile graced the corners of my mouth and I waisted no time, fisting him in my hand. I jerked him up and down slowly, making him hiss out. My eyes stayed locked on his as I lowered my mouth toward him, swiping my tongue across the white bead of cum at his tip. He trembled beneath my touch, letting me know I held all the power now.
“Fuck,” he hissed out when I licked him again, toying with him. “P-please Aspen.” The sound of him begging only caused the ache between my legs to expand. Finally, I sucked him into my mouth, sinking all of the way down to the hilt where I stilled. His hand immediately wound in my hair, a loud moan fluttering from him.
I used one hand to cup his balls, rolling them between my fingers. He shuddered again and I watched as his eyes rolled into the back of his head. Slowly, I started bobbing my head up and down while playing with his balls.
“Oh, fuck !” His grip on my hair tightened, causing my scalp to burn, but the pain only urged me on. My cheeks hollowed out and I started sucking him harder with intent. “Yes, baby. Just like that,” he moaned, panting wildly as he started moving his hips to thrust up into my mouth. My eyes watered from the onslaught, but it didn’t deter me. His dirty words only made me want to do it that much more.
The back door opening and closing sounded through the room, making the boy beneath me tense. He released me immediately and tried to pull me off of him, but I clamped down harder in refusal.
“Fuck, Aspen. Stop.” His words said one thing, but the way his body started trembling told an entirely different story. I moaned around his cock, licking, sucking, kissing, and then took him all the way back down my throat again. His breathing labored and he tensed beneath me. I didn’t miss the way his balls tightened in my grasp right before his hot seed coated my tongue.
I could feel their presence without even needing to look. But fuck them. I sucked off every last drop in a slow, deliberate manner before rising to my feet.
Collin quickly scrambled to pull his pants up, his face flushed from what just occurred. I spared a glance at the three boys who had just walked into the living room. As usual, Foster’s expression was blank. Hunter looked like he was annoyed, and Myles…he looked like he wanted to carve me up again.
A sliver of fear snaked through me, but I didn’t regret what I’d done. They couldn’t keep toying with me, expecting me not to retaliate. I wasn’t allowed to wear clothes, have my phone, or even sit on the damn furniture. Myles was treating me like a dog.
“We had an agreement,” Foster started, pinning his gaze on Collin who was settled back against the leather couch.
Hunter rolled his eyes. “You’re one to talk.”
Foster rounded on Hunter instantly, anger pouring off of him in waves. “Do you have something you want to say to me?” he growled, his eyes flashing with fury.
“Enough,” Myles snapped, slicing through their bickering. His gaze remained on me the entire time, his jaw ticking. “She’s doing this on purpose and you’re feeding into it.” He finally looked at Collin who had the decency to appear sheepish.
Like I said…he had a sixth sense.
The plan was simple. Take each of them down one by one until I was the last one standing. They tried to kill me, and they did kill Raven. I sounded like a broken record, but if I didn’t repeat it enough, then it felt like I’d be disregarding what had happened. I might have had some weird feelings when it came to Collin, but he still had a hand in what happened. For that, he needed to pay too.
“The next person who disregards my rules will spend the night in the fucking cellar. Don’t try me.” Myles looked between all of his friends, anger evident on his face. Finally, he turned back to me. “On the floor. Now.” He motioned to the slab of wood beneath his feet.
Annoyance bubbled up inside me but dropped down onto the floor anyways. The cold wood pressed against my skin, making me shift uncomfortably. Myles moved behind me, dropping down in the spot I’d just been occupying. Hunter took the seat next to Collin, leaving Foster to move to the armchair as usual.
The sooner we could get back to the academy, the better.
“What’s for lunch?” Collin questioned as the aroma of food permeated the air. It smelled divine, but I wouldn’t be eating it. Not with what I had planned.
“Spaghetti,” Foster called out while hovering over the stove in the next room. “It’s almost done. Adding in the meatballs now.” He turned back to the meal, stirring every now and then before he retrieved the meatballs from the oven and dropped them in the pot.
