by Marian Tee
“This is the girl when she was about to enter the compound, and the pill she’s taking is a chemically-produced aphrodisiac.”
She blinked. “Like Viagra?”
He nodded. “Not at all illegal or with any known side effects. It’s the only kind of pill I allow to be…shared in my parties. All other drugs are prohibited, and my guests know this. It’s one way to prevent police from ever interfering or raiding my property.”
“But she was being attacked---”
He summoned another sequence for playback on the monitor. “The effects of the drug do wear off, and as you can see…”
Fawn did see. It was Noah helping the girl to her feet while his guards took care of the girl’s attackers. And that was putting it very lightly, Fawn thought with a wince. In the screen, Noah’s men, all ex-army, were thorough and methodical as they beat the girl’s attackers before sending them away.
“Where’s the cab taking them?” she asked faintly, thinking that everything about this night made her feel like she had fallen into some kind of depraved rabbit hole.
“To the hospital for treatment,” he answered dispassionately. “A lawyer will meet with them next day, and if the girl agrees, they’ll soon find themselves facing the wrong end of a lawsuit.”
The prince ran another command, and another sequence showed on the monitor, this time of Noah speaking to the girl in a room she had never seen before. It almost looked like some kind of cell in a dungeon.
“Where is that?”
Instead of answering, the prince relayed, “Noah’s giving this girl the sermon of her life.” Of course, that was putting it lightly. The truth was, Noah was playing the role of pissed-off drug dealer who happened to be in a good mood and which was why Henny would be allowed to “escape.”
Closing the monitor, the prince told her with a shrug, “Hopefully, by the end of it, she won’t be as naïve or desperate.”
The girl’s screams still echoing inside of her head, she said queasily, “I still think it’s too much.”
He said levelly, “Every day, there’s a party where girls like this one are taken in by men like her attackers.” The way the prince glanced at her told Fawn that he also believed she was included in the category. “If something like this happened in those parties, they do end up raped. Sometimes, they could also end up killed.”
The prince came to his feet and as he turned the monitor away from her, he continued in a bland voice, “That’s why we’re doing this. We deliberately fan interest in these initiations and make up all sorts of hype so that everyone who’s anyone would want to attend.”
Shrugging, he finished, “It’s not ideal, but at least we get to stay in control and ensure no one gets hurt. My men do regular rounds during these parties, and we make sure that no girls are placed under real threat.”
“But she was screaming and crying,” Fawn pointed out shakily. Her whole life, she didn’t think she would ever forget how that girl had cried. “They would have raped her---”
“It was part of the lesson.”
She half-shrieked, “How can you say almost getting raped is a lesson?”
“Because it is,” he snapped back. “Trust me, that girl would have come back here if she hadn’t tasted real fear. You may not want to believe me, but most people have to learn things the hard way.”
Fawn was torn. On one hand, it did make sense, however heartless, but on the other hand, it didn’t feel humane at all. “But what if she’s scarred for life? Didn’t you consider that?”
“Scars heal, and I don’t owe it to them to play nice and treat them like some fragile piece of fine china.”
“I know, but---”
His eyes flashed, and Fawn flinched.
“You must remember,” the prince said in an icily soft tone, “that no one came here against their will. It was their stupidity that brought them here, and that’s out of my control. If they want their first time with a stranger or a jerk, that’s their choice. If they want to be popular so much they’re willing to whore themselves for it – that’s on them. Frankly, I don’t have enough time or interest to give a shit about any of those. But I do what I can, and what I can do is give them a chance to learn from their own mistakes without getting raped or killed.”
When the prince tipped her chin up, she instinctively tried yanking it away, but he didn’t let her. His hold only tightened, and his lips curved at the way she glared at him.
“Are you angry,” he asked silkily, “or disappointed that I’m living up to my reputation?”
She didn’t answer, only looked at him with eyes that were slowly beginning to shine.
He released her chin, saying softly, “You’re about to cry.”
“No, I’m not. Seriously.”
“Yes, you are, and how you do love to lie to me, parthena mou.”
“I don’t know what to think anymore.” Blinking furiously to keep her tears in check, she knew that while she might never see it his way completely, she did understand that he was doing his best.
But at what cost?
She looked at him again, noting the way his gaze remained hooded and how his entire outline seemed shrouded in darkness. “You remind me of Batman,” she said unthinkingly.
He blinked. Well, that he did not expect.
Coloring at the look the prince gave her, she stammered, “Sorry. It just, well…” She gave up explaining, muttering, “Did you expect me to say something profound?”
He inclined his head in assent, saying drily, “Somewhat.”
She turned even redder. “I wish I could think of something profound to say, but the whole time you were just brooding there, telling me about what you need to do to make things right, it was just pure Batman emo, you know?”
The prince could only stare at her.
Batman.
He was almost tempted to ask her, Seriously?
