Tamed: A Huntress Spin-off Novel

by Adria Wade

  On my way down the staircase, I chuckled and shook my head as I heard Chelsea ranting about my bad attitude to Taylor. I stopped where I was and listened in on their conversation.

  “Just try to be nice to her. She’s been through a lot. You know what happened,” Taylor said.

  “Ha! Well, you’re not exactly brother of the year. I’m trying to be nice to her. I went up there to see if she was okay and she just about bit my freakin’ head off. Okay, maybe I should’ve handled it better, but I was just so caught off guard by her attitude, and it was more like a heat of the moment kind of thing.”

  “Okay, well, make sure you apologize to her.”

  “Of course, I will. You need to make sure that you apologize as well. What the hell were you thinking grabbing her up like that? You left a big bruise on her arm.”

  I heard him exhale. “I lost it for a moment, okay. It’s not like I don’t feel bad about it. I let my worry for her well-being get in the way, and when she refuses to listen about her excessive drinking, I get frustrated. I’ve been dealing with her partying ways since I was a teenager; more so me than my father, because he worked so much. I guess I don’t really have that much tolerance for it anymore. I want her to be okay. I don’t want her turning to drinking anymore, but I don’t know how to help her either.”

  “Gee, Taylor, that’s a bit hypocritical. You turned to alcohol just like she did.”

  “Oh, come on; I wasn’t as bad as she is now. I certainly didn’t become dependent on it either.”

  “Did you ever try to talk to her about the incident? Maybe then she wouldn’t have this habit.”

  “I tried, and so did my father. She wouldn’t talk about it. She pushed us away. She said she wanted to forget, and I didn’t press the issue because she was already miserable. I didn’t want to set her off, so I let her be. Maybe that was a mistake, though. I don’t know. I was only a kid myself.”

  I wanted to leave. I didn’t feel like dealing with the apologies and family drama. I just wanted to go out with Andie and have a good time. If I wanted to avoid the talk, I had to get to the door without them noticing; and they were still engaged in conversation, so now was the perfect time to make my escape. I eased my way down the staircase, and tip toed as fast as I could to the door. I snuck a look at them as I passed the living room, hoping they wouldn’t catch me as I walked by.

  As I opened the door, I let out a gasp and jumped as Taylor’s hand slammed it shut.

  “What the hell!” I shrieked.

  How did he even get to me so fast? I thought for sure I was going to make it.

  “I’m sorry.”

  I scowled at him. “Who are you? You’re not my brother, because he wouldn’t hurt me.”

  He frowned as remorse filled his eyes. “You know I didn’t mean to hurt you. There are a lot of things about me that I’m not sure I’m ready for you to know just yet.”

  “You’ve changed.”

  “I’m still the same Taylor. I’ve only changed toward you. Besides, I’m not the only one who has changed.”

  I really just wanted to leave and the only way he was going to let me go was if I accepted his apology.

  I gave a half-smile. “Okay, apology accepted. I have to meet Andie.”

  He scowled. “Could you at least have one day where you don’t have to go out and get shit faced?”

  I shrugged. “Who said I was going to get shit faced? I could be going out to dinner, who knows.”

  His brows rose as he smirked. “Really? Alcohol always works its way into your plans. It’s your best friend. Besides, where in the hell do you think you’re going dressed like that?” He looked me up and down in disapproval.

  I rolled my eyes. Oh God, his over-protectiveness was going to suffocate me.

  I looked down at my outfit. “What’s wrong with it?”

  “You look like a hooker in it.”

  I gasped. “I do not!”

  “I’m burning that outfit.”

  “No, you’re not.”

  “Don’t fight it, Paige. It’s going to happen.”

  “Yeah, we’ll see about that, buddy.”

  “Come on; I ordered Pizza. Why don’t you come sit down and watch a movie with us? One night in the house isn’t going to kill you.”

  I groaned as he grabbed my arm and pulled me into the living room.

  “But it will kill me.”

  He chuckled. “Well, in that case, I’ll make sure I sneak some booze in your casket for the afterlife.”

