by Sofia Daniel
“Having three boyfriends doesn’t make me crazy,” I said.
“I beg to differ,” said Rudolph. “You have routinely spied on and recorded your classmates in a bid to avenge yourself against schoolyard pranks, and on numerous occasions, you’ve attacked a young woman you deemed to be a rival.”
One of the bodyguards tapped his smartphone, and a slideshow of Charlotte’s body appeared on the screen. Hand and finger-shaped bruises marred her arms, her thighs, and her breasts.
My mouth dropped open. It was clear that whoever she had slept with had treated her too roughly. “I didn’t do that.”
“Moreover, you’re a danger to yourself.” He clicked his fingers, and the same bodyguard changed the screen to images of my swollen and bruised face.
I hissed through my teeth. This was the photo Charlotte had taken of me the first day I returned from the palace.
Mom clapped her hands over her mouth to smother a cry. Her eyes shone with tears.
“I’m sorry to shock you, my darling,” Rudolph crooned. “In the middle of her promiscuous episodes, Emilia got herself mixed up with older men whose sexual tastes ran toward the sadistic.”
The guard brought picture after picture of me in my battered state. Some were those Peter Underwood had taken after Mr. Carbuncle had beaten me up. A few were of me still unconscious, propped up against the wall with what I could only guess was the former caretaker’s erection pointing at my mouth.
Mom closed her eyes and sobbed, “No more.”
“Do you see why I staged this intervention?” Rudolph sounded genuinely concerned. “If we don’t do something about our wayward daughter, she’s likely to get herself killed in pursuit of sexual thrills.”
Mom bowed her head.
“M-Mom?”
She raised her palm. “I-I just can’t talk to you, right now.”
“But those men were working for—”
“Emilia,” she snapped. “Please.”
My stomach plummeted. Mom acted as though we hadn’t bumped into each other in London two weeks ago, and I hadn’t explained to her Rudolph’s every machination. I had glossed over what Mr. Carbuncle had done, as I hadn’t wanted her to worry. However, was it too much of a stretch to accept that I was sleeping with the boys at the same time? Or had Rudolph convinced her I had gone crazy?
With a triumphant grin, the old reptile wrapped his arm around Mom’s shoulders. “There, there, my darling. Rudy will take care of your little problem, and you’ll be happy again.”
I ground my teeth. By happy, Rudolph likely meant willing to sleep with him. His addled mind seemed to think that I was the cause of Mom’s refusal to consummate their marriage. Not his syphilis diagnosis and not his coercing her to continue the engagement and be married long enough for him to save face.
My hands shook, and a dull ache spread from my gut, up to my chest, and to the back of my throat. I clasped together my sweaty palms and laced my fingers. Mom was either drugged, brainwashed, or playing along. None of those roles meshed with her quick temper and passionate nature.
A spasm squeezed my throat. What if she agreed to send me away to Moldova? I didn’t know anything about the country except that it once used to be part of the Soviet Union. I doubted that this institution would provide me with any kind of treatments that would leave my mind intact.
“M-mom?”
“I need time.” She dabbed her tears with a handkerchief. “And a second opinion.”
Rudolph’s smile dropped. “Isn’t this evidence enough to prove Emilia’s mental instability?”
“She’s not going anywhere until I have her personally assessed by my own doctor and not through an expert who has seen a few pictures.”
Hope sprung in my chest. Even if she wasn’t playing along, this would buy me time to work out my next move.
“Darling.” Rudolph leaned forward and held her hand. “I think you’re making a mistake.”
“And I’m getting her a second opinion with a doctor in Britain or the States,” she said. “We’ll use the time between now and the end of term to contact experts in juvenile mental health and get a diagnosis based on an assessment.”
Rage flashed in his eyes. It lasted quicker than a heartbeat, but it made my stomach drop. His expression smoothed out into his usual wrinkled, expressionless mask. “Very well, my darling, but I will keep some guards stationed in Mercia for Emilia’s protection.”
“Is that really necessary?”
“I insist,” he said through clenched teeth.
