ROOM TWENTY-FOUR

THEIRS TO HUMILIATE, THEIRS TO PLEASURE

DARCY ROSE

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Epilogue

Club Sin: Chicago

About Darcy Rose

Also by Darcy Rose

1

“A re you sure you want to do this?”

I nod my head quickly. “Yes.” No. Yes, probably. Maybe? Damn, I don’t know.

“If you are not sure, you can still leave.” The hostess who’s brought me to my room has been nothing but nice.

“I know…” but I really need the money. No one needs to know that part. Though she can probably figure it out on her own. Why else would someone agree to let three men do whatever they want to her for a night, right?

Well, if I’m completely honest with myself, this arrangement isn’t just enticing because of the money. I’ve always wanted to explore my sexuality more, but every time I brought up something I liked, I was not only shut down but also shamed for it.

“Only whores would want something like that. Don’t be such a slut, Mira.” Adam’s voice plays in my head. He always knows how to make me feel bad about myself, and I’m ashamed it took me so long to realize how toxic our relationship was.

“You look worried.”

“I am, but not about what you’re probably thinking.” The truth is, I am worried about Adam catching me before I get the money to leave this place for good.

“I can tell you they’re not ugly if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“It wasn’t.” I smile. “But it’s good to know they don’t have face warts or anything like that.”

“Definitely nothing like that,” she assures me. “They are quite nice looking actually, and if they didn’t have such a specific taste sexually, they wouldn’t have a hard time finding women at all.”

“Tastes?”

“You read the contract, right?”

“Of course!” I giggle nervously like the idiot I am. I did read the first and last page of the contract. I might have skipped a few in between… or all of them. Why? Because I felt like all the important parts were on page one.

All three guys were tested and are free from any diseases. They won’t cause me any physical harm. My safe word is red. If I say that word, everything will stop.

The truth is, I didn’t want to know what exactly they were planning on doing, which I’m second-guessing now. Would it be better knowing, or would it scare me off?

“Is this a normal request? I mean, I know you arrange meetings like this, but…”

“We have men sharing women all the time. Women sharing men is rare but also happens sometimes.”

I can’t imagine doing that, but then I can’t imagine any of this. I’ve only ever been with Adam—my ex, now that I finally packed up and ran—so this is all way beyond my limited experience.

I wouldn’t even know about this place if it wasn’t for my best friend. Not that she comes here. If she does, she doesn’t tell me about it, and she tells me everything. But she works in a big hotel in town and gets all kinds of customers. Recently, a pair of businessmen had a conversation about Club Sin within earshot of the front desk.

It wasn’t the thought of wild, anonymous sex that kept me listening when she told me the story of what she had heard. It was the dollar amount the men discussed.

How they were going to pay a girl ten thousand dollars between them. How she would let them do anything they wanted within the club’s rules. And the way they made it sound, there aren’t many rules.

Ten thousand dollars. That’s more than I could hope to make in… I don’t know how long. I’ve been trying to find a job since I left Adam, but the whole hiding out thing keeps me back. I can’t let him find me, which means it’s a risk just leaving the motel I’ve called home.

That reminds me of something. “Um, I’m sorry. Can I confirm the dollar amount on the contract?” I was in that much of a hurry to sign and get this over with that I forgot to double-check.

Her eyes narrow slightly, but she doesn’t chide me for not paying attention—though I’d deserve it. “Five thousand dollars from each of the gentlemen. That’s fifteen thousand dollars in total.”

It’s enough to make my fingers and toes tingle. “Right. That’s what I thought.”

She nods, then extends an arm and gestures to the room. I haven’t looked around much since we came in. Now I do, and I’m as impressed as I was with the classy, elegant first floor. This isn’t some skeevy sex club. You have to have serious money to play in a place like this—and the clean blood test I had to provide on coming in tonight tells me they’re not joking about safety.

“The men will be in shortly,” the hostess informs me as I slowly walk around the room. “Enjoy.”

Enjoy. Easy for her to say. The array of toys lined up against the back wall makes me wonder. I don’t even know what some of these things are. A riding crop? Something with a bunch of leather strips hanging from a thick, rounded handle. A few dildos that are all thicker than anything I’ve ever had inside me. Are they going to use these on me? Could I handle it?

There’s a table close to the wall with a big light hanging over it. I flip a switch and flinch at how bright it is—and now that I can see better, I notice leather cuffs hanging at all four corners of the table, along with straps running down both sides. To tie a person down and keep them still.

What have I gotten myself into?

The door opens before I can go too far down that particular road. What did I expect to see tonight? Businessmen like the ones Thatcher described over the phone? Men willing and able to spend five thousand dollars each for a single night with a woman.

Instead, in walk three men who look like they can’t be much older than me. Mid-twenties, tops. All three are big, muscular, and have ink peeking out from over their shirt collars.

They stop short upon finding me standing next to the table. I suddenly feel very small and very vulnerable. Goldilocks in front of the three bears.

Two of them look like they could be brothers with their dark hair and eyes, stubble covering their square jaws. The other has blond hair and blue eyes like me, though his eyes are more piercing.

And they’re piercing me now, along with the other two pairs of eyes, studying me while the men stroll around. They don’t say a word at first, settling for watching me. What are they thinking? What do they want me to do?

Finally, one of the dark-haired guys speaks in a deep, rumbling voice. “You know what you’re here for?”

“I guess so?” I’m in way over my head here. “I mean, there wasn’t anything specific in the contract.”

He sighs like he’s irritated. I’m already making mistakes. “You should already be blindfolded.”

“Give her a break,” the blond guy mutters. “Jesus. She just got here.”

“You look like you’re about fifteen,” the third guy muses, stroking his stubbled jaw.

“I’m nineteen. Do you think they would’ve let me up here if I couldn’t prove it?”

“Smart-ass.” He grins, though. “We’ll see how long that lasts.” Something about the way he says it makes dread—and desire—skitter down my spine.

“I’m Dash,” the blond offers before pointing to the super frowny guy who only frowns deeper now. “That’s Arden. And that’s Ranger.”

“Since when do we use names?” Arden mutters.

“Since it’s obvious she’s new to this, and we’re not total assholes.” Dash rolls his eyes a little. “Come on. We’re all going to have fun tonight.”

“You’re not a virgin, are you?” Ranger asks, lifting an eyebrow.

“No,” I say with a laugh.

“But this is your first time doing anything like this?” There’s hunger in his voice, in his eyes.

“That’s true.” I lift my chin. “But I’m ready for whatever it is you have in mind. So long as you respect the safe word.”

Arden snickers. “Of course. You don’t have to explain it to us.” He very obviously looks me up and down, and my body responds suddenly. Strongly. My nipples tighten, and my already wet pussy gets wetter. Warmer.

“We’re going to have fun tonight,” Dash assures me while his gaze moves over me just like his friends’.

“You’re going to do what we say, and let us do what we want.” Arden begins rolling up the sleeves of his button-down shirt, revealing more tattoos. Like he’s getting ready to go to work.

“We’re going to blindfold you,” Ranger explains. “And once we get started, you’ll do what you’re told… or you’ll be punished.” His gaze darts to the wall full of toys before landing on me again.

“I understand.” But I don’t. I’m only going along with what they’re saying because I need this money more than anything. My heart might burst out of my chest if it doesn’t stop racing the way it is, but I can’t back out. My whole life depends on this.

Besides, I can’t pretend they aren’t hot. Who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to be with three men who look like them? I was worried they’d be gross or ugly, but nothing could be further from reality. Now I understand what the hostess was talking about. No way any of them has trouble finding girls on their own.

But they want something special. Unusual. That’s what keeps me apprehensive as the men close in on me, and Ranger pulls a length of black silk from a hook on the wall. My blindfold. “You won’t hurt me, will you?” I whisper.

“We might,” Arden admits in that deep, scary voice. “But not for long. We won’t harm you. You really don’t have a clue what you’re doing here, do you?”

I hate how condescending he sounds. “I only wanted to be sure. I don’t know you. How can I trust you?”

“I guess that’s the question, isn’t it?”

I can hardly hear anything over the blood rushing in my ears. This is it. They want to get started. I signed a contract, and I have to go through with it.

Dash looks me in the eye and musters a faint grin. “Don’t worry. You’re going to enjoy this just as much as we will.”

As Ranger steps up behind me and begins tying the blindfold over my eyes, I can only hope he’s right.

2

I t’s dark. I can’t see anything. My knees are so weak I’m afraid I’ll collapse. I have to force myself to breathe slowly—in through my nose, out through my mouth—while the sounds of three men circling me fill the air. I can’t shake the mental image of wolves circling a lamb, ready to attack.

But no lamb ever made fifteen thousand dollars after an attack. That’s the difference. That’s what I have to keep in mind. No matter how scary this is, it’s all going to come to an end, and I’m going to move on and start a new life.

“Take off your clothes.” Who is that? Arden, I think. He’s got that bite of an attitude in his voice. All hard and demanding. My hands shake, but I reach back to unzip my dress. The air in here is cool enough to instantly bring goose bumps to life over my skin as I slide my arms free, then lower it to the floor.

Somebody’s breathing heavier than before. Maybe they all are. “Nice tits.” I freeze in surprise when a hand closes over one of them and gently massages. My already hard nipples are almost painful now. I’m surprised they haven’t torn through my bra.

Suddenly, that gentle hand changes, and both bra cups are yanked down to expose me. My hands twitch, and I begin to lift them to cover myself before I can think about it.

Somebody stops me. “No. You’re not in charge here. Hands down.” That’s Ranger, for sure, standing behind me and holding my wrists at my sides.

While he does that, somebody else hooks their fingers around my thong and pulls it down. I want so much to cover myself up, it’s ridiculous. My cheeks are burning hot, and I have to struggle against the stinging sensation behind my eyes.

Lips brush my ear, making me shiver. “Can I trust you to be a good girl?” Ranger whispers, tightening his grip on my wrists to let me know what he means. I nod since the lump in my throat won’t let me speak. He lets go and unhooks my bra. Except for my heels, I’m completely naked now.

Somebody takes hold of my hips. “Move back. Against the table.” I remember roughly where it is behind me, so I back up until I feel it behind my thighs. “Sit down. Lie back.”

Oh, my god. I’m shaking so hard I can barely do what they’re telling me, but somehow, I manage. Are they going to tie me down? How am I supposed to enjoy any of this when I can’t stop being afraid?

“Lift up your legs and spread them,” one of them demands. “Let’s see that pussy.”

My chin quivers, but I do it, holding them up by the backs of my knees. “Wider,” somebody growls. “Part your lips. We want to see all of you.”

I hook my arms around my knees and, using my fingers, part my lips like I’m told. I know the bright light over the table leaves nothing to the imagination. They’re seeing more of me than I’ve ever seen. Fifteen thousand. Fifteen thousand. It’s the only thing keeping me centered.

“Mmm… I bet you like this, don’t you?” One of the men stands next to me. I can’t tell which one it is. I can hardly hear them clearly with the roaring in my ears. “Look at you. Showing yourself off. Getting us hard. You ready for us to stick our cocks deep in that pussy?”

“She’s getting wet,” another one observes with a nasty little chuckle. “Brat. Pretending to be nervous when she’s loving this.”

“Pull them farther back. I wanna see that asshole before I take it.” A shudder runs through me. My ass? I’ve never had anal sex. I’ve never even thought about it until now.

“So many holes to fill.” A hand runs down the back of my thigh, stopping short of my ass. I shiver not only because it comes as a surprise. Whoever it is, their touch is electric. I wouldn’t mind if they did it again.

What am I thinking?

“Did you shave your pussy for us? Or do you keep it this way?” Whoever’s talking, they’re close to the area they’re talking about. Their breath is hot against my most sensitive parts. I freeze up, holding my breath, not sure if I want them to come closer or move away.

“Speak when you’re spoken to, bitch.” I flinch at the soft slap against my boobs. “Answer the question.”

“Yes!” I blurt out. “I keep it like that.”

“Nice and smooth.” It’s approval in his voice, whichever one it is. “Look at that tight cunt. I wonder how much could fit in there.”

“Grab one of those dicks on the wall and find out,” somebody else says. I tense again, my heart in my throat.

“What?” Another slap against my boobs. “You don’t like that idea? You don’t get a say. You’ll lie here with somebody shoved up both holes if we want.”

He runs a thumb over my mouth. “And take turns with your mouth. Open up.”

I do, and his thumb slips inside. “Suck it,” he mutters. “Show me what you’ll do to my cock tonight. Nice and slow.”

I close my lips around the thumb and draw it deeper into my mouth. “That’s nice,” he growls. “Use your tongue, slut. Show me how hungry you are for this.”

I swirl my tongue around his thumb while he works it in and out of my mouth. “You’ll have to put another finger in there to get her ready for me,” another one of them mutters before chuckling.

“We’ll see how she does with three.” All of a sudden, three fingers are sliding in and out of my mouth. All I can do is try not to gag on them while the men laugh and snicker. When the fingers move too deep and almost touch the back of my throat, I can’t help but choke and try to pull my head back.

“No. Doesn’t work that way.” He forces his fingers deeper, then takes the back of my head in his other hand to hold me still. “You’re going to take what you’re given, slut. Try that again, and you get punished. Understand?” All I can do is make a sound that I hope conveys agreement. Does it even matter? I’m completely out of control, my legs are starting to cramp, and I’m fighting to keep from gagging until I throw up. What happens if I throw up? Do I lose the money? Nobody wants to fuck the girl who threw up on them.

“You’ve had enough fun.” Somebody shoves the man aside, and his fingers disappear. I gulp in air and feel the saliva all around my mouth and chin. “Put your legs down and stand up.” I barely have time to lower my legs and put my feet on the floor before somebody takes me by my bicep and hauls me upright.

“Now, get on your knees.” I do, trembling. What are they going to do next? I hear them moving around, their footfalls filling the air, along with the sound of my frantic gasps for breath.

“Come here.” My head turns to the right, my ears following the sound. “Come this way. Crawl to me.”

“Slowly,” somebody adds. I think it’s Arden. His voice is the deepest.

I can’t believe this. I lean forward, palms on the floor, and remind myself again that I need the money. I need it so badly. I can’t let my pride get in the way. So what if my ass is in the air and my boobs sway with every move I make? I start slowly, trying to follow the direction I think the first voice came from.

“Where are you going?” someone says with a nasty laugh. “I’m over here.”

“Better hurry up.” All of a sudden, somebody smacks my ass. I yelp from the surprise and the sting the palm leaves behind. Tears fill my eyes behind the blindfold.

Which is it supposed to be? Do I take my time, or do I hurry up? I move a little faster than before even though I can’t see where I’m going. I don’t know which direction is which now. I’m afraid if I stop, I’ll get another smack, but I’m afraid I’ll run into a wall or something, too. In my head, I see the velvet-covered sofa and the coffee table. Where are they?

“What’s taking you so long?” Now the voice comes from my left. I follow it and try to ignore the soft laughter coming from the guys.

“Spread your legs wider.” I do, even though it makes crawling even more awkward. “Having fun?”

I don’t want to answer, but I’m afraid not to. “No.”

Laughter erupts around me. “You sure about that? Because from where I’m standing, you like it. Or is your pussy always that shiny and wet?”

Oh, my god. They can see? I hate myself for getting wet, but even more that there’s enough for them to see. That’s the last thing my body should be doing right now. I’m so confused and embarrassed and a little scared of where this is going.

