Thirteen
Bianca
I spent the weekend alone in my room. Thankfully, Hail didn’t bother me. When Aubrey knocked, I told her I felt sick and needed to rest. She didn’t sound like she bought my bullshit, but I didn’t care.
It didn’t matter how hard I tried to keep the ugly memories from Hail’s room out of my head, they still seemed to find a way to replay.
He was right. I would remember the night.
The pain he’d inflicted with the burn made me realize he was sicker and more wicked than I’d thought.
There might not be any escape for me unless he ended up killing me.
I’d cried so much over the weekend, my eyes were nearly swollen shut. Or maybe that was from the hit Hail had given me.
When Monday rolled around, I didn’t bother getting out of bed. Fortunately, Hail hadn’t seemed to care too much about my missing classes.
On Wednesday, I finally decided to make the effort. I got out of bed and dressed, making sure to wear my full coverage foundation and really going to town on setting it so it wouldn’t move throughout the day.
Aubrey had left before me, so I walked to the dining hall with my head down. I’d never felt so low in my life. I couldn’t shake the shame and humiliation.
But I had a plan to take Hail and his goons down.
I needed to find my dad. And I knew De Santis had an idea about him, considering word was his family had been involved in my dad’s disappearance.
If things worked out the way I wanted, I’d crush both sides and put an end to every asshole creating problems for me.
I didn’t care what it meant for me with David.
I’d fix whatever I had to with that. So when I saw Levin in econ, I dropped a note on his desk as I passed by, having hurriedly penned it out right before class.
I need help. Please tell Dominic to meet me. No one can see him talking to me.
When I sat down, Levin’s gaze locked on mine after he read the note. He stuffed it into his pocket and looked away. My heart plummeted. He seemed like a hard ass. I should’ve tried Vincent.
When lunch rolled around, I stood in line, not bothering to glance around. I was in my hundredth wave of humiliation for the morning when Dominic’s voice pulled me out.
“You wanted to talk to me?”
I peeked at him and shook my head. “You can’t speak to me. Didn’t you get the note?”
“I do whatever I want,” he shot back, wrapping his tattooed hand around my wrist.
I shook him off quickly, my heart in my throat. “Not all of us have such privilege,” I said softly, staring down at the lunch bar.
Dominic was quiet for a moment before he spoke in his low rumble again, “Meet me beneath the bleachers after classes.”
“What part of I can’t speak to you don’t you understand?” I hissed at him, saying a silent prayer that Hail and his guys weren’t watching us.
“The part where you keep speaking to me,” he murmured. “Bleachers. Don’t make me come find you because I will. And I won’t be nearly as quiet about it when I do.”
He didn’t elaborate, but then again, he didn’t need to. Dominic De Santis had a dark, wild streak itching to get out. I’d met enough wicked men since David to know.
He walked away without another word to join the kings at their table. It was what I wanted. For him to help me.
I left my tray on the bar and looked up just as Hail and his guys walked in.
His eyes locked on mine, and a smile quirked his lips up.
Hatred flooded my veins as he sauntered over to me with Fallon, Drake and Tate in tow.
It reinforced my dangerous decision to get the kings involved.
Hail hadn’t been in our morning class earlier.
I didn’t give two shits about why either.
“There’s my rat,” Hail cooed, reaching for me and pulling me against his body. He ran his fingers along my cheek.
I flinched away from him, making him tsk.
“Don’t be like that.”
I clenched my jaw but said nothing.
“You’re mad.”
I peered up at him with incredulity.
He lifted his brows and gave me a Cheshire smile. “If it helps, you suck cock like a pro. I wasn’t disappointed.” He grinned at Tate, accepting a high five from him.
My face grew hot at his words, the anger and hatred bubbling closer to the surface.
“Easy, rat,” Hail commanded softly. “It doesn’t matter if there are a hundred people in this room. I will put you to the ground and show them what they’re missing.” He pressed a kiss to my temple. “Imagine my cock buried in your tight, wet pussy while everyone watches me take it from you.”
“I hate you,” I choked out.
He chuckled, running his nose along my cheek and breathing in deeply. “Good. I fucking hate you too. That’s what makes us perfect for one another.”
I pressed my lips together again, hating his hands on me. He laughed once more and lifted my hand to his lips so he could press a kiss to the diamond on my finger.
“Go sit with your friends. But tonight, I want you back in my room. Plan on staying all night.”
“We’ll get into trouble,” I said dryly, desperate to avoid his room at all costs.
“Ah, my clueless rat, you forget who I am. The faculty here fears me, not the other way around. I can do what I want, and no one will say a damn thing about it. My room. Tonight.”
