Surreptitiously, I remember Araminta’s promise to take me to a beauty parlor. I hate myself for wondering if they do waxes. I despise myself, knowing I’m going to ask when she takes me there.
Dexter’s fingers circle my pussy. I want to tell him to stop, but my voice has stopped functioning. The part of me that wants to fight this has retreated deep into the recess of my mind. It’s almost an out-of-body experience. That is, until Dexter’s Booth fingers press firmly against my center.
“Feel that?” he mutters in my ear. “That’s your needy little pussy begging for me to fuck it.”
And I do feel it. My cunt is contracting, eager to accept this intruder in its silky depths. I shake my head, frustrated at the things he’s making my body do. And then, he pushes his fingers inside me unceremoniously. I cry out in protest, but Dexter only stops when his fingers meet resistance.
He looks confused at first, but in the next moment, his eyes light up with this new discovery.
“So, it is true,” he mutters under his breath. “You’re not worthless after all.”
His firm finger outlines the skin that’s the only thing left of my innocence. He’s ripped everything else away. With a start, I realize it won’t be long before he’s taken that, too.
“Get your hands off her, Lai,” Dexter mutters, retrieving his hand and wiping his fingers on my chest.
I hiss when he leaves a wet mark on my tits. His friend looks confused, but loosens his firm grip on my wrists nonetheless. My arms fall, numb and useless as I rub the already marked-up wrists, glaring up at the two boys.
Dexter ignores me, addressing Lai instead. The boy stares at me with unfulfilled hunger, sending shivers down my spine with the intensity of his glare.
“You’re not to touch her without me present,” Dexter instructs his friend. “Tell the others as well.”
“But you told us-” Lai starts, but Dexter holds his hand up, and he shuts up.
“I don’t give a shit,” my fiancé says. “I said hands off her unless you have my explicit permission.”
“Fine,” Lai barks, glaring at me as if this is somehow my fault. “She’s not that hot, anyway.”
The bulge in his pants says otherwise. He smirks at me before turning his back on me and leaving.
I’m shivering, soaked through and through and still naked. Dexter regards me with a cool expression before pulling off his varsity hoodie and tossing it at me.
“Here, cover yourself up before the other girls get back.”
I catch the hoodie mid-air, pulling it on. I’m still shivering.
“I’ll see you later, toy,” Dexter tells me as the bell announces the end of the lesson.
He lingers, as if wanting to say something else, then takes a step forward, touching his fingertips to my skin. I look up, hating myself for being so fearful.
“The guys are not going to hurt you.”
“But you are,” I point out the obvious.
“Of course,” he smirks. “That’s what you were made for, after all.”
Chapter Eight
Pandora
Kelley picks me up along with Brazen in front of the school. My brother doesn't even give me a second glance as he gets into the car, lighting another blunt as I join him on the luxurious leather seats. Our driver doesn't comment on what he's doing, which makes me wonder how many things he's seen, and kept quiet about.
At least my secrets are safe with him.
The drive back home is silent, with my brother scrolling through his phone and me seething in anger because I still don't have one. I have a feeling my father is withholding it because he's aware I'll try to get in touch with my real family the moment he gives me the option.
When we arrive home, Brazen gets out without saying goodbye to me or Kelley. I linger though, none too eager to head back to my chambers for another evening of doing absolutely nothing. Nobody said anything about being filthy rich was this boring.
"Miss Oakes?" I turn in the direction of Kelley's voice. He gives me a kind smile before continuing. "I do believe they've found a personal maid for you."
"Oh," I reply lamely, remembering the cold and impersonal Belle who's been helping me out at the Estate. "It's not Belle, is it?"
"Why don't you go inside and check," Kelley suggests with a friendly smile. "I'll be right behind you. And, Miss Oakes?"
"Yeah?"
"I know things may seem bad right now." He gives me an encouraging smile. "But I think they're going to start working in your favor soon enough."
"You're more optimistic than I am," I shake my head. "Everyone hates me here. I don't fit in at all."
