I knew with me back on the outside they’d soon fall back in line again so I wasn’t worried. I texted Liz and told her to get her ass over there now and bring the others with her. Her quick reply eased some of my annoyance but not by much. At least she didn’t give me any shit about having to go to class or any of her other dumb ass excuses.
Next up was Carter. I sent him off a cryptic message letting him know that I was home and that we were a long way from done. Let him chew on that. I never ended one of my little trysts until I had another mark already primed and ready and since I had no one waiting in the wings, he was still on the hook.
The only reason I wasn’t going full tilt was because I’d decided to concentrate on getting Jace back and dealing with that small town hick once and for all, so I needed all my energies focused there. Which means, I couldn’t put in the work needed to prime a new pump.
I did take the time on the way home in the car to check on the new deposits in my offshore accounts. I’d decided to go ahead with my ploy to threaten to name names to the cops working my case, so after my call to mom, I’d sent out some texts. It’s amazing what the fear of exposure could do. Especially when you’re a freak that don’t want the world knowing you like underage pussy. Add suspicion of attempted murder and they were all running scared.
I could probably milk that shit for a long-long time, but I had enough sense to know how far to go before they push back. Pretty smart for a poor girl with the nonexistent mother and shitty life, to this. I’m pretty sure that some conservative hack might call my actions questionable, but they just didn’t understand the survival instinct.
I was never going to be poor again. No matter what it takes, I would make sure of that and really don’t care what anyone else may think. Mom had landed pretty well on her feet using her body hadn’t she, so why the hell shouldn’t I?
I was younger, prettier and way smarter than she’d ever been. She landed a millionaire. I’m aiming higher. Jace is the perfect candidate. He’s filthy rich, handsome, hot and he would look so good on my arm. Of course once we get married I expect him to keep me in the lifestyle I deserve, but a girl could never have too much. So in the meantime, I’ll just build my little nest egg.
As soon as I win him back I plan on getting him to the altar as fast as humanly possible sans the pre-nup of course. The thought that anything might stand in the way of me getting what I wanted most made my stomach hurt, but only served to make me that much more determined to get my way. If Jace Sanders thought I’d used up all my resources where he was concerned he was sadly mistaken. I’d find a way around that bitch he calls a mother yet, and I’m sure with her out of the way, it will be smooth sailing.
I scrolled through the old pics on my phone and relived some of our happier moments together. We are such a cute couple; everyone thought so. Everywhere we went people were always commenting on how perfect we looked together. I want that back. I touched his face through the screen and my heart hurt a little. I refuse to accept that he was lost to me forever. I will find a way to get him back and this time I won’t let anything take him away from me.
I rolled my eyes at the knock at the door and put my shit away just as mom opened it and came in with a tray of soup and crackers or some shit. “What the hell is that? I told you I wanted real food.” She stopped with an odd look on her face before regaining her composure. Damn, I’d forgotten to put on my act. Time to turn on the waterworks.
“Sorry mom, I’m just a little irritated and hurt. No one even bothered to come see me in the hospital and it’s my first day back and they haven’t even called.” Her face changed again and she placed the tray on the bedside table, before taking a seat next to me.
“It’s okay baby, you’ve only been home for a little bit. I’m sure they all missed you.” I almost barfed when she ran her hand over my hair. Who the hell is this woman? Okay, in all fairness, she’s been trying to be more of a mom since marrying up than in my former years, but little did she know the damage had already been done. By the time she decided to try, I was long past caring.
I listened to more of her corny bullshit and conned her out of a new bracelet I wanted before telling her I was tired and needed to rest. “Okay baby but eat your soup before it gets cold and we’ll see about cook making you that steak you want for dinner. Try not to worry, everything’s going to be okay.” Nothing was okay. It hasn’t been for a long time now. Not since I lost Jace.
As I laid there after she left I grabbed my little black book. I flipped through it the way I do when I need a pick me up. Some girls like ice cream I love reliving my conquests. It was headily powerful, knowing that I had these powerful men by the balls, plus it always helps to soothe me.
I came across a name that I hadn’t thought of in ages. Sick bastard. The mere memory of him made me want to rush to the bathroom and throw up. Until the night I’d almost died, he was the closest I’d ever come to real danger. I thought I could handle his edge, that slight hint of danger I picked up on during one of our sexual encounters. But I was in way over my head with that one.
He was the only one in my little book whom I hadn’t tried my games on. Lucky for me I’d followed my instincts and dodged him ever since. Weeks after I’d given him the slip there’d been a write-up on him in the tabloids. Something about him almost killing some young starlet. Of course the whole thing was swept under the rug because of who he is, but I’d dodged a bullet; though he still texted me every once in a while.
A slow smile flitted across my face as a most delicious thought suddenly played out in my head. “Vinnie, Vinnie, Vinnie; perfect.” I felt a sweet tingle between my thighs at the picture forming in my head. “We’ll just see about little Ms. Sweet as pie.”