But these guys are hot, and they want me. They’re looking at me right now and wanting me. I guess something is exciting about that. I can’t see them, but I hear them breathing. Grunting. It’s only a matter of time before they decide to stop messing around—and that’s exciting, too.

Not yet, though. They want me to crawl around and feel dirty first.

“I can smell your pussy from across the room, whore. Don’t pretend you’re not ready to be used.” He snaps his fingers. “Come on. Over here.” He’s moving, though, so I have to follow him. I hear one of them following me. Staring at my ass, I guess, or my pussy. Or both.

After what feels like a million years, my head bumps up against something hard. A kneecap. “Good little slut.” A hand cups the back of my head, stroking my hair. “Now get down low. Stick your ass in the air. And kiss my shoe.”

“Wh-What?”

That’s all it takes for the gentle hand to turn harsh, grabbing a handful of my hair and tugging. “Kiss my shoe. Don’t make me tell you again. Show me how grateful you are that we’re going to fuck every part of you tonight.”

I can’t hold back a whimper as I slowly lower my head, hoping he’s not talking about the sole of his shoe. The top would be bad enough.

“Moan for me,” he growls as my lips touch the shoe leather. “Show me you love it.”

I do my best to make it sound like this isn’t totally humiliating, but his hand loosens like he’s pleased anyway. “Good little slut. Now turn around and cross the room and do it again.”

“Over here,” somebody grunts. “Follow the sound of my voice. Don’t keep me waiting.”

I turn around carefully and start following the sound of a soft whistling. “Look at that ass,” someone says. “I can’t wait to paint it with my cum.” Wetness floods my slit, and I whimper in embarrassment. I shouldn’t like that idea, but deep down inside, I do. Way too much.

“You’re getting better at this,” someone else says an instant before my fingertips touch another shoe. I scoot forward a little and sense something on either side of me. Thighs. I’m between somebody’s spread legs, and they’re seated.

He takes me by the shoulders and raises me until I’m sitting on my calves. His hands caress my boobs before sliding up over my throat, then my face. For a second, I think he’s going to take off the blindfold, and I wish he would. I could handle this better if I could see.

“You’re perfect,” he decides. “Too perfect.” He drags a thumb over my mouth, which I know must smear the red lipstick I so carefully applied before coming here.

He turns my head to one side, then the other. “No. Still not good enough.” He holds my chin with one hand, and the sound of a lowering zipper tells me what he’s doing with the other hand.

“You always go first,” somebody complains.

“Just warming her up for you.”

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he takes me by the back of my head and shoves me down. Hard. Until his short pubes are rubbing against my nose and his dick is pressed against my cheek. I suck in what air I can, but it’s not enough, and I can’t pick my head up with him holding me down.

“Time to stop fucking around.” He lifts my head just enough to position himself against my mouth. “You want your money, slut? You’re going to earn it.”

He jams his way past my lips, plunging in all at once, hitting the back of my throat and making me gag. My nose is buried in his pubes, and I can’t breathe. I’m going to suffocate here. I bat at his thighs with both hands, but all that gets me is a round of knowing nasty laughter.

This is what they want. What they all want.

I can’t do this. I don’t know them, I don’t trust them, and I need this to be over now.

The second he eases up, and I can take a breath, I turn my face away from his crotch. “Red!” I blurt out. “Red, red, red!”

“Ah, shit.” He lets go, and I yank off my blindfold with a shaking hand.

I guess that’s it. I just blew my only chance at a future.

3

“I ’m so sorry. I am so, so sorry.” I am also so humiliated, kneeling on the floor wearing not a stitch of clothing. And now that the mood has changed—thanks to me—the whole being naked thing doesn’t feel as natural. I cover my boobs with one arm, then wedge the other hand between my legs. It’s like one of those old nightmares where I walk into school with no clothes on, only I’m not going to wake up from this.

Arden’s scowl isn’t helping things, either. So it was him trying to force me onto his dick, which still hangs out from his open jeans. It’s just as big as I imagined when I felt it against my face, even now that it’s starting to soften a little. He notices me looking, and his scowl deepens before he puts himself back in his pants and zips up. He remains seated, legs spread, glaring at me with his generous mouth twisted in disapproval. Or is it disgust?

It’s Ranger who reaches out to help me to my feet. He’s not scowling—no, he looks concerned, his heavy brows knitted together over eyes that dart back and forth across my face. “Are you all right? What happened?”

“Physically, I’m fine.” He leads me to the sofa, where Dash spreads a towel from the adjoining bathroom. Just like that, I’ve gone from being overwhelmed by their demands to being overwhelmed by their kindness. I’m not used to being taken care of, even in such a simple way as this.

When I sit, all three of them study me with questions written on their faces. “I really am sorry, but I wasn’t prepared for this. Not up here.” I tap the side of my head before crossing my arm over my chest again. Goose bumps cover my arms and legs, and I can’t help but tremble under their probing gazes. They already make me feel small, thanks to their imposing size, but now I feel around two inches tall.

“So it was your first time doing something like this,” Dash muses. I wish I could tell if there’s disapproval in his voice, but he’s not easy to read. None of them are.

Well, except for Arden. He still looks pissed. “Maybe you shouldn’t sign up for things you’re not ready for,” he suggests, raising an eyebrow.

Ranger shoots him a look that would freeze me solid if it was directed at me. “You’re just pissed because she’s not sucking your cock right now.”

“And what if I am? It’s what she signed on to do. There’s a contract.”

Ranger rolls his eyes. “Yeah, no shit, but it’s different when you’re actually on your knees and having somebody shove themselves in your mouth.” He looks around the room. “Not that I would know from experience.”

“You have to get in the right headspace,” Dash murmurs. Of the three of them, he seems like the most reasonable.

“I didn’t know.” I slide an apologetic look toward Arden, who only shakes his head. “I am so sorry. It’s not that, you know, I don’t want…”

He holds up a hand. “Stop. You don’t have to beat yourself up.”

“I have to ask.” Ranger folds his arms, which are thick enough to bring tree trunks to mind. “Why are you doing this if you don’t have any clue what goes into it?”

“Let me guess,” Arden interjects before I can take a breath. “You read a book or watched a movie and figured just because it got you wet, it means you’re into kink.” If he could sound a little more disparaging, I’d be amazed.

“You did get wet earlier. I saw it.” Dash’s grin widens when my face flushes. “So you were enjoying yourself for a little while.”

I can’t talk about that, mainly because I’m pretty sure I’ll die of embarrassment. But heat rises in my chest and spreads through me when I consider what Arden said. “You’re wrong about me. This isn’t a game. I’m not screwing around or experimenting or whatever.”

“Then what’s it all about?” Ranger asks. While he’s not particularly friendly, he still strikes me as kinder than Arden.

“I need the money.” I blurt out a short little laugh. “I mean, I’m sure plenty of people sign up here because they need money, right?”

“Probably,” Ranger grunts.

“And I get it. I should have, like, done my homework or whatever. But I didn’t know that I should. So I was kind of blind when I came in.” I look directly at Arden, who isn’t scowling as much anymore. “I really am sorry to stop things like I did. It wasn’t anything personal.”

His brow furrows. This is it. He’s going to blow up at me for insulting him. I brace myself, my heart fluttering sickeningly. Can the other two hold him back if he lunges?

He surprises me by staying in the armchair. “Hang on. I’m not some little pussy who gets his feelings hurt that easily.” He sits up a little straighter. “I just don’t love it when people back out on an agreement. Especially when it means me having blue balls.”

All I can do is shrug a little while looking from one of them to the other. This is the most ridiculous situation I’ve ever been in, no doubt. “I know I kind of killed the mood, but we can start again if you want. Just, you know, maybe let’s take it slow? Tell me what you want from me? I’ll do anything.”

Arden chuckles. “For one thing, never say that to people you don’t know.”

“That’s true,” Dash agrees, and he’s not grinning anymore. “We’re not the guys who will take advantage of that, but those types do exist.”

When I shiver, it’s not because the air is a little cool in here. “Trust me. I already know they exist.”

Ranger sits at the other end of the sofa. I appreciate the way he gives me space. Looking at him, I would expect him to be a brute. I guess I have a lot to learn. “Tell the truth. Were you into what was happening?”

There goes my face again, burning like it’s on fire. The least I can do is be honest, though, which is why I nod. “I mean, Dash said it. I got wet. I must have liked it.”

That wasn’t the right answer, though. He shakes his head, and my heart sinks. “That’s not the same as being into it. Your body can react one way even if you feel different in your head.”

It makes sense. Still, that doesn’t change anything. “I did like it, though. It’s different and a little weird for me because I’ve never done anything like this before, but… I enjoyed it.”

“We can work with that.” He looks at the other two, both of whom nod in agreement.

“What does that mean?” I ask.

“For one thing, it means you can put your clothes back on.” Dash shakes his head and grumbles under his breath while he gathers my things. “Sorry. All the blood was still below my belt, or else this wouldn’t have taken so long.”

“Like you do so much thinking without your dick.” Arden snickers. Either his mood has picked up, or it’s only his friends he’s not pissed at. I still can’t tell how he really feels about me.

“I think we both know I do plenty of thinking without my dick.” Dash hands me my clothes, and I accept them quickly. He’ll never know how grateful I am. I get dressed in a flash, and now I can think better without the embarrassment of being naked. It’s so bizarre. Just a few minutes ago, I was crawling around on my hands and knees with every part of me exposed, and I didn’t feel as nauseatingly humiliated.

“So I guess this means the party’s over for tonight?” I ask. I still feel bad, terribly bad, but personally, I can’t see going through with it now. Not tonight. Not when I’m so confused and conflicted.

“Yeah, it seems that way.” Ranger shrugs. “It’s fine. Safe words exist for a reason.”

That’s all fine and good, but it doesn’t help me when it comes to the reason I’m here in the first place. “Does this mean we’re finished? Like the contract is null and void?”

“Not even close.” Arden stands, unfolding his powerful body. Once again, I have to wonder who the hell these guys are. Did they, like, meet up on a website for bodybuilders or while applying for bouncer positions? “The contract is still open and valid.”

“That’s great. I would like to try this again. I want to fulfill my end of the bargain.”

“And you will,” he assures me, sounding a little cold.

“And you’ll get the money,” Dash adds.

“Of course,” Arden agrees with a short nod, still staring at me. “But first, we get what we want. That’s how this works. And now that you know what’s expected of you, we’ll expect you to be prepared next time.”

“I will be. I swear.” My heart’s thumping, but not with fear. Relief, more like. For a second there, I was sure I’d lost my last chance to get the money I need. “Thank you for understanding.”

“Just remember this. We might’ve been understanding tonight, but we won’t be so understanding tomorrow. Which is when you will be here, at the same time, better prepared. Got it?”

His eyes are practically burning into me, and I can hardly breathe for the weight of his stare. It’s like he’s sitting on my chest. I’ve felt this way before, this sort of dread and apprehension.

But there’s no fear like I’m used to. That’s the difference. I’m intimidated, yes, but not afraid. The worst that will happen is I’ll walk away from this without a cent. Granted, that’s just about the worst thing I can imagine right now, but there are much worse things—like men who take their frustrations out with their fists.

“Well?” he prompts, making me jump.

“Yes. I’ll be prepared. I won’t stop things next time.”

“Unless you need to.” Ranger gives Arden a pointed look that even I can interpret, and I don’t know them. “Right?”

The two of them battle it out silently, with Dash looking back and forth between them. The hair on the back of my neck begins to rise as the tension in the air heightens to the point where it’s practically sizzling.

Finally, it’s Arden who blinks first. “Of course. Unless you need to.” He strides across the room and flings the door open before marching out to the hall. I can breathe easier now, and I do, taking a deep gulp of air.

“No hard feelings,” Dash murmurs. “And don’t take this the wrong way, but I’ll be looking forward to tomorrow night.” He’s not being friendly this time. There’s almost a growl in his voice, and it makes me shiver in a good way. I moisten my lips with the tip of my tongue, and his nostrils flare, his gaze riveted to my mouth.

“Are you coming or not?” Arden calls from out in the hall. I have to wonder if other people currently enjoying themselves feel like hearing him shout.

Ranger rolls his eyes. “Tomorrow night. Be ready.”

“I will. I promise.” Still, it’s all I can do to keep myself from falling to pieces as they leave the room. I hear the three of them muttering to each other before their voices grow quieter, and finally, the hall is silent again.

I sink against the sofa’s padded back and close my eyes. I can’t miss out on the opportunity to get this money. My whole life depends on it. My future, all of it. And all it takes is going through with something that, truthfully, I was starting to like.

I need to figure out how I’m supposed to act and what to expect, or else I’ll blow it again.

And I seriously doubt any of them will be forgiving next time.

4

A s usual, I wake up with my heart in my throat.

I’m not used to being here. I don’t want to get used to it, either. This motel is the cheapest I could find. Everything reeks like stale cigarettes, and there’s a suspicious stain in one corner that looks like it might have been blood, but that just means I have to avoid that corner.

Every time I wake up, I have to remind myself where I am. My body does that whole thing where it freezes up out of fear and confusion. But soon, I remember. I’m safe here, even if I doubt I’ll be safe forever. And it reminds me of why it’s so important for me to get that money, and fast. If I’m ever getting out of here, I need the cash.

I roll onto my back, blinking slowly, wondering if I should go back to sleep for a little while. When I’m asleep, I can dream and avoid reality. It’s tempting. I was just in the middle of a good dream, too, where I was a little girl again, and it was Christmas Eve.

If there was any guarantee I would go back to my dream, I’d close my eyes right now. Things were so much better then. Simpler. Secure. Life didn’t turn to shit until I was a lot older.

But no, with my luck, I’d end up heading straight into a nightmare. The way things went last night, I’m surprised I didn’t have bad dreams from the moment my head hit the pillow.

Just the thought of it makes my stomach clench tight. Not the memory of what was happening or even the thought of what might have happened if we had continued, but rather the memory of how stupid, useless, and humiliated I felt after blurting out the safe word. A big part of me knows I shouldn’t feel this way, that it was my right to do that, but seriously. All because a guy wanted me to suck his dick? It’s not like he was sticking a gun in my mouth or something.

But no, I had to freak out and ruin everything. All those good girl tendencies came rushing to the surface. I hate that part of me. I hate feeling like I have to hold back.

I hate having Adam’s voice in my head. It’s not enough that he ruined my life and put me in this position. He has to pop up in my head at the worst possible time and make it so I can’t get him out.

Lying in bed and beating myself up over it isn’t going to help anything. I force myself to get up the way I used to when I was getting up for school in the morning: throwing back the blankets all at once and jumping up before I could talk myself out of it. Not a bad habit, really.

I take a quick peek outside from around the edges of the drawn curtains. The only cars out there are mine, and a pair of familiar trucks parked a few spaces down. I think those people live here permanently. Sometimes we pass outside and nod in greeting. Otherwise, we don’t bother each other. I appreciate that. I don’t like a lot of questions. I don’t like talking to people I don’t know, either.

And that’s something I’ve got to change. There’s so much I have to change.

One step at a time. First, I use the bathroom and brush my teeth. I turn on the TV, if only for background noise, so I don’t feel so alone before checking my food stash. There’s still a box of energy bars left, a few cups of mixed fruit, and a few packets of instant coffee. I’m going to have to get some more food soon. I hate to spend anything more than I absolutely have to, but I’ve already lost weight I couldn’t really afford to lose in the first place. Adam made sure I kept my weight where he wanted it when we were together.

