41. Harper
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
HARPER
“I still can’t believe you’re having sex with both of them,” Cindy shouts into my ear to be heard over the music.
The two of us are at the house party of Cindy’s latest crush, Kaleb North.
She’s wearing a mini dress that emphasizes her cleavage to impress him.
They met through her cousin a few weeks ago.
His house is a sleek, modern mansion tucked into the hills of Riverdale, the kind of place that has old money written all over it.
The living room is packed with people either drunk or high.
I swear, I’m the only one interested in remaining sober.
Even Cindy is tipsy. I wanted to bring Felix and Tyler with me, but Cindy insisted it be a girls’ night, just us two since we haven’t spent much time together in recent months.
She’s right. I’ve been absent due to grief and my own love life and need to make more of an effort for our friendship.
Felix and Tyler are with their younger brothers at the Blackwood penthouse tonight. They aren’t happy that I’m alone at this party with Cindy. Felix has always been against her. Now Tyler is too, ever since the incident with Cindy’s younger sister finding out about us.
The three of us got into a fight about this party earlier in the week. They made it clear their concerns weren’t about me socializing without them, but that they don’t trust my judgment with Cindy. I wouldn’t back down. She’s not a jealous friend. She’s been nothing but supportive.
The fight ended with intense make-up sex. Felix first then Tyler. In separate rooms. I thought Felix’s stance on the three of us being together at once might have changed after our eclipse experience. Apparently not.
It’s nice spending alone time with Cindy, even if we aren’t technically alone.
Cindy has been boy-crazed for years, always yapping my ear off about kissing and orgasms and sex, while I sat and listened, not having anything to add to the conversation.
Now, I have a lot to share, and it’s fun having a girlfriend to confide in.
Ballet hasn’t been a topic of discussion once this evening.
Throughout our subway ride here to Riverdale, and all through the party so far, Cindy has been listening to my stories of Tyler and Felix, with her eyes wide and jaw hanging open in astonishment.
We’ve laughed and joked around to the point of tears during several occasions just tonight.
It’s been a week since my visit to The Clover. A week since eclipse. I haven’t had a chance to tell Cindy about it before now. She’s only recently recovered from the flu.
Cindy grabs my wrist, pulling me into the kitchen where the party isn’t as rowdy. We’re alone in here. The countertops are cluttered with half-empty liquor bottles, and someone has abandoned a pizza.
Once checking no one is listening in, I continue, “Felix says we can’t do eclipse again. Not for a while. ”
“Why?”
“He says eclipse can turn into a sexual addiction where you rely on it for pleasure and emotional connection. He doesn’t want us to start depending on it. I don’t want that either. What the three of us have is incredible.”
“Sounds like you already have a sex addiction,” she laughs, slurring her words.
I swat Cindy’s arm, laughing with her. “I don’t have a sex addiction.”
She can’t stop giggling with all the alcohol in her system.
Cindy attempts to keep a straight face and be serious with me, but it’s a struggle.
“Harper, I love you. I love that you’re going through an experimental phase.
But do you think maybe you’re taking this too far?
I know you’re dealing with grief, but turning to sex and drugs isn’t healthy. ”
I laugh her comment off, brushing my hands down my dress. “You need to drink some water. I appreciate your concern, but I’m not experimenting. Tyler and Felix aren’t a coping mechanism.”
“Really? A few months ago, you were all about chastity. You would’ve been horrified at the idea of having sex before marriage, let alone with two brothers. You hated Felix.”
I frown, deflated by her response. But I do understand her point. I’ve changed a lot in the last few months. I wish I could find some way to make Cindy understand that I spent years forcing myself into a box that never fit. That being with Felix and Tyler feels more right than anything ever has.
Cindy wraps me in a limp hug, giggling again. “Now you’re upset. I’m sorry. I’m excited for you. But I’m also worried.”
“Tyler and Felix make me happy. ”
“I can see that. I just hope you’re taking care of yourself.”
“I am. You don’t have anything to worry about.”
Any further concerns of hers are instantly forgotten when a new song starts playing. “Oh, my favorite song! We need to dance.”
Cindy pulls me to the living room. We fall back into the rhythm of the party, spending the next thirty minutes laughing and dancing.