“May I return to the academy, please?” I held my breath.
Rudolph glowered at me with a cold glower that chilled me to the marrow. “Of course, Emilia. We’ll be staying at Elfwynn House until the end of term. In the meantime, please try to stay away from bad influences and don’t break your mother’s heart.”
He nodded at the guard outside, who opened the limousine door, letting in warm, fresh air. Henry stepped forward, but the guard held out his palm, indicating for him to proceed no further.
Mom raised her head and mouthed, “Go.”
“Ummm… Bye.” I stepped out onto the curb and passed Rudolph’s guard. My legs shook so much, I practically collapsed on Henry’s chest.
“What happened?” He held me up with his strong arms.
“Let’s go back to Elder House,” I whispered.
“What about your Mother?”
“She told me to leave.” I glanced over my shoulder. The guard stepped into the limo, and the vehicle pulled out. “So far, Rudolph only wants to hurt those closest to her.” I pulled on his arm, and we hurried toward the main teaching block. “Where are Blake and Edward?”
“They took a jeep to the gatehouse in case they needed to follow you through the streets.”
I blew out a breath of relief and pulled my phone from the pocket of my blazer. My hands shook so much, I couldn’t tap in my passcode.
“Do you want to call them?” he asked.
I nodded.
Henry pulled out his phone and called Blake, who said to meet them in front of Elder House. I clamped my lips together and didn’t speak. It would take ages to make sense of what had just happened and to explain the reason behind Rudolph’s machinations. We walked through the main teaching block in silence. Henry stared down at me, as though waiting for me to say something.
We stepped out of the building, into the busy sports day fete. The sounds of younger children whooping mingled into the cheers of the crowds watching a race on the lawn that I couldn’t see. I met his green eyes and forced a smile, even though nausea churned in my belly.
In the shock of seeing that compilation of stills and video, I’d forgotten to mention that I had a copy of Rudolph’s Skype-sex session. We continued down the path of magnolia trees toward Elder House.
Charlotte jogged after us. “Henry, did you see—”
“Not now,” he snapped.
She overtook us and blocked our path, eyes blazing. “What’s wrong with you?”
Henry pulled me to his side and continued past her along the magnolia path.
“If you walk away from me, you’ll regret it,” her voice shook. “I’ve spent years trying to get your attention. You were aloof and unattainable, and the few flirty glances you sent my way kept me going.”
“Charlotte,” he said in a weary voice. “Give up. You were never my type.”
“Because you like pretty boys. Like Blake Simpson-West and Emilia Hobson,” she snapped.
Charlotte’s petty digs slid over me like a breeze, and I stared straight ahead, gaze fixed on Elder House. She was nothing compared to Rudolph, a madman who would keep coming at me until I was no longer in a state—mental or otherwise—to fight back. Then there was no telling what he would do to Mom.
As we continued past, she spat, “You wouldn’t know what to do with a real woman if she sat on your face!”
Pausing, Henry glanced over his shoulder. “I hope you find what you’re looking for because it isn’t
me.”
Charlotte staggered back and sat on a bench with the brass plaque dedicated to Nicodemus Underwood. Up ahead in the distance, the jeep pulled up outside Elder House. We didn’t stick around to see what she would do or say next.
I wrapped my fingers around the hand propping me up by the waist and exhaled. “Right now, I need you, Blake and Edward to take my mind off this mess.”
Chapter 18
Blake reversed the jeep round to the side of Elder House. He and Edward hurried out and met us at the end of the path of magnolia trees. Edward’s posture relaxed a few inches, presumably from relief, and Blake pressed his hand on his chest and sagged.
Tension settled over my shoulders and wound my muscles so tight, I could barely look from left to right. I rubbed the back of my neck and grimaced. My problems had only just begun, and I couldn’t see a way out. I doubted that any of the triumvirate would approve of my short term plan, but right now, I just wanted to lose myself for a few minutes before facing the insurmountable.
As soon as Henry and I got close enough, Edward’s brows creased, and his lips thinned.