At least I’m used to getting by with the bare minimum. This morning, I settle for a fruit cup before going to the lobby, where a coffee pot is set up. The woman behind the desk jerks her chin in greeting while a ribbon of cigarette smoke curls up from the ashtray hidden behind the counter.

The coffee is about as terrible as I would expect, but it saves me having to buy more for at least another day. I choke it down as I walk back to my room. Cars whiz by on the interstate, and I can’t help but wonder where they’re headed.

It’s almost nine when I get back to the room, the first thing to make me smile this morning. This is the time I always call the one friend I have left, once she’s settled in behind the front desk of an actual hotel. I’ve asked more than once if it’s okay for us to have personal conversations while she’s on the clock, but Thatcher doesn’t care. That’s pretty much the attitude she takes with most things.

“Hey, you.” She always answers the same way, too.

“How do you know I’m not a customer calling?”

“Because there’s this thing called caller ID. Maybe you’ve heard of it. The number comes up on this little screen when you call in, and I recognize it as your prepaid.”

“Fine, fine, it was a stupid question.”

“I mean, I can always give you the usual greeting.” She lifts her voice and adds enough pep for an entire bus full of Disney princesses. “Good morning, and thank you for calling—”

“Oh, gross. No, thank you.”

She laughs as softly as she can. “What, you don’t like hearing me sound chipper?”

“I’ve known you fifteen years, and you’ve never sounded like that except that one time you sucked helium out of the balloons at your birthday party.” There’s a lot of noise going on around her. “Is it okay for you to talk? Should I call back?”

“No, it’s fine. It’s just the shift change in the office. So long as I know you’re alive and well today. You know I can’t function until I hear your voice.” For once, she’s not being sarcastic.

Something about the way she says it wedges a lump in my throat. She’s the only person left in the world who cares about me, and I can’t even go see her because I’m afraid Adam will find me. Unless I know for sure he’s not following her around in hopes of tracking me, I can’t take that risk. “Alive and well.”

“Good. So what happened last night? Did you get the money?”

Right. I told her I had a prospect on the hook but didn’t go into detail. I didn’t know how to explain it, and I still don’t. I should have known better than to think she wouldn’t ask. Any good friend would, and she’s the best. You don’t know somebody from the first day of preschool without becoming close, and she’s practically my sister. I would ask the same question if our positions were reversed.

“Not yet,” I begin. “But I will soon.”

“Am I wasting time by asking what you’re doing?”

“Maybe.”

“Great. Now I have that to think about all day while I’m checking in ignorant customers and sending the maintenance staff to clean up the messes they make.”

“You don’t have to think about it.”

“Bullshit,” she hisses.

“Seriously, you’re going to get fired.”

“I whispered it. Anyway, like I could forget you telling me, there’s a chance you could make all the money you need to cover travel expenses and a deposit on a new apartment. All in one night. I mean, there’s a limited number of things that could involve.”

“Trust me. There’s nothing to be worried about. It’s totally legal.” I mean, right? Isn’t it? Sure, they’re going to pay me for sex, but it’s a private arrangement. It’s not like I’m being forced into it or trafficked or anything like that.

“But is it safe? Are you safe?”

That part, I don’t have to think about. If I wasn’t safe, they wouldn’t have let me walk away last night. Well, technically, they walked away first, but the point is the same. “I’m completely safe. You don’t have to worry about it.”

“So you’re not, like, a drug courier or anything?”

“No!”

“Because honestly, we had one of those in here like two weeks ago, during the overnight shift. A girl some shady dudes sent in to deliver drugs to their clients. Only she ended up coming to the front desk for help because they were threatening to kill her.”

“Oh, my god.”

“Yeah, no shit. This is the kind of stuff that runs through my head.”

“I promise, it’s nothing like that. And everything is going to be okay soon. I’m sure of it.”

She grunts, though something tells me she doesn’t quite believe my assurances. “I don’t even know why I’m so worried. You’re too much of a good girl to get caught up in anything sketchy.”

I don’t know why, but that sort of rubs me the wrong way. I mean, she’s not wrong. I’ve been a good girl my whole life. The girl who looks both ways before crossing the street—at the corner, too. The girl who always did the assigned reading but stopped short of reminding the teacher to assign homework on Friday afternoon. I was a good girl, but I wasn’t that good.

My whole life, I’ve played by the rules. This is the one time I can’t afford to do that because I can’t afford to spend the rest of my life hiding in this sad little motel, counting my pennies and drinking sludge from the lobby coffee pot. I can’t afford to spend the rest of my days peering out from behind the curtains, afraid to show my face. Expecting a very familiar, very angry face to look back at me.

“That’s me.” I sigh before faking a laugh. “You know you don’t have anything to worry about.”

“That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to worry about. I worry plenty.” Suddenly, her tone shifts. “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll be sure to make a note of that in our system, so you’ll be all set for your stay.”

“I guess that means goodbye for now.”

“That’s right, ma’am. Thank you for calling, and we’re looking forward to seeing you.”

“Try not to curse out any guests today.” I’m giggling when I end the call, and it’s a good feeling. I haven’t had many reasons to laugh lately. Not for a long time, actually. Thatcher has been the one bright spot in my life since I lost Mom and Dad.

I met Adam not long after. If it hadn’t been for that stupid fucking drunk driver who ended up without a scratch on him, my parents would still be alive, and I might have been in a better place when Adam strolled into my life. I might have been smart enough, or at least strong enough, to see him for who he was right away. After all, I wasn’t always the good girl, but I was the smart girl. I was supposed to be smart enough to see through somebody like him—a total fucking sociopath.

Instead, I was desperate for comfort and the illusion of safety he provided. At the time, I was flattered and totally smitten. He was the hottest guy in school back when he was a senior, and I was a lowly sophomore. Dad was his football coach, and he came to the funeral to pay his respects. That was where he first made his move, offering anything I needed. Less than two weeks later, we started sleeping together, and a week after that, I moved into his apartment.

He didn’t tell me before then that he’d dropped out of college—no, actually, he was kicked out, but I didn’t find out until later. Until my life was so thoroughly intertwined with his that I couldn’t see a way out. Until I couldn’t remember where he stopped, and I started.

I shake myself, literally forcing my entire body to move as a way of avoiding the spiral that inevitably comes whenever I stroll down memory lane. The past is the past, and there’s nothing I can do to change it.

What I can change is how I act when I go back to the club tonight. They’re not going to give me another shot at this, and I can’t come up with the money any other way. I’m afraid of getting a job, afraid Adam will find me and finish what he started the night I finally woke up and realized I had to leave or else.

It’s the memory of that night that makes me open my laptop and google… what? What am I looking for? Ways to get into the right headspace.

Silly me, thinking this would be quick or easy. What it is is time-consuming—and fascinating. One blog post leads me to another, which then leads me to an entire website dedicated to kink, fetish, and BDSM. I had no idea there was even a difference between them. It looks like I have a lot to learn.

It’s not only preparation for tonight that keeps me clicking and scrolling, reading until my eyes burn from staring at a screen for hours on end. It’s not only that I want to do the job tonight. I’m genuinely interested because I did get off a little bit on being bossed around last night. The last thing crawling around on all fours while wearing a blindfold should’ve done is arouse me, but that’s exactly what it did. Being called all kinds of degrading names, hearing their laughter. I should have hated it, but the opposite was true. Until Arden got forceful, I liked it.

If I knew the tone would shift that suddenly, I might not have freaked. I might’ve let things continue. I could have all the money I need right now.

One thing is for sure: these images and descriptions of submissives being pushed around and used like a toy have me almost soaking wet by the time I get in the shower to prepare myself physically for tonight. The telltale moisture in my panties when I take them off before showering makes me bite my lip.

I can smell your pussy from across the room, slut.

A shiver runs through me at the memory of Ranger’s growl last night. At the time, I didn’t know it was him, but after spending more time talking, there’s no doubt in my mind. I wonder what he would do with my panties now if he was here. Maybe lift them to his nose and inhale my aroma.

I’m aching by the time I step into the tub, my heart racing, my body yearning. I’m not afraid anymore, the way I was last night. Now, I can’t wait. I want to see how far they’ll make me go. I want to know what it feels like to have their hands all over me. I want them to use me for their pleasure. All this time, someone made me feel like they were the only one who would ever want me. Like I was a useless nobody.

Those guys last night wanted me before I ever took off my clothes. The way their dicks stirred in their pants—I noticed. It would’ve been impossible not to. I close my eyes as the first streams of hot water hit my skin, sighing when it trickles over my tight nipples. There’s a powerful feeling under all this. They might be telling me what to do, but they’re weak for me, too. And they were disappointed as hell when I ended things. Because they wanted me. They wanted to fuck me, to fill me.

I slide a hand down my stomach, cupping my mound before parting my lips. What will it be like to have them all over me? Licking, sucking, and touching every part of my body? I gently pinch my clit between two fingers and imagine Ranger sucking on it, while, with my other hand, I fondle my tits and imagine Dash groping me. My tongue runs over my lips, only it’s Arden’s tongue getting me ready before plunging his thick, rigid cock into my mouth.

All of them at once, using all of me.

I come suddenly, shuddering violently while my fingers continue working my clit. Imagining them pushing me on more, challenging me to see everything my body is capable of. Calling me a slut, laughing at me, forcing me to suck them off, to use my hands on them. To spread my legs and let them eat me, fuck me, pound into me until I scream their names.

My body tenses, my head falling back as I gasp for air, my fingers pumping in and out of my dripping pussy. Yes, yes, I want this. I want more. I want them to use me and make me scream for them when I come.

I don’t scream now, though. I bite my lip, holding back the high-pitched wail threatening to tear itself from deep inside me as I come again. The tension eases, the filthy fantasy images fading to nothing. I open my eyes to find myself back in this dingy shower with crappy water pressure.

But it won’t be long before fantasy becomes a reality.

This time, I’ll be ready for them.

5

T  he first thing I notice on being shown to the room is that only two men are waiting for me. Arden and Ranger are in the middle of a quiet conversation while standing next to the toy wall, as I’ve come to think of it.

The surprise makes me stop short. “Is everything okay?” I look toward the bathroom, thinking maybe the door will be closed like he’s inside. That’s not the case.

“Dash got caught up in a little last-minute work bullshit.” Arden sets aside the dildo he was examining. “I hope that’s not a problem.”

“It’s not a problem for me.”

“You look concerned,” Ranger observes.

I hate to ask this question, but I have to. It’s my whole reason for being here. They can’t blame me. “No offense, but what does this mean? Do I get the money?”

“You’ll get the full amount, don’t worry.” It still surprises me how kind and reasonable Ranger is when we’re having a normal conversation. I still don’t understand how he turns that hard, cold persona on and off.

“You’re sure? I was supposed to be… servicing… three men. Should we maybe wait for him?”

“He understands.” As he did before, Arden begins rolling up his sleeves. “You’ll get everything you signed on for.”

I guess there’s nothing for me to do but trust them. “I guess… we should get started?” Maybe I should stop talking entirely because everything coming out of my mouth sounds painfully stupid. Mindset. It’s all about mindset. I keep reminding myself of that as I walk farther into the room.

“Ready to get down to business. I like that.” Yet Arden scowls. “But I think you’ve already forgotten. You don’t call the shots. We do. And we’ll get started when we feel like it.”

“Of course. I’m sorry.” I lower my gaze to the floor, and he makes what sounds like an approving noise. I guess I made the right move.

“Are you better prepared tonight?” Ranger asks.

“Yes. I am. I’m ready.”

“You’d better be.” The two of them circle me. My heart hammers wildly, and I have to fight to keep from trembling under the weight of their stares. What are they thinking? What are they going to do? How far will they want to go?

“Of course, you know you’re still free to use the safe word if you need to.” Suddenly, Ranger presses against me from behind, one hand sliding around my throat and pulling me closer to him. “Only if you absolutely have to. None of this jittery bullshit like last time. Understood?”

“I understand.” Granted, I’m so nervous my knees are shaking, but I get it.

He continues to hold me that way while Arden steps up in front of me. He runs both hands up the front of my thighs, working my dress up around my hips. “You got me so hot for you last night, you little tease. So hard. Showing off your pussy the way you did. Your ass.”

“Apologize to him,” Ranger murmurs in my ear.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

“Louder.”

I raise my voice. “I’m sorry.”

But Arden only shakes his head with a frown. “Listen to her. I don’t like the tone in her voice.” I can’t win. It’s like they’re looking for reasons to punish me. I’m caught up in the moment, but part of me still understands that. I’m going to have to let go of my awareness if I’m going to play along the way they need. I have to be in the moment.

“Maybe we need to fill that mouth.” Ranger’s hand dances over my throat. His touch is feather-light, making me shiver. “How would you like to get your mouth stuffed? You’d love that, wouldn’t you?”

“Let’s find out.” Arden backs away, giving Ranger room to walk me to the table with the restraints attached. My head is spinning, and my body can barely keep up with the different sensations. All I want is to melt against Ranger and let Arden do whatever he wants, but they have other plans.

Ranger is rough, yanking down the zipper of my dress and practically tearing it off me. I know better than to cover myself when he does the same to my bra and tosses it aside. He crouches to remove my thong in one quick, efficient motion. Like I’m not even a person. Just a body.

“That’s better.” He shoves me onto the table. “On your back.”

It’s cold, but I know better than to show it. I lie on my back, that bright light directly over me. I can’t pretend it doesn’t hurt my eyes, and at least Arden is aware enough to adjust its positioning before taking my right ankle and fastening a leather strap around it. He cinches it tight the way Ranger does to my wrists. I sink my teeth into my lip to hold back a groan.

He does the same to my left ankle, letting his hands linger on my calf after I’m secured. A shallow breath catches in my throat when his hand moves farther north, over my knee.

“How does that feel?” Ranger asks, leaning down so he’s close to me. “Can’t move, can you?”

“No.” I give a tug on the wrist restraints to prove it.

“And how does that make you feel? Tell me. What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking…” What am I thinking? What do they want from me? “I’m thinking I have no control here. You can do whatever you want to me, and there’s nothing I can do to stop you.”

“Good girl.” He runs a hand over my cheek and down my throat. “You’re learning.”

I nod a little, too nervous to speak.

And too excited. I can’t pretend I’m not. I’m completely on display for them, and the height of the table puts me at eye level with their growing erections. This is all for me… because of me. They want me. Knowing that only makes me want to give them more of what they want.

“All of this for us to play with. Dash is going to be sorry he missed this.” Arden’s hand moves along my inner thigh, and now I can’t help but squirm a little. It feels so good. No matter how wrong it seems, I can’t pretend it doesn’t feel amazing. I’m wet and getting wetter with every second. Before long, it will be pooling under me.

“What should we do first?” Ranger looks over the length of my body. “How can this little slut please us tonight?”

“I know what would please me.” I can’t help but gasp when Arden’s fingers move along my slit. I close my eyes, lifting my hips as much as I can, my body inviting him before my conscious mind knows what I’m doing.

“She can’t even help it,” Ranger observes with an edge of disgust in his voice. “She’s that fucking desperate for cock.”

“Is that true?” Arden asks, rubbing my slick lips with skillful fingers. “Are you hungry for cock?”

I freeze up at the question. “Yes?” I whisper.

“You’re not sure?” Ranger closes a hand over my boob and squeezes. “You have to be prompted? Or do you need to be reminded?”

“I think she’s trying to be a tease. Pretending she’s not into it.” Arden’s fingers breach my slit to move deeper, where it’s warm and slick. “Fuck, she’s wet.”