"Well, if I may offer some advice..." He takes his hat off and tucks it under his arm as he winks at me. "You just have to learn some ground rules."
"Like what?"
"Like, if you do what your father wants, you will get what you want in return."
"You think he'll let me speak to my parents, my sister?"
My voice is pathetically hopeful, but I can't help it. I've never felt more alone, more out of place. I'm desperate for the comfort of my real family.
"Eventually," Kelley says with a confident smile. "He's a quid pro quo kind of person, Miss Oakes. Do what he says. Try to play his game. Then, reap the rewards."
"Thank you, Kelley."
I'm grateful for his input. So far, he's the only one besides Araminta who's shown some interest in my well-being.
"I really appreciate it."
He nods curtly and I walk into the house ahead of him, my mind swimming with thoughts of twirling my father around my little finger.
Once I walk into the grand hall, I'm greeted by the sight of the housekeeper, Mrs. Greene. She nods at me respectfully before speaking up.
"Miss Oakes, we've settled the matter of your personal maid."
"Great," I mutter.
"Mignonette is waiting in your room. Please remember dinner will be served at seven p.m. sharp," the housekeeper finishes, and I nod before running up to my room.
She looks after me with an outraged expression, and I take special joy in taking the stairs two at a time. I just love pissing these people off, it seems.
When I walk inside the room, I'm greeted by a sight I most definitely wasn't expecting.
The pretty, willowy blonde who helped me at my birthday party is standing in front of the full-length mirror in my room. She's wearing one of Eden Falls Prep's blazers over her uniform, admiring her own reflection. But when she sees me walk in, she flinches and rips the jacket off her body.
"I'm so sorry, M-Miss Oakes," she stutters. "I was just..."
She bites her bottom lip, struggling to find the words. I put my bag down on the chest of drawers next to the mirror, raising my brows and crossing my arms as I wait for her to go on.
"Well? Why were you trying on my clothes?"
"I'm so sorry," she repeats, looking like a dear caught in the headlights. "I just wanted to see... what it... what it looked like."
"You don't go to Eden Falls Prep?" I ask her.
"Oh, no." She gives me an outraged look. "That would be inappropriate... I don't go to school anymore. I work here full-time, with my mother."
"Belle?"
"Yes," she nods, her expression settling into an uneasy grimace.
She's still almost unbearably beautiful though, and jealousy twists my stomach into a knot. I've seen how men act around this girl. Like she's some kind of enchantress who's got them all under her spell. I don't even know why, but I'm jealous as fuck.
I’m tempted to mention my brother’s very noticeable crush on her, but I talk myself out of it. It’s a topic best saved for another day.
"So, you're Mignonette," I go on, choosing to ignore what I just saw her doing.
"Oh, everyone calls me Minnie." She gives me a shy smile.
"Minnie. Like Minnie Mouse?"
"Yes, Miss Oakes."
"You can call me by my name, you know."
"Oh no," she shakes her head vehem
ently. "I couldn't possibly. It would be entirely inappropriate."
"Well, you'd be doing me a favor," I mumble, giving her a defiant look. "In fact, as your sole responsibility, and with you being my newly appointed maid... I demand you call me by my first name."
"Alright." She pales in embarrassment before uttering, "Miss Lily Anna."
"No." I scrunch my face up at her. "Please, no. It's Pandora."
"I don't think your father would like that."
"Well, I don't see him here right now," I shrug mischievously. "Do you?"
She shakes her head. The corners of her lips are being pulled up in a reluctant smile.
"No, Miss Pandora."
"Good." I'm pleased with myself for once, watching her put the blazer back in my walk-in closet. "But trust me, you don't want to be going to Eden Falls Prep. It's boring as fuck."
"It seems wonderful," Minnie admits. "But not for the likes of us."
"The likes of you?" I repeat, giving her a long, inquisitive look. "That sounds like a phrase someone put in your head."
She smiles at me, her eyes lingering on mine. She doesn't respond to my words, instead glancing to my walk-in wardrobe. I flop down on my bed and get comfortable.
