“What is that?” he mutters, his gaze wondering to me. “That scent?”
I fight the urge to roll my eyes and shrug instead. The next second, I yelp when he grabs my hand and brings the wrist up to his nostrils. He smells my skin and I recoil from his touch the second he releases his firm grip.
“That’s Lily Anna’s perfume,” he says.
“I know,” I nod. “Dexter wanted me to wear it.”
“I…” For once in his life, my father appears to be lost for words. “Alright, I suppose that’s okay.”
We start with the food, and throughout dinner, I notice my father watching me. He’s nicer to me, too, not snapping as often and treating me like an actual member of the family, not some stray cat.
It makes me wonder whether it really is the perfume. Maybe if I act more like Lily Anna, he will be more lenient with me. I can use this in my favor, I just have to be very careful.
Once we finish, I’m the last to pull my chair back.
“Don’t forget about the gathering tomorrow,” my father says. “To celebrate the opening of our Diamond Cove branch. I need you ready at six to greet the guests. A dress has been chosen and will be waiting for you.”
“Okay,” I reply.
“Answer me properly, Lily Anna,” he demands.
“Yes, father,” I grit out.
It’s the first time he’s used her name for me. The perfume is working.
“Thank you. May I go back to my room? I still have some homework to do.”
He regards me with silent curiosity. His nostrils flare next, and goosebumps cover my flesh as I realize he’s smelling me like a freaking animal. I am wearing Lily Anna’s perfume…
“You’ve been cooperative lately,” he mutters. “Maybe you deserve a little treat.”
“Oh?” I ask, lost for words.
“Your doors will be unlocked throughout the day now,” he says, making excitement flood my body. “Starting tomorrow.”
“Oh, thank you!” I cry out, feeling genuinely thankful for once. “Thank you, father.”
I almost rush in to give him a hug, but I stop myself.
He gives me a curt nod and I leave the room in a rush.
As my father promised, a dress awaits in my bedroom, a pretty red one with a fitted top and a flared-out bottom. I try it out on a whim, admiring my reflection in the mirror. I don’t look half as bad these days.
There’s a knock on my door.
“Yes?”
The door opens, and my comically beautiful stepmother peeks her head around the corner.
"Do you mind if I come in?"
I narrow my eyes at her, asking, "What do you want?"
"Nothing in particular."
She smiles gently, ignoring the fact that I haven't invited her in at all. She lets herself in, and I cross my arms in front of my body as she walks into the room, closing the door behind her.
"I just wanted to see how you are doing," she goes on. "Everything must be so different for you here... I'm sure you're feeling a little lost, and I just wanted you to know I'm here for anything you need."
"Great," I mutter sarcastically. "What do you expect me to do with that?"
"Well, I was hoping you and I could be as close as I was with Lily Anna."
"You were close with her?"
"I was." She smiles blissfully. "We always got along so well."
Somehow, I'm not quite buying this. I get up from my seat and walk over to my vanity table, which is now laden with expensive jars of cream, makeup and that bottle of perfume Dex got me. I sit down and start to brush through my unruly locks, my eyes fixed on Bryony in the mirror.
"Oh, let me, please!"
She approaches me, looking more enthusiastic than I've ever seen her. I hand her my hairbrush, and she begins to brush through my hair with gentle motions. It's actually quite nice, and I find myself leaning against her touch, my eyes fluttering closed as she works out the tangles.
“I used to do this with Lily Anna every night.” She smiles to herself affectionately as she runs the brush through my hair. “It was our moment. I felt so close to her then. Closer than I’ve ever felt to Tatianna.”
She seems to catch herself saying those words, and her hand holding the hairbrush lingers above my head for a moment. She feels guilty, I can tell. But she doesn’t take the words back.
"But of course, I'm not Lily Anna," I say coldly, feeling like I'm slicing a knife through Bryony's heart. "I am a whole different person. You know that, right?"
Her eyes meet mine in the mirror, and she hesitates with the brush poised over my hair.
"Of course," she chirps, going back to brushing my hair. "Of course I know that."