  I let him think he won at the moment when, really, I had plans to go out, regardless.

  Chelsea was sitting down on the tan, leather recliner couch eating a brownie. She gave a half-smile as I sat down. “You’re not going to bite my head off again if I apologize, are you?”

  I shook my head. “No. I wasn’t that nice to you, so I’m pretty sure I deserved it, anyway.”

  “Okay, well, I’m sorry. I know you’re going through a lot, and I’m pretty sure you woke up with a massive hangover. I’ll try to be more considerate of your emotions, and I hope you can be more considerate of my emotions as well. I don’t have the best temper, and it’s been harder for me to control since I got pregnant, okay?”

  I nodded. “Absolutely.”

  Taylor took a seat next to Chelsea, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her brownie. “Oh, look, a brownie.”

  She growled and moved her brownie away from him as he leaned over to take a bite. “No, my brownie! You know you should never come between a pregnant woman and her chocolate.”

  “Oh really?”

  He gave a mischievous smile as he pushed her on her side, leaned over her, and grabbed her wrist. With much restraint from Chelsea, he pulled her hand to his mouth.

  I smiled. Now this was the Taylor I knew. Fun and goofy.

  “Taylor, no, this is my last brownie!”

  She grabbed his hair and tried to push his head away, but failed. He was too determined to have that brownie.

  “Chels, share the love. You ate almost the whole batch, and I only had one.”

  “Taylor!” she shrieked.

  His teeth chomped down on the brownie, ripping half of it off.

  Chelsea pouted. “You big douche. Your daughter is very angry with you; you stole her dessert.”

  Satisfied, Taylor grinned as he chewed his food.

  My phone began to ring. I pulled it out of my hand bag and declined the call, sending it right to voicemail. It was Andie. I was sure she was calling to see if I left the house yet. Because I couldn’t tell her what I was going to do over the phone, I decided to text her my plan instead, telling her I would meet her in a few minutes and to stay by the end of the driveway so Taylor and Chelsea couldn’t see her.

  I looked up from my phone as the front door opened. My heart quickened and I was suddenly a ball of nerves as Eli, looking hot as ever with a tight, navy blue shirt on that complimented his toned body, and a black hat that he wore backward on his head, entered the living room.

  As his eyes found mine, his lips raised into a smile. An unfamiliar warmth settled inside of me. My angel had arrived.

  His eyes ran down my body, lingering on me. And I could see it, though it was just a hint of desire, as he met my gaze once more.

  “Hey,” he said.

  I smiled as my cheeks warmed. “Hi.” Damn him for being so cute.

  “You like what you see?” Taylor said.

  My eyes widened with embarrassment as I looked at my brother. I couldn’t believe Taylor just called me out on my attraction to him, but that was all it was, though; an attraction. I didn’t expect it to turn into anything, nor did I want it to.

  Chelsea elbowed him hard in the ribs, making him wince.

  I narrowed my eyes as I had a sudden urge to piss him off for putting me in the spotlight. “Absolutely.”

  I gave a smile, satisfied as he scowled, clearly getting annoyed.

  “It’s about time you showed up. We have to decide on the movie,” Chels
ea said.

  “Sorry, I had an…unexpected situation that I had to take care of.” I could see the worry on his face as he said it.

  “Is there something wrong?” Taylor asked, concerned for his friend.

  Eli shook it off. “No; I don’t think it’s an issue, but there’s nothing like the blast from the past.”

  “Yeah, tell me about it,” Taylor said dryly as he looked at me.

  I glared at him.

  The room fell silent as all eyes landed on me.

  “Okay, so what are we watching?” Eli asked, purposely taking the attention away from me.

  As our eyes met, he gave a smile and winked at me.

  “I’m in a Bruce Willis type of mood. I’m thinking Hostage. One of my favorites,” Chelsea said.

  “Wait a second, what was that?” Taylor asked as his curious eyes shifted from Eli to me.

  “What was what?” I asked.

  “Are you flirting with my sister?”

  I glared at Taylor. “So what if he is. He isn’t allowed?”

  Eli bowed his head, smiling. “Over-protective brother. I like her and I am interested.”