Blake folded his arms across his chest. “What happened?”
I swallowed hard. My predicament was a form of karma. Everything I had done in my second term kept backfiring, and I was in the biggest trouble of my life.
Henry gave me a gentle squeeze around the waist. “Should we go to Edward’s study?”
“Upstairs. The bedroom’s more secure.” At least no one would be prowling around outside the window of the top floor.
Blake exchanged a puzzled look with Edward, who gestured for me to go inside. More people than I had expected milled the hallways and staircase. Perhaps sports day wasn’t a fun prospect for sixth formers. If it hadn’t been for Edward’s blood drive, I probably wouldn’t have attended, either.
We reached Edward’s room, and I blurted out the basics. Rudolph had mixed a bunch of random images and footage with videos of me either having sex with two or more of the boys or closeups that made it look like I was promiscuous with other boys.
I dipped my head. “He said I was a danger to myself and showed Mom the pictures taken after Mr. Carbuncle attacked me.”
Blake winced. “Emilia…” He shook his head. “I have no words. Is this another attempt to drive a wedge between you and your mother?”
“He wants me committed.”
Henry placed his hands on my shoulders. “What?”
“Mom’s trying to buy time. I think she’s trying to change Rudolph’s mind.”
Edward’s nostrils flared. “It’s important now more than ever that we collect as much evidence against that tyrant as we can.” He turned to Blake. “Let’s see if we can get in contact with Carbuncle and persuade him to report his association—”
“Wait.” I placed both hands over my ears. “Can we discuss this afterward?”
Henry rubbed my back. “After what?”
I turned toward him and placed a hand on his broad chest. “Make me forget. Even if it’s just for a few minutes.”
“Emilia.” Even without looking at Edward, I could hear the frown in his voice. “Don’t you think we should discuss this?”
I slipped off my blazer and hung it on the doorknob, making sure it obscured the keyhole. Anyone wanting to spy on us could film the lining of my jacket. When I turned around, Edward, Blake, and Henry stood in a row, each giving me puzzled stares. I unbuttoned my shirt. Henry frowned, Edward pursed his lips, and Blake’s gaze flickered to my lacy, cream bra.
When I unzipped my skirt and let it fall to the ground, Henry’s eyes blazed, Edward’s nostrils flared, and Blaze pressed the heel of his hand against his crotch.
I hooked a thumb under my bra strap and eased it down my shoulder. “Will one or more of you get me off, or will I have to do it myself?”
“Sometimes, a hard fuck is what a girl needs to clear her head.” Blake circled his arms around my waist and nuzzled my neck. He ground his hardening length into my belly, making me melt. “Let’s give her what she wants, and we can deal with Rudolph later.”
I ran my tongue across my bottom lip, and Henry’s green eyes tracked the movement. His breathing quickened, and his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. He was conflicted. The business with Rudolph was dire, but I needed release. Now.
Henry cast Edward a furtive look.
“Just kiss me,” I whispered. “We can plan later.”
Blake cupped my breasts. “Forget about those two.” He rolled my nipples between his fingers and murmured, “They’re limp under pressure. I can give you what you need.”
Edward snorted. “Don’t denigrate level-headedness and knowing one’s priorities.”
“Edward’s right,” said Henry. “We need a way to fight back.”
Blake brought strong, demanding lips to mine. He wrapped his arms around my waist and the back of my head as though he could kiss my worries into oblivion. It was working. Sensations sparked from my lips and ignited a fire that seared through my immediate concerns. I moved my lips against Blake’s as he pressed our bodies together so tight, I melted into the hardness crushed against my belly.
A moan slipped from my lips. This kiss was exactly what I needed. It was warmth and passion and delicious decadence, more so under the gazes of Edward and Henry.
“For goodness’ sake,” muttered Edward. “There’s a time and a place for everything.”
Blake’s hand slid under the lace of my panties, and his fingers skimmed my clit. I moaned into his kiss.
“We may as well help him out,” said Henry, his voice breathy. “The sooner she gets what she wants, the sooner we can focus on what’s important.”