“I thought so.” Ranger cups the back of my head, lifting it slightly. “So it feels good? Being touched like this? Tied down and knowing we’re going to use you like the slut you are? Do you like this?”

He doesn’t give me a chance to answer, instead shoving his covered bulge in my face. The denim rubs against my skin as he grinds against me, almost cutting off my air. I don’t know what to focus on, that or Arden probing my entrance. Confusion, fear, and building heat combine until I’m lost to it. There’s nothing to do but give in.

I gasp for air when Ranger pulls back, but he only does so long enough to unzip his jeans and pull himself free from his shorts. He’s at least seven inches long and so thick, I don’t know how I’m going to take him in any part of me. Not that I have a choice.

A bead of precum glistens at the tip of his head. “Lick it,” he commands, his fingers tightening in my hair while, with the other hand, he holds himself close to my lips.

I reach out with my tongue and swipe it over the hole, catching the precum. “Oh, fuck,” he groans before moving his hips, pushing the mushroom head against my mouth. “Just like you did with my thumb. Suck it.”

All at once, he plunges in, hitting the back of my throat and making me gag. He only chuckles, pushing a little harder until my nose is smashed against the base of his cock. “You can take it. Suck my cock.”

I don’t know what to focus on, Ranger thrusting in and out of my mouth or Arden working his fingers inside me. I don’t know how many, but I feel so full. “She’s tight,” he grunts.

“We’ll get her nice and stretched out,” Ranger mutters, plunging deep. He barely pulls back before doing it again, forcing me to suck in what little air I can through my nose before burying himself.

Arden adds a thumb to the mix, rubbing tight circles over my clit while he fucks me almost brutally with his fingers. I moan before I can help it, and they both laugh. “That’s right. Show me how much you love it.”

Another hand cups one of my boobs, and I think it must be Arden’s, but I can’t see with Ranger’s torso in my face.

I lift my gaze, trying to look up at him, and I find him staring down at me. “Harder,” he grunts, his jaw tight. “Hollow out those cheeks.” I do as he asks, and he groans.

I can’t pretend that doesn’t feel good. Knowing that what I’m doing makes him feel good. Pleasing him, letting him use me. Even when he holds my head still and starts fucking my face, setting the pace with no regard for whether I can breathe. Even that touches something deep inside me and lights it up like nothing ever has.

All of a sudden, everything comes to a stop. I don’t know if I’m glad or disappointed when he pulls out, slick with my saliva. Arden’s fingers suddenly leave me, too, and I want to scream in frustration.

They’re only switching places. I turn my head to the other side when Arden steps up next to me. But instead of plunging into my mouth like Ranger did, he shoves his fingers inside first. “Taste yourself,” he commands. “Lick my fingers clean.”

Mentally, I recoil from this—physically, though, I give in gladly. We make eye contact while I suck his fingers, and he growls through gritted teeth. “That’s right, be a good girl.”

“I need to taste this pussy.” There’s barely time to register Ranger’s statement before his tongue is on me, and oh, my god, I didn’t know it could feel like that. Now I understand how much I’ve missed out on. Why girls actually want guys to go down on them. I wish I could spread my legs wider, but they’re wide enough for Ranger to wedge his head between them and eat me like he’s starving.

I moan around Arden’s fingers, which he withdraws in favor of pulling out his dick. “Suck it good,” he mutters before shoving himself past my lips. This time I’m better prepared, but my focus is split between what Ranger is doing to me and how to manage the enormous cock filling my mouth.

Soon the only sounds in the air are our rapid breathing. Arden’s groans of approval and my muffled moans as Ranger assaults me with his tongue. I jerk my hips as much as I can, and I feel him laughing against me. The vibrations rumble through me, adding to what’s already looking like it’s going to end up in an explosion.

“You’re gonna make her come,” Arden observes. He looks down at me, our eyes meeting. “Is that right? Are you gonna come?” All I can do is whimper because, yes, I am, while strapped to this table and being used by these two men. With a cock in my mouth and a tongue buried in my pussy.

The thought of that-how I’m being used, how dirty this is—pushes me over the edge.

My back arches before I scream out my release. Arden pulls out, and good thing because I’m out of control. Writhing, almost thrashing against my restraints while Ranger continues licking, lapping at the juices flowing freely from my quivering hole. It goes on and on, and for a second, I think I’m broken, that there’s something wrong with me. I’ve never come like this before. It’s enough to almost bring me to tears before it finally subsides. Before Ranger pulls back, the stubble on his cheeks scraping against my inner thighs as he lifts his head.

I open my eyes in time to look down and find him running a hand over my slit, using the wetness to lube his shaft. He stands on one side of me, Arden on the other, and I watch their fists fly up and down their shafts. They’re jerking off to me. Looking at me and pleasuring themselves. It’s enough to turn me on again, even though I’m still coming down from my orgasm.

My breath catches in surprise when Arden shoots cum across my stomach. Ranger follows maybe a second later, the first spurt splashing across my chest. “Fuck,” he groans, eyes closing, head tipping back as he and his friend empty themselves on me. My skin glistens in the overhead light when they’re finished covering me.

Arden recovers first, his breathing still heavy as he releases the wrist restraints. “Eat it.”

My eyes widen, and I’m right back where I was before: confused and apprehensive. “What?”

“Eat my cum.” When I don’t move fast enough, he grabs my wrist and places my hand on my stomach. “Put it in your mouth.”

“Clean yourself up,” Ranger grunts, snickering at the disgust I can’t contain. “Come on, slut. Show us how much you love it. Fill yourself up.”

There I was, thinking they couldn’t humiliate me anymore. I scoop up what I can and do everything in my power to keep from gagging as I shove my fingers into my mouth before I chicken out. I swallow quickly before doing it again. The faster I get it done, the faster it’ll be over.

“Make sure you get all of it.” I do my best, and finally, Ranger strokes my hair. “Good girl. A little slut knows how to please her masters.”

Arden unfastens my ankles. “Go clean yourself up.” I sit up, dazed and a bit lightheaded. Somehow, I manage to make it to the bathroom without falling over. I close the door—at least they didn’t tell me to keep it open.

That was more intense than I could have imagined. I reflect on it as I wet a hand towel, then wipe between my legs. I rinse it well, then do the same with my stomach and chest.

Finally, I meet my gaze in the mirror. Eye makeup running, lipstick smeared all over. Who am I? Especially considering the disappointment tugging at the edges of my mind. I should be glad it’s over, but I’m a little disappointed. I expected more than that. But money is money, right?

When I leave the bathroom, I expect to see the two of them dressed and ready to leave.

Instead, the opposite is true. They’ve both stripped down to their shorts, and when I open the door, they turn toward me, wearing hungry expressions.

“Let’s continue,” Arden growls.

I have to bite my lip to hide a smile.

6

S eeing what can only be a butt plug in Ranger’s open palm makes my breath catch—and not in a good way. He notices where my attention lands, grinning at my apprehension. “Ever used one of these before?”

“No,” I admit with my heart in my throat.

“This will be fun.” He exchanges a grin with Arden before nodding toward the sofa. “Lean over it. Place your knees against the edges of the cushions and spread your legs.”

When I hesitate, Arden barks, “Now.”

That gets me moving. I scurry over and place my hands against the back of the sofa while spreading my legs, crouching a little, so my knees hit the edges of the cushions like Ranger said. “Don’t keep us waiting again.” Arden punctuates this with a slap against my ass. I grit my teeth to stay quiet. I don’t know why, but for some reason, it’s important for me to show strength. There’s still part of me that doesn’t want to give in fully.

And that’s a mistake because it earns me a sharper slap on the other side. This time, I can’t help but squeal in pain, tears rising to my eyes. “Oh, are you going to cry now?” He leans over from behind, taking me by the jaw and pulling my head back until our eyes meet. “Is the little slut going to cry?”

“Answer him,” Ranger instructs.

“No. I’m not.” I blink back the tears, willing myself to pull it together. He snickers like I said something funny before letting go.

The unmistakable sound of something squirting out of a bottle rings in my ears. “Let’s get you ready first.” Something cool hits my ass crack, and I flinch, pulling my hips forward. One of them takes me by the hips and yanks them back instead, spreading my ass cheeks and rubbing what I guess is lube between them.

A thumb circles my asshole, and I moan softly. “You think that feels nice? Just wait.” It’s Arden’s voice—and Arden’s thumb which breaches the entrance and begins working its way inside me.

Surprise mixes with apprehension mixes with pleasure as nerve endings jump and sizzle. This is completely new, and I don’t know how to handle it. The pressure, the mix of discomfort and the beginnings of sweet pleasure.

“Relax,” Ranger murmurs, for a second sounding more like the real person behind whoever he is right now. “Breathe.”

I do, and the pleasure deepens as Arden works more of his thumb inside me. “It’s gonna feel so good, taking this ass,” he whispers.

I’m still not sure if I’m a fan of that idea, but right now, I hope he never stops.

“All right. Here we go.” At least he warns me before withdrawing his thumb and replacing it with something cold and hard and metal. “Relax.”

Easy for him to say. I close my eyes and will myself to loosen up back there since all I want to do is clench up, and something tells me that would only make it hurt. The toy slides in, and I press my lips together against a moan of mixed discomfort and pleasure. It’s so wrong, but I can’t help it. It feels so good, too.

“How’s that?” Ranger rotates it until I moan. “Feel good?”

“Answer him,” Arden warns, circling the couch to stand in front of me.

“Yes,” I whisper. I’m too embarrassed to look him in the eye, so I fix my gaze on his chest, staring at the intricate ink marking it.

“Look at me when I’m speaking to you.” Again, he takes my jaw in his hand and forces me to look up. “Now. Does that feel good? Tell him.”

“Yes,” I repeat, a little louder this time.

“What’s that tone I hear in your voice?” His hand tightens until he’s almost squeezing my throat. “Do we need to correct this attitude?”

“No, please.”

“Because we’ve been very generous to you so far. We allowed you to come earlier when we could have stopped you.” With his other hand, he reaches down to play with my nipples, pinching them until I suck in a pained gasp through my teeth. “Maybe we won’t be so nice this time.”

Ranger steps up close behind me until he’s pressed against my ass with his dick between my thighs. He drags it across my slit, and I can’t help but push back against him a little. “Eager little slut.” I don’t know if he thinks that’s a good thing or not.

“You think you’re ready for this?” I barely have time to figure out what’s happening before he pushes into me, filling me like I’ve never felt before. I have to grit my teeth against the first moment of discomfort, but it passes quickly.

Arden holds my head in place while taking himself out of his shorts. He’s hard again, and he digs his fingers into my cheeks to part my lips before plunging deep.

I can’t keep track of everything I’m feeling. The friction from Ranger’s dick buried deep in my pussy. The way he bumps against the flared base of the butt plug every time he drives himself into me. The sense of fullness, like I’m about to explode. Arden using me roughly, taking my head in both hands and fucking my face mercilessly until spit runs down my chin, and I gag on him. But he won’t stop, thrusting harder, laughing at my distress.

Ranger digs his fingers into my hips and pulls back with every thrust, doubling the thrill that races through me every time our bodies crash together. I move back and forth, serving both of them at once while my body hangs in a suspended state of overload.

Just when I think I can’t take it anymore, they pull out at the same time. I collapse against the sofa, panting, dripping from both ends. I only have time to drag my forearm across my mouth and chin before Ranger takes Arden’s place so I can suck him this time.

And when I feel Arden’s hands run down the length of my back, I know he’s taking his turn, too. He’s a little thicker than Ranger but not quite as long, so the sensation is different. I can feel him rubbing against the butt plug every time he moves inside me, and it feels so good I could cry.

“Look at you,” Ranger grunts between deep thrusts into my waiting mouth. “Getting spit-roasted like the slut you are. I bet you like this, don’t you? I bet you want to come. Do you want to come all over his cock?”

“Mm-hmm,” I manage.

He pulls back until he leaves my mouth. Taking himself in one hand, he slaps his dick against my cheek—one side, then the other, back and forth. “What was that?”

“Yes!” And I’m so close, too, the pressure from the butt plug and the friction from Arden’s thrusts pushing me closer until I want to scream. “I’m going to come!”

But I can’t because Arden leaves me hanging by pulling out. When I try to look over my shoulder, Ranger holds my head in place with an iron grip. “Remember. We decide when that happens.” He fills my mouth again, laughing as I struggle to catch my breath.

Arden, meanwhile, rotates the butt plug. I lift my ass, silently encouraging him. “I wonder how many times we could bring you to the edge,” he muses before reaching down to stroke my clit. It’s like heaven, the sensory overload.

But it stops again, and so does Ranger. He withdraws from my mouth but is quickly replaced by Arden, who takes a handful of my hair and pulls my head back. “You’re going to suck me until I come in your mouth. Understood?”

“Yes,” I reply with something that sounds like a moan.

“And you’re going to swallow every drop.”

“Yes.” He holds himself in front of me, and I plunge my head down, taking him inside, rubbing my tongue along the underside of his shaft.

“Fuck, yeah, that’s good. Suck that cock.” He wraps my hair around his fist, tugging until I’m at the edge of pain and pleasure.

“You ready for me?” Ranger asks, not waiting for an answer before filling me again. Now he takes me harder, pounding me, pounding against the butt plug, too. I’m so close again, ready to explode, lost in sensation, the heat building and growing in my core.

And he feels it, too. “You getting ready to come again?” he grunts, his fingers digging into my flesh until I know there will be bruises. I want them. I crave them, crave the idea of him marking me. Hurting me. Even now, too blissed out to think straight, that thought rings clear.

“What do you think?” he asks Arden. “Do we let her come?”

“If she swallows every drop like a good girl,” Arden grunts. He’s thrusting faster, harder, losing his rhythm. “Get ready. Here it comes.”

He plunges in one last time, hitting the back of my throat a split second before he fills it. I don’t waste time, gulping down one blast after another before it can hit my tongue or spill out. He holds my head in place, still buried deep. “Good girl.”

“You satisfied?” Ranger asks him, still taking me hard, bringing me so close to the edge I’m about to scream with or without Arden in my mouth.

“Fuck yeah.” He pulls out and runs a thumb over my mouth.

My walls tighten around Ranger until he hisses. “So tight… so close…” He rocks me forward with every thrust, but Arden is there, stroking my hair and running his hands over my shoulders and back.

“Be a good girl and come for us,” he whispers close to my ear. “Let me hear you scream. Show us how good it feels to be used.”

Oh, god, I would even if he didn’t want me to. There’s no holding back. The heat and the tension build until there’s nothing for me to do but scream, to let it out before I fall apart. I throw my head back, and my broken cry fills the air until my voice breaks, and there’s nothing to do but shudder as wave after wave crashes over me, pulling me under to where there’s no light, no sound. Only bliss.

I barely even register when Ranger comes, pulling out and splashing across my ass. I lean back against him, and he keeps me from slumping forward. This time, he’s gentler, more caring. “Just breathe,” he murmurs. I do, each breath mixed with a broken moan as I process everything still racing through my body.

“We might have taken that a little too far. I’m sorry.” Somewhere, I register Arden spreading a towel over the sofa. I sink gratefully against it, my limbs loose and watery, my heart still pounding.

“I’m going to take this out.” I feel fingers at my back entrance and can only nod in understanding before the plug comes free. “I would’ve done it while I was back there, but I don’t think you could have handled it.” I see his point. I don’t know that I could’ve handled one more part of me being stimulated.

Slowly, I come back down to reality. Ranger is gentle—careful as he wipes me clean. Arden brings me a bottle of water, and I take it gratefully, gulping it down to soothe my dry throat.