Biting her lip, Fawn struggled with an internal debate before saying haltingly, “But if I really have to answer your question though, I d-don’t know how I feel about what you’re doing. I don’t think it’s wrong, I just don’t know if I agree you should be doing it. Or keep doing it.”
While listening, the prince did his best not to stare at her broodingly even though it was exactly what he wanted to do.
“There’s got to be an emotional toll every time you see someone almost getting raped – and that can’t be healthy, can it? Isn’t there a saying that when you stay too long in the dark, there might be no going back?”
A pause, before the prince said, “There it is then.” At her bemused look, he said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, “Something profound.”
Oh.
“Thank you. I will keep your words in mind.”
His tone was gentle but dismissive, and she knew she was being politely asked to go. “R-right.” Did he think she was being too pushy?
The prince came to his feet the same time she did.
“T-thank you, and I’m sorry.”
The prince only nodded.
She turned to go and walked on shaking legs. A moment later, she almost stumbled, with the prince suddenly walking next to her.
Gah!
Was all this stealth taught only in billionaire school?
Fawn reached for the knob, not realizing that the prince had done the same thing, too.
Their hands touched, the prince’s hand settling over hers.
Oh.
And just like that, it came flying back to her. Every embarrassing memory that almost felt too indecent, too hot---
The prince’s hand tightened over hers just as he moved closer, and she swallowed a strangled gasp when she felt his heat and hardness pressing against her from behind.
“I hope you learned your lesson, too, parthena mou.” He was so dangerously close it was almost like his lips were kissing her hair with every word he spoke.
Her knees knocked against each other. “W-what lesson?” She had a desperate urge to run away, but she couldn
’t, knowing that if she moved, it would mean feeling more of the prince’s body.
And she didn’t – couldn’t – risk that.
Not now.
Not ever.
“The need to follow me without question of course.”
Oh.
She could feel the prince moving, and then his mouth was once again temptingly close to her ear.
“Because if you don’t---”
Aaaaah.
His mouth was touching her ear.
“I’ll have to punish you.”
She couldn’t take it anymore, jerking against him as she turned the knob. As she fled, she felt the prince’s gaze following her, taunting her, promising her---
It didn’t matter what the prince wished to promise.
She grabbed the ring under her shirt and squeezed it hard.
Grant. Grant. Grant.
* * *
Fawn smiled in relief as Grant shut the door for her and went around the car to get to the driver’s seat. It had been three days since she had gone AWOL from her job, and even now she couldn’t think about the prince without cringing.
Why had she never felt the same thing with Grant? Did it mean she wasn’t really in love with Grant, or was it because he was the Prince of Darkness that her body couldn’t help reacting that way?
Grant joined her inside the car then, and Fawn forced herself to set aside all thoughts as her fiancé turned to her, saying huskily, “I missed you, luv.”
His smile was both dazzling and familiar at the same time, and the sight filled her heart with so much love and happiness she almost cried.
“I miss you, too,” she whispered shakily, and when he lowered his head to kiss her, she closed her eyes as she lifted her mouth to his.
This was the man she had loved her whole life, she told herself as Grant nibbled playfully on her lips.
Whatever happened between her and the prince – it was merely an abnormality, a freakish incident that would never happen again.
Never.
Her fingers sank in his ash blond hair as she surrendered herself to his kiss.
Pulling away, Grant said hoarsely, “You seem different than usual.”
She stiffened, unable to help thinking the worst. She fought to keep her voice steady as she asked, “In w-what way?”
“I’m not certain.” His hungry gaze roamed over her, and Fawn tried not to cringe at the way he licked his lips while his gaze lingered on her breasts. Instead of feeling desirable, she almost felt---
Fawn mentally shook her head.
Stop it, Fawn.
This was the prince’s fault. What he did – or rather, what almost happened between them – was still messing with her head, and that was the only reason why she was feeling so strange.
Grant touched her cheek, saying huskily, “Are you finally ready?”
She hesitated.
His face hardened.
“Grant---”
Pulling away, he started to drive without looking at her.
“Grant---”
“I’m sick of the way you keep playing hot and cold.”
His tone was almost vicious, and it stunned and hurt her.
“How long are you going to lead me on?”
“I’m not---” Grant’s phone, mounted on the dashboard, suddenly started to ring, and she fell silent. She saw him frown and since he was still driving, she asked tentatively, “Do you want me to answer it for you?”
But Grant rejected the olive branch she was offering, saying brusquely, “It’s unimportant.” He canceled the call.
It rang again almost right after, and glancing at the screen, she saw it was the polo team’s vice captain calling. “Are you sure you won’t take that?”
“I said it’s okay,” Grant snapped.
She fell silent.
A moment later, and Grant reached for her hand, squeezing it as he said tiredly, “I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry, too.” But what they were apologizing for?
“It’s just been a really long day.”
She nodded.
“Let’s not talk about me, though. How have you been? How’s it working for the so-called prince?”
