Chapter 23
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Everleigh
Natalie Jane - Red Flag
F or as long as I could remember, I’d been somewhat of an ambitious person. I always had dreams, fantasies, a picture of how my future looked. But the drive I once had was slowly diminishing. It almost felt…pointless now. There were so many people who wanted to see me fail, so many people who would purposely put obstacles in my way just to prevent me from reaching my goals. I might have put on a brave face, but the truth was…. they were winning. And I couldn’t even muster up the energy to push through it this time.
It was one thing after another. A series of events building and building, weighing me down until I was being crushed beneath the pressure of it all. And I knew that it was just going to keep getting worse. Until what, though? When would it ease up? Would I be a shell of myself once it was all said and done? Ashton wasn’t my only problem. There were outside forces eating away at me, depleting me.
I just needed a day to regroup. One day.
Which was precisely why I was lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling instead of going to Northbrook. I’d let Briley take my car, as much as I didn’t want to. But I’d rather she drive herself than be stuck in an enclosed space with her.
I was still trying to wrap my head around why she was doing what she was doing. We’ve always been close, and Mom’s illness along with Dad’s abandonment had brought us closer. What changed? Mom dying? She wasn’t the only one who was suffering. But then again, maybe it had nothing to do with that. Briley had always been impulsive and never showed signs of even having a moral compass. She was still young. Most girls would fall at the feet of Ashton Banks, so could I really blame her?
Of course I could.
Briley wasn’t most girls. She was my sister . Young or not, she knew what he used to mean to me. She helped comfort me after we broke up. And then she had the fucking audacity to start dating him. I would have expected something like that from Amber. But not my own sister of all people.
A knock sounded at the door, making my head throb. Nobody should be coming by this early in the morning on a school day. I blew out a breath and forced myself into a sitting position. I’d tried sleeping as much as possible, but eventually, that stopped working. I felt numb as I tightened my robe around my body and trudged out into the hallway. Life had never been more dull.
A knock sounded again, louder this time, as I approached the door and swung it open. My breath hitched and I could feel the color drain from my skin as my eyes locked with Dallas’s. He looked as professional as ever in a suit with his fingers curled around the handle of his briefcase. I hated how fucking attractive he was. He was another asshole on my shit list. His brown hair was styled to the side, gel holding it in place. He reeked of money, and that just made me loathe him even more.
His light blue eyes roamed over me. Taking in my raggedy ass hair, my choice of clothing, and the frazzled expression I wore upon seeing him.
“May I come in?” he asked in a cool tone, keeping his expression void of any emotion.
I didn’t want him to come in. I didn’t want to give him more ammunition against me. He was just looking for a reason to kick us out. Has been since he inherited his father’s company.
“That won’t be necessary,” I said weakly. “I don’t have your money yet. I can give you the six hundred now, but?—”
“You’re short,” he finished for me, arching an eyebrow.
Why did he have to show up today of all days? I just wanted one fucking day to myself. The universe couldn’t even give me that? Evidently not, if my landlord was standing front and center demanding payment.
I blew out a frustrated breath and nodded.
He didn’t display any obvious signs of agitation, but he never did. He was always so calm and collected—always so put together. It was hard to believe he was only in his twenties with how well he carried himself.
“I won’t ask again, Everleigh. May I come in?”
My hand trembled where it still rested on the doorknob. He’d find a way to enter anyways. Even if he had to do it the legal route. He was anything if not persistent. Deciding that there wasn’t much choice in the matter, I opened the door wider and stepped away from it. He stepped through the threshold, a thick fog of spicy cologne bleeding into the area surrounding him. It smelled as expensive as he looked.
Dallas took his time, glancing around the living room. His nose wrinkled slightly at the stale scent of mold in the air. But I couldn’t even find it in myself to be self-conscious about it. The mold had been here even long before we moved in.
“I heard about your mother. My condolences.” He turned to face me again, not bothering to close the door behind him like a decent human being would have. But maybe I should have been grateful that there was an escape route. Then again, he was wasting my air conditioning.