Cindy catches Kaleb’s attention and I step back from the dance floor, giving them space to talk while I unlock my phone to message my men in our group chat. A text already awaits me.
TYLER: Having fun, Princess?
HARPER: My wingman duties have kicked in. Cindy is talking to her guy. I need to find some way to occupy myself.
FELIX: She’s leaving you alone? We’re driving to you now.
HARPER: I’m fine. Plus, you don’t know where I am. Even I don’t know where I am. Cindy was the one navigating us on our way here.
FELIX: I have your phone traced. We’ll be there soon.
I laugh to myself, pleased for occasions like this that Felix tracks my every move. Perhaps I should be frustrated, but I like how protective he is of me.
Cindy stumbles up to me with a massive smile, about to burst with excitement. “Kaleb asked me to go up to his bedroom with him. He invited me to sleep the night.”
There’s a divide in her eyes between not wanting to ditch me for a guy but also desperate to take him up on his offer.
I chew my bottom lip, concerned for her safety. “I’ll be fine. But will you? Have you drunk too much? I don’t want this guy taking advantage of you. ”
“Babe, I want Kaleb taking advantage of me. Besides, I’ve only had a few drinks. I’m not wasted.”
I give in with a laugh. “Okay, but call me if you need me.”
She squeals and throws her arms around me. “I love you! You’re the best friend. Wait, will you be all right without me?”
“Felix and Tyler will pick me up. Go. Enjoy yourself.”
After another hug, Cindy runs off. I quickly lose track of her due to how packed the party is. It will take Felix and Tyler at least thirty minutes to drive to Riverdale, and that’s if traffic is good.
Thirty minutes of being all alone at this party where I don’t know a soul. Great.
I retreat to the outskirts of the living room, bored and scrolling on my phone. The music keeps pounding in my ears. Voices are loud. People bump into me. It’s far from my idea of fun.
The pinnacle of my night is when a guy steps into my personal space and starts hitting on me, not backing down even when I tell him I’m not interested. It isn’t until I say I have a boyfriend that he gets the message and leaves me alone.
Not wanting to risk more guys approaching me, I push through the crowd, eager to escape the attention, and make my way toward the front of the house. An empty room sits right by the front door. I claim it for myself, waiting in peace for Felix and Tyler to arrive.
The loud music feels like a distant thrum now. I scan my surroundings, finding a bed, nightstand, and armchair, but nothing distinguishable about the room. No photos or personal items. A guest bedroom, I suppose.
Bored and needing to pass time, I move to the center of the room and occupy myself with a few ballet stretches.
Not even a minute later, the door opens behind me.
Music blasts. I spin around, ready to tell whoever it is that this room is taken, but the sight of Paul Ferguson in the doorway catches me off guard.
“Hey.” He grins, swaying. “Always busy at dance, I see.”
The scent of alcohol wafts into the room with him.
His grin is lopsided and his eyes are hazy.
Paul is always dressed impeccably. This is the first time I’ve seen him look anything less.
His dark hair is messy with a few strands sticking to his damp forehead.
He’s wearing a suit, which is strange for a house party like this, but the tie is crooked and his shirt is half-untucked. I guess he’s been enjoying himself.
“Paul. Hey, I didn’t realize you were at this party.”
“Yeah. I know the guy who’s hosting.” He closes the door, dimming the sound of the party. “I saw you come in here alone. Are you okay?”
“Yes. My friend is off with that same guy. Thought I’d take the opportunity to get away from everyone.”
He laughs. It’s a short, breathy chuckle that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
I be polite and smile. “What’s so funny?”
“I’m relieved to get you alone for once. You always have your two bodyguards preventing us from getting a chance to talk.”
Being alone with Paul is the last thing I want. I’m not at all pleased to have bumped into him tonight. But I promised Dad I would be friendly. “They’re protective of me.”
“I understand. You’ve been through a lot. How are you feeling?”
“I have my good days and bad days. ”
“If you ever need anyone to talk to, I’m always here.”
I nod, giving a small smile. “Thank you. I appreciate the offer.”