  “I’m not protecting my sister; I’m protecting you from my sister.”

  My stomach dropped. It hurt to know that Taylor didn’t think much of me, but I tried my best to remain impassive. Despite how I felt, he was right. If I was Taylor, I would have protected my friend as well, especially with my messed up past.

  “I think I have it under control. I know you mean well, but I don’t think you actually truly understand her,” Eli said.

  My brows rose as I was completely taken by surprise by his words. He understood me? “And you do?”

  “Yeah, I do. Trust me; I know the type of girl you are. I saw a glimpse of it last night. I can handle you.”

  I felt naked. My soul felt bare. I had laid everything out on the front line for him to see, and I was completely afraid. I didn’t want the attraction…I didn’t want him to like me. Because I knew that if I let him in, I would leave him broken just like I was.

  He had no idea what I did…the hurt that I caused…the pain that tore me to pieces, reminding me of that night. I was the self-destructive, wild child with a haunted past, who ruined lives and pushed people away. I was out of control and no good for him, but he still looked at me as if I was light when all I was, was darkness.

  His strange, unique orange eyes lingered on me, as if he could see deep into my soul. It was as if he could see the real me; the side that I kept locked away. There was a calmness that settled in me whenever he was near, taming the wild beast that I had become. He wanted me…Paige Jacobs…and there was no escaping him.

  Taylor shook his head. “Stay away from my friend.”

  I had every intention in staying away, but the thought of him demanding I did anything angered me to the core. Being told what to do had become a problem now that I was old enough to make my own decisions. I could smell defiance in the air as I felt the urge to retaliate. I wanted him angry, just like I was, and I knew exactly what I had to do to make that happen.

  I smiled. “Okay.”

  I stood up from the floor and pushed Eli back on the chair as I straddled him. His body tensed as he was momentarily caught off guard by my sudden actions. With my lips eager and hungry to taste his, they came crashing down on his mouth. Still recovering from shock, he didn’t kiss back right away, but when he did, he took hold of my face and slipped his tongue in my mouth as our lips tangled together. Fireworks blasted in my head as excitement rushed through my stomach.

  A strong grip hooked my elbow, tearing Eli and I apart as I was pulled off his lap. I quickly recovered my balance as I pulled down my skirt.

  Fire shot out of Taylor’s glaring eyes. I winked at him as a smile so smug found its way on my lips.

  “Don’t worry, pumpkin; I don’t do the love thing. He’s going to be perfectly fine.”

  I walked away, feeling my phone vibrate in my hand. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.” I know I will.

  I read the message as I walked out of my home, telling me to hurry my ass up and get outside. I walked down the driveway, smiling as Andie, in a strappy, asymmetrical, jersey white dress, jumped up and down, beaming as she waved at me. There was a tall, toned, man with honey hair and milky white skin behind her, leaning on his white, Lexus CT Hybrid with his arms folded. He looked bored and uninterested.

  Andie wrapped her arms around me. I breathed in the smell of coconuts that lingered on her skin as I gave her a squeeze.

  “I thought you would need a night out after last night.”

  I swallowed and forced a smile as I tried not to let the memories of last night affect me. I wanted a night of fun, and bringing up what happened was only going to make me even more miserable.

  “You have no idea.”

  Andie smiled back at her guest then looked back at me. “This is Ellis. I met him a couple of days ago at a bar in the city. He wants to take us to this really cool nightclub. He is super-hot.” She mouthed the last bit.

  An eerie feeling came over me as I realized that I was about to get in the car with a stranger who could very well hurt me like Preston did. I suddenly wanted to run away and drag Andie with me.

  I forced myself to hold my hand out for him to shake. “Hi, I’m Paige.”

  His exquisite, blue eyes looked me up and down as he swallowed and sucked his bottom lip into his mouth. There was an urge, a desire that grew in his eyes. The way he looked at me was creepy and left a chill running down my spine.

  He nodded. “Nice to meet you. Okay, ladies, let’s go. I’m going to make tonight a night you will never forget.” He winked my way before getting in the car.

