Chapter 27
I’ve holed myself up at the campus library as the house is a hive of movement with everyone excited about the fights tonight. It’s all anyone has been talking about for days. I’ve barely seen Rome and Chaser as they’ve been preoccupied with the organization of it all. Hardly anyone has attended any classes and I’ve had Baron driving me to and from campus now that they’re all aware of the creep stalking me. It’s like having a house full of big brothers, which is a nice change compared to the one I actually have.
I’ve avoided Sin like the plague all this week. I can’t even form the words to tell anyone what he forced me to do, and I refuse to acknowledge how it made me feel because that proves I’m as fucking sick as him. I’ve focused on my class work, getting ahead on any assignments, and have spent extra time at the library studying. It’s the only place these guys allow me to be without one of them. I guess they think it’s safe since the only way to get in is with a college ID card you need to swipe to open the doors.
Sipping my coffee, I marvel at the sheer volume of books in this place. It’s three stories high and full to the brim with books, some so old they were printed in the 16th century. The library is always cold and I pull on my Dacre Hall puffer jacket and snuggle into its softness. It’s so serene and peaceful in here amongst the books. The fact that everyone knows the rules about speaking in hushed tones, adds to the tranquil vibes.
Getting up, I leave my desk as is, with all my laptop and books open so any other student knows this spot is taken. It’s an unwritten rule that you don’t touch another student’s belongings in the library, and you never move them. A desk left in disarray like this means the person who sat here needs a study break and will return soon enough. I tiptoe past the other students deep in their work, ensuring I make as little noise as I can. I go up the stairs to the second floor where all the old encyclopedias are stored in special glass casings and old tomes, handwritten by scholars many centuries ago, are displayed. I always come up here and inspect them, making sure nothing has changed or moved. It reminds me of the Writer’s Museum in Edinburgh we visited a few years ago. Mama V. and I spent hours in that place looking at everything twice over.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I grab it out wondering who is messaging me.
Rome: I’m outside the library to pick you up.
Me: Coming
Rome: You better not be without me!
Me: Haha
Shoving my phone back in my pocket, I make my way past all the students to my table when I see it, sitting in the center of my notebook. Placed gently down without disturbing any of my things. A paper flower made of cards with burnt edges, each card only has the Spades symbol on it again.
I look around accusingly, my eyes darting around the room to see if anyone is looking back at me. No one is paying me any attention which doesn’t ease the dread in the pit of my stomach. I scan the two upper levels and can’t see anyone looking shady. Anxiety mixed with slight excitement courses through my veins, knowing he is close and watching. It’s like a sick addiction now, wanting him to keep following me and wanting me. His obsession becoming my own high.
Picking up the flower, I twist its wire stem in my fingers, covering them in smoke residue. There’s no note attached this time, it’s just the flower letting me know he’s here somewhere, watching me. Exhilaration washes over me at the thought of him near and I have the unholy need for him to make himself known. To show me just a small part of him so I know he’s real and not just a figment of my imagination.
Packing my things into my bag, I walk out of the library with the flower held firmly in my fingers, hoping he’s still watching and letting him know that I’m not so much afraid of him but more curious.
Rome eyes me as I approach, his dark gaze lowering to the flower in my hand. “Is that the same flower as before?” He wraps a protective arm around my shoulder, shielding me from my crazed stalker.
“I think so.” Guilt crashing into me, I scan the parking lot for him, wondering if he’s watching. It’s not normal to want your stalker to keep stalking you, to keep watching you secretly.
“Hey, I’ve got you.” Rome cradles my face in his hands and kisses me deeply.
Butterflies run rampant through me as his lips devour mine, this feeling of home settling deep within me. It feels so safe in his arms, like nothing can get to me when he’s here. Which totally contradicts my fucked up desires of finally meeting my stalker.
“The fear on your lips tastes like cotton candy, all sweet and tempting.” His lips vibrate against mine.
“That’s a weird way to describe it.”
“It turns me on that you have someone watching you, making you afraid. Here, feel my hard on.” Rome takes my hand and makes me feel him here out in the open.
I gaze up at him, at his hooded eyes as they bore into me. “It turns me on too,” I confess in a whisper. “I’m fucked in the head.”
“You just have different tastes than the norm. I imagine him catching you and tying you up, devouring you while you scream. If that isn’t fucked up, then I don’t know what is.” He kisses me, stopping me from answering him and allowing me to process what he revealed.
