by B C Morgan
“This lesson will not be repeated, welcome to the family Daria. For now,” he gives her a degrading look that screams of how little he truly rates her before he abandons the stage and we’re officially dismissed.
Fuck me, a claiming sounds fucking awful and yet… Daria couldn’t look happier.
“Come on, you owe me a date with the gardens,” Caitlyn says, pulling on my arm and I can’t think of any reason why I shouldn’t. No matter how hard I try to think of one.
The gardens were… okay. The problem is, I’m not really the outdoorsy type and I can’t see that changing anytime soon. Caitlyn however, was in her element and I have a feeling I will have to make a few more trips if I want to keep ahold of this weird friendship we have going on. It’s more born out of dependency than anything else but I’ll take what I can get.
I go back to our room while Caitlyn heads off to get some lunch and I find Liam sitting in our room with a strange look on his face.
“Hey, is everything okay?” I ask, not understanding why I even care and I know for a fact that I shouldn’t.
“Sorry, I have just had a hard day,” he says as he scrubs his hand across his face and I step up in front of him.
“Do you want to talk about it? Maybe it will help,” I say with a smirk and he flips me off before smirking back.
“I’m related to the Harkwrights, it’s the only reason I’m allowed to work here and have access to the ‘girls.’ It’s a load of shit really but what can you do? Anyway, I ran into Sir today and he wasted no time in reminding me of my responsibilities. No rest for the wicked, right?” He smiles but there’s no warmth in it.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” I ask, slowly lowering myself to sit down beside him on the sofa.
“This will sound really lame and no doubt I’ll lose a few of my man points, but a hug wouldn’t go amiss,” he gives me a wink and I stiffen up.
“You know I can’t, as long as I’m here, I don’t belong to myself,” I say sadly, as my hair falls to shroud me from his view.
“Don’t start believing that for a second, you’re stronger than you think and you will always belong to yourself,” he holds his arms out and I hesitate before he shoots me the puppy dog eyes and I think I’m about to make a mistake I’ll never be able to take back.
I wrap my arms around his neck as his arms go around my waist and although I feel uncomfortable, I give him this. He’s been nice to me and I don’t want it to end. It’s only my third week and I’ve seen a glimpse into what the next three years of my life will be like while I’m staying here. Maybe if I have Caitlyn and Liam, I’ll be able to see it through.
He pulls back before bopping me on the nose and gives me a soft smile, I don’t miss the way his eyes drop to my lips before he gets up and starts cleaning. Almost furiously.
I think it will be better if I leave him to it so I take myself to the library and lose myself in the written world, I may be a shit student but my imagination knows no bounds and as long as no one starts fucking in here, I’ll be fine.
I guess today is my lucky day, no one has come in to fuck around, literally if history is anything to go by and my mood is fairly positive as I head back to my room and change into my shorts, over sized sweater and Doc Martens. Yep, it’s well into nighttime and the slip of paper Aeron gave me was a pass to wear my own clothing during my late night baking sessions. It’s fucking perfect and for this alone I could damn well kiss him.
Honestly there is no place on this earth that brings me more comfort than a kitchen and I’ve had plenty of sexist remarks thrown at me because of it. Not that I give two shits what anyone thinks, at least about this. It’s the one place where I feel confident because I know I’m not just good at what I do, I fucking smash it out of the park every damn time.
I’m elbows deep in dough, having kneaded out any residue of frustration and I’ve decided to make some sour dough bread, when the door swishes open. I glance over my shoulder but I can’t see anyone there and like a moron, I’m not even questioning it. Any given day I would stop what I’m doing and find out why the door opened, but I’m not and I don’t know why.
“I like the new baking outfit,” he says and I let myself enjoy the timbre of his voice and the way it twists me up inside. Even if I’ve resolved myself to never liking any of these men - after what happened to Chantelle - I can’t help but be affected by Aeron. It’s purely physical, and that alone terrifies me.