  Andie grabbed my hand and pulled, but I pulled back, refusing to move. “He looked at me weird.”

  She shrugged it off. “He looks at everyone like that. What’s the matter? You seem…tense.” She bit on her bottom lip as her brows furrowed and her grey/green eyes searched mine.

  I looked at Ellis, who was drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. As my eyes shifted to him, she turned her head and looked as well.

  “I’m not sure about him.”

  “Well, of course not. Given the events that occurred last night, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable around men you don’t know. He’s okay, I promise.”

  I took in a breath, shaking away the sick feeling in my stomach as I let her pull me to the car. Get a grip, Paige. Not every guy is bad.

  I settled in the backseat of the car, trying to keep my nerves calm. I didn’t want any panic attacks ruining my fun tonight.

  I gave a half-smile as Ellis turned around.

  “Don’t worry, Paige. I don’t bite…that much.” He chuckled, finding humor in his own cheesy joke.

  He seemed normal, but the thought of me getting in the car with a dangerous person had made the sick feeling in my stomach intensify.

  Chapter Five

  I trailed behind Ellis and Andie, who walked ahead as we joined in on the nightlife of the city. She had her arm wrapped around his own as she laughed at another one of his jokes. He was making her laugh and Andie loved a guy who could make her laugh. I didn’t think he was funny at all, but if she was happy then so was I. I sensed a potential boyfriend in the near future, so I had to make an effort with him. Okay, so he wasn’t that bad. He still looked at me in that weird way that made me wary of him, but after a while, I learned to ignore it. I guess it helped a little that he let me choose the music in the car, which come to find out, we liked most of the same bands. I was slowly warming up to him.

  He led us to a narrow, long alley, and I was immediately suspicious of its location. A club in an alley? Even though I was hesitant to follow them, I forced myself to walk, anyway. We came up to a black arched door.

  “It looks like a home,” I said.

  “Well, that’s the point. This is an underground club. It’s kind of private in a way.”

  I usually would be carefree about going out
and partying, but last night made me rethink the situations I got myself into, especially if it involved men. Maybe it was a little too soon to come out with someone I didn’t even know.

  Andie grabbed my wrist, easing my hand out of the fist I couldn’t help but to make. The tension was getting the best of me.

  “Where has my party girl gone?”

  I shrugged. “I think she is hiding.”

  She smiled as she slipped her fingers in between mine and led the way into a dark tunnel that was lit up from the torches on the walls. We emerged on the other side in a boxed in space where yet another black door stood.

  As Ellis knocked on the door, a petite woman wearing a leather bustier top, a short, flowing skirt, and knee length heeled boots opened the door. She beamed at Ellis as she placed her short, light purple hair behind her ear.

  “Ellis, I haven’t seen you in a couple of days.” She averted her gaze to Andie then continued. “I see you’ve been on the prowl.”

  “Yeah, I have been hanging out with Andie.”

  He turned to us. “I am a regular here.”

  The woman held out a pair of golden necklaces that had a Victorian style crest pendant with a ruby, red diamond in the center.

  “Here, put these on and don’t take them off.”

  Andie and I shared a look as we slipped the necklaces around our necks.

  “Why? What is it for?” I asked.

  “Oh, all of the guests who aren’t members wear them. It’s to make sure you aren’t escorted out is all.” She smiled as she waved it off, as if it was no big thing. She then looked at Ellis and nodded. “Enjoy.”

  I could have sworn I saw something pass between their eyes. Andie saw it as well as she gave me a look.

  The woman held the door open as we walked inside. She didn’t even card us. What kind of club is this?

  “Okay, that was weird,” Andie said.

  “This whole situation is weird,” I said.

  Ellis chuckled. “Ladies, relax.”

  We walked down a long hall where Disco LED light magic balls hung from the ceiling as its rainbow colored lights swirled all around us. Blue, green, and purple flashing laser lights danced around the room as we stepped into the first level of the busy nightclub. Light purple, flowing drapes hid booths that were occupied, leaving the one’s free, open and placed back to show submerged flowers in tall, glowing, cylinder vases in the center of the black, round tables.