Breaking away from me he stares down into my soul and dances there burying himself into my existence.
“Yeah, that’s fucked up, but I like it.” I smile at him, knowing he just revealed his inner dark thoughts. “If he ever catches me, I’ll call you to come watch.”
“Don’t tease me.” He grins, darting his tongue out and moistening his lips. “If we didn’t need to get back for the fights, I’d wait around here and leave you out as bait.”
“Wow, thanks. You’d sacrifice me for your fantasy. Nice.”
“We’re all depraved, baby. The degree just varies.” He slaps my ass and pulls me tightly into him. “I can’t wait to be buried deep inside you later tonight.” He presses his erection into me.
“Can we skip the fights? Please?” I tiptoe to kiss him, but he pulls away, a devilish smirk spreading across his face.
“We have to go. If you keep looking at me like that, neither of us will make it to the fights.” He lets go and saunters to the driver’s side.
“You’re mean.” I pout as I make my way to the passenger side of the Range Rover. I glance around one last time, scanning the parking lot wondering if he’s still watching.
The guys have outdone themselves with this fight night. Or as they have aptly named it, The Dacre Cup. Walking in with the rest of the frat, I look around at the sheer size of the stadium they’ve rented. It’s decorated with the four suit emblem in Sable Lakes blue and gold foiling. The whole stadium is decked out for the fight. I follow the guys as we’re led to our front row corporate box seats.
The atmosphere is electric as the crowd gathers and finds their seats. I step up onto the second level to take a seat in the back when Rome grabs my hand.
“And where do you think you’re going?” He pulls me into him.
“Someone will see.” I try wriggle out of his grip.
“Fucking let them. I’ll deal with Sin later,” he growls and goes to kiss me but I duck out of the way.
“Please, not here in the open. I don’t want to make him angry.” Placing my palms on Rome’s muscled chest, I look up at him as his dark hair sits in a mess atop his head. I’m not so much afraid of Sin, I’m afraid of how far he can go with his depravity. I don’t need Rome being on the receiving end of his wrath.
His burning gaze questions me. “Are you okay?”
I grin up at him. “Yes, I just don’t want that asshole finding out. I like sneaking around.”
Winking, he unwraps his arm from around my waist and makes me sit in the front row. “That’s your seat, make sure you stay in it until I get back. We have some behind the scenes shit to deal with.” He kisses the top of my head and stalks off.
Opening up my phone I text Saskia to see if she’s here anywhere.
Me: Babe, are you here?
Saskia: We just pulled up. Come and meet me outside.
Me: On my way.
I jump out of my seat and look around for Rome or Chaser as I make my way down toward the entry doors. The place is teaming with students, everyone is excited and wearing their college colors, ready for a night of mayhem. Trying to push through the crowd, I head toward the outer edges hoping to find a clearer path when someone grabs my arm and drags me into a small alcove.
“Let go of me.” I try to pull free when I realize it’s Nickolas and not my stalker.
“What’s the rush, off limits?” He smirks as his grip tightens.
“Let go of me or-”
“Or what?” he interrupts, pulling me in closer. “Your brother isn’t around to save you this time.”
“What the fuck do you want?” I glare up at him.
He raises his eyebrows. “I think it’s more along the lines of what do I have to offer.”
“Nothing I want from you.”
“Oh but, I think you may be mistaken. What if I told you I have some information from a very reliable source about your parents.”
My ears heat instantly at the mention of my parents. “You’re lying.”
“Would a face like this lie to you?” He pouts and moves us farther into the alcove.
He’s let go of my arm at this point because he knows I won’t run from him as my interest is piqued. “What do I have to do?” I know how these fuckers work, they don’t offer anything up without taking something first.
“Straight to the point. I like it.”
“Spill it.”
“I’ll tell you a little information that your adoptive parents and your dearest brother have been keeping from you, if you step into the ring tonight and fight.” His eyes light up with excitement at the prospect of seeing me get beaten to a pulp.
“What’s in it for you?”
He leans down and grins. “Watching your brother’s face when you step into that ring and he can’t do a damn thing about your opponent touching you. What’s better than reigniting a little war between families?” He winks at me like he’s talking about some computer game he wants to play.
“How do I know you’ll keep your word?”
“You’ll just have to trust me.” He watches me intently.
“Nope. I don’t believe you.” I take a step away from him and am about to leave him here when he clears his throat.