Chapter 8
CASSANDRA
***
My stomach is in knots. She’s home! What would this mean for my family? It was only by chance that I’d heard my dad’s phone and snuck into the room to read the screen. Instinct I guess. Ever since I’d discovered the affair I’ve been very suspicious of my dad, always keeping a close watch. I’ve been reading his texts and going through his address book for weeks now without him knowing.
Each time I did I got a cramp in my tummy, not knowing what I was going to find. I lived in fear of the day when my whole world came tumbling down. My poor mom. What was I going to do? I feel so scared and alone. There’s no one to talk to about this. If I say anything the whole sordid mess would come out and then what?
Everything had been going so well lately too. Dad was more attentive to mom and was acting more like his old self. And even though I found it hard to go back to the way we once were, at least she was happy again.
They were finally taking the time needed to heal after losing the baby. Dad was being so sweet to her, complimenting her the way he used to. I was happy for mom, I knew she still loved him and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to keep that new look of content on her face. Mom was even talking about going back to work. I’d seen her reading scripts, when only a few weeks ago she could barely get out of bed or stand to leave her room.
My heart felt sick at the ramifications of all that could go wrong now that Mandy was back. She was like a virus that spreads when there’s no cure. Sian and Jace must be on high alert too. Then again Jace would never let anything happen to Sian. He hardly ever leaves her side.
I’d been avoiding them since everything started going crazy. It was too dangerous to be around others. What if I let something slip? As I packed my overnight case to take to school with me I thought one last time of a way to get out of tonight’s sleepover. I felt sure I should stay close to home now just in case.
It wasn’t that I didn’t want to go. I’d finally started to feel like part of the high school experience, like a normal teenager. Sian and all my new friends have been trying so hard to break me out of my shell. I’d even become a cheerleader, something I was sure would not have been possible without her patience and help.
But it all felt so ta
inted now, like nothing will ever be the same again. I was well aware that my childhood as I knew it was over. Something else I have to thank Mandy for. I wish I’d never seen them together, wish that I didn’t have to carry the burden of this secret. I felt tears prick the corners of my eyes at the unfairness of it all. How could one person do so much damage to so many? And why hadn’t she died?
Next to the fear I felt the anger only Mandy could instill. Before her, I was never this unhappy. My family was whole and together. I probably shouldn’t blame her for all of it. Dad was as much at fault as she was. But lately he’d been coming around. Now here she was, trying to stir shit up again. I won’t let her. I won’t let her hurt my mom. Here in the safety of my home I felt certain that I could do that. Time to grow up Cassie. You’re not a little girl anymore.
“Baby are you ready? Your dad’s waiting to take you to school. Did you pack everything you need for the weekend? It was so nice of this girl to invite you. I’m glad to see you making new friends.” Mom said all this in one breath and mine hitched as my skin prickled. She sounded almost manic, the way she used to when she was losing her mind.
I looked at her eyes as she came over to brush a hand through my hair, something she hadn’t done for a while until here recently. Her eyes didn’t have that same glassy look, but I could tell something was bothering her. I opened my mouth to ask her, but thought better of it. I didn’t want to be the one to burst her bubble.
“Yes mom, I have everything I need. Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?”
“Of course not honey. Go on and have fun with your friends, you can tell me all about it when you get back on Sunday. I spoke to her mom, she sounds like a nice woman. Maybe one day soon we can have them all over for dinner.” Her smile wasn’t as sad so that eased the band around my chest.
Maybe I was just imagining things, looking for shadows around every corner. I inhaled her scent as she wrapped her arms around me, and for a second there, I felt like the cherished little girl I’d once been. I held on a little longer as I fought back unwanted tears. “I love you mom.”
“Oh sweetheart, I love you too. Now come on, your daddy has a lot on his plate this morning. You have a great day at school and enjoy your weekend with your friends.” I nodded since I was too choked up to speak and slipped out of her hug.
I left the house looking back once to see her standing in the doorway waving me off. I was very torn, and after seeing Mandy’s text I was even more so. I had this very bad feeling that something was going to go wrong if I wasn’t here to stop it. But I had ran out of excuses.
Sian had practically bullied me into coming to her house tonight. The plan was to leave straight from school and go there for a weekend of fun, but I knew she was going to grill me. She seemed able to see right through my flimsy excuses and my last attempt at putting her off had fallen on deaf ears.
How was I supposed to pretend to be happy when my whole world was about to come tumbling down? I’m not that good an actress. Maybe if I suddenly came down with a cold mom would let me stay home and I could avoid the whole thing. Then I could stay close and protect her. I climbed into the car with dad, ready to put my plan into action, but it was no good. I was too nervous to get it right without being caught.
“You all set pumpkin?”
“Yes dad.” I could feel his eyes on my face as I looked straight ahead. Did he notice that I never really look at him anymore? That his little girl had grown distant and cold? As much as I hated Mandy for her part in this, I couldn’t pretend that he didn’t bare part of the blame. He too had shattered my innocence, and it would be a long time if ever before he regained my trust.