“I guess I should say thank you,” I mumble as I knead harder.
“Hmm, I can think of other ways for you to show your gratitude,” his breath fans across the back of my neck before moving along my bare shoulder and I contain the shiver that passes over me.
“I-I-I…”
“Shh, don’t worry Little Zero. You carry on while I give you another reason to appreciate me,” I feel his words vibrate through his chest as an arm snakes around my waist but he doesn’t touch me. It just hovers there, an inch separating his hand from my torso.
“I remember how responsive you were with the flower, I’ve thought about it quite a few times,” his voice is this permanent husk that threatens to ignite something within me. “Let’s see what happens this time shall we.”
His fingers grip the hem of my sweater before rising it up and he sweeps across the planes of my lower stomach. I inhale hard as I rip into the dough and try to bring it back together.
“Hold still little one,” he grips my sweater and slowly drags it up and over my head until it’s stretched over my arms. I can’t take it off seeing as I’m caked in dried flour and elbows deep in dough.
The tips of his fingers dance over my ribs and they contract under his touch, my breath staggering and falling out in bursts. My eyes flicker closed as they move up and brush across the swell of my breasts, moving over the lace of the cups. I can’t ignore the way they connect with my nipples that harden, to almost painful points and then he glides them lower.
“Aeron,” a plea to stop or a beg for something more, I have no idea but it still falls free without meaning to.
“Shh, nothing too much for our second time like this. I’m just getting to know you,” he says as his lips drop to my shoulder and his fingers skim the waistband of my shorts.
My stomach flinches and I can feel the grin forming on his face, as his fingers run around to my ass before he starts kneading. He brings one of his hands across the top of my leg, before flattening his hand over my sex. Aeron hasn’t even gone inside my shorts or panties and I can’t stop my hands from leaving the dough before winding them around his neck and his laugh rolls through me.
Taking his hands off me, he grabs my wrists gentler than I expect and pulls them away before he moves them so they end up back in the dough like before.
“One week left to go Little Zero, it’ll be a shame for you to leave before I get to explore you more… thoroughly,” he moves to the side of me and I can see the lust in his gaze. I think he really does want me, yet he isn’t going to be the one to save me.
“You won’t vouch for me, help me to stay?” I ask softly, pointless when I already know his answer.
“Can’t little one, I won’t cheapen this. In all honesty, I’m enjoying having a secret from the rest of those posers, you’ve got to save yourself. Don’t worry though, I’ve got the perfect reward in mind when you make it into the fold,” he runs his tongue up my neck before nipping at my chin. It’s fucking weird yet, it still makes my toes curl.
Listening as he moves away, I can hear the swish of the door as it’s pushed open. “I should have given you that permission long ago, I’ve got to say. I’m definitely a fan of your baking clothes,” the door swishes shut as he leaves me alone and I knead the dough more than I’ve ever done in my life.
Only this frustration is created by Aeron and it’s unlike any I’ve ever experienced before in my life.
9
A Life Saved, A Debt Owed
I wake up to a pounding noise against my brain, only it isn’
t only affecting me if Caitlyn and Millie’s grumbles and moaning are anything to go by. Sitting up, I look at the clock, it’s five am. Seriously, is this entire place on a vendetta to give us as little sleep as possible?
I get up, not even considering the fact that I’m wearing a pair of shorts that may as well be panties and a thin camisole. I’m tired, and my brain won’t function without caffeine at this time of the day.
My eyes pop out of my skull as I take in Tom in all his glory and I’m pretty sure he just rolled out of bed and I’m instantly jealous. His red hair that sticks up as though someone has run their fingers through it, dark green eyes that are shrouded by the bedroom look and a layer of stubble that only a nun wouldn’t want to run her fingers across.
“Millie,” that’s all he says and I can feel myself deflate as I take a step back and shake my head.
“I’m not Millie,” it comes out sounding like a question and I want to slap myself.