She yanks on a tangle so hard I cry out, trying to move away, but she grabs me by the shoulder, her long nails digging into the tender skin there.
"Stay still," she barks out. "We're not done yet."
Horrified, I look at her in the mirror. She's not even here anymore. She switches back to the gentle brushing method, starting to hum a barely audible song. I realize it's a lullaby a moment later, and it gives me the creeps. But I'm too scared to stop her. I just sit there and let her brush through my hair like I'm some fucked up doll for my stepmother to play with.
Poor Lily Anna.
Chapter Thirteen
Pandora
"Welcome."
My father extends a hand to one of his business associates, giving it a firm squeeze.
"So pleased to see you."
Bryony smiles her 24-karat smile, stunning the guests with her surgically enhanced appearance. My half-brother and half-sister stand to the side, saying their hellos in bored voices. I'm the outcast again. They've forced me into a red dress and heels, and everyone's pretending like I belong here even though it's plainly obvious I'd rather be anywhere but in Eden Falls.
When there’s a lull in between guests, Bryony leans forward to speak to me.
“You look pretty in that dress,” she tells me with a bright smile. “You know, it used to belong to Lily Anna.”
Her words make me stop in my tracks and I freeze on the spot.
“Your father still thinks about her,” Bryony sighs.
I steal a glance at my father. He returns my gaze, his expression softening for once. It really seems like Bryony is right… and I can make this work in my favor.
"Dexter!"
Father beams, clapping my fiancé on the back while I blush violently. Great. Just what I fucking needed.
"So good to see you, and early for once!" father chuckles, and he and Dex exchange smiles.
The boy won't even look at me, refusing to acknowledge that I'm there, and I hate him for it, although not as much as I hate myself for craving his approval.
"It's good to see you as well," Dexter says politely, letting his gaze wander over my stepmother appreciatively before moving to Tianna.
I'm officially grossed out, and he hasn't even addressed me yet.
"I'll see you inside," father gives him a curt nod, and Dexter walks inside the Estate without missing a beat.
When he walks in, he bumps me with his shoulder, making me stumble back a few steps. I glare at him, but he doesn't even acknowledge me, which pisses me off even more.
"Watch your step, asshole," I spit out.
"Excuse me?" he narrows his eyes, finally giving me the attention I'm craving so desperately. "Were you speaking to me?"
"Fuck you," I snarl.
"For what now?"
"For acting like a selfish, self-entitled, mean prick who-"
"Lily Anna!" My father roars to life, staring me down until I turn into the meek sheep he's been trying to force me to be this whole time. "Manners. Don't make me remind you again, because you won't like the second warning."
I quieten down and Dex smirks at me before heading into the building. My father shifts his attention to the next guest while Tianna steps closer and surprises me by squeezing my hand with hers.
"Behave," she mouths at m
e, and I manage a small smile as we return to greeting the guests walking into the Estate.
I really couldn't care less about the event and what it stands for, and it seems as if most of the people here are in silent agreement. They'll take any excuse to get drunk and party. The parents aren't that much better than the Firstborns - I can tell where these kids got their bad habits from.
By the time we're done greeting the most important people, I've seen two business-clad Dads snorting coke, one right off the entryway mahogany table and the other during a conversation with my father. Some people are already drunk, and it's getting loud and boisterous in the luxuriously decorated hall.
The staff helps us move into the house, where there are three designated seating areas - one for Firstborns, one for the founding members, and one for everybody else. I'm shown to my seat by Belle and am none too pleased to find I'm sitting opposite of Dexter, and next to Caspian and Lai.
Araminta is there too, but since Julian's party, I haven't really trusted her. She's one of those people who picks alliances based on whatever works for her in the moment, and I have a feeling I'll never be able to trust her completely. Now, she winks at me, showing off her pearly smile as her eyes meet mine. I look away.
We fill the room up, but I'm the only one sitting at the table, nervously toying with the hem of my dress. I want to be anywhere but here right now.