“Does friend or foe ring a bell?”
My heart stops beating and my ears ring so loud, they drown out the noise around me. All I can hear is the whoosh sounds in my head as I turn on the spot not believing what I’m hearing and stare at him.
“That got your attention.” His voice sounds like it’s underwater. “Follow me.” He steps around me and almost disappears into the crowd.
Rushing after him, I’m on autopilot as I scurry along, not knowing where he’s leading me. I know this is stupid but if there’s the slightest chance of getting information on my parents, I have to take the risk. I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t. I scan the crowd around us as I pass, but I can’t see a familiar face anywhere, which I’m glad about because if the guys saw me following Nickolas, they’d step in and put a stop to this insanity.
Nickolas enters the area where the contenders are all getting prepped for their fights. He leads me past a few rooms and turns the corner straight into Hearts Frat territory. It’s a sea of blood red as the frat members all gather and tape up their contestants. I’m like a thorn in their side with my entirely black outfit, standing out amongst the red. Questioning stares follow me as I make my way through them and walk after their king. They must think I’m betraying the Spades but I’m not part of the frat, I’m just a bystander getting caught up in their games.
“This way,” Nickolas says as he enters a room and waits for me to follow, closing the door after me.
“What now?” I turn to glance at him and at the two female students in the room.
“They will tape up your hands and if you want, you can change, or wear that.” His gaze rakes over me, sizing me up.
“This?” I look down at my jeans and crop top. “How am I supposed to try to fight in this?”
“We have spare red shorts if you want.” He smiles at me, knowing that if I wear their frat color, it will piss Sin off even more.
It’s tempting to do that but I don’t need Sin getting his hands on me afterward and unleashing his hostile brutality on me once this is over. What he’ll have planned for me will be vile enough without needing to add to it.
“Your choice.” Nickolas shrugs and exits the room, leaving me in here with two female students.
“You don’t have to do this.” One of them looks at me in sympathy. “Whatever he’s promised you, it’s not worth it.”
“What she means is, the fighter you’re up against is a professional. She’s a Muay Thai champion.” The other girl with the dark blue hair adds.
“Great,” I sigh. “I’m going to get my ass kicked.”
“Here, give me your hands,” dark blue hair says as she pulls out some tape.
Once my hands are all taped up, I’m led back outside to the edge of the fight cage. My heart falters, my anxiety creeps up my spine knowing I’m about to be in a world of pain. Sucking in air, it feels as though I’m suffocating but I know it’s my flight or flight mechanism kicking in, and right now I think I’m about to pass out.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Dacre Cup,” the MC announces, and the crowd goes wild. Cheering and whistling erupts in the stadium deafening me in the process. “Hush hush.” He waves his arms out for the crowd to quieten down.
The noise becomes a soft murmur as the crowd follows the MC’s lead. I glance around trying to see if I can see any of the guys but thankfully, they’re all MIA somewhere. Looking down at my boots, I’m surprised no one has told me to remove them yet. Unease settles in my gut at the type of fights they might allow in this ring if I can wear my boots in there.
“We have a little change in the line up and a new contender has entered last minute. Let’s welcome these ladies into the ring. Naveah Mansfield and Monroe Vitiello,” he shouts excitedly.
“Girl, this is your last chance to back out.” Blue hair bumps fists with me. “I’ve double taped your knuckles, so they should hold. Make sure you watch for her left hook and stay to her right. Go get her!” She slaps me on the ass and pushes me up the stairs to climb into the ring.
I spot my opponent on the opposite side, bouncing around on the balls of her feet. She’s wearing a red sports crop and comfortable looking shorts, ones easy to kick in. Her hands are bare and it’s then I know I’ve made the wrong decision. This girl means business. I look so fucking out of place in my jeans and boots and the crowd knows it as they cheer us on from their seats. They know this won’t be a long show and I’ll be flat on my ass in seconds.
“Ladies, please come to the center.” The MC indicates to where he’s standing.
As I inch forward with my heart in my throat, repeating Nickolas’ words in my head, a rush of movement catches my eyes. Sin, Rome and Chaser climb into the ring, all sporting a look of rage at the current events unfolding.
“What the fuck?” Sin rips the microphone from the MC’s hands and switches it off so no one can hear what is being said. His caustic glare roots me to the spot and I’d rather face off with the scary professional fighter than him.