“I know your name Luna, I was simply inquiring which of the other two is Millie. She’s needed,” he says gruffly, his voice deeper than it was the last time we spoke.
A slight thrill travels through me at the fact that he knows what my name is but not my roommates and now I feel stupid for having that reaction in the first place.
“Millie, Tom’s here for you,” I call, but my eyes remain fixed on him. I’m trying to work out the reason for his visit but I can’t see all the pieces to make the necessary connections.
If this was a booty call, then he wouldn’t be asking for her by name, he’d demand the Zero and expect us to know which one he wanted. Then again, if this was a personal matter why would a Harkwright be calling for her. None of this is making any sense, I definitely require caffeine to work this little mystery out.
“Can I help you with something?” He asks with a bite to his tone and I can only imagine how my face must look right now.
“Not at all, just trying to work something out,” I reply, stepping back from the doorway and Millie soon takes my place.
“Good morning sir, how can I be of service to you?” She asks as she bows her fucking head to him. Seriously, yep I’m not going to make it. I may be meeker than my inner alter ego, but no way will I ever bow to any of them!
“Millie Taylor, I am permitted to offer a free pass to three girls of my choosing. I am offering one to you, we will pay you for the month and you can leave with no repercussions. I’m the only one who can offer this deal and I will not give you the opportunity again should you refuse,” I swear his eyes cut to me as he explains this strange deal he is offering to a Zero.
“I don’t understand, why would you offer me this?” She asks, genuine fear sounding in her voice as she grips onto the door and white knuckles it.
“I need you to come with me, I’d suggest you ask one of your other Zeros to accompany you.”
She looks back at us before saying, “Luna, will you come with me please?”
“Hey of course,” I nearly fall over myself as I quickly pull on a pair of authorized leggings and a random top - luckily it’s still authorized - before rushing to her side. Tom rolls his eyes, the arrogant bastard before he walks down the corridor and we rush to follow him.
We’re led to the foyer and into the connecting door behind the reception desk, there’s a woman that I don’t recognize and the woman, Miss Martins who led us to our room - with the crystal watch - our first day here.
“Mom, what are you doing here?” Millie asks but she doesn’t go to her when she opens her arms, instead she stands beside me and grips hold of my hand.
I take in the red rimming her mom’s eyes, the bags circling underneath and her blotchy skin. I can feel Millie’s hand shaking in mine and I’m starting to think I’m the wrong person to be here for this, Caitlyn is better equipped when it comes to supporting someone.
“It’s Melissa sweetie, she…” her voice cracks as she cries a tsunami worth of tears and Miss Martins rolls her eyes before stepping forward. Narrowly missing the crying woman as she reached for her, looking for comfort from the wrong person.
“Miss Taylor, your mother is here to escort you home should you decide to take Mr. Harkwright up on his generous offer,” she slaps her mother’s hand away and steps even further away, looking at her with utter scorn.
“For goodness’ sake, she’s upset. Would it hurt you to show her a little compassion,” I demand, forgetting my place and her glare is supposed to put me in its place, but it’s failing in its task.
“You are a pitiful human being,” this is the last thing I will say to this disgrace of a person and instead turn to face Tom. His eyes are wider now and he’s looking at me as though he’s never seen me before. “Can you please just tell Millie why you would offer her this, her mom clearly isn’t in a good place,” I have no idea where this confidence is coming from, although I guess it’s born from the fact that someone else needs me to be strong.
“Millie, in the late hours of last night the police were called to your Aunt’s apartment, I won’t try to soften the blow, it’s pointless. I’m sorry to inform you that she was already dead when they arrived, they believe it to be suicide,” Tom says as Millie falls to her knees and clings to my legs and all I can do is stand here and pat her head. I’m out of my element and I don’t have a clue what I should do.
Looking up at Tom with wide eyes, he looks as uncomfortable as I feel, “what do I do?” I mouth to him and his response. “How the fuck should I know?”