I huffed out a breath and pushed the door closed, clouding us in darkness. The only light we were given was from the few windows adorning the walls, but it was enough to keep things relatively bright since it was daytime.
“Thanks,” I muttered, not feeling all that gratuitous. He was only here for one thing. Money. And I didn’t have it. That meant he was probably going to go over my options with me, and it would probably result in us getting kicked out.
My grandparents had offered me a place to stay, but I didn’t want to burden them anymore than I already have.
“Feel free to sit down.” Asshole . I motioned toward the shitty couch adorning our living room before taking the lead and plopping down on the far right cushion.
Dallas eyed it with distaste for a moment, and it was almost enough to make me laugh. Almost. He grunted something I couldn’t make out before joining me on the sofa. He lowered his briefcase to the floor and folded his hands together, like he was afraid to touch anything with his bare hands.
“This is the third time you’ve shorted me on rent, Everleigh.” He shifted, so that we were facing one another.
My mom was the one on the lease, but he knew I was the one bringing in money. He’s been a complete hard ass, not giving a single fuck how rough we’ve had it. He knew she was sick. But all he cared about was getting paid. Like we weren’t humans, too. Like we didn’t matter. I suppose I couldn’t fault him for it too much. This was his business, and he was just doing his job. But he always got his money eventually, and it wasn’t like he was hurting for it.
“I understand.” My eyes met his, dread coursing through my body at where this conversation was headed. He rarely asked to come inside, and that was enough to make me brace myself. “But I don’t have it right now. If you just give me a few days, I can pick up some extra shifts. You’ll get your money.”
“We’re past that now. Don’t you think?” He cocked his head to the side in a condescending gesture.
I swallowed thickly, willing myself to remain calm. There had to be something he wanted. He wouldn’t be wasting his time in this nasty ass house, talking to me about it, if he just wanted to throw me out. Right? Not unless he was getting off on tormenting me, which was also a very real possibility.
“My sister just got a job,” I tried. “She can help me with payments.”
“Not interested,” he replied dryly.
Desperation trickled through my veins along with a surge of anger. “Then what are you interested in?” I snapped, narrowing my eyes at him.
He pretended to think about that for a moment, as if he didn’t already know. When he was done with his little show, his lips quirked at the corner into a cocky little smirk that I wanted to slap right off his gorgeous face.
“I’m sure we could arrange something ,” he added. Confusion flooded through me as I tried to wrap my head around it. But before I could ask him what it was he wanted, he placed a soft hand on my bare upper thigh.
I tensed immediately, horror pulsing through my organs. My eyes widened at what he was insinuating. My mouth opened and closed several times before I could even put my thoughts in order. “N-no. I’m not pimping myself out to you.” I shoved his hand off my leg, ignoring the goosebumps that had erupted from his touch alone.
The fact that he even thought for one second that I’d accept a deal like that just told me how much of an arrogant bastard he really was. He’d always been an asshole. But he’s never propositioned me before.
Dallas shrugged, not showing any sign that he was the least bit offended by my rejection. “Very well.” He stood, smoothing out the wrinkles in his suit before retrieving his briefcase from where he’d left it on the floor.
Nervous energy prickled along my skin as he started for the door. I should just let him leave. But something told me that it would be a mistake if I did. “That’s it?” I asked in bewilderment, rising to my feet as well.
He paused and slowly turned to face me. It pissed me off how little emotion he showed about anything. If I knew what he was thinking…
I shut that train of thought down real fast. Even if I knew what he was thinking, it wouldn’t change anything.
“It is,” he confirmed. “I gave you an out. You chose to decline. Make sure the house is cleared out by Friday. That’s when I’ll come for the key.”
My lips parted in disbelief. “You’re really going to kick us out?” I demanded, trying my best to keep my voice from trembling. “My mom just died, I’m a full-time student, I have a job, and I have to take care of my family. You can’t show me even the smallest amount of leniency?”
Dallas took a step toward me, his expression neutral as always. His blue eyes were as void of emotion as his face was. “I have no interest in your family affairs. As for leniency…I granted you an out. Just not the one you wanted.”
