by Lily White
. . .
“What did you do?”
A single brow arched above dark eyes, Soren’s lips twisting with suspicion.
“What makes you think I did something? Can’t I be happy to see my personal chauffeur?”
His eyes narrowed. “No.” Grabbing my arm and pulling me close, he planted his palm against my forehead.
“You’re not feverish, so there must be another reason you walked out here sporting a strut and smile.”
“I need a favor.”
His gaze widened just slightly and I swear I saw the devil himself peeking out from behind those dark orbs. This was a bad idea every way you looked at it, but I needed heavy backup and Soren was top of the food chain as far as I was concerned.
“Get in the car.”
“Don’t order me around.”
He crossed his arms and stared at me knowing damn well I’d give up the fight sooner or later.
Might as well make it sooner, I thought. Especially since I needed something.
We were speeding away from the parking lot, Soren expertly slamming the car through its gears, before he spoke again.
“A favor will cost you.”
“I’m not pledging.” I had to speak loud enough to be heard over the revving engine.
He smirked. “Then no favor.”
“Fine,” I said.
“Fine,” he answered.
The car went silent except for the engine, but I knew it wouldn’t stay that way.
Even though Soren was stubborn as a damn mule when it came to just about everything, he didn’t like not knowing what was going through my head.
“What’s the favor?”
It was my turn to smirk.
“Grady and Quinton filmed what they did to Kendall and Shea.”
“Your point?”
“I want the tape destroyed, number one.”
We turned a corner and Soren did something with the emergency brake to make the back end slide into place.
“And number two?”
“Becky Gayle and two of her friends were messing with me today.“
“After I figure out who they are, consider them handled.” The sudden sharp edge to his voice was disturbing.
It wasn’t that I wanted anything done to those girls, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d unleashed a legion of demons by even mentioning their names.
“They’re pledges.”
Although, really, that meant nothing to him.
“I was thinking they could be disinvited from the party tonight.”
His lips curled at the corners. “What’s the fun in that?”
“It’s enough to get even. They didn’t say anything too terrible. Just-“
We slid into my driveway and stopped within two inches of the back of Quinton’s car. My heart was firmly beating between my teeth as my head snapped forward and my body shoved against my seatbelt.
“Just what?”
Turning my direction, Soren wrapped an arm around the back of my chair, his eyes catching mine in such a way that I knew I had every ounce of his attention. It was like being stared at by a stalking lion. Any wrong move and he’d be on me.
Reaching forward with the other hand, he ran a fingertip along the edge of my jaw.
The gentleness of that touch terrified me. Pulse thrumming hard, I was too weak to pull away, but not so stupid as to forget that a soft touch could quickly become brutal.
“I can assure you, Agent Vaughan, I’m not the one with the violent temper.”
What he said that night in the diner played through my thoughts. I wasn’t sure I believed him.
“Never mind-“
His fingers snatched my chin, refusing to release me when I attempted to move out of reach.
“What did they say?”
He was scaring me, but I didn’t want to tell him that, just in case he liked it.
“It was nothing-“
Those fingers became vise grips, latching so firmly down on my chin that my teeth ached.
“Tell me.”
His voice was deep...a warning. The tone menacing with the quality of a lash of cold wind breaking through a canyon.
“They joked about me being restrained.”
Soren’s dark eyes glimmered.
“And?”
Exhaling heavily, I tried to ignore the way my body shook.
Outside the car, life was moving along at a normal pace. But inside, it felt like the world had stopped spinning and the sun would never rise again until he got everything he wanted.
“And that it’s too bad you didn’t leave me there to rot like Teagan.”
His pupils dilated and contracted again, his stare moving to search my eyes as if memorizing every detail about them.
I jumped when he spoke and broke the silence. “Consider the bitch handled.”
Releasing me, he shifted his position, his hand falling on the wheel as he reached to start the engine. “Out of the car, Olly. I need to leave.”
What the hell was he doing?
“Why? Where are you going?”
“I have things to take care of. Get out.”
Panic was a spike stabbing through my heart.
“It wasn’t that bad. I just told them they couldn’t come tonight and I wanted you to back me up.”
God, why did it feel like he was rushing off to end their lives? Regretting the decision to tell him, I refused to do as he said, my back slamming against my seat with the silent message that I was going nowhere.
Soren’s head tipped down, his eyes closing slowly before opening again.
“Get out of the car, Olly, before I climb out of here and rip you out myself.”
He wasn’t kidding, not with the way his knuckles were blanching white over the steering wheel and the muscle jumped in his jaw.
“Forget about it, Soren. What they said was no big deal.”
Head snapping my direction, he roared, “Out.”
Tears welled in my eyes but I refused to blink and let them fall. Not while he could see. Hand gripping the door handle, I shoved it open, but before climbing out, I turned back.
“Why do you even care what they said to me? Why does it even matter?”
His expression darkened, his grip wringing over the leather wrapped wheel.
“Because you remind me of someone. At least until you made the mistake of growing up.”