“Are you all right?” He leans down, brushing hair away from my temple.

I nod and try to smile, but I’m so tired now. “I’m fine. Did I… do okay?”

He grins, and he should do it more often. “You did better than okay.” He exchanges a glance with Ranger, who’s also grinning. “You did just fine.”

I could swear I’m glowing with pride. It seems like it’s a strange thing to be proud of, but I am. I did a good job, like I was supposed to.

They get dressed while I stay on the sofa, resting. Pretty soon, I’m chilly, so I get up and go to the bathroom before getting my clothes together and putting them on. It’s still sort of a letdown, bringing an end to things. I hate to say goodbye, crazy as it seems. How am I ever going to have this experience again? I want to. I want that feeling of being at their mercy, out of control, forced to accept the pleasure they give me.

Ranger clears his throat as I slide into my shoes. “Listen. We were talking earlier when you were in the bathroom.”

“Please, don’t take this in any way other than at face value,” Arden adds. “We’re not trying to scam you.”

Something cold touches my heart. They’re not going to pay me. I should’ve known.

“Would you be all right with doing this again?”

Ranger jumps in. “So Dash can take part. That’s all. We’re totally satisfied. But it was so much fun, and we hate for him to miss out.”

“And for you to miss out on it,” Arden adds. “You can say no. No hard feelings, you get your money, it’s done.”

I don’t want to be too eager, so I chew my lip and frown like this is anything other than the answer to a prayer. “I don’t think I could do this again tomorrow, though,” I admit. I’m already sore as it is.

“That’s fine,” Arden assures me. “We’ll be busy with work stuff tomorrow, anyway. Two nights from now?”

Maybe I’m the slut they make me out to be because nothing would make me happier. “That sounds good. After that, I get my money, right?”

“Absolutely.” Arden reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a wallet. “In fact, consider this a down payment. You’ll still get your full amount.” He pulls out a bunch of bills, along with a black business card that he hands over.

“This is a lot of money!” I point out with a disbelieving laugh.

“And you’ll use it. Go to that address tomorrow morning at eleven o’clock. The owner will be there.” When I look from the card up at him, confused, he points at it. “Just go to that address. She knows us. She knows what we like. I’ll call in advance, so she’ll be expecting you.”

There’s no business name on the card, no contact name. Only an address. “If you say so.”

“We’ll see you in two days.” Ranger flashes a genuine smile that makes him look younger and kinder. “You did a good job tonight.” He surprises me by draping an arm around my waist and kissing my cheek before following Arden out of the room.

I have to go to a place I know nothing about to buy something I know nothing about. It means going out in public, which I try not to do if I can avoid it.

But it also means a night with not two but three studs. Considering how much fun I had tonight, it can only get better when Dash is involved.

When I look at it that way, there’s not much of a choice.

7

M y heart’s in my throat as I walk down the block where the store should be. According to the card Arden gave me, it’s located at 723, so it should be in the middle of the row of storefronts.

I parked in the nearest garage, looking over my shoulder the entire time. I don’t know what I expect, really. Will Adam jump out from nowhere and kidnap me? That would mean he’d be following me around all the time, and I doubt that because he can’t possibly know where I am. Besides, Chicago is a big city. It’s silly to imagine him spotting me among so many other people. It’d be like finding a needle in a haystack.

Still, I’m apprehensive, walking with my shoulders hunched and my arms crossed in front of me. My head’s on a swivel, my eyes darting this way and that. I’m sure anybody looking at me would think I probably stole something and shoved it under my puffy coat that’s a little too big for me, thanks to the rigid diet I’ve been on. I wonder how long it will take before I feel confident enough to walk down the street like a normal person.

All the more reason for me to get the hell out of this city, which means doing what Arden wants and going to this store.

Only there isn’t a store. At 721 is a store that sells sneakers, ball caps, and jerseys. And at 725, there’s a pharmacy.

Between them is a narrow, three-story building of slate-gray stone. It has tall, windowless doors, and the existing front windows are backed with what looks like plywood. The glass is there, but the plywood behind it blocks any hint of light from filtering through.

This can’t be it. There’s not even a sign. It looks abandoned.

It’s the absence of weeds in the cracks on the sidewalk that tells me otherwise. The fact that the stoop is swept clean. And the windows, though useless, are intact. Just like the paint on the doors—not a single chip or scratch.

That doesn’t mean I feel any less queasy walking up the stairs. What goes on in this store that they can’t allow anybody to look inside? What is Arden sending me into?

There’s a small bell off to the side of the door. I jam my finger against it and pray this isn’t a huge mistake. Here I was, thinking I was such a badass after what happened last night. I guess I still have a lot of good-girl tendencies in me.

I only have to wait a moment before the door swings open to reveal a darkened entry and a second door on the other end. I realize somebody opened the front door remotely. Just another layer of mystery. I step into the entryway, the floor tiled in what looks like an ancient mosaic, while the front door swings shut behind me. The second the lock clicks, the inner door opens, and a tall, statuesque woman stands before me.

“Good morning. You must be Mira.” She stretches out a hand, her nails bloodred and shining. “My name is Cassandra. How are you today?”

Once again, not what I expected. She’s dressed in a deep purple blouse, black pencil skirt, and knee-high leather boots. Her dark hair is pulled into a clip at the back of her head. She’s tasteful, striking, and professional. What did I expect? Latex and pasties?

“I’m a little nervous,” I admit. Why not? I’m sure I must look it, my eyes almost bulging out of my head as I take in the store around us. Again, it’s surprisingly tasteful, the black floor and purple walls matching Cassandra’s outfit.

“Can I get you something to drink? Coffee? Tea? I have sparkling water and juice, as well.”

“I would love some water, thank you.” Her heels click on the floor as she walks away, disappearing into a back room separated from the sales floor by velvet curtains.

“Feel free to take off your coat and make yourself comfortable,” she calls out. I do as she says, still looking around. Mannequins display various outfits: corsets, bustiers, and leather skirts. One mannequin wears a latex catsuit. I can’t imagine how a person breathes or even sits down in something so tight. What happens when you have to pee? I almost want to go over and inspect the crotch area. Maybe there’s a slit?

He doesn’t expect me to wear something like that, does he?

Cassandra appears holding a small bottle of Perrier. “Let me guess. This is your first time visiting a store like mine.”

“Wow, am I that obvious?”

She lets out an indulgent little laugh. “Don’t worry. I won’t bite, and nobody wants you to wear anything that makes you feel uncomfortable in any way. Physically or otherwise.” She takes a step back and walks around me in a slow circle. “Yes, I think we have plenty of options here that would suit the tastes of the men who sent you.”

My cheeks flush at the thought of them. “Are they, like, customers of yours?”

“Let’s just say we have a working relationship. They’re generous enough to send new clientele my way, and I do everything I can to provide what they want.” She comes to a stop in front of me, tapping her chin with one of those red nails. I wonder where she gets them done—though I doubt I could afford it. Everything about her screams money.

“Is this all you have here? I mean, outfits and shoes?”

“On the second floor, we feature toys and other accessories.” She arches an eyebrow. “Are you interested?”

“I’m just trying to learn everything I can.”

“Maybe I’ll include a manual or two for you. We’re big on education here, as well.” She keeps using the word we, though she’s the only person here besides me. It would be rude of me to ask for more details, no matter how insanely curious I am. Now that I’m not so intimidated, plenty of questions are rushing in to fill the void.

She crooks her finger, beckoning me. I follow her down the rows of clothing racks lining the walls. She sizes me up, looking me up and down a few times before pulling out a few items and holding them up in front of me. I happen to catch sight of a price tag dangling from a leather corset and barely bite back a gasp. Yes, Arden gave me a lot of cash, but I would never imagine spending $400 on a single corset, no matter how beautiful it is.

“I think they’ll like this.” She drapes it over one arm before continuing to a display of what at first looks like a bunch of straps and buckles. “Thigh harnesses,” she explains before I can ask. “And we’ll get you some stockings and a pair of boots as well. And of course, you’ll need a skirt and panties.”

“I’m completely in your hands. I don’t know the first thing about any of this. I just want to look good for them. The way they want me to.”

My heart sinks when her crimson lips screw up in a disapproving sort of way. “Let’s get that misapprehension out of your head right now. You’re not doing this to look good for them.”

“I’m not? I mean, that’s the reason I’m here. And I sure couldn’t pay for this on my own.”

Still, she shakes her head. “What matters is whether or not you feel good wearing these things. Whether you feel confident and comfortable in your skin. If you don’t, then it’s absolutely off the table. We can always find something better suited to you. Believe me, nothing is less sexy than a woman dressed in even the most expensive, gorgeous outfit when she clearly hates it.”

“That makes sense.” And it relaxes me further, too. No pressure.

“Good.” She lifts her arm, holding the items up for my inspection. “Are you ready to start trying things on?”

“Why not?” I follow her to a curtained-off dressing room, where she arranges the items on hooks and across a long counter.

“I can lace you into the corset if you want. When you’re alone, you can use the front closures to put it on and remove it.” She shows me how they work, and it makes a heck of a lot of sense. Here I was, thinking I would have to tighten the laces on my own. I’ve seen enough historical movies to know it usually requires another person.

It takes a minute for me to figure out the leg harness thingies, a series of straps that run around my thighs attached to a single strap running down the outside of my thigh and ending at my knee. I tighten them one by one and sort of like the way they look, especially when paired with fishnet stockings and a pair of knee-high boots that fit like a glove.

Next, I pull on a pair of crotchless leather panties over my thong to avoid being gross in case I don’t end up buying them. On top of that goes a leather skirt that barely covers my ass. And even that is more expensive than I would ever consider if I was the one paying for all of this.

Finally, I take off my sweater and bra and slide my arms through the straps of the corset before closing it up in the front. It still hangs wide open in the back, so I poke my head out from the curtain to find Cassandra perched on a leather sofa, waiting for me. “I think it’s time.”

“You’re looking fabulous so far,” she observes with an approving grin before I turn around so she can lace me up. It’s not as uncomfortable as I imagined, probably because this is not an actual corset somebody would wear outside of the kind of activities I know are going to be happening. It’s a little snug by the time she’s finished tightening it, but I’m not fighting for air.

“All right. Check yourself out.” She turns me forty-five degrees so I can see myself in the mirror—and I barely recognize myself. I mean, it’s me. My eyes, nose, hair.

But it’s not me. The girl staring back at me from the mirror is a badass. Strong, powerful, sexy. “Wow,” I whisper, staring at myself. Especially at my boobs, which look fantastic in this thing. That alone might make it worth the price tag.

“See? That’s what I mean. You have to feel good about yourself in clothes like these. Otherwise, it’s nothing but a costume. You could just as easily play the dominant or the submissive in these clothes. It would be entirely up to you.”

“I think I’m the submissive,” I whisper.

“Nothing wrong with that. You can’t have one without the other, right?” She winks from behind me before adjusting the strings at the back of the corset. “Honestly, you’re stunning. But your visit is not over yet.”

“How come?”

“I’m going to look through a few more things. Why don’t you take that off, and I’ll be right back.”

I don’t even want to. I like the way I look wearing this. I like the way I feel in it. It’s amazing how a single outfit can have this effect on me.

I try on a few more things—a tight leather dress that’s barely longer than the skirt and a pair of vinyl pants that aren’t as uncomfortable as I imagined they would be. But I don’t like any of it as much as I like that first ensemble, and I tell her so.

“I thought you’d feel that way, but it’s always good to have an idea of what else is out there. There are plenty of other items for you to explore if you want.”

“I only have so much money right now,” I explain.

“Of course. I’m sure once they see you looking so fantastic, they’ll make sure you come back for more.” She winks, and we exchange a secret little smile. I like her a lot, much more than I could have imagined. She’s not intimidating at all. More like a wise friend, just like Thatcher.

Oh my god, Thatcher would lose her shit if she knew I was here. I can’t think about that right now.

I also don’t have the heart to tell Cassandra that I’ll be putting Chicago behind me as soon as possible. This is the first and last time we’ll be seeing each other.

By the time I’m dressed, she’s at the register, and along with the folded-up clothes and the box containing the boots are a couple of books and a few smaller boxes. “These are a gift for some of my best customers,” she confides. “Take them with you the next time you meet with them. They’ll know what to do.” I should be worried, shouldn’t I? What the heck could she be giving me? I can always check it out later—and I’m sure if it’s anything too outrageous, they won’t force me into using them. At least, that’s what I hope as I leave the store.

“I really do hope I get a chance to come back,” I tell Cassandra before stepping into the entry. I mean it with all my heart, too, at least to thank her for being so kind before I leave for good. Maybe one day, I’ll have the money to visit an upscale store like this and learn more about this lifestyle.

Which raises a good question. Just how do the guys have enough money to afford this? They’re hardly much older than me. Maybe they come from rich families, even though they all seem a little rough around the edges with their tattoos and whatnot.

Then again, you can’t judge a book by its cover. For starters, I would never imagine a store like this exists in what looks like an abandoned building. And I doubt anybody who sees me walking down the street in my puffy coat with my chin tucked close to my chest while carrying a nondescript paper bag would have any idea what I’m actually taking back to my car. Not an average little nobody like me.

It isn’t until I reach the corner that I hear footsteps closing in behind me. Here I am, fantasizing about tomorrow night and the reaction I’ll get when the guys see me all dressed up. Imagining how much easier life will be once I don’t have to worry about money for a little while. Once I can be free.

Stupid me. Forgetting I’m not free yet. There might not be any such thing as freedom. Not from somebody like Adam.

I reach into my pocket with a shaking hand and close my fingers around the Mace I make a point to carry. At the same time, I pivot on my heel, prepared to spray it right in his face. The can is halfway out of my pocket before the man behind me raises his hands, laughing.

“Sorry to startle you. It’s just I saw you coming down the street and figured I would say hello.”

“Dash?” I bend at the waist, breathing heavily, which only makes him move closer.

“Shit. I really startled you, didn’t I? Um, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Put your head between your knees. I’m shit at things like this.”

If I could think clearly, I’m sure I would find this funny. A big, strong hunk like him freaking out and babbling. Right now, I’m just trying not to hyperventilate. He’s right about the breathing, which I do very deliberately and slowly until my head stops spinning. “I’m fine,” I manage, standing upright again. “I just don’t like it when people get too close.”

He takes a backward step, and something about the gesture goes straight to my heart. “I didn’t mean to freak you out.”

“And why don’t I think you were just coincidentally strolling down the same street I happen to be on right now?” I tip my head to the side and give him my most skeptical look. I know I’m right when he shifts his weight from one foot to the other. He was following me, making sure I did as I was instructed.

“Maybe I wanted to apologize for not showing last night. Last-minute shit, you know? Believe me…” One corner of his mouth tips upward in a scorchingly hot little smirk. “I wanted to be there.”

Now my heart’s racing for other reasons that have nothing to do with the fear of being stalked. “You’ll be available tomorrow, though, right?”

“Nothing could keep me away.” Something about the way he says it almost makes my toes curl. There’s something so strangely sexy about standing here on a corner like two normal people when he knows very well the sort of things I’m carrying in this bag.

Not to mention him knowing what’s going on under my clothes. Between my legs.

He looks around, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m starving. Are you hungry? I’d love to take you to lunch to apologize for not being around last night and making you go back to the club.”

My mouth falls open, and I’m prepared to tell him it’s no big deal, that I’m looking forward to it—but I’m still too shy. Instead, I lift a shoulder. “Sure. That would be nice.”

It looks like this day is full of surprises.