I clenched my teeth, anger growing more potent inside of me. And what pissed me off even more was that I was considering his fucking offer. This house wasn’t worth all the trouble, but it was one of the only things I had left.
He took another step in my direction, like a shark circling in on its prey. He knew I was thinking about it, knew it was a hard offer to refuse. “I’ll even sweeten the deal if you want. I won’t even take your cash. Just your body.”
The old me would have recoiled at that. I don’t do casual . It was starting to feel like a completely different dimension. My mindset was different now, life was different now, everything was so fucking different now. I was living in a world where no one did anything out of the kindness of their hearts. There was always a price to pay. Dallas knew how desperate I was. He wouldn’t have propositioned me otherwise. How long has he been biding his time, waiting until I was broken down enough to potentially consider an offer like that?
Fuck him.
I was still sore from being with Jameson a few nights ago, and Lucas would probably make a surprise visit soon since I’ve actively been avoiding him.
But even I had to admit…selling my body to a hot guy without having to pay him was a difficult offer to pass up. He was also clean looking, so there was that.
“Any day now, Miss Knight.” He sighed impatiently, like this was a huge inconvenience for him.
My shoulders sagged in defeat. I wasn’t moving in with my grandparents. I wasn’t living under a bridge. And it wasn’t like I could go get a dorm. Regardless of how much Briley was pissing me off right now, I wouldn’t leave her to fend for herself like that. Even if it was tempting. Plus, if I didn’t have to pay rent, maybe I could afford to have someone come and get the mold out of this damn place.
“Fine,” I said through gritted teeth.
The corners of his mouth twitch, finally showing me some kind of emotion, even if it was brief. He set his briefcase down again and closed the small distance between us, his hands tightening around my hips.
“Fine?” he repeated. “I’ll need you to be a little more specific than that. What is it you’re agreeing to?”
Asshole.
“You can have my body,” I forced out through shaky breaths, trying to keep my hands at my sides so I didn’t do something stupid like punch him.
He hummed in response. “You can’t back out. Having your body means I get your pussy, your ass, your mouth. Any part of you I want.” He said it so casually—like it meant absolutely nothing to him. And it probably didn’t. It certainly hadn’t meant anything to Jameson.
I nodded. “I’m not stupid.”
He stared at me for a long moment, the silence stretching between us uncomfortably. It was taking everything in me not to squirm under his scrutiny.
“No backing out,” he added, like I’d try finding some kind of loophole—not that it hadn’t crossed my mind, but that would just put me right back at square one. “And when I call or text you, don’t leave me waiting.”
I scowled at him. “What if I’m busy?”
He let his hands fall from around my waist. “Not my problem.” His eyes drifted back to the sofa we’d been sitting on, and he grimaced. “I’ll be in touch.”
I blew out a breath when he turned his back to leave again. Part of me thought he’d take me right here, but Dallas was classier than that. I rolled my eyes. He’d probably expect me to meet him somewhere, or he’d pick me up. He’d most definitely fuck me in his car before doing it in this dump. It could be worse, though. He could be a fifty-year-old man with a wife at home and mouths to feed. To my knowledge, Dallas was single and had no children. It wasn’t the worst deal, but it was still a pretty shitty one.
I waited until the door closed behind him and then gathered up some clothes for a shower. My head was a mess when I slipped into the bathroom and turned on the water, testing it every now and then until it was heated to my liking.
Things couldn’t get any fucking worse for me.
No.
Scratch that. I’ve said that before and they indeed did get worse.
I stripped out of my clothes, stepping beneath the hot spray. My mind swarmed with thoughts I didn’t even want to be sorting through. Lucas for starters. He was a decent guy, and he seemed to genuinely give a shit the majority of the time. But there was nothing there. It felt like I was just stringing him along at this point. Then there was Briley. My sister, who should have had my back through anything as I’ve had hers, but she was quick to put a knife in it when it benefited her. I couldn’t forget about Ashton, Jameson, or Kash. Not when they made it their mission to make my life less bearable. And now I had Dallas to worry about on top of it all.
