Chapter 4
Chapter Four
Freya
L ucas races through town at a breakneck speed, his fingers tapping away on his phone. I’m on edge the entire time, gripping onto my seatbelt.
Alec is a big boy and can look after himself—but what if he’s in trouble? He always has my back, and it’s unlike him to leave me to get home from work by myself, which makes me worry that something is seriously wrong. Has he been seeing his therapist? He’s been a little on edge lately, but I have, too, with the stress of getting enough money to get out of here. He isn’t like he was before—he has something to look forward to. A way to get out of here for good. It doesn’t stop me from worrying, though.
Unfortunately, the only person who can give me a ride to him is this jerk, who happens to be one of the heirs of The Brotherhood.
Something jumps out in front of the car. My scream fills the interior of the vehicle as I instinctively latch onto his thigh, my nails digging deep into his flesh.
Lucas narrowly avoids hitting whatever the hell that thing was. My heart pounds in my chest, a restless rhythm begging for action, demanding a release of this built-up adrenaline. Shifting in my seat, I subtly cross one leg over the other, my hand still tightly gripping his thigh. It’s as though it’s keeping me from falling off the edge and doing something reckless.
“Deathwise” by Stand Atlantic rumbles through the car and my eyes lock with Lucas’s. His mouth quirks up at one side, his eyes leisurely taking in every inch of me, leaving me paralyzed. I don’t dare move. I can’t. He continues driving, constantly shifting his gaze between me and the road.
“Don’t tell me you’re one of those girls who can’t handle a little reckless fun?” he asks, switching gears and turning back to watch the road.
A scoff escapes my lips as I exhale the breath I’ve been holding. “You’ll have to figure that out for yourself,” I say. I refuse to give him any details that he could twist and use against me. He’s the enemy, and the only reason I’m here in his car is because I’m worried about my brother.
I remove my hand from his thigh and instinctively pull away, but he reaches out and grabs it, guiding it to his crotch, where I feel his hard erection. Holy crap.
“That’s what the thrill does to me.” He smirks, his voice filled with an intoxicating combination of excitement and danger, and I quickly withdraw my hand.
“Touch me without my permission again, and I’ll bite off your dick. I don’t give a fuck who you are,” I snap. His frown deepens, and his eyes shimmer with an indiscernible glimmer.
“Damn, thorn, I think I just fell in love. Keep talking to me like that and I’ll get down on one knee for you.” He laughs, and I turn in my seat to look out the window, praying we get there soon.
I’m done with this car and him. The entitled asshole. I can’t get to my brother soon enough. He expertly maneuvers around the main streets of Daringhood, and I can’t blame him for wanting to steer clear of the chaos. The car would be completely totaled by the time the thugs figured out its owner.
The train tracks come into view as we swiftly fly over them, completely bypassing the security point. They must be familiar with his car, otherwise they would be chasing us at full speed.
His phone suddenly vibrates, grabbing his attention, and Gage’s name lights up the screen. A lump forms in my throat, but Lucas ignores it, quickly silencing his phone.
The further we venture into Daringville, the more extravagant and ridiculous the houses become. Despite the darkness, their lights cast a glow that pierces through the night.
We come to a halt in front of a gated community, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand as memories threaten to overcome me. No, I can’t think of that now. I just need to get through this, find Alec, and leave. Fuck them and this place. I can’t let my mind go back there. The grand gate looms before us, no doubt adorned with rigorous security features. Daringhood and this place are like two different worlds. The poor versus the rich. No middle class here. The whole system is fucked.
The gates swing open, and we drive down a winding driveway that seems to stretch on forever. Streetlights illuminate the road, large well-manicured hedges scream I’m rich, and it takes everything in me not to jump out of the moving car and run back over the train tracks. It’s maddening how we have almost nothing and they have all of this, even though we work so hard. Half our earnings go to them just because they put it in the treaty all those years ago. The Brotherhood rules, and we have no say in it.
And to think I used to be one of them.
A house comes into view that can only be described as a gothic mansion, sitting on the edge of a cliff. He parks right in front, and a staff member hurries over to open his door for him, but before he gets out I ask, “Is this where the ball is?”
“This is my place and I’m hosting.” He grins, then slips from his car and shuts the door.
I’ve never been to his place, only Amirah’s. I stay in the car, doubting my decision once again. No turning back now. I’ll go to this stupid masquerade, find Alec, and go home. Simple as that. But the longer I stay in the car, the longer it will take.
I find the door handle and step outside into the cool night air. The crashing waves against the cliff top surrounding Lucas’s home send shivers down my spine as I imagine the treacherous drop below. I resist the urge to approach the edge, where I can almost taste the salty spray of the wind and feel the exhilarating whip of the waves on my cheeks.
The rev of engines comes down the driveway and more people start arriving dressed in beautiful gowns and suits. They eye me with suspicion, and I shift uncomfortably.
“Come on, little thorn,” Lucas says from the front door with a smirk. “We’ve got to transform you into a princess for the masquerade ball.”
I scoff. “I don’t need anything, just need to find my brother and go back home. I don’t belong here.”
“You used to,” Lucas whispers so low I almost don’t hear him. I can’t think of that time. Not now, not ever.
I join Lucas, and he swings the front door open with a forceful push, barely giving me time to enter before it slams shut.
The foyer is a whirlwind of activity, with staff darting around frantically, balancing trays of food and drinks, while masked figures navigate through the house.