8

“T  his is a little weird.” I have to admit, once we step inside a small deli a couple of blocks from the garage, where I insisted I leave my purchases. A plain paper bag is one thing, but what if somebody peeked inside? I would just about die on the spot.

Dash doesn’t get it since he’s not a mind reader. “You want to go somewhere else?”

He strikes me as a very sweet person, much sweeter than I would have figured, considering he likes to pay girls to have sex with him and his friends. “No, that’s not what I mean.” When he still looks at me like he doesn’t understand, I have to put words to my feelings. “Like, meeting up as two people. In the regular world.”

“Oh, right. Especially when you’re not used to moving in the same circles as we do.”

“Do you run into people from the club all the time?”

“Sometimes. But the rule of thumb is you go your way, I go mine. We might know each other, but we don’t know each other.”

“You approached me, didn’t you?”

“That’s different.”

“How?”

“Why don’t we sit down first?” To my horror, though, he heads toward an empty table by the front window.

I manage to grab his arm, shaking my head. “Can we sit a little farther away from the front window?”

“No offense taken.” But it’s clear he’s joking before he takes a left turn and heads toward the back, where a few tables are open.

“I’m not embarrassed to be seen with you.” The opposite is true. It’s kind of cool, knowing people here might think we’re on a date or something. He’s gorgeous and built like a brick shithouse—something my dad used to say. Now I understand what he meant.

I’m not exactly free to be seen. Especially not with a guy. When I think of what Adam would do if he saw me… no, I’d better not think about it, or else I won’t be able to eat anything.

We take our seats and grab menus from a holder on the table. The idea of a thick sandwich is enough to make my mouth water. How long has it been since I had a full meal?

A girl in a polo shirt and apron comes over. “What do you want to drink?” When Dash lifts his head to look up at her, the attitude changes. “Unless you need more time,” she adds in a softer voice. I mean, yeah, he’s hot. But she’s being kind of obvious about it.

He doesn’t seem to notice—or if he does, he’s probably so used to it by now, it doesn’t register. “Coke.” He then looks at me, brows lifted.

“Same,” I murmur. She nods before giving him one more look, then walks away. He checks out her ass for a second before turning back to me. I pretend not to notice. It’s not like I have any right to tell him not to check out a girl who looks like she would hump a hole in his jeans if he’d let her.

“To answer your question, if you see somebody from the club out in the world, you don’t mention where you know them from. Some people don’t want to be friendly at all, but some want to be.”

“Which one are you? Friendly, I guess.”

“No. I’m not trying to make friends outside of that part of my life.”

My mouth falls open. “Why am I here, then?”

“I already told you. I owe you one after not showing last night. I fucked up the arrangement.”

“It’s nice—” A crash from the kitchen makes me end my statement with a yelp. I jump a mile, too, and knock my menu on the floor.

“You okay?” Dash bends down to pick up the menu, looking concerned. The crash didn’t startle him the way it did me. I wonder if he’s asking himself why. I hope he doesn’t ask.

“I guess my nerves are shot.” He accepts the excuse before our drinks come. I haven’t yet chosen what I want to eat, so I skim the menu and ask for a turkey club and fries.

“I’m not making you uncomfortable, am I?” He frowns, and I know he means it. “After everything that happened a couple of nights ago?”

“Not even close. You were so understanding.”

I can tell he’s relieved. “Did you have fun with Cassandra?”

“It was more fun than I expected. I’m still so new to all of this. She’s very professional about what she does.”

“She takes it seriously.”

“How did you meet up?”

He leans back in his chair, grinning. “It’s not a story I know she wants me to share. She needed some work done. Not the kind of work you’re thinking.”

“You don’t know what I’m thinking.”

“I can guess.” He’s not wrong. My mind went to the logical place, considering what I know about him. “What about you?”

“Me?” I take a sip of my soda and try to ignore the way the hair stands up on the back of my neck.

“Why did you go to the club? For real. What were you looking for?”

“I was being honest when I said it’s about the money. That’s the only reason I went.”

“You’re that hard up for cash?”

“I mean, who isn’t nowadays?” He doesn’t seem judgey, so I’m not insulted. “Not you guys, I guess.”

“No. We do okay.”

“How? I mean, for real. The items in that store were so expensive, and you’re paying me so much.” I can’t believe we’re having this conversation out in public, but I feel like I have to ask or else I’ll lose my nerve.

“We have a business, the three of us. We run it out of our apartment.”

“You live together, too?”

He nods before his attention perks up, his gaze fixed over my shoulder. “Food’s coming. I’m starving.”

He has no idea. I feel like my stomach is eating itself. “I hope you don’t think I’m a complete pig,” I offer before a plate slides in front of me. The fries smell so good, I could cry.

“Please. Food is for eating.” Like he wants to prove his point, he takes a gigantic bite out of his corned beef. It makes me feel better about the bite I take from my sandwich.

“So you three live together. How long have you known each other?”

“Since high school. We go back a long way.” His eyes flick over my face. “Why do you need the money?”

My stomach drops. I can’t even pretend to brush off the sudden question. “Why does it matter?”

“Are you in trouble? You don’t seem like the type.”

I can’t help myself. “What type do I seem like?”

“A nice girl. Smart. Probably a cheerleader.”

“I was,” I admit. “Until midway through senior year.”

“Why midway through?”

I pick up a fry and drag it through ketchup as an excuse to look elsewhere. “My parents died. I barely made it to graduation, but I think the teachers all felt bad enough for me that they helped me out. They knew how I really was, like back when my mom and dad were still living.”

“I’m sorry. That’s tough. So you’re on your own?”

I nod since the lump in my throat won’t let me speak. “I’m trying to get enough money together to move.”

“To a new place?”

“To a new city.”

“Tired of the winters around here?”

“Something like that.” I look down at my food again, which is now only half of what it was before. I didn’t even notice devouring half the sandwich almost all at once.

“Who is he?”

My head snaps up. Good thing I didn’t have anything in my mouth, or I might be choking right now. “What?”

“The guy you’re hiding from. A boyfriend? Did he hurt you?” His voice gets a little tighter with each word until his teeth are almost clenched.

My skin feels too tight all of a sudden. Did somebody turn up the thermostat? I’m getting sweaty, but I’m so cold inside. “Why are we talking about this?”

“You almost lost it when I came up to you on the street.”

“It’s called being a woman navigating the world.”

He nods. “You didn’t want to sit where we might be seen from outside. And you almost jumped out of your skin a little while ago when something fell in the kitchen. I’m just saying, I’ve seen it with my own two eyes since I was a little kid.” He wipes his mouth with a napkin before balling it up in his fist. “It would’ve been better not to have a dad around.”

Something about it makes me loosen up. It’s like he gets it. “I have to get far away,” I murmur before picking up the rest of the sandwich. “I don’t know where yet. Maybe a small town. Someplace quiet.”

“You want to get lost.”

“Pretty much.”

When he leans in, I’m almost overwhelmed by his energy. “You want me to ruin his life for you?”

I can’t help but laugh. “Yeah, right. You can make him an offer he can’t refuse or something like that.”

He’s not laughing. He hasn’t cracked a grin. My laughter dies, ending on what sounds more like a choking noise. “You’re not serious, are you?”

“Of course not.” I’m not totally convinced. Not even close. But I get the feeling some things are better left unasked, so I won’t bother. We aren’t friends, and we never will be. This is nothing more than an arrangement. No need to ask probing questions.

Although there is one thing I can’t finish this meal without knowing. He might not even tell me the truth, but my curiosity won’t leave me alone. “This arrangement of ours. Is this something you guys do a lot?”

He pulls his chair a little closer, leaning in like he wants to make sure this is private. It’s not like anybody is paying attention—this place is crazy busy, with everybody in a hurry to finish their meals before going back to work or whatever they’re doing. I do appreciate his discretion, though. “They told you we were all clean, right? You don’t have to worry about that.”

“No, that’s not what I was thinking about at all. It’s just that…” Just what? Just that I shouldn’t have asked in the first place? Because now I don’t know how to voice my question. He waits, his face blank. That’s not helping. “I guess I’m wondering how you end up being into what you guys are into. You know what I mean. Sharing.” I do finger quotes around the word, pathetic as it is.

“Oh, you know.” He lifts a thick shoulder. “One night, we were all sitting around and thought, hey, this might be something new.”

“Not really!”

“Not really.” He chuckles before finishing what’s left of his fries. “We’ve known each other half our lives. I couldn’t tell you when it started. One of us probably brought it up one night when we were all wasted and bullshitting. It works for us.”

“No judgment. I was only wondering.” I bite my lip and look down at my plate. “I wish I could be that free to try the things I’m interested in. Maybe I’m a little jealous.”

“There’s plenty of time to explore everything. No rush.” When I pry my eyes away from the plate and dare to look at him, he’s wearing the same expression he was back at the club. His eyes are hooded by half-closed lids, nostrils flaring. His jaw tightens, and I forget to breathe for a second.

If I don’t look away from him, I might never remember to breathe.

“Can I get you anything else?” I didn’t notice our server standing next to the table. Dash’s quick scowl tells me he didn’t, either. Her presence has the effect of a bucket of ice water poured over the table. Whatever weird energy was passing between us fizzles out, which I guess is a good thing, but it doesn’t feel that way right now.

I shake my head, so Dash asks for the check. I guess they can’t have us sitting around wasting space when people are waiting to be seated. If it were up to me, I’d sit here all day. Even the threat of being spotted wouldn’t be enough to move me. This is the first time in too long I’ve hung out with a nice person who wasn’t Thatcher. She was the only one of my friends who stuck by me once Adam started taking control of my life, mostly because she’s too damn stubborn to walk away.

Even if I wasn’t horny for Dash, which I so clearly am, considering the heat simmering in my pussy since we sat down, I would want to sit and talk with him. He has an easygoing, quiet way about him that makes it easy for me to loosen up.

“I guess I’d better get back home,” I muse once we’re on our way out of the restaurant. Now the thought of returning to that sad little motel is like clouds moving across the sun.

“Where is home?” he asks once we are on the sidewalk. I start moving in the direction of the garage, whether he thinks it’s rude or not.

Funny how the idea of not telling him doesn’t occur to me. “I’m staying at this crappy little motel outside the city. It’s cheap, but it’s mostly clean.”

“Until you’re ready to leave,” he says. I nod, walking a little faster. “Do you want me to follow you there?”

His question makes me stumble a little, but I catch myself before falling. “Um, I mean, I appreciate it—”

“To make sure you get there safely.” He holds up his hands like he did before. “No pressure. I just figured you might not mind having somebody trail you. Just in case. I won’t even get out of the truck.” He nods his head toward a black truck parked a few spots down from where we stopped.

It’s not such a bad idea, really. If Adam spotted me and followed me, no way would he go up against a man like Dash. He probably outweighs Adam by at least fifty pounds of muscle and is more than a head taller.

And I could use a little security. I’m so tired of always having to look over my shoulder. “Actually, yeah, that would be nice. So long as I’m not holding you up or anything.”

“Don’t even worry about it. If I was that busy, I wouldn’t have offered.” We make arrangements for him to wait for me outside the garage, and I trot the rest of the way on my own while he gets in the truck. When I roll through the exit once the automatic arm lifts, he’s waiting just like he said he would be. The drive to the motel only takes around fifteen minutes or so. Just enough time for me to check my rearview mirror over and over while wondering about Dash and his friends. They don’t owe me anything.

That doesn’t stop him from following me all the way to the motel, which I’m embarrassed by, though I know I shouldn’t be. It’s not like I own it. He waits in the parking lot while I get out of my car and take the shopping bag from the back seat. I unlock the door to the room and turn around, giving him a little wave. He taps the horn before pulling out. Just like he said he would.

I forgot there are actually men in the world who do what they say they’ll do and don’t ask what’s in it for them.

There I was, thinking a night at Club Sin would mean money and maybe exploring my sexuality a little. I had no idea how much more I would end up learning.

9

“H oly shit.” The three men turn as one to watch me enter room twenty-four.

I got changed downstairs since no way could I have worn this outside. Even with my coat on.

I leave my street clothes near the door, then straighten up for them to get a better look at me. “You like it?” I whisper, turning in a slow circle.

“Cassandra knows her shit.” Arden nods slowly, staring at me. “You look incredible.” My body flushes from the praise. I get the feeling he doesn’t give it out freely.

Dash is bolder than his friends, stepping up to me, running his hands over the corset—then over my ass. “I have some catching up to do,” he growls, miles away from the kind, thoughtful guy I had lunch with yesterday. I can’t pretend it doesn’t excite me—already I’m getting wet, wanting to melt against him and let him have his way with me.

Arden steps up behind me, lifting the skirt to fondle my ass while Dash nuzzles my neck. “Did she give you anything else?”

“I brought them with me.” Before he can ask, I add, “I didn’t open them.” If only because I was afraid it would look like I had, and I might get punished for it. Granted, the punishment’s usually pretty fun, but still. I didn’t want to ruin anything.

“Good girl.” He gives both cheeks a squeeze before crossing the room, opening my bag and withdrawing the pair of boxes. “I told her I wanted these, too. Just for you.”

Ranger takes his place behind me, running his hands under the skirt, to stroke my pussy while Dash dips his hands into the corset’s cups to play with my nipples. It’s so good, I wish they’d never stop.

“Let’s get her on the table,” Ranger murmurs, and Dash backs away so I can assume the same position I did last time. There’s something powerful about holding their attention this way. They watch my every move, their eyes glued to my boobs, my ass, one of them sighing as I crawl across the table before rolling onto my back.

Ranger fastens my ankles, clad in the leather boots. He runs his hands over the leather next, groaning. “So fucking hot.”

Dash tests the straps on my other thigh. “I fucking love these.”

“They’ll come in handy tonight.” When I cast a confused glance toward Arden, he grins. “Spread those legs.” He hands one box to Dash, the other to Ranger, and they open them at the same time.

“What is that?” I ask, torn between curiosity and concern when I see what can only be a dildo coming out of Ranger’s package. He presses the base, and it vibrates loudly, even twirling a little bit.

Dash, meanwhile, has what I recognize as a magic wand. He turns it on and grins. “She even made sure the batteries were fresh.”

“Like I said. She knows her shit.” Arden steps up behind me, running his hands over my shoulders to my chest, beneath the corset. “Set her up.”

“What?” It’s all I manage to ask before Dash wedges the wand against my clit. My hips shoot up from the table, and the three men laugh. The vibrations are so deep, rolling through the entire lower half of me.

“That’s not all.” Arden leans down, his lips brushing my ear as he holds my head in place so I can’t watch what’s happening. Ranger inserts the dildo, filling me with it—then he turns it on, and again, my hips buck.

“Oh my god!” I shout, breathless as I’m swept up in what the toys are doing to me. On their own, it would be bad enough, but together? My body goes from zero to blastoff in the blink of an eye, and all of a sudden, I’m on the verge of an orgasm.

“Let’s see what your body can do.” Arden looks up from me, nodding to the guys. They start fumbling with the straps on my legs, and now I understand what they’re for, what this is all about. They’re holding the toys in place using the straps around my thighs. They’re not going to let up on me.

“How’s that feel?” Dash runs a hand over my inner thigh, dragging his short nails over my skin. I’m past the point of being able to speak—all I can do is moan, and I do, turning my head from side to side, losing all control.

“How many times can the little slut come for us?” The three of them start to undress, occasionally stopping to rub the growing bulges in their shorts. They stand at the foot of the table, staring at my pussy and what they’re doing to me with the toys.