I moved to my feet quickly, muttering something about needing to use the bathroom. I hoped it would be enough to keep them from following after me this time. I made my way down the hall and crept into Myles’s room, closing the door behind me.
I wasted no time lifting the mattress and retrieving the three pills, cupping them in the palm of my hand before slipping out into the hallway again. The guys’ voices rang out as they all talked amongst themselves, but I didn’t pay any mind to what was being said. Instead, I made my way into the kitchen, trying to be as discreet as possible.
Foster turned to look at me, his eyebrows raised. “Can I help you?”
I nodded, my pulse thundering in my ears. If they caught me before I could do this, not only would it be a complete fail, but they’d surely punish me for it, too. “Could you do me a favor?” he hedged, knowing that trying to get him to leave this room would be next to impossible.
He snorted in response. “You want to ask me for a favor?”
“If anyone could do it, it’s you.” I shrugged, not entirely sure what I planned on asking. He titled his head, holding a ladle in his hand that dripped with red sauce. Blowing out a breath, my eyes darted to the ceiling as my nerves got the best of me. “Could you convince Myles to get my phone from the club?” I tried, looking at him once more. “The people I was staying with…they’re probably worried sick about me.”
“And who is it that you were staying with?” he asked.
Alarm bells sounded in the back of my skull. I couldn’t tell him the truth. Not only would he become suspicious, but it could put everyone in harms way. The thought of putting Monroe and Rocky in this mess made my stomach turn. I’ve seen what these guys were capable of. They could kill anyone they wanted to and get away with it. That’s already been proven.
My chest constricted as I tried to figure out what story to spin. They already knew I worked at the club. Maybe that could be used to my advantage.
I swallowed thickly, trying my best to calm my racing heart. “Just a couple of friends I made at the club.” I shrugged. “If they know I’m okay, they probably won’t alert authorities. That would be another mess for you.”
He stared at me for a long moment before the silver ball popped in between his lips as he rolled it. He hissed through his teeth. “I’ll mention it,” he decided. “But I can’t promise anything. Myles is stubborn as hell.”
“Then you both have that in common,” I retorted, unable to help myself.
“How am I stubborn?”
The fact that he had to even ask almost made me laugh. He was probably the most stubborn person I’d ever met, only seeing things his way. Myles was a close second. Before now, he hadn’t been so bad to me. Aside from the sexual assault.
“Never mind,” I muttered. The last thing I needed to do was get caught up in some debate about his personality. “Will you go ask him now?”
“Now?” he repeated.
I bit my lip and nodded. Part of me didn’t think he would. He hated me and enjoyed my suffering. But the last thing he wanted was to get cops involved, especially after murdering someone.
He released a sigh, his gaze darting over to the food that was waiting.
“I can stir it while you talk to him,” I offered. I hoped it didn’t come out too eager. By the hesitant look on his face, it might have.
“Fine. Don’t let it burn.” He handed me the ladle before disappearing into the living room.
I wasted no time, dropping the pills in the pot and stirring. I hoped with everything that they would dissolve by the time he made it back. I covered them with the sauce while stirring consistently, trying to speed up the process. The food did smell good, making my stomach rumble with hunger.
Their voices were distant as they spoke, both glancing in my direction every now and then. Myles’s jaw was set tight as he listened and then he shook his head. Annoyance flickered through me, knowing this was most likely going to be a bust. Myles had made it clear. Fuck him and get my things back or defy him and get nothing.
Foster returned moments later, his expression grim. I didn’t even have to ask; the answer was obvious. “He said the deal stands.” He rolled his eyes like he thought it was stupid before taking the ladle from me.
Figured as much.
I blew out an annoyed breath as I made my way back into the living room. Just as I reached Collin, I crouched down and whispered into his ear so that no one else could hear. “Don’t eat the spaghetti.” He shot me a questioning look, the wheels spinning in his head.
I knew that sending him to the shitter would cause a lot of strain on his ribs and stomach. His time would come though. That, I was sure of.