The sound of a bell announces the food's about to be carried out, and soon, the seats fill with other people. I feel Dexter's cold gaze on mine as he sits down in front of me, but I refuse to acknowledge his presence. Serves him fucking right for treating me like an object when I'm just as important as he thinks he is.
Chatter erupts around the table as the servants start bringing out food. I spot Belle and Minnie working together, and the pretty blonde offers me a shy smile as she sets down a bowl of cucumber soup in front of me.
"Hi, Minnie," I whisper, grateful for my only friend in the room.
"Hello, Pand-Miss Lily Anna," she replies formally, catching herself before she can finish the sentence.
But it doesn't go unnoticed.
I feel Julian's eyes on me, and when I look up, the calculating look on his face tells me everything I need to know.
"Awful friendly with the staff there, Lily Anna," he says coolly, and I blush to the roots of my hair.
"I hardly see how that's any of your business," I clip back, giving Minnie a quick look to let her know I've got her back.
"Well, it's setting a bad example," Julian goes on thoughtfully. "I really think we should address it now before it gets even more out of hand." "Don't be ridiculous," I hiss in response. "Minnie's a friend."
"A friend?" Lai scoffs from the other side of the table. "You've made friends with the maid?"
Minnie flushes, setting down two more bowls before attempting to get away, but Julian won't let her. His hand wraps around her left arm, and their eyes lock. She's terrified, he's smug as hell, and I know I've just gotten my only friend into some serious trouble.
"Dexter," I hiss, trying to get my fiancé’s attention. "Do something."
He looks up from his plate, staring at me intently before shifting his attention to his friend and the maid. An expression of fury crosses his face briefly, but he doesn't acknowledge it, instead just pushing his dark hair back and sighing loudly.
"Dexter!" I remind him again. "He's hurting her."
I don't know if I'm right, but the grip Julian has on Minnie's wrist looks fucking painful, and she's pale as a ghost.
"Let go of her, Julian," Dexter drawls out, his tone bored. "I don't have time to deal with this right now."
"What's got you all pussy-whipped, Booth?" Lai smirks. "Don't tell me we're doing favors to the outsider now. Thought we weren't going to go easy on her?"
I know they're talking about me, and I hate that I'm eager for them to say more.
"Get. Your. Hands. Off. Her," Dex hisses again, ignoring Lai and staring straight at Julian.
They exchange glances, a silent battle ensuing between the two of them without anyone saying a word. I can feel the whole room looking at them, waiting for the explosive fight that's bound to happen any second now. If Dexter doesn't let up, Julian's going to lose it, and I can tell they're both the kind of men who are too used to getting their own way to let another guy win.
"Or else what?" Julian asks, toying with Minnie's wrist and pulling her closer.
She stumbles. Thankfully, she isn't carrying anything anymore, but her feet slip as Julian pulls her onto his lap. Two dark pink patches bloom on her cheeks and she's looking anywhere but at me, obviously ashamed of what's happening to her. I've seen enough.
I push my chair back, a look of pure fury taking over my face as I hiss, "He told you to let go of her."
Julian laughs in disbelief, cocking his head. His palm explores Minnie's thigh as I stare him down.
"What are you going to do about it, little girl?"
I know everyone in that room is waiting for my response. Whatever I do next will shape my destiny in Eden Falls. If I back down now, I'm going to be the laughing - and punching - stock of the entire town.
"Why don't you pick on someone else?" I suggest bravely, making Julian smirk. “Someone your own size, or should I say, importance.”
"Like who?"
"Like me." I cross my arms in front of my body, glaring at him. "Leave her alone. Play with me."
The entire room freezes, and I can feel everybody's eyes on me. First and foremost, Dexter's. He's pissed off as hell.
"Don't you think you need permission before you go offering yourself around like that, toy?" he hisses at me, but I don't acknowledge him, focusing all my attention on Julian.
"Let her go," I say. "Have me instead.”
"Oh, my," Julian smirks. "What an eager little toy. And I'm just supposed to assume Booth is cool with me laying claim to his untouched plaything?"