“Just us, right?” I whispered, not wanting to fight four of them off.
“Of course.”
“Promise?” I knew his promises didn’t mean jack shit, but I needed something to cling to.
“Ooh, baby. I love it when you’re needy.” His lips brushed the shell of my ear. “Did I manage to break you?”
I remained quiet as he let out a soft chuckle.
“Finally. Some peace around you. You’re learning your place. To look pretty and keep that mouth closed unless I’m shoving my cock into it.” He released me, giving me a slight shove.
I stumbled away from him in my heels.
“Tonight. Don’t fuck this up.”
And with that sweet goodbye, he turned his back and walked away, gesturing for his friends to join him.
But not before Tate leaned in and whispered in my ear, “How many cocks do you think you can fit inside you?”
I tensed at his words.
He snickered softly. “I think we’ll find out soon enough.”
He left me standing there, the sickness strengthening like a storm inside me. I glanced around the room, wondering who could save me since I wasn’t so sure I could save myself.
My gaze locked on Dominic’s. He gave me a slight nod.
My idea to get him involved could get me killed.
* * *
Darkness greeted me beneath the bleachers. I shivered as I stepped through a crack in the metal fence that was meant to keep people out.
Figured they’d want to meet somewhere we weren’t supposed to be.
The bleachers ran the length of the massive gym and ended against the opposite wall. It was so dark I could barely see my hand in front of me.
I stopped, wondering if maybe this was a cruel joke. I turned to retreat, not wanting to get stuck in the dark.
“Oof,” I squeaked out, running into a hard body.
“Easy there,” a deep voice greeted me. Vincent Valentino . His hands were on my waist as I stumbled back.
“If you move ahead, we’ll add some light,” he murmured, his voice sending shivers of anticipation through me. “Unless you’re leaving.”
“I-I’m staying,” I said, trying to compose myself so I didn’t look or sound like a complete wuss.
“Good.” He gave my waist a gentle squeeze. “Turn around and keep walking.”
I did as he said, his hands not leaving me. A rattle of metal behind me made me pause. Someone had closed the gate.
“It’s just Levin.” Vincent’s breath tickled my ear. “No worries. This isn’t our first time.”
“It’s mine though.”
Vincent chuckled. “Don’t worry, baby girl. You’ll be taken care of.”
His words sent more than shivers through my body. I continued to walk with Vincent behind me until he stopped me.
“You came.” Dominic lit a battery-powered lantern. Apparently, he’d been waiting in the dark.
“You said to.”
He approached me and cocked his head, his eyes narrowed. “You don’t strike me as the kind of girl who does what she’s told.”
“Usually I’m not, but in this instance, everything depends on it.”
Dominic nodded tightly. “I have no doubts.”
I watched as Levin moved in front of me and leaned against the wall, his gaze raking over me. Vincent eased away from me and pulled something from his pocket and lit it.
He drew in a deep breath as he took a hit from the joint in his hand then he passed it to Levin who did the same before Dominic took it.
“Want some?” Dominic offered, holding the joint in my direction.
“No thanks.”
Levin snorted. “Figured she was a princess. Fucking D’Angelou.”
Vincent gave him a fist bump.
I shot the two of them a glare and folded my arms over my chest. “I’m not a D’Angelou.”
“According to this you are.” Dominic flashed a folder in my face. “Your records indicate you are Bianca Elizabeth D’Angelou, daughter of David and Dana D’Angelou. You’re eighteen, have a 4.0 GPA, and no record of any wrongdoing at your former school. Ever .”
“Daddy’s little princess. Bet he’s proud of you,” Levin cut in.
I shot him another glare. “David is not my father.”
“Just took pity on you?” Dominic popped an eyebrow at me. “Charity case?”
“You’re an asshole. I knew this was a bad idea.” I turned to leave, but Vincent moved, blocking me.
“You’re not leaving yet. We’re not done.”
“ I say when I’m done, and I’m fucking done.” I shoved him.
He stumbled back, his eyes flashing. In a whirlwind of movement, he had me shoved against the wall.
“I’m not your fucking boy toy. If you lay hands on me. . .” He brushed his knuckles against my bruised cheek in a tender manner. “Then be prepared for me to lay my hands all over you.”
I stared up at him, my heart banging against my chest. “No one is allowed to touch me.”
Vincent smirked at me. “Who’s going to stop me? Ivanov? That little prick doesn’t scare me.”
“It could get me killed. That’s what you don’t understand. If Hail finds out I was here. . .” I swallowed hard, pleading at Vincent with my eyes.