"So, what exactly does a personal maid do?"
"I make sure everything is running smoothly. Help you with school, getting ready, looking... presentable."
"Oh, great." I roll my eyes. "More rules to follow, I'm presuming?"
Minnie gives me a shy smile. "There are many rules at Oakes Estate. For the help, and for the residents."
"No shit," I mutter. "So, what's your story?"
"My story?" Her eyes widen. "What do you mean?"
"Well, you and your mom both work here, right?"
"Yes." She looks frightened suddenly.
"Do you like it?"
"Yes," she says.
I'm not sure whether she's lying. I'm about to call her out on it and ask when she takes a hesitant step closer.
"You're bruised, Miss Pandora."
"What?" I look down, finding new bruises blooming on my wrists, from when Lai and Dexter had assaulted me in the changing room. "Oh, that."
"I can apply some cold salve," Minnie suggests. "It should stop it from bruising."
I nod, and she disappears in the bathroom, bringing back a small jar of clear gel. She applies it expertly to the fingermarks on my skin, making me wonder how many times she's done this. She seems awfully good at it.
"Are you seeing someone, Minnie?" I ask her, and she blushes, looking away before shaking her head. "Why not? Surely there's someone you like."
"No," she gets out almost too quickly, firmly twisting the lid on the jar of salve. "There's no one."
"How old are you?"
"Seventeen."
"My age."
I can't help but look at her differently now. How strange. We're the same age yet she's serving me like a maid. Still, I'm not sure which one of us has it worse. At least she's not my father's puppet.
Something overcomes me, and before I can stop myself, I point to the framed photo on my nightstand.
"Do you know Dexter?"
"Mr. Booth?" She nods vigorously. "Yes, of course. He's been to the house many times."
"What's your take on him?" I give her a curious look, knowing the only acceptable answer would be that she hates him as much as I do.
"He's a nice man," she whispers, looking at the floor and blushing.
Instantly, jealousy overpowers me. I glare at her, not sure whether I hate her or myself more. Myself, for getting upset, and her, for obviously liking Dex
"He's a boy," I correct her bitterly. "Don't forget, he's only nineteen."
"He has more power than most of the men in this city," Minnie mutters. "And, unlike them, he uses it for good."
"What do you mean?"
I furrow my brows. I could say a long of things about Dexter Booth, but I sure as fuck wouldn't describe him as a good man.
"I shouldn't say." Minnie twists her white apron nervously. "I'm sorry, I never should have mentioned it."
"Well, you have to tell me now," I demand, narrowing my eyes at her. "I want to know."
She looks torn between doing as she's told and denying me, but I know I've won when she apologizes softly. I feel a little bad for making her, but not for too long. I guess that's that controlling Oakes blood running through my veins, I think bitterly.
"Mr. Booth has defended me b-before," she mutters.
"From?"
"From the men who..." She swallows thickly. "From the men who like to take advantage of the help."
My stomach twists at her words.
"Are there men bothering you, Minnie?"
She shakes her hand dismissively, as if it's nothing. But I'm worried. She's such a sweet, ethereal being. I can't imagine anyone wanting to hurt her… except maybe Brazen.
I've seen enough of Eden Falls to know the men here thrive on ripping away girls' innocence. I have no doubt Mignonette is dealing with the same thing I am.
Except, as unlikely as that seems, Dexter seems to be her savior instead of her tormentor.
"So you like him?" I ask, hating myself for sounding like I'm attacking her.
"Of course. He's a kind man." She gives me a polite smile, realizing how her words have come off when I grimace. "Oh, not in that way, of course. He wouldn't even look at me twice, not in that way. I mean, he was so blindly in love with..."
Her eyes flit back to the picture frame, and jealousy bubbles in the pit of my stomach yet again as she shuts up, looking guilty.
"You can say it," I spit out. "Lily Anna."
"Yes," she whispers. "They truly loved one another. I think it broke Mr. Booth when Lily Anna..."