“What? Who?”
How could I not grow up? I had no idea what he was talking about.
Shaking his head, he blew the question off. “It doesn’t matter.”
I knew that was all I’d get out of him. He’d shut down.
Hot and then cold again. I whacked at the cartoon mole in my head. The damn thing refused to die.
Climbing from my seat, I’d barely had time to close the door when he backed out of the driveway, the wheels squealing over the cement as he threw the car in drive and sped away, a patch of smoke rising up from the cement into the cool afternoon air.
I stared after him until the taillights were no longer in view, the entire time wondering what I’d done by telling him what those girls had said to me.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Olive
“Wear the teal blue dress, Olive. The damn thing was made for your body. You have hips and ass for days. I’d have to visit a plastic surgeon to look anywhere near as good as that.”
Kendall sat on my bed, her legs primly crossed as the short skirt of her black dress inched up her thighs. Staring in a compact mirror, she applied lipstick, popping her lips immediately after. Her head snapped up and she rolled her eyes.
“Stop holding it up in front of you to see how it would look. Just put the damn thing on.”
I wasn’t comfortable with her choice of outfit, but she’d brought it along with the refusal to let me wear a T-shirt and jeans to the party.
“I agree,” Shea called out from the bathroom. Wearing a red body suit that fit her thin frame perfectly, she bent over the sink while applying eyeliner.
“And after you’re done getting dressed, Kendall will do your makeup since she’s a fucking pro, and I’ll do your hair. It’s time to climb out of your shell, Olly, and learn to live a little.”
Kendall snapped the compact closed.
“Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet someone tonight and actually turn in your V-card. You can’t stay innocent forever.”
My cheeks tinged pink, but not because she was right about my so-called innocence. It broke my heart to think about how long I’d been lying to her, but I never told anybody what happened between Soren and me before he left for prison. I was too embarrassed by the mistake and also afraid it would be the newest gossip spread around town, eventually getting back to Nolan.
My brother wasn’t an issue anymore thanks to my dumbass having admitted it, but there was still something that kept me from wanting to spill about what happened two years ago, as well as the kiss that had occurred recently.
I responded with my typical excuse. “Won’t happen. Nolan will have a shit fit if any guy touches me.”
Kendall’s eyes snapped to mine. “Nolan hasn’t been around lately.”
I shook my head. “Yeah, but his trio of buddies, especially Soren, have moved in to take his place. As if one wasn’t bad enough, now I have three constantly watching me.”
Bouncing from the bed to her feet, Kendall crossed the room to snatch the dress from my hands and motion at my body.
“What’s that all about anyway? And lose the clothes so you can put this on.”
There was no use in fighting her. I had no doubt she would hold me down while Shea stripped me naked to pull the dress on.
Reluctantly, I peeled off my shirt and shoved my jeans down, kicking them off my ankles as I answered her.
“Honestly I have no idea why those three have decided to watch me. I have a feeling they’re giving Nolan a break. Making him feel better about all that time he’s been spending away. Becoming my guardian wasn’t fair to him.”
“Yeah, but you’re an adult now. He doesn’t have to watch over you so closely.” She slipped the dress over my head, the tight fabric up top leading down to a skirt that flowed over my hips like water.
Kendall was right about the dress. It was perfect for me, but I hated how much of my body it showed off.
“All the guys tonight are going to want you,” she said, a satisfied grin curling her lips.
Meanwhile, I knew one in particular who would probably take issue with every one of those guys, punching whoever took too long of a passing glance.
Shea peeked her head out of the bathroom and squealed.
“You look hot, Olly. And if all goes well, we’ll find a guy for you while Kendall snags Soren and I bag Grady.”
Surprised by the statement, I turned to Kendall.
“You would still get with them after what they made you do?”
She shrugged while tugging the dress into place over my chest.
“It was our task to complete. No big deal. Plus, it’s not like we’re trying to marry them. We just want to get it on.”
“That’s what I’m talking about,” Shea answered from the bathroom. “Now get your asses in here so we can finish getting ready.”
She could have put a gun to my head and marched me in there and it wouldn’t have been any less of a direct order.
Obediently, I followed behind Kendall, allowing them to primp and pamper me while I worried how Grady and Soren would react to these two thinking they had a chance with them.
I hoped it wouldn’t be a big deal and Kendall and Shea would set their sights on someone else. But lately, my hope didn’t count for much.
After another half hour of makeup and hair, the party was in full gear beneath us. Bass was thumping. Voices were laughing and carrying on. Cars were outside still pulling up, their headlights flashing through my bedroom windows before doors opened and closed as more people joined the party.
I still hadn’t seen what they had done to prepare me, but after Kendall swiped on the last of my lipstick and Shea allowed the final soft wave of hair to drop over my shoulder, they both nodded in satisfaction before turning me around.
“Ta-fucking-da, bitch. What do you think?”
I didn’t know who the girl was in the mirror staring back at me. It certainly wasn’t the one who walked into this bathroom thirty minutes ago.
No.