On the bright side, Ashton hasn’t posted that picture of me and Jameson yet. But I knew he hadn’t forgotten about it. I wasn’t that naive. He was waiting for the perfect opportunity, which meant that he was far from done with me.
After showering, I got dressed in a pair of black leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. My long black hair tumbled around my shoulders, dampening the material, but I was in no mood to completely dry it.
I moved robotically through the house until I reached the kitchen. I put together a plain ass sandwich, using the last pieces of bread we had. Just another thing on my never-ending to-do list. I’d probably have to make a trip to the grocery store before the day ended. The ham and bread tasted like sandpaper as I chewed, having no real desire to eat but knew I’d feel sick if I didn’t.
After a few bites, I sat my plate on the counter and pulled out my phone, finally biting the bullet to look through Lucas’s messages.
Boyfriend
Hey. I was thinking you could swing by tonight. It’s been a few weeks since we had sex.
I rolled my eyes. That message was sent shortly before the chemistry project. I’d had too much on my plate to run into his arms and didn’t really bother opening the text, knowing it would show him if I read it or not.
Boyfriend
What the fuck, Everleigh?! We’re kissing our exes now, is that what we’re doing?
Are you still in love with him?
Answer the damn phone.
Fine. I’ll go find someone else to fuck. You didn’t want me to mess around with other bitches, but it’s cool for you to do it to me?
I winced. He had a point, and it made me feel even shittier. Yes, my kiss with Ashton hadn’t been entirely consensual, but I did kiss him back. Then I had sex with Jameson, and that had been consensual. Now, I was agreeing to screw my landlord just so he’d let me and Briley stay in this shit box we called a home.
Lucas
Look. I’m sorry for freaking out. I didn’t mean that. Just please talk to me.
I don’t know what happened. I’m starting to get worried. It’s been days since we’ve spoken. I love you, Everleigh. Just help me understand.
I skimmed through the rest of the messages. He was right. He deserved some kind of explanation. It was wrong of me to keep giving him the silent treatment regardless of how I felt. It was childish and he deserved better than that. Speaking of that stupid video…
Had Briley seen it? She certainly hasn’t mentioned it to me. And they were apparently dating. But she has been more distant. Maybe that was why. That could also be why she decided to bring him into our home and suck his dick in Mom’s bed. Petty revenge. My stomach twisted into knots at the thought of her reacting so callously over something as small as a kiss I didn’t even want in the first place.
I clicked on Amber’s unread messages next.
Amber
You dirty little bitch!
I can’t believe you spit in his face. You’re my spirit animal, babe. Would it be weird if I masturbated to it?
I snorted a laugh. Most people wouldn’t understand our friendship from the outside looking in. Hell, I didn’t even understand it sometimes. She was so outgoing, beautiful, confident, and had a backbone of steel. I was more reserved—well, it depended on the setting. I could party, so there was that. Alcohol also helped loosen me up. She was fiercely loyal and loving. She was everything I wish I could be. She came from a lot of money, had both her parents in the picture, and they traveled a lot, so she got the mansion to herself a lot of the time.
I pocketed my phone, trading it out for my sandwich again. After a few more bites, I deposited the plate in the sink.
At least I had a friend. That had to count for something, right? It wasn’t like I was completely on my own, even though it felt like it sometimes. But it was hard to feel optimistic about it when there were so many bad things happening in my life. But there was no point in dwelling about it. Things wouldn’t miraculously get better just because I wished they would.
My phone dinged again, vibrating against my leg. I blew out a breath and retrieved it, knowing it was probably Lucas. He probably saw that I’d finally read his texts. Plus, he was the only one really texting me.
But when I glanced down at the screen, it wasn’t Lucas who had texted me. My breath caught in my throat as I peered down at the unknown number.
Unknown Number
It’s Ashton. We’re going out tonight. And before you say no, just remember, I have a pretty compromising video of you in bed with my best friend. I’ll pick you up at five.