Lately, after his little slut had been sent to the hospital, he’s been trying really hard to be father of the year. It sickens me that while he was screwing around with a girl just a couple years older than me, he had no time for me. But, now, only because he couldn’t get to her he suddenly remembers he has a daughter. Sad!
***
CARTER
***
I can’t go through this again. That text a few minutes ago had shattered my newfound calm. I have to think of a way to get out of this mess that I’d made for myself, and fast before everything I’d worked so hard for goes up in smoke. How could I have been so stupid? I tried to fix it, to make things right, but I failed. The drugs I’d given her were enough to kill anyone. But it looked like someone else was out to do her in as well. Only that night we’d been at cross-purposes. What rotten luck.
If her mom hadn’t heard that shot and called for help, the drugs would’ve had enough time to work their magic. Instead she’d been rushed to the hospital just in the knick of time, and now she’s back. I’m sure I can’t use the same trick again so I’ll have to come up with something else. Now she’s threatening to give my name to the police. I felt cold crawl down my back. If this gets out it could ruin me.
I thought of my wife and what it would do to her. I’ve done everything I can to keep her from knowing about my one slip-up. I was just looking for a little fun, something to ease the pressure of the last year. Things at home had gone from bad to worse and I just needed something, anything to take my mind off my troubles.
When Mandy came onto me, at first I told myself that it was wrong she was too young. The girl was barely older than my daughter. But then I made up all these stupid excuses in my head of why I could get away with it. Everyone else in this town was doing it they were just better at not getting caught.
By the time I came to my senses, she’d had her hooks in me and won’t let go. I’d tried pulling away long before the night I tried to kill her, that was my last resort, but there was no getting away from her. She was as good as any villainess from the silver screen. I should know, I cut my teeth on them. Only this wasn’t one of my movies, this was real life and she was the one writing the script.
And to think I’d been fooled into believing she was a sweet young thing. I’d erroneously looked at her as a young innocent, someone I could maybe show a good time for as long as it lasted and then move on. In the beginning she’d convinced me that this was her first time. That I was the first man she’d given herself to. What a joke. I’d learned a few things about her since then and none of it good.
I should’ve known what I was getting into when I took her to bed the first time and found her well ridden. Suckered in by a blowjob, which is what she’d lied and told me was as far as she’d ever gone with her little high school boyfriends. She claimed, when I asked her about her expertise, that since she was saving herself for that special someone, she’d learned to use her mouth.
I know what she is now though. A lying, scheming, manipulative bitch who was out to destroy me. The money wasn’t enough to keep her away and I’d paid plenty. She seemed to want something more, and I can’t for the life of me figure out what the hell that was.
Another fear hit me. I’d become so selfish that I only thought of myself, but there was someone else I should be looking out for. I looked at my daughter out the side of me eye. I still wasn’t sure, but the implications were frightening. Had it been her I saw running away that night?
She hasn’t said a word to me about any of it. Not once has she even brought it up. But lately I’ve noticed a difference in her, in the way she acts when she’s around me. Like now. Her little body is so tense as she sits beside me in the car. I’d missed the signs before, when I was so wrapped up in Mandy those first few weeks and nothing else mattered.
I hadn’t noticed the distance growing between me, and my daughter. Now the dust had cleared and I’d come crashing back down to reality, I could see and feel it. I wanted to reach over and touch her shoulder or tease her the way I once used to, but somehow I knew it wouldn’t be accepted.
I have to find a way to make this all better, to get us back to where we used to be, but how? Mandy has me by the short ones and she knows it. Now she expects me to come to her tonight. My palms broke out in a sweat as I pulled into the school. Shame wash
ed over me as the enormity of what I’d done hit home. I fucked an underage girl and now my life is fucked.
Chapter 9
SIAN
***
All day at school I geared myself up for what was to come later. I was my usual bubbly self as Jace drove me home, chatting away about nothing and everything. My stomach felt queasy but I had to go for it. It was my only chance. I built up my courage and got the ball rolling. If he didn’t knock my head off I just might pull this off.
I had to get it right though, so I schooled myself and prepared for hell to break loose. What I was about to do could certainly blow up in my face, but I had to remind myself that it was for the best. Mandy was never going to leave us alone, I know that now and if I didn’t do something, he would and that could only end badly for him. His last brush with the law was too close for comfort.
That tramp had almost convinced them that he’d harmed her and as much clout as his dad had, I wasn’t sure how much longer that would hold out. If she was good enough to fool them once, I’m afraid next time she’d do an even better job of it. I can’t let that happen. After taking a few deep breaths I was ready.
“So, what do you have planned for tonight?” I pretended I was rifling through my bag for something, not looking at him.
“Nothing much.” Was his cryptic reply as he turned onto my driveway.
“You should do something with the guys since all the girls are gonna be with me. Why don’t y’all go see that new movie you’ve been raving about?”
“If I didn’t know better I’d swear you were trying to get rid of me.” I felt his stare but refused to look at him. He sees too damn much. All it would take is one look and he’d know I was up to something.
Eden High Series 2 Book 3 Page 5