His expression shifts, like something heavy is on his mind. Paul takes a step closer, lowering his voice almost to a whisper. “I’ve been through tough times too.” He rolls back his sleeves, revealing jagged scars along the insides of his wrists.
I clap a hand to my mouth. “You did that to yourself?”
“I’ve been suicidal in the past.”
My stomach sinks. “That’s terrible. Are you okay now?”
Paul laughs again. “You’re a good actress, Harper.”
His words send a strange prickle down my spine. I frown, confused by his statement. “What do you mean?”
One moment, he’s smiling. The next, his expression twists and anger snaps in his eyes. It’s as if a switch has flicked. The friendly warmth that had been present in him seconds ago curdles into something cold and mocking.
“You know what I mean, Harper. Acting concerned about me when you don’t give a shit.”
“Paul—”
“I got these scars on my wrists when I was fifteen because a pretty girl, just like you, decided she didn’t want to see me anymore.”
My pulse kicks into overdrive. Instinct tells me to get out of this bedroom, but Paul is standing between me and my exit.
“My parents sent me away to receive help.” The muscles in his face twitch with agitation.
“You want to know the one thing that helped? It wasn’t therapy or the drugs.
It was you, Harper. Your father invited my parents to one of your performances last year.
I got dragged along because my parents were afraid to leave me home by myself.
I had no idea who you were. I thought it would be the most boring night of my life.
But I was wrong. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.
Your father told me you were a nice girl. He told me we’d make a perfect match.”
My stomach knots from the hatred in his gaze. Dad said Paul had some social issues. I didn’t realize the extent. There’s no way my father could have known either.
“You’re supposed to like me, Harper. Why don’t you like me?
” His voice is tight, strained with resentment.
His fingers curl into fists at his sides.
“I’ve been kind to you. I sent you flowers when your mom died.
I tried to be supportive. I tried to take care of you.
What more do I need to do to make you like me? ”
“I’m getting out of here.” I walk for the door, but he steps in front of me.
“You’re not going anywhere. You’ve been promised to me.” He glares down at me, his eyes filled with crazed obsession. “You’re supposed to be mine. Instead, I hear you and your little friend out there talking about how you’re fucking those two brothers.”
Paul was close enough to hear me talking to Cindy about Felix and Tyler? It’s a shock but it’s the last thing I care about right now.
My skin turns cold when I see the predatory hunger in Paul’s eyes, yet sweat gathers at the nape of my neck.
My pulse pounds in my ears, drowning out the muffled sounds of the party beyond these walls.
We’re in a house filled with people, yet alone in this room.
He’s trapping me. Even if I scream for help, no one will hear.
“Move,” I demand, forcing my voice to stay steady even as my throat tightens. Deep within myself, I know what’s about to happen if I can’t fight, and I’m terrified.
Paul doesn’t flinch. His pupils are blown wide. His jaw is clenched so tight I swear I hear his teeth grind.
“Get out of my way, Paul!”
“I thought we could do this the nice way, Harper. Go on a few dates. I’d wine and dine you. But you’ve left me no other choice. You’re mine, and I’m taking what was promised to me.”
“Promised to you? What the hell are you talking about?”
His lips curl into something grotesque. “My father almost lost me to suicide. He’s very intent on making me happy.
I told him you’re the only thing that will stop me from cutting again.
He made a proposition to your father. If I get your hand in marriage, your father gets that shiny promotion he’s been working so hard for. ”
No. My father wouldn’t agree to that. “You’re drunk. Get away from me,” I order as he steps closer.
Paul laughs. “Don’t worry. I’m not interested in marrying you anymore. You’ve let those brothers taint you. Now you’re nothing to me but a disgusting slut.”
Enough. I make a break for it, lunging past Paul, but his hand snaps around my wrist. I barely have time to cry out before he shoves me onto the bed, the impact knocking air from my lungs.
He’s on me, heavy and suffocating. I kick at his chest, but he pins my legs down with both knees. He’s clamping my wrists, trapping my movements.
“I may not want to marry you anymore,” Paul mutters, his voice thick with something dark and vile. “But I’m going to feel how good your cunt is. You don’t care what men do to your body. You’re a whore who lets men take turns with you. Now, it’s my turn.”