"I don't see a wedding ring on my finger yet," I shrug. "Until I’m married, I think I can do whatever I want, right?"
"Right." Julian's eyes sparkle as he shrugs, and then finally takes his hands off Mignonette. "Fine. Take her place. She's much prettier, but I like how brave you are. Will be so much fun to break you in."
"Miss Lily Anna, please," Minnie whispers. "You don't have to do this, I..."
I don't let her finish, walking closer and saying, "Get up, Minnie. Go back to the kitchens."
We stare at one another, her pleading with me to stop, me refusing to give in. Finally, she picks herself up from Julian's lap and scampers away. The jerk taps his knee, giving me an expectant look. He may be handsome as hell, but it only makes me hate him more. He could have any girl in the house tonight, yet he insists on picking the ones he can't have.
I sit down on his knee, and he pulls me in possessively. I look over the table to Dex, whose fiery eyes are aflame with anger. I'm going to pay for this later, but I don't care. I wanted to save Minnie. She deserves this even less than I do.
"Now, little Lily Anna," Julian purrs. "Why don't you tell me how you're finding Eden Falls so far?"
"It's great," I spit out sarcastically. "The people are so nice. The weather's great."
"I can tell you're really enjoying it," he mocks me. "Although maybe not quite as much as you should be. I'm sure we can fix that. What do you think, Booth? Have you made her come yet?"
Dexter glares at him, refusing to answer his intrusive question. Julian laughs in his face, and I watch my fiancé’s fingers tighten the grip on his glass.
"Maybe you can tell me, since Dex is so tongue-tied," Julian suggests. "Do you like coming, Lily Anna?"
"Her name is Pandora."
The attention of everyone in the room shifts to Dexter, who's regarding us with a cold expression.
"What?"
"Her name," Dex repeats calmly. "She prefers Pandora, not Lily Anna."
"And you care about what she prefers?" Julian laughs out loud. "You really are fucking whipped, my man.
"
"Shut the fuck up," Dexter growls. "You have one minute left with her before I smash your goddamn face in. Use it wisely."
Julian scoffs in disbelief, but Dex's cruel face isn't lying. He's dead serious, and I think everyone can tell. When Julian realizes this, his grip on my thigh gets stronger, fingers digging into the skin.
"Well, since your fiancé is so fucking selfish," he tells me sweetly. "We're just going to have to make good use of the time we do have together. What do you think, little girl?"
"Whatever," I grunt. "Just get it the fuck over with."
He laughs at me, then, in a single fluid motion, forces me to spread my legs, showing my pink lace panties to Dexter. My eyes connect with my fiancé’s and I blush fiercely. Dexter's gaze is cold and he looks pissed off as hell, but he doesn't say or do anything. He just switches from looking at my burning face to the soaked spot on my panties.
"That's right, look at him," Julian says sweetly. "I want your eyes on his when I touch you. Makes it so much hotter for me."
He rubs his fingers against my inner thigh, moving them up slightly until they're inches away from the dripping spot between my legs that's crying out to be touched.
"My, my, you're fucking eager," he mutters under his breath. "That little pussy's fucking drenched, isn't it?"
"Not for you," I spit out, unable to stop myself.
"No?" He laughs. "Who then? Don't tell me you're such a good girl the mere sight of your fiancé gets you going like this?"
I remain stubbornly quiet, which seems to amuse him.
"Hmm, I wonder if I can tell what he's done to you when I taste you," he whispers in my ear, swiping his fingers over my pussy and making me gasp out loud. "But you should go first, little girl, I wouldn't want to deprive you..."
He raises his soaked fingers to my lips, offering them up to me. I look away, refusing to give him what he wants, but this pisses him off, and he forces them down my throat unceremoniously the next second. I choke on his strong knuckles, but he doesn't stop. He just keeps pushing into me until he's lodged three fingers down my throat, and I'm convinced I'm going to be sick from the unexpected sensation.
A Hurt So Sweet: Complete Dark Bully Romance Series Box Set: Elite of Eden Falls Prep Page 13