“I’m—I can’t—I’m going to—” And then I shriek, my back arching as the first climax crashes into me, shattering me. I bite down on my lip to hold back another shriek, riding it out, rolling my hips in a desperate attempt to dislodge one or both toys now that I’ve come.

All they do is laugh at me. “That’s not going to work.” Arden joins me again, standing at my left.

I look up at him, pleading. “Oh, god, please…”

“Please, what?”

My answer is a high-pitched cry because, dear God, I think I’m going to come again, or else I didn’t stop yet after the first time. I don’t know. I only know I don’t think I can take much more.

He lowers his shorts, freeing his cock, and I wrap my hand around it without being told. “That’s a good slut,” he mutters, thrusting into my fist. “Stroke it, baby. Stroke it while you come again.”

I’m about to tell him I can’t come, I can’t take it, they have to stop, but Dash takes hold of my head and turns it. There he is, in front of me, with what has to be eight inches of rigid cock. “Let’s see if you’re as good as they said.” It isn’t difficult for him to push into my mouth with it being open so I can gasp for air. I close my lips around him, moaning helplessly as he begins to fuck my face in slow, deep strokes.

“I like this outfit, but it covers up too much.” Ranger lifts my hips to push the skirt up around them. “That’s better.”

I look up at Dash, desperate to get through to him as my body begins to tense in preparation for another orgasm. Tears roll down my face. I try to pull away, to beg them to stop because I can’t take anymore, but all he does is hold my head still while I succumb to yet another orgasm.

I’m in a daze as he pulls out, only for Arden to turn my head so he can take Dash’s place. Spasms wrack my body, and I don’t know if I’m sobbing with pain or pleasure. Someone closes my right hand around their dick, and I know it must be Ranger taking his turn. I stroke him while sucking Arden, then switch so Ranger can have his turn while Arden’s being stroked.

He finally lets me up for air, and I let out a broken cry. “Oh, please. Please, make it stop!”

“Doesn’t it feel good anymore?” Dash reaches between my legs. The buzzing from the wand intensifies, and I scream before I can help it. They’re not going to stop until this kills me.

Ranger begins unhooking the closures at the front of the corset until he lays it open. He lowers his head and takes one of my nipples into his mouth before doing the same to the other. “I wanna come all over these tits,” he grunts, but I can barely hear him over my weakening cries. Sweat rolls down the back of my neck, and my muscles ache from tensing for so long.

“Don’t tell me you want to stop now.” Arden reaches down to play with the dildo, pushing it a little deeper, teasing me.

“I can’t take any more. Oh, please…” It’s happening again, that clenching, the tension unbearable. I roll my hips in a last-ditch effort to knock the toys free, but Dash only holds my hips down to stop me.

This time, when it hits, everything goes dark. I sink into deep, peaceful blankness, barely able to hear the talking around me. The vibrations stop, and I want to weep with relief, but I can barely work up the strength to open my eyes.

When I do, it’s to find Dash hovering over me. Thrusting. Fucking me. I was too out of it to register him inside me. “So fucking tight,” he grunts before plunging deeper. “So fucking wet, Jesus…”

“Give me that mouth.” Ranger is almost frantic, shoving past my lips and making me groan and gag. “Are those tears, little slut? Can’t handle a few orgasms?”

“I think she’s still coming,” Dash observes with a breathless laugh. “Trying to milk my cock.”

Arden’s rough when he takes my jaw in his hand and turns my head, making Ranger fall free. “Is that true? Are you thirsty for cum? Even your pussy wants it.” He takes my mouth this time, grunting with every strong, merciless thrust. Ranger takes my hand and thrusts into it, fucking my closed fist.

All while Dash moves over me, grunting every time he rolls his hips and fills me up. “Shit. I’m gonna come.” He pulls free quickly, taking himself in his hand. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch him come, not on me but beside me on the table.

Arden leaves my mouth, and I suck in a deep breath before Ranger resumes his face fucking. Arden, meanwhile, climbs between my open thighs, resuming his merciless thrusts inside my pussy this time.

“That’s right, take that cock,” Dash encourages. “Take it, slut.” I should hate him for that, but the opposite is true. I love it. I want to hear him say it again. I would tell him so if my mouth wasn’t full with Ranger, whose frantic thrusts sync up almost perfectly with Arden’s.

“Fuck. It’s too much. Oh, shit—” Arden pulls out, and the sounds of his groans tell me he’s coming, too. I’m so exhausted by the time Ranger pulls out of my mouth that my head falls back against the table. I can’t hold it up anymore.

“Don’t tell me you’re too tired for one more cock,” Ranger growls, climbing onto the table and forcing my thighs to part even wider than before. Unlike his friends, he strokes my clit, making my eyes fly open and my hips buck.

“Please, it hurts!” I whimper, but he only laughs nastily before pushing his dick inside me.

Dash joins me on my right side, Arden on the left. “Do you know how gorgeous you are, getting fucked like this?” Dash asks.

“You fucking whore,” Arden adds as he smacks my cheeks just hard enough to sting. “Getting fucked for money. Loving it. Do you know how wet you are? I could drown in it.”

Ranger rolls his hips, and I can barely bite back a moan of pleasure. I didn’t think I could handle more, but this is almost too good. Especially when they talk to me like that. Why do I like it so much?

Dash laughs, twisting my head around to look me in the eye. “You can pretend all you want, but deep down, you’re hungry for all the cock you can stand, aren’t you?”

“No.” Arden turns my head, swiping his tongue over my mouth. I moan again, louder this time. “It’s cum she wants. When she’s finished, she’ll lick it all up like the filthy little cum slut she is.”

Even as my will battles against this, some deeper part of me responds by lighting up. “There she goes,” Ranger grunts with a laugh. “She’s getting ready to blow again. That’s right, slut. Come on my cock. Let me feel you come.”

“Do you want to come on his cock?” Arden asks, licking my mouth again before slapping my cheeks. “Huh?”

Dash leans in on the other side, biting my earlobe before whispering, “Let it go. I want to hear you scream.”

I couldn’t stop if I wanted to, and I don’t want to. A scream builds in my chest before spilling out, splitting the air, and the sound of their laughter mixes with it. I barely register Ranger leaving me and finishing on the table like his friends did. All I know is, I can’t possibly take more.

I could weep with relief when the restraints are undone—but I’m not finished yet. “Go on,” Ranger mutters, helping me into a sitting position before pointing to the pool of cum on the table. “Lick it up like you were told.”

I don’t want to, but they’re not giving me a choice. If this is what it takes, so be it.

I don’t move fast enough, though. Ranger clamps a hand around the back of my neck and forces my head down. “I said, lick it up. Now.”

With a whimper, I reach out with my tongue and lick up every last drop. I’m too far gone to even taste it, my head spinning and my body trembling.

All I hear is Arden’s approving, “Good girl,” before I close my eyes and collapse.

10

B y the time I come to, they’ve undressed me and laid me on the sofa. I must have truly passed out because I remember none of it. Even my boots are gone, and Dash is rubbing my feet, his hands firm yet gentle.

“There she is.” Arden provides a bottled water and watches as I drink. “How are you? Was that too much?”

I shake my head. “I don’t think I could have taken any more, though,” I admit.

Ranger crouches beside me, stroking the hair back from my forehead. “You were perfect. And that outfit? I wish we’d had more time to enjoy it.”

“How did you feel wearing it?” Dash asks with a grin.

“Hot,” I admit, and they all laugh. Unlike the nasty laughter when they’re using me, this is friendly. Warm. It washes over me and leaves me feeling, well, almost proud of myself.

“As soon as you’re ready, maybe we can go grab something to eat. Only if you want to,” Ranger adds. “No pressure.”

They still want to spend time with me. I can’t pretend it doesn’t feel good to know it, especially since I don’t want to say goodbye to them yet.

“You know what? Yeah. I’m starving. That would be nice.” Besides, I don’t want to be alone right now. I’m still a little on edge. Sort of like I jumped off a cliff but haven’t landed yet. Like I’m hanging in midair.

And a piece of cake would hit the spot. I think I’ve earned it.

I WONDER what the people working here think about me showing up with three men. Are they asking themselves what this is about? Then again, I guess at an all-night diner, you tend to see all kinds of things. A girl arriving with three big, almost scary-looking guys is probably the least of it.

Our waitress sure doesn’t look like she cares very much when she hands out our menus. The guys are polite, ordering coffee and water. I stick with water since I would actually like to get some sleep tonight, and the caffeine will only make me jittery.

“What are you in the mood for?” Ranger asks nobody in particular as we look over the menus.

“I could go for a steak, but something tells me they won’t cook it the way I like it.” Arden casts a look toward the pass-through, where the cook is working over the flat top. “Call it a hunch.”

“Only you would go to a diner and think about getting steak.” Dash rolls his eyes. “I guess a burger isn’t good enough for you.”

“Oh, that sounds good, actually. Maybe I’ll get a burger.” Arden scans the menu again. “Do you think they’d put peanut butter on it?”

I almost choke, trying not to laugh. “Peanut butter?”

“Fuck yeah. You’ve never tried it?”

“It has never once crossed my mind.”

Ranger shakes his head. “Don’t entertain him. Before you know it, he’ll have you eating all kinds of weird shit.”

Arden snickers at him. “It’s not weird shit. It’s fucking delicious. Just because you eat like a three-year-old.”

“I like what I like.”

“And you have no fucking taste.”

Anybody witnessing this little argument might think the two of them were actually fighting. I know I would, and considering how intimidating they look, I might ask for a table farther away if I was sitting too close. I wouldn’t want to be part of one of those viral videos where a brawl breaks out at a random restaurant.

Dash must be thinking along the lines I am since he gives our waitress an apologetic grin when she arrives with the coffee. “Don’t worry about them. It’s been a long night.”

“Tell me about it.” She sighs. It doesn’t seem like she cares very much either way, as she drops off the cups and offers to give us a few more minutes.

Now that I smell all the different foods in the air, I think I’ll go with actual food instead of sticking to a piece of cake. Maybe I’ll take the cake home with me to have later. It almost feels wrong, which means I’m definitely going to do it. Every single choice I make that goes against the rules I used to have to live under takes me one step closer to thinking for myself.

Ranger lowers the menu, studying me from the other side of the table. “So you’re gonna move out of town, huh?”

I freeze up before I can stop myself. Dash clears his throat, and from the corner of my eye, I see him shaking his head at his friend. I purse my lips and do my best not to come off upset, though I don’t much like knowing he told the guys about our lunch and what we talked about. “Yeah, I am. As soon as I can.”

Arden grunts. “That sucks.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Where are you going?” Ranger asks.

“I’m not sure yet. Until now, there weren’t many possibilities. I guess I should thank you guys for that. Now, I have options.”

“It’s the least we can do,” Arden murmurs. One look at him reveals what seems to be a troubled expression, his eyebrows forming a single line when they bunch together over the bridge of his nose.

“We know what it’s like to not have options,” Dash explains.

“You mean you couldn’t always afford to spend all that money?” It’s not like I can come right out in public and be more specific. You mean you couldn’t always afford all the money you’re giving me for screwing all of you? Yeah, something tells me that’s not the kind of thing you randomly blurt out in the middle of a diner.

“Hell, no.” Ranger blurts out a laugh like the idea is hilarious. “Shit, all our food came from the dollar store when we were kids.”

“If I ate at all,” Dash adds. I remember what he told me about his home life, or at least what he hinted at.

“If anything, that’s part of the reason we all kind of gravitated to each other.” Arden rubs his jaw, looking thoughtful. “We’d get shit for being poor, but at least we didn’t have to take shit alone. And we didn’t have to pretend for each other.”

“I get it. And it’s really cool that you all found each other.” I’ll leave out the part where I know some of the kids I used to hang out with in high school would’ve been the ones to look down on them and maybe talk shit on them for being poor. I would never have done it myself, but I might not always have had the courage to speak up. I’ve spent so much of my life wanting to avoid making waves or starting a fight.

And I’m not proud of that. Not even a little bit. Because these are some pretty nice guys. They might have been a little rougher around the edges ten years ago, but I’m sure they couldn’t have changed all that much as people. It’s just that their situation changed—the way mine did, only in reverse.

And I really wish the thought of my parents didn’t come to mind just now because they’re kind of the last thing I need to be thinking about. I don’t need to ask myself what their opinion of what I’ve done lately would be. But desperate times call for desperate measures.

Before long, three burgers arrive at the table, along with a stack of pancakes for me. “I can eat breakfast food any time of day,” I explain as I place a pat of butter in the center before drowning the stack in syrup.

“Me, too,” Dash agrees. “Though for me, it’s usually cereal.”

“None of us are very good at cooking,” Ranger explains with a snort. “We decided it was better to do as little as possible.”

“Since somebody thought fried rice meant you have to pour uncooked rice into a pan full of oil.” Both Ranger and Dash look at Arden.

He shrugs. “It’s right there in the name. Fried. Rice.”

I have to put my silverware down because I can’t stop laughing. “Did you ever think of Googling a recipe?”

“Don’t come at me with your logic and reason.” I’m still laughing long after he takes a massive bite of his burger.

“Anyway,” Dash concludes, “we decided it would be safer for the apartment and the entire building if we rely on delivery and takeout for most meals.”

“But I can make a mean peanut butter and jelly,” Ranger insists. “If this asshole didn’t already use all the peanut butter on his fucking burgers.” He jerks a thumb toward Arden, who shakes his head.

“I’m just saying. It doesn’t make sense, but it’s amazing.”

This is nice. Better than nice. It’s warm, it’s comforting, and it almost feels like family. The three of them have the kind of closeness you can only have with people you’ve known most of your life. Like me with Thatcher. She would fit in perfectly with these three and could probably out curse and outdrink all of them.

I’ll never know for sure since there’s no way in hell I could ever tell her about this. Maybe one day, years and years from now. When we’re both old, and this is nothing but a memory.

“Do any of you have brothers and sisters?” I ask. It’s amazing I can even take time to speak since these pancakes are so damn good. I can’t stop shoveling them into my mouth.

All three shake their heads. “You?” Ranger asks.

I shake my head, too. “No, it was just me.”

“Aunts, uncles?”

I shake my head again. “I mean, I have an aunt who lives in California, but we don’t have a relationship or anything like that. I’ve only met her a couple of times.”

Arden growls. “And I guess she never offered for you to come stay with her after your folks passed.”

The pancakes don’t taste so good anymore. They’re like sawdust in my mouth. I can barely swallow what I just took—a few sips of water are all that helps me swallow. “No, she didn’t.”

“Maybe if she had, you wouldn’t have ended up with that asshole ex.”

I put down my silverware and tuck my hands into the sleeves of my sweater. “Were you guys bored or something?” I mumble, looking down at the plate.

“What? What do you mean?”

Dash sighs. “We weren’t gossiping. But we’re all curious about you. You’re a nice girl.”

“I wouldn’t have told you about it if I thought you would go blabbing it to your friends.” I don’t bother trying to be nice, giving him as disgusted a look as I can. “I don’t like thinking about my life being discussed when I’m not around.”

“It wasn’t like that,” Ranger insists.

“I don’t care what it was like. This is why I don’t talk about things.”

“Hey, we don’t have to talk about it at all. Right?” Arden asks his friends.

“You know what, it doesn’t matter.” There’s still food left on my plate, but now I couldn’t eat it if my life depended on it. I reach for my coat, hanging on the back of the chair. “I have to go.”

“Wait, please.” Dash stands like he’s going to try to stop me, but I couldn’t care less.