Rome grabs my shoulders, his fingers digging into my flesh as his anger pulsates around us. “What the fuck are you doing?”
“Get her out of the fucking ring. I’ll take her place.” Sin’s hostile gaze settles on me.
Chaser grips him by the arm trying to move him away. “No, man, you can’t.”
“I want to fight.” I stand my ground, sick of this asshole ordering me around.
Sin tilts his head and studies me. “You don’t get a fucking say in this.”
Theo, the king of the Clubs Frat, saunters over looking at us in confusion. “What’s the hold up? Why was my fighter replaced with her?” He glances between the guys and then jerks his head for someone else to join us in the middle.
“I’m taking her place. Change the fighter.” Sin spits venom.
Theo rubs his hands together, clearly frothing over this change of contestants. “You know you can’t back out now that you’ve volunteered here in the ring. Your rules, not ours.” He holds his palms up.
Sin’s gaze darkens as he keeps it on me. “I know.” His voice lowers an octave and sounds truly terrifying.
“Fuck,” Rome curses beside me. “Let me step in.”
Sin narrows his eyes at Rome. “Get the fuck out of the ring.”
“Come on.” Chaser grips my wrist and leads me out, leaving Sin and Rome to stare at each other in the middle while everyone else clears out. Nickolas conveniently stands at the back of his frat area watching on in amusement.
We climb down the stairs and stand beside the ring waiting for Sin’s opponent. “What the hell is he doing?” I cross my arms over my chest.
“More importantly, what the fuck were you doing?” Chaser glares at me. “Why were you about to fight their best female contender?”
“Doesn’t matter anymore.” I’m so pissed at myself and even more pissed that I’ll never get the information from Nickolas now.
Sin moves to his side of the ring after a heated discussion with Rome, who exits the ring on the opposite side of us and disappears. The MC climbs back in and takes the microphone once again but doesn’t announce anything. I watch on in horror as a guy, who clearly does this for a living, climbs into the ring and points at Sin.
“Holy fuck.”
“Shit. Fuck. Stay here and don’t move.” Chaser disappears into the crowd, who are now deafeningly loud.
There’s no announcement. No introductions. The MC invites the two into the center, grabs both their hands and lifts them in the air once before escaping the ring to watch the horror unfold. Without skipping a beat, Sin lands a closed fist blow to the other guy’s face, making him stumble back in shock.
It’s on then, fists connecting with flesh, blood spirting and gut-wrenching kicks. I can’t look away as they beat each other senseless. They’re evenly matched but it’s clear the guy from the Hearts Frat is more conditioned for fighting in the ring than Sin. He closes in on Sin and hits him blow after blow to the face and ribs, making Sin back up into the barrier, cornered and unable to get out of there.
It looks as though the other guy is winning when Sin finds strength from fuck knows where after all those blows and manages to punch the Hearts Frat guy in the side of the head, knocking him to the ground. At the same time Sin drops to the floor, unable to stand from his injuries.
My ears ring and I’m a ball of anxiety as the MC and all the frat members rush into the ring and carry both opponents away on stretchers. Standing outside of the cage, rooted to the spot, I’m afraid if I move my legs will give way. The ringing in my ears is so loud it drowns out the cheers and screams of the crowd. It’s as though I’m having an out of body experience, with everything around me continuing and I’m just stuck in one place.
I have no idea how many minutes pass with me standing stock still, unaware of my surroundings, until a gentle hand touches my shoulder and makes me jump. “You startled me.” I place my hand on my chest to stop my thumping heart from jumping out of me.
“He’s asking for you and only you. He won’t let anyone else near him.” Chaser stares down at me, panic dancing behind his eyes.
“Fuck!” I shove past Chaser as dread drops into my stomach.
I push past the crowd as they gear up for the next fight, their eagerness to see blood shed makes me nauseous. This is all my fault. If I hadn’t agreed to get in the ring for information about my parents, Sin wouldn’t have felt the need to sacrifice himself for me. He’ll make me pay for this in the worst possible way and there won’t be a damn thing I can do about it.
Opening the door, I can see him lying on his back on an examination bed in the dim light, his legs bent at the knee, staring up at the ceiling. He’s covered in blood, his face already swollen from the blows he copped. I slide in and close the door, the loud click not even making him turn to look at me. I can tell he’s murderous in the way he’s controlling his rage with his breathing. I’m positive he wishes he could strangle the life out of me right here and now.