Blake’s rich, smoky chuckle reverberated against my chest. “How gallant.” Still kissing me, he unbuckled his belt, while I worked on the buttons of his shirt. “Once I’ve slipped on a condom, I’ll pound you so hard, you won’t even remember your own name. How about that?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I spied Henry stripping off his clothes. I couldn’t get enough of his hard, tanned, sculpted body, but right now, I wanted attention from all three of the triumvirate.
Edward stood against the far wall, glaring at us with unrestrained hunger. He held his posture rigid, as though giving into me would be a terrible defeat. Blake broke away from the kiss, only for Henry to step in front of me with a huge erection straining up to his belly button.
I licked my lips. “Is that for me?”
Henry snickered. “Don’t finish it all at once. You’ve got to leave room for dessert.”
I wrapped my fingers around Henry’s thick length and sucked on his bulbous tip.
Henry groaned and bucked his hips. “Take it all in.”
He didn’t need to ask me twice. I slid my lips over his expanding length and groaned around my mouthful. My tongue ran across the ridge of flesh under his head, and he let out a long, shuddering moan.
At the same time, Blake positioned me by the bed and ran the tip of his erection along my hot, wet slit.
I gasped out a breath, and Henry’s prick fell out of my mouth. Edward cleared his throat. My gaze dropped to the bulge in his pants. “Come over here.”
He frowned. “Emilia, this is—”
I made a show of licking my lips. “You know how much I like your taste, right?” A hard thrust from Blake made my eyes roll to the back of my head. “I want to feel you sliding down my tongue.”
Edward rolled his eyes but took a step closer. His erection strained the fabric of his pants.
“Never mind him.” Henry gripped his erection and gave it a couple of hard tugs.
I took the hint and parted my lips. He slid back into my mouth, over my tongue, and down to the back of my throat. Still keeping my eyes on Edward, I gave Henry’s dick an appreciative hum.
Desire flared in Edward’s blue eyes. I bobbed my head, encasing Henry’s erection until it reached the back of my throat. Henry let out a low, shuddering groan that went straight to my clit. Suck
ing in my cheeks, I drew my head back along his length and moaned.
Blake continued his steady pace, stretching and filling me with thrusts that made my breasts jiggle. “You’re so fucking tight. How are you ever going to take two of us at the same time?”
“Huh?” I said around Henry’s dick.
Henry chuckled. “We’ve had this fantasy for ages. One of us would lie on the bed while the girl straddles him. Then the other would enter her from behind, giving her two cocks.
Blake’s fingers dug into my hips, and he pumped into me with hard, steady strokes. “How would you like that, Emilia? Two of us stretching you wide…” He pulled out a few inches, making my muscles clench around him. “Filling you like nothing has ever filled you before?”
My eyes fluttered closed. Two penises at once? The thought of being stretched even further made me groan with the desire for more.
Blake bent over my back and cupped my breasts with both hands. He swiped a thumb over my nipple, making it pebble. “And the third will fill your mouth, just like Henry’s doing now.”
I tried to imagine boys sliding in and out of me at different rates. My core muscles fluttered around Blake’s length, adding to the waves of pleasure he continued to incite with every movement. I thrust back with my hips, increasing the friction.
“I think she likes the idea,” said Edward from much closer than before.
My eyes snapped open. A naked Edward stood in front of me, stroking his flushed-looking erection. A bead of precum glistened at its tip, and a thrill of excitement surged to my clit. I knew he would change his mind and join the fun.
Drawing back from my mouthful of Henry, I wrapped my fingers around Edward’s prick, making him hiss. As I lapped at Edward’s slit, Henry positioned himself a little to the left, so the heads of their erections faced each other.
I held onto both their pricks and rubbed their tips together, enjoying how the glistening organs slid over each other. Edward’s skin was paler than Henry’s—usually alabaster but the blood coursing through his beautiful, thick erection darkened it to a flushed pink. Henry’s golden skin was the same, except his cock-head had darkened to an angry red.