This girl with smoky eye makeup over wide blue eyes, long dark hair that fell in waves which mimicked the curves of her body - she wasn’t me. This girl was beautiful. Confident. Worthy of notice.
And one that wouldn’t get her ass handed to her by three obnoxious boys if she dared to step out of line.
This girl wouldn’t pass for the Little Olly that had been an annoying baby sister chasing after her big brother and his friends.
She certainly wasn’t the one who, just hours ago, couldn’t compete with all the others.
“I can’t go downstairs like this.”
They high fived each other behind my back, Shea’s eyes filled with mischief.
“Like hell you can’t. You look amazing and we spent too much time for you to hide all that amazing away. In fact, we’re going downstairs now before all the alcohol is gone.”
Dragged from the bathroom, I was given a pair of nude strappy heels to wear that made my ankles roll on the first few steps, and shoved through my door, the muted sounds in my bedroom now becoming a roar without a barrier between the party and me.
It was like that moment in all the ugly-girl-turned-pretty movies where she descends the stairs, all eyes on her as she gracefully takes each step.
Except, I wasn’t graceful and actually tripped over the first one, my hand slamming over the rail as I kept myself from tumbling down face first.
Kendall grabbed my shoulder.
“Easy, bitch. We don’t want to ruin all our hard work in the first minute of being out.”
I’m not sure what I imagined would happen when we left my room. I thought, maybe, there would be a few stares, some jealous, some surprised, and most confused. And although there were a few people glancing up, their eyes widening to see me in something other than jeans and a baggy top, it wasn’t the end all moment where the music stops playing and the entire room goes silent to see the change in Olive Reid.
Mostly, I imagined that Soren would somehow be standing near the foot of the stairs, beer bottle in hand that drops and shatters when he takes the first look at me.
Spoiler Alert: He wasn’t. Not even close actually.
I’d reached the bottom and was walking through the living room without even the first hint that he was around.
Two sets of hands led me toward the kitchen, Kendall and Shea directing me as if they were afraid I’d cut and run back to my room.
“There it is. I’ve been needing a strong drink for the past couple hours.”
We reached the makeshift bar set up on the kitchen island and the two of them went to work mixing what appeared to be red cups full of poison, when a familiar voice sounded behind me, the giggle that followed making my skin crawl.
Glancing over my shoulder, I watched Becky and crew stroll in with their arms linked together.
On one hand, I was relieved Soren hadn’t left here this afternoon to kill them. On the other, I was disappointed my request for a favor had fallen on deaf ears and they were allowed through the front door.
I guessed my sway with Soren wasn’t worth much, Becky’s eyes locking with mine as if she knew it, too.
My friends were clueless to what strolled up behind them, but I couldn’t break Becky’s stare, not while remembering the video they swore would be shown tonight.
Had Soren destroyed it? Or was that part of my favor ignored as well?
“Guess who was allowed in after all,” Becky said as they sidled up to stand beside us, their eyes taking me in before expressions of disapproval twisted their faces.
“You must be disappointed to learn nobody gives a shit what you have to say.”
> Kendall turned at the sound of Becky’s voice.
“Oh, gross. Who let the dumb sluts through the door? And here I thought this party would be disease free.”
They laughed, their heads falling back as their glossed lips parted, Becky being the first to stop and glare at Kendall.
“That’s rich coming from a girl who took it up the ass with a strap on.”
Kendall’s face was bright red within seconds, but she shook it off, her eyes narrowing on the bobble head, her arm wrapping with mine.
“It was the task. Everyone does them and if I recall correctly, you haven’t been given one yet. Maybe tonight’s your lucky night.”
“I won’t be doing that. Some of us have self-esteem and won’t be reduced to whores. Have fun being the guest of honor tonight.”
I froze in place beside Kendall, only because I knew about the plan with the video while my friends were clueless.
Maybe I should have warned them, but I’d sworn Soren would take care of the problem.
Rather than ask about what Becky had meant, Kendall smiled.
“I can’t wait to see what they have planned for you. And in the meantime, wash that bullshit blue shadow off of your eyes because the color makes you look like a cheap blowup doll from a discount store.”
Leave it to Kendall to insult a girl’s makeup; it was as if she judged every person by their skill with a blending sponge and angled brush.
Becky laughed her off.
Kendall and Shea were practically fuming at my side, their eyes watching as the other girls retreated.
“Someone needs to teach that bitch some manners,” Shea mused as she handed me one of the drinks they’d mixed.
Kendall agreed. “Hopefully Soren and them take care of the problem soon.”
Speaking of Soren...
We made a slow circuit of the house, wading through crowds of dancing bodies, before finding him, Quinton and Grady in the back family room.
There was plenty of room for people to mill about since the large entertainment center had been destroyed in his fight with Nolan.
After rounding the corner, it was Kendall that spotted him first, a hiss escaping her lips that drew my attention to the circle surrounding him.
“That fucking bitch,” Kendall growled under her breath. And I can’t say I wasn’t as disgusted as her.