It’s the last day to gain a number or we’re out of here, I guess the odds are in our favor now that Millie has left but I don’t like the idea of competing against Caitlyn.
I was sorry to see her leave but I don’t blame her for taking Tom up on his offer, I just can’t believe that her Aunt was the same reporter who had interviewed Sir Harkwright and then was blacklisted for her efforts.
“I still can’t believe she’s gone, it’s insane,” Caitlyn says as she pulls my hair up into a French twist and curls a few loose tendrils to frame my face.
She’s on a mission to make us both look amazing today, in order to get us noticed but it’s pointless. If they haven’t picked us from the way we look by now, this isn’t going to make a world of difference.
“I just can’t get over the fact that she never told us, the way she spoke about the whole thing without once seeming affected. How do you do that?” I ask and I see her shake her head through the reflection in the mirror.
“I don’t know but at least she doesn’t have to go through it here, they let her leave and she can be with her family now,” she turns my chair around and starts applying the makeup. Right now, I feel like an overgrown doll, but I don’t have the heart to stop her.
“Yeah, I know you’re right, I just wish I could have done more for her. I suck at offering comfort,” I groan and she taps me on the cheek to hold still. I guess that’s my cue to shut up, I’m more than happy to do that.
Five minutes later and she spins me back around to see the finishing touches, I have pale pink lips, with a touch of blush and a gold shimmer across my lids. It goes perfectly with the dress Caitlyn picked out with a black ruffled skirt and a silver satin top. I feel overdressed, but it’s on the approved list, what more can I say? That with the usual kitten heels and I’m good to go yet, Caitlyn isn’t ready.
“Come on girl, we need to go if we want to get anything to eat,” I say with a laugh and she nibbles on the corner of her lip, before dropping onto the edge of her bed.
“I don’t need to go down Luna, I’m not vying for a number anymore.”
“What are you talking about?” Her words confuse me and I have no idea what the fuck she could be talking about.
“I can’t win against you, I’m just going to resound myself to my fate,” her head drops forward and I don’t know how to take this version of Caitlyn.
“Either you get ready or neither of us will go down, I don’t view it as a competition but if you’re setting yourself up to fail, then I’m ri
ght there with you,” I say in response and her head snaps up as she stares at me slack jawed.
“Don’t be absurd, you have your sister to worry about.”
“She’s out there, you’re in here. I’ll choose who to worry about myself,” I say as I stand back up and hold out my hand.
“Come on Caitlyn, don’t give up because you think I have you beat.” Luckily she must agree with me because she starts getting ready and we soon head down to the mess hall side by side. Me with my pale skin and pure white hair and Caitlyn with her caramel complexion and black hair pulled into a French braid. Polar opposites to look at, but I think we may have a friendship that even this place can’t break.
We claim our food and I don’t miss the way everyone is staring at the last Zeros, no one wants to lose their place to us and I doubt very few are worried about it. My eyes drag over the guys table and I see at least a few of them looking back. Aeron, Tom, Scott and Shane. Two of them make bile rise in my throat while the other two heat me up from the inside. A visceral reaction and something I won’t give into, not off my own back. I won’t become like Carly to get my place, I just have to hope that I can do something in the next twenty-four hours.
I place my plate on the table when a shadow passes across me and I look up into a pair of steel-grey eyes, I think his name is Sam and he has his arm wrapped around Tracey or Six as we now know her.
“What are you doing baby, I thought you were hungry?” She pouts, trying to come off sexy, but to me she just looks desperate.
“I want a Zero,” he replies simply, his eyes flicking between the two of us.
His eyes are the same as Scott’s but his hair is jet black and his complexion is paler, but nowhere near as pale as me. He has definition in his arms, but he doesn’t look like a gym fanatic. He’s cute, but there’s something about him that fails to impress, not that my opinion means a damn thing to any of these bastards.