She looks away, closing her eyes tightly. It's obviously hurting her as well, but a morbid part of me wants to know more. Why was Lily Anna so special? Why does everyone around here act like she was some kind of saint? She was obviously damaged. No sane person throws themselves off a cliff.
"Were you her maid, too?" I ask, and Minnie nods. "So, is this awkward for you? Being my maid after knowing her?"
"A little." She smiles shyly. "But... we never talked like this. Like we are now."
"Why not?"
"Well, Mr. Booth would never allow it, of course," Minnie shrugs. "But also... Miss Lily Anna didn't like me much, I don't think. She never connected or bonded with me. She didn't care about me."
"Why is that?" I demand, making her flinch.
I want to regret my words, but I'm desperate to know more about the phantom girl whose place I've taken.
"She... I think she knew it was inappropriate."
Minnie fidgets with the fabric of her snow-white apron.
"The divide between us. Me being a maid, her... the royalty of Eden Falls. The only time she opened up to me was..."
She bites her lip.
"Sorry, I should stop."
"No," I say, almost too quickly. "Tell me more."
She hesitates and I narrow my eyes at her, adding, "Now."
Minnie looks so nervous I start to feel bad.
Then, she finally speaks up again, saying, "The only time she let me see her emotional was when she found out... about you."
"Before she killed herself," I whisper.
"Yes. Such a tragedy." Minnie wipes a stray tear from her ice-blue eyes. "I still can't believe it. She broke so many people doing that. I don't think some of them will be able to forgive her."
"Do you mean Dexter?" I ask.
"I mean your family," she whispers. "Mr. Booth... I think the only person he blames for what happened is himself."
"Well, he's not the one who made her jump," I point out the obvious. "She did that all by herself."
Minnie gives me a scandalized look. I wonder whether she'll say something about me disrespecting Lily Anna's memory, but she remains quiet.
"Do you think Dexter will ever like me?"
The question slips from my lips before I c
an stop myself, and Minnie gives me a curious look.
"Well, do you want him to?" she asks softly, and I laugh.
"No, I don't care." My voice is confident, but I feel shaky on the inside. "I couldn't care less about him."
"Of course, Miss Pandora." For the first time, Minnie gives me a devilish look, and I laugh in surprise.
"I like this side of you," I tell her. "You should let it out more often. Be less serious."
Instantly, her smile fades. She looks as if she's about to say something else, but then she busies herself by putting my school bag away. Once she's done, she presents me with a small pager.
"Do call me whenever you need something," she explains. "Use the tablet. I'm at your service now."
"Thank you, Minnie."
She curtsies and leaves the room while I fall back on the bed, staring at the immaculate ceiling. At least now I have a friend.
Chapter Nine
Dexter
Pandora is stuck on my mind, and I fucking hate it.
I really thought she wasn’t a virgin. That she’s somehow fucked away her innocence at St Cecile. The discovery of the cherry between her legs threw me for a loop. It made me jealous and possessive, and I don’t have time for that.
I shouldn't be thinking about the new girl. I have too many other things to worry about, yet my mind is constantly circling around her, wondering how to push her buttons, needing to get a rise out of her. She's so goddamn pretty when she cries, it would be a shame not to make her.
"Welcome home, Mr. Booth."
I give a curt nod to the butler, Anders, who's been a part of the family since my father was born. Unlike some of the founding families, the Booths were born into money. My father grew up here, and Anders watched over him when he was a baby just like he watched over me. Oh, how things have changed since then.
"There are some messages waiting for you in the study," Anders goes on. "Your Armani suit has arrived, and we sent the usual arrangement to Miss... Lily Anna's memorial."
"Thank you," I mutter, shrugging off my school blazer as I walk into the house.
Anders takes it from me and carries it off to the closet. Walking upstairs, I groan, rubbing my aching temples before glancing at the notepad Anders left on my father's desk where all the messages are written. I read through the notes, relieved to find nothing too urgent needing my attention. I have my hands full today, even without the emergencies from my father's company.
A Hurt So Sweet: Complete Dark Bully Romance Series Box Set: Elite of Eden Falls Prep Page 8