I need to find Alec—he’s got to be here somewhere. I can’t help but notice people stopping and staring, their heads turning to catch a glimpse of my diner uniform and the sound of their whispers filling the air. I keep my head held high. I don’t give a fuck what they think. Navigating through the crowded living area, I search desperately for my brother, scanning the faces of countless people, but I can’t see him. Music echoes through the house, coming from outside.
A hand grabs onto mine and I spin around, finding myself face to face with Lucas. His grip on me tightens as he pulls me away, and I desperately try to escape, but it’s futile. I try to keep up with Lucas, but he’s like a ninja, dodging everyone until we arrive at a black staircase. He bounds up the steps, two at a time, with me chasing closely behind, eager to escape the bustling foyer.
“You’re right, you don’t belong here, but that’s the best part. Besides, you won’t be able to go undetected wearing that uniform. You need to blend in with the ladies of Daringville. Or would you prefer being the center of attention?” Lucas’s voice echoes through the long hallway as he moves, disappearing through a door and into a bedroom.
I follow in after him, and in the center of the room, a grand king-sized bed dominates the space. Its black four-poster frame exudes an air of elegance, adorned with deep-red covers and soft, plush cushions. Lucas opens up a set of double doors, revealing what appears to be another bedroom. Scratching the back of my neck, I fight the urge to turn around and head back out the front door.
Lucas reappears, his arms full of long dresses and high-heeled shoes, which he haphazardly throws onto his bed.
“Why on earth do you have women’s clothes? Are you a cross-dresser?” I ask with a frown. “Totally cool if you are. That’s your business.”
With a laugh, he pulls his T-shirt over his head and lets it fall to the ground. My eyes trace down the lines of his defined chest to the trail of hair that disappears beneath his pants.
“Nah,” he says, licking his lips, “these clothes are souvenirs from the women who leave them at my door.”
I scoff. “I’d rather not know what poor women they belong to.”
He unzips his cargo pants, and they effortlessly slide down his legs, revealing his black briefs. Swallowing hard, I quickly move past him and begin browsing the gowns, feeling the soft fabrics between my fingers. I can’t believe how far I’m willing to go for my brother’s sake.
From the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of his muscled bare ass fading into the bathroom. He leaves the door slightly open, but I resist the urge to glance back and give him the satisfaction. The dresses are absolutely stunning, and as I run my fingers along the smooth silk and delicate lace, I discover a beautiful black gown with a gracefully low neckline.
The shower starts running in the background, and I peer over my shoulder, locking eyes with Lucas through the misty shower window. His hands firmly grip his cock, and I can’t help but roll my eyes.
Turning my back on Lucas, I lift my top over my head and drop my shorts. I lift the silk dress, exposing the elegant black lace bra and thong with tags hanging off them that perfectly complement it. Who on earth has these kinds of things hanging around?
Shaking my head, I remove my old, worn cotton bra and underwear that I’ve had for way too long and replace them with the lacy set. There’s no way I’m wearing my old pair in this dress. I pull the dress over my head and shimmy into it. The garment fits snugly, accentuating my curves, but I’m cautious as I take a seat, hoping it won’t rip.
I pick out a set of silver heels, holding them up to admire them for a moment before I place them on the floor and slide my feet into them. The shoes are a perfect fit, although I’m unsure if I can walk in them, but I’ll give it a try.
The water turns off and a few moments later, Lucas walks out with a towel around his waist, water dripping from his blond hair down his neck and chest. Gripping the bed linen, my fingers ache with the desire to trace their way down his sculpted torso. I can’t even remember the last time I got laid. I’m flooded with memories of that unforgettable night with Gage one year ago. The hate fuck that almost ruined my relationship with my best friend for fucking her brother. Ever since that night, Amirah has been throwing countless guys my way, but none of them interest me. I don’t want them. It’s annoying as fuck. I don’t want Gage to have any control over me, but my body still reacts to him.
With a purposeful stride, Lucas makes his way across the room until he towers over me, his erect cock at eye level. My gaze instantly locks with his, and I’m met with that familiar playful smirk. From somewhere in the house, pulsating beats of loud bass start up, and the bed beneath me practically trembles.
“I’ve always thought hood pussy tastes sweeter than the elite. Why don’t you lie back and let me have at it?” he suggests, gently running his fingers along my jaw.
I take a deep, shaky breath, feeling a rush of excitement that dampens my panties at the idea of him eating me out. Fuck.
“You think you can have anything you want,” I say, and I hate the tremor in my voice.
“I don’t think.” He laughs, low and sinister. “I know.”
“You can’t have me.” Danger sends a pulse to my pussy.
“I know, little thorn.” His fingers move from my jaw, down the column of my throat, and linger on the swell of my breasts. “There’s something... special about you.”
“I bet you say that to all the girls.” I try to laugh it off.
Fire flashes in his eyes. “Trust me.” He runs his fingers over my breast and my nipple pebbles. “I don’t.”
I should fight this—I should. But he’s so damn fine, and something about how wrong this is makes it feel so right.
He kneels, positioning himself between my legs, they naturally spread apart slightly until I feel the tight pull of the dress, and I instinctively lean back onto my elbows. As he bends forward, I can feel the gentle pressure of his chest against mine. His stiff cock brushes against the soft silk.
There’s a loud knock on his bedroom door, then it opens not a moment later, Lucas curses.
“What the fuck is going on here?”
His voice turns my damp panties dry. The moment our eyes connect, a chill runs down my spine as if Gage’s glare has the power to extinguish my existence.