My heart thunders inside my chest, my anxiety peaks as I look at him. I don’t know what to do or say so I stand against the door like a fucking coward.
“Aren’t you going to say thank you?” His scratchy voice fills the small room.
I swallow the bile that threatens to burst out of me as I look over his injuries. “You didn’t need to do this.”
“Do you know what my father would do to me if I let you get hurt?” He turns to glare at me, his acidic stare burning through me. His face is fucked up, almost unrecognisable.
“I doubt he’d do anything,” I whisper, more to myself than him.
Sin sits up slowly, his pain obvious from the hissing escaping his mouth. “You’re so stupid, Monroe. My mother and father have spent the entire time you’ve lived with us making sure they made up for their fuck up.” He holds his hand protectively over his ribs.
“I’m not stupid, Sinisa. I know they’ve gone above and beyond for me. I know you all wish I’d disappear out of your lives so you all can stop having to fucking take care of me!” I shout at him, tears threatening my eyes.
“If only it were that simple. My parents would turn the world upside down looking for you and drag you back here.” He gets off the examination bed and stalks toward me. His steps are deliberate and calculated as he approaches. Towering over me, the hatred in his gaze scares me. “Don’t you think I’d do the same fucking thing?” He leans down so his face is closer. “Don’t you know how much you fuck with my head?” His low voice shakes with rage.
“Sin.” I flinch back against the door, afraid he’s about to unleash years of pent-up anger and hatred on me. My eyes focus on the split in his lower lip and how the blood still oozes out of the wound.
“No, of course you fucking don’t.” He places his finger under my chin and angles my face up to his.
I stand my ground. I knew this would blow up one day. I knew he’d need to get his rage out eventually, only I never imagined it would be in a small, closed room. “Sin, stop. You’re lying.”
He laughs in my face. “You’re fucking delusional if you haven’t noticed my sick obsession with you. Don’t play dumb, Monroe, stupid doesn’t suit you. Stop fucking with my head.” He punches the door beside my head.
My heart flies into my throat and I know I need to work him down before one of his unhinged rages takes me out. Placing my hand on his chest, I need him to focus on me. I know I shouldn’t touch him in this instance, but it’s all I can think of at this point. Right when I think it might work, my phone buzzes in my pocket.
“You better get that.” He growls into my hair, his face so close I can smell the metal tang of his blood.
Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I check to see who messaged.
Chaser: I can’t find Rome.
Chaser: Did he tell you where he went?
Chaser: He’s not answering his phone!!
Chaser: I’m getting worried.
I look up to see Sin reading every message. “Hmm, I wonder where our boy could be?” He tilts his head to the side.
I glare at him in horror. “Where is he, Sin?”
“I don’t tell secrets.” He places his pointer finger over my lips. “But maybe he’s paying for his lies.” He runs his finger down over my chin, stopping at the base of my throat. Placing his palm against my neck, his fingers flex around to grip me tightly. “Your little heart is beating so rapidly. Are you scared, Monroe?”
“No! Tell me where you sent Rome.” I slap at his arm but it’s useless, I can’t move him.
His nostrils flare as he takes me in. His gaze drops to where my hand rests against his blood stained shirt. “Get out of my face,” he whispers, his eyes zeroing in on mine.
He leans closer and opens the door behind me, making me step into him, our bodies flush against each other. My throat constricts being this close to him and memories of him making me kneel before him and sucking him off circle through my mind. Being this close to him makes my insides clench and before I can say anything he pushes me out of the door and slams it in my face. My heart thumps inside me, threatening to tear through my chest.
I unlock my phone and send a text message to Chaser.
Me: I’m coming to help look.
No response. He must be too busy looking for Rome to text back. I make my way through the darkened halls behind the main stage area. Everyone seems to have cleared out and gone back to watch the next fight or Sin probably ordered them all to get away from him.
I turn a corner I thought I’d come down on my way in when a dark figure appears, blocking my path in front of me. My head thumps in time with my heartbeat, playing a steady fast rhythm inside me. Sweat beads on the back of my neck as he stalks forward, closing the distance between us.
I want to scream and run but I’m frozen, unable to move from his hypnotic stare. He stops mere inches from me, catching me in his web of darkness. Pulling the balaclava lower over his face, he grins wickedly, happy to have finally caught his little prey.
“Hello, Sunshine.”