And there was the opening she needed.
Fawn said slowly, “Actually, I was thinking I might take you up on your offer.”
“What offer?” Grant sounded bemused.
“You know…” She smiled at him awkwardly. “Working at your company?”
“I see.”
Fawn blinked, taken aback by the lack of enthusiasm in Grant’s tone. “I guess…the job’s no longer available?”
“It is, but things turned out to be more complicated than I thought.” The lights turned red, allowing Grant to look at her as he slowed the car to a stop. “I talked to our branch manager here about you working for us, and he says it might set a bad example, like management playing favorites.”
“Oh.”
“I know you could prove to them that you deserve whatever job I give you, but even so, I don’t feel good about exposing you to that kind of situation.” A crooked smile touched his lips as he admitted, “If I ever hear someone trying to bully you, I don’t think I can be held liable for what I’d do.”
Fawn nodded in understanding, knowing from experience that Grant’s temper could be nasty when provoked. She smiled at him reassuringly, saying, “I get it.” And she did, but what was she to do now?
* * *
The prince descended the stairs with his gaze trained on the reports the FBI had sent him. The maids mumbled their greetings as he passed by them, and he looked up absently, about to acknowledge them with a brief nod---
That was when he saw…her.
He stilled.
Damn you, Igor.
Yesterday, the old man had asked him if he wished to contact Fawn about her absences and he had shrugged, saying it didn’t matter either way. Igor had obviously taken him up on his word, having seen fit not to let him know that Fawn was back.
Damn you, Igor.
Fawn tried not to move as the prince’s piercing green gaze pinned her to the spot. Was he mad about her absences? Was he going to fire her on the spot? Should she protest if he did?
When he finally spoke, she practically jumped as he snapped, “Follow me.”
The other maids looked at her in pity, their gazes telling her they believed she was about to lose her job.
I think so, too, she thought miserably.
By the time she made it to the prince’s study, he was facing the window, hands clasped behind him.
“Why the change of mind?” The prince’s voice was abrupt.
She swallowed. “I h-had to be practical.”
He turned to face her. “And your reason for missing work?”
She stared at him in frustration. Did he really want her to spell it out?
He raised a brow. “I’m waiting.”
Finally, she said, “I was sick.”
“Liar.” He started walking towards her.
She almost wanted to run away, the look in his eyes was too---
No.
She didn’t even want to think about what his look meant. She couldn’t. She shouldn’t.
“I was also busy with school---”
“More lies.”
Holy sweet crap, he was so close now!
She cried out, “What do you want me to say?”
“The truth.” And this time, the prince was standing right in front of her, so darn close she could practically inhale the sexy scent of his aftershave, and oh God, there it was again.
That feeling like she was being drugged---
That feeling like she was out of control---
That feeling like she was in need of something she couldn’t name---
Think about Grant, she thought feverishly.
Grant. Grant. Grant.
The look on her face enraged the prince. He knew right away what she was trying to do – who she was thinking of, and damn her, it was not h
im –and unable to stop himself, he cupped her face, forcing her gaze to clash with his.
“Tell me the truth,” he growled.
“I d-did!” Oh God, that look in his eyes was even darker now, more of everything that she could and should never name.
“Stop lying.” This time, his voice was ominously soft, and oh God, how her body shivered at the sound of it, and again there was no fear, just a strange trembling awareness that she had never felt with Grant.
Desperate to free herself, she placed her hands against his chest and tried shoving him away. “L-let go of me.” But it was useless, he was too powerful, and the hard, hot feel of his chest was only making things worse, the way it made her breath choppy and her heart race abnormally fast.
“Why won’t you say it?” he grated out.
“I d-don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He started to lower his head.
Her eyes widened. “P-prince?”
“I’m going to kiss you---”
What?
“If you don’t tell me the truth.”
She renewed her struggles, and she even tried kicking him but that only backfired, forcing the prince to haul her close. Her entire body was now tightly plastered against his, and his hold chained her every movement.
Fawn stared up at the prince with a gaze made hazy by sensual confusion. Oh my God, was this really happening? She tried to speak but nothing came out, and it wasn’t really surprising when even breathing was a problem.
And then it started again, that tempting, forbidden, and overpowering sense of awareness. It began with her toes, curling hard inside her shoes, before moving sinuously up her legs, making her knees quake, and then up to her stomach, which felt so strangely queasy. It went further up, making her breasts feel oddly heavy and swollen and her mouth feel so dry she had to wet her lips---
The prince’s nostrils flared, and his voice was raspy with need as he said, “Do that again, parthena mou, and I will kiss you.”
The threat should have terrified her, should have made her scream for help, but all it did was make every cell in her body even more conscious of the prince’s nearness. Oh God, it was like she was fast becoming drunk on his intoxicating scent while the rest of her senses could only focus on the way his muscles rippled and tensed under his too-stylish clothes.