I look around at the table as I punch my fists through the sleeves of my coat. “Is the money on its way? Can I expect it in my bank account?”

“I approved the transfer earlier tonight,” Arden confirms in a quiet, almost businesslike tone. “It should be there tomorrow once the bank opens.”

“Great. Thank you. Now you all know how important that money is to me, so you know how grateful I am.” I shoot Dash one more filthy look that makes him flinch, and something about that feels good. Knowing I can get through to him that he hurt me. Even if he didn’t mean to.

“At least finish your food.” Ranger stands, too, but I ignore him. I have to get out of here before I start crying, and I’m roughly three seconds away from that. I’m so ashamed and humiliated. They probably think I’m weak, stupid, somebody who would stick around and let her boyfriend hurt her the way he hurt me. The way people tend to judge girls in that situation.

By the time I’m outside, with the cold air hitting my flushed cheeks, tears are already spilling over my lashes. I should know better than to open up to people. At least I gave them something to talk about for a little while.

At least I have a way to get out of this damn city now. I can hardly wait.

11

“H oly shit!” I almost can’t believe the amount in my checking account, which of course, I’ve been checking obsessively since before working hours. I’ve never seen this much money in one place at one time. Technically, I’m still not seeing it. I’m only looking at a number on a screen.

It’s what that number represents that makes my whole body tingle. Fifteen thousand. It’s a lot to wrap my head around. I cover my mouth with both hands, giggling helplessly. All that money. All mine.

I guess I’d better start getting serious about my plans. All I know so far is I would like to be somewhere I can get to the ocean without driving half the day. I haven’t seen it since the one and only time we visited my aunt in California, and I was only seven years old then. I hardly remember it.

I don’t think I want to live on the West Coast, though. I don’t know if I could handle not having four distinct seasons after growing up where I did.

That means the East Coast. New York? I’m not delusional. I know how expensive it is, and fifteen grand wouldn’t last long.

I have to broaden my search, pulling up average rent in Philadelphia, Boston, and Baltimore. Philly doesn’t look exactly cheap, but it’s close enough to New York and the Jersey Shore that it seems like a natural choice. It’s definitely more affordable than New York and not so far north that the winters would be brutal. I like four seasons, but I’m sick of brutal winters.

Is this seriously my life? Am I sitting here, actually making plans? Choosing for myself?

I wonder what kind of apartment I could afford. I look through some listings, and my imagination spins all sorts of daydreams. Obviously, I’ll need to put money aside for furniture, but I don’t need much. At least not when I’m starting out, and it isn’t like I’ll have many people over to entertain, either. I won’t know a single soul there.

That should make me nervous, shouldn’t it? Instead, I feel like I could soar. I can start again.

I guess now I have to figure out how to get there. My junker could never get me that far. Maybe I could rent a car. I wouldn’t have to buy actual, checkable luggage if I did that.

It’s when I pull up a rental car site that something weird happens. One second, I’m hovering over the search bar, prepared to plug in my zip code and see what’s available.

The next, the arrow shoots across the screen.

I look down at the trackpad. There’s nothing stuck to it, and I’m not touching it. But now the arrow is zipping back and forth.

Like somebody else is in control of the machine.

A sick feeling brews in my stomach and starts to spread. I swipe my finger across the trackpad, and the arrow follows the motion—then shoots off in the other direction again. “What the fuck?” I whisper in horror. At least I closed the tab on my bank account, but what if somebody was watching the whole time? No. I haven’t come this far for somebody to take what I need.

What if it’s Adam? He’s barely smart enough to tie his shoes. But maybe he found somebody who could? Tears fill my eyes, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to throw up. It’s crazy how many horrible things can go through a person’s mind in just a few moments.

I’m about to shut down the machine in hopes of putting an end to this when a new box pops up out of nowhere. “No, no, no.” I try to hover over it and close it out, but now I have no control at all.

I’m about ready to start screaming for real when a face appears in the box. Once again, it’s Dash who almost gave me a heart attack. “What are you doing?” I demand when I see him. “How did you do this?”

He doesn’t look sorry. “It was too easy.”

“What? Hacking me? Why would you even do that?”

“It’s just something I know how to do.” He looks a little disheveled and tired. Like he didn’t get much sleep last night. There’s stubble covering his cheeks, too. “We didn’t want you to leave town without making sure you’re okay after last night. It was pretty obvious you didn’t want anybody following you.”

“Wait. I still need to know how you did this. Are you telling me you’re a hacker?”

He rolls his eyes and blows out a huge sigh. “Like I said, it’s a skill. And it was stupid easy. The motel doesn’t even keep its Wi-Fi locked down. Anybody can get in.”

“Great to know that now when I’ve been living here for weeks.”

“You’re all good. I made sure you’re locked down.”

I don’t know why, but something about the way he says it would have me shocked. “How long have you been accessing my computer?”

“Only since this morning.” He says it like it’s no big deal. Just another day at the office.

“Tell me the truth. Is this what you do for a living?”

Before he can say anything, somebody else appears behind him. Arden’s hair is dripping like he just got out of the shower. “Did this asshole freak you out?”

“A little bit, yeah.”

Arden gives him a smack upside the head. “I told you. You don’t go around hacking a girl’s computer.”

“You’re the one who wanted to show up at the motel. I didn’t think she’d appreciate that much more.” He’s not wrong about that, either. I probably wouldn’t have answered the door, even if seeing them might make me feel good. Because it does feel good to think they care. They don’t have any reason to. Our transaction is complete.

Finally, Ranger wanders past, eating what looks like a bowl of cereal. “Hey. You okay today?”

So we’re just going to gloss over this whole hacking thing, I guess. “I’m fine. Happy that I can start making plans for real instead of fantasizing. I owe that to you three.”

Dash runs a hand over the back of his neck, grimacing. “I fucked up. I know I did. But for real, no matter what it seems like, we weren’t sitting around and talking about you. Not in a bad way.”

“Why would you talk about me in the first place? That’s what I don’t get.”

“Obviously, we like you. As a person. You’re cool, and we have a lot of fun together.”

I wish my heart wouldn’t flutter like it is. I don’t need to get all starry-eyed now. Especially when I’m leaving town, so it’s not like we’ll have any more opportunities to have fun, as he puts it. I’m not mad anymore. I don’t know that I was very mad in the first place, come to think of it.

“There was more to it,” I admit. “It’s just that it feels like so much of my life was taken away. I’ve been out of control for years. Last night was one more example of how I was out of control. This time, I had no say over who got to know what about what I’ve gone through.”

“We know what it’s like.” Arden exchanges a look with his friends. “That’s why I never wanted to talk to counselors at school about my problems. Like, mind your own fucking business; I don’t need to share.”

“Exactly.” Maybe not, exactly. I might not put it that way, but the feeling is there. “I was just thinking about how nice it was to hang out with you guys. How nice it is to see the way you are together. I only have one good friend—my only friend now. And I’m not even going to have her once I’m gone, but I can’t stay. I can’t risk… him.”

Dammit. I’m supposed to be happy today. This is supposed to be the first day of the rest of my life. Instead, I’m fighting back tears in front of three men who know much more about me than they should, considering we’ve only known each other for a few days.

And I’m regretting leaving. Not only because of Thatcher, either. How am I ever going to find men like them anywhere else I go? I don’t know if I can pick up and leave and forget what it was like being with all of them. It’s not like I could put an ad out in the paper. Three hot studs wanted. Must enjoy sharing. I shudder to think.

That bastard took so much from me, and he’s still taking things.

Ranger’s eyes narrow. “Is there anything we can do?”

Arden flashes a nasty little grin. “For real. Just tell us where to find him.”

“That’s tempting,” I admit with a laugh, “but thanks, no. I have to handle my problems on my own. It wouldn’t help anything if you kicked his ass.”

“It’s cute that you think we’d stop there.” I wait for Ranger to laugh or at least grin, but he doesn’t. He only chews his cereal slowly, crunching while the other two remain silent.

Who the hell are these guys? I’m starting to think all three of them are into some pretty sketchy stuff. Here I was, wondering what men their age were doing with so much money. I’m so naïve. I never thought that maybe they get it illegally. None of them so much as flinch at the suggestion of getting Adam out of the way.

Shouldn’t that scare me? Instead, it makes me glad we’re on the same side.

“I have an idea. If we can’t get rid of this guy, we can at least make sure you’ve got enough money to set yourself up on solid ground.” Dash looks at Ranger, then at Arden, both of whom nod.

“You’ve already given me plenty. I have more than enough to get by until I find a job.”

“Yeah, but how long is that going to take? What’s your employment history look like?”

Oh. Right. I sort of forgot about that. “I’ve never had a job,” I confess. “My parents wanted me to wait until after high school because they wanted me to focus on my grades. And after that, he wanted to always be the one to provide.” I can’t even say his name. He wasn’t being generous. He was being controlling, making sure I didn’t have a choice but to stay with him.

“How are you paying for the motel?” Arden asks.

“I still had a little bit of money left over from my parents’ life insurance, but there wasn’t much of that in the first place. Enough for a funeral and to take care of the basics for me these past couple of years, like my car. But it’s almost all gone now.”

“Damn. But see, all the more reason to make sure you’ve got extra when you leave. It could take a while for you to find something decent, and even then, you want to make sure you’ve got enough for at least a few months of rent, furniture, bills, all that stuff.”

“I’m telling you, I have enough. You don’t have to do anything. I don’t want charity.”

“For one thing, it’s not charity.” Dash screws up his mouth like he’s offended. “Second, no offense or anything, but I was watching when you were searching for apartments. You can do better than that.”

Once again, I want to clutch my pearls. “I can’t believe you were watching me.”

“We only wanted to find a way to reach out. That’s all.”

More money. I didn’t think I needed it, but now I’m starting to wonder. What happens if I don’t find a job right away? I could end up where I am now, only in a different motel in a different city. Rationing protein bars and fruit cups, ignoring hunger pangs as I try to fall asleep in a bed countless strangers have slept in.

Taking enormous risks to make money to survive. And next time, I might not get as lucky as I did this time. There can’t be men like them in every city. Next time, I could end up as a story in the newspaper. A girl whose body was found in the river or in a landfill or some awful place like that.

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. “How much money are we talking about?”

The three of them exchange a look, having a silent conversation only people who’ve known each other for a very long time can have. “Same as before?” Ranger suggests.

My mouth falls open. “No way! You can’t mean that.”

“Here’s a bit of advice for you.” Arden barely hides a grin as he leans in closer to the camera. “When you’re looking for a job and negotiating your salary, don’t tell the person in charge they can’t afford what they’re offering to pay you. You’re only fucking yourself over.”

Now that he put it that way, I feel stupid, but I can’t pretend the idea of another fifteen grand is in any way reasonable. “I feel like I’m stealing from you.”

“Hang on a second. Let’s get something straight.” Arden’s voice is closer to a growl. “You’ll earn your money. Every cent of it.”

It’s like he’s speaking directly to my pussy, which dampens in response. I can’t pretend the idea of another night with them isn’t tempting as anything. One more chance to live out every filthy fantasy they’ve brought to life in my head. “I don’t know,” I whisper, biting my lip. It feels wrong but in the best way possible. It’s like I hardly recognize myself anymore. The old me would never even consider what they’re suggesting.

But I’m not the old me, am I? I’ll never be that girl again.

“Well?” Ranger asks, arching an eyebrow. “Do you think you could handle it?”

“Do you think you can handle us?” Dash adds. All three of them are staring at me, waiting for my response. They’re like walking, talking temptations.

If I’m being honest with myself, there’s no question about what I want. “Okay. One more night.”

“Excellent. Tonight?”

“Same time, same place?” I ask by way of response. Their smiles tell me all I need to know.

I should be pissed at all three of them. Absolutely furious at their intrusiveness.

Instead, it’s all I can do to keep my hormones under control as I close the laptop and begin to fantasize about everything they’ll do to me—and make me do to them.

12

N ow I wish I had bought another outfit from Cassandra, but I doubt it matters.

I wash my best bra and thong in the bathroom sink, leaving them hanging over the shower curtain rod to dry. It’s not like I’ll be wearing them long, anyway. My heart races and heat floods my cheeks at the thought.

If I didn’t know better, I would think this was a dream. In what reality do things like this actually happen? I went from having no hope, no way out, to having all the money I need—and men determined to give me more.

Not to mention what they do to me. If there is a God, I hope they let me continue my exploration once I reach Philadelphia. It’s a big city. There have to be establishments like Club Sin. There’s so much more I want to do, try, and experience. I can thank my three benefactors for waking me up to what my body is capable of, too. I owe them so much.

It’s only when I turn on the TV and find the news on that I realize the entire day has passed, and I haven’t talked to Thatcher yet. I’ve been too busy looking at apartments, browsing for furniture and seeing what kind of jobs are available in the area that I completely forgot to call her. I’m surprised she hasn’t blown my phone up by now. They probably had a busy day at the hotel. I can’t wait to hear all about it.

Since she would have clocked out by now, I call her cell instead of the hotel front desk.

That’s why I’m surprised when I hear a stranger’s voice on the other end. “Hello? Who is this?” the person asks.

I look at my screen to make sure I didn’t mess up and call the hotel by mistake. No, because they would give me that silly little greeting if I did. “Who’s this?”

“Who are you trying to reach?” she asks.

“My friend, Thatcher.” There’s a high-pitched beeping going on in the background. For some reason, that’s what breaks me. It’s what makes a cold sweat form on the back of my neck and leaves my stomach churning. “What’s wrong? Where is she? Who are you?”

“Miss, I’m sorry to tell you, but your friend is currently a patient at Northwestern Hospital.”

I barely make it to the bed before collapsing. “What happened? Can I talk to her?”

“It seems there was an accident.” Something about the way she says it tells me that’s not true. I don’t know how I know. I don’t even know how I’m thinking right now when the entire world is ending. “Miss Chase has been in the ICU since early this morning.”

“But what’s wrong with her? Why can’t I talk to her?”

“She’s been in and out of consciousness since her arrival. Right now, she’s out of it.”

“But what happened? Why can’t you tell me?” My voice is a high-pitched whine choked with tears. No, with screams I’m barely keeping inside.

“We typically don’t give away this sort of information over the phone. If you come to the hospital, one of our doctors or nurses might be able to better explain.”

“Where is she, exactly? Which room?”

“When you reach the hospital, go to the ICU, and they’ll tell you when you arrive.” She hesitates. “And I am sorry for your friend.” Not sorry enough to stay on the call, though. Three beeps tell me she ended it, leaving me staring at my phone in disbelief.

Thatcher. All I can do is imagine her in a bed, covered in bruises, unrecognizable. I don’t know what happened to her or how bad it is, only that it’s bad enough she needs the intensive care unit.

I can’t sit here and not know. I have to go to her. Even if it means risking seeing Adam. Hell, even if he knew she was in the hospital, he wouldn’t go see her. He hates her. Not half as much as she hates him. It might be the safest place, come to think of it.

It doesn’t matter. Thatcher is worth taking a chance for. She would do the same thing for me.

Even though I doubt it’s a great idea to be behind the wheel when I’m this freaked out, I can’t stand the thought of waiting for a car to get here. Only when I’m on the road, do I remember Northwestern is where my parents were taken after the crash. Some of the worst moments of my life were spent at that hospital.

“Please, please, let her be okay.” I whispered those same words on the way to the same hospital a couple of years ago. Last time, my prayers were answered, but I already know that I can’t go through this again. I can’t lose the last person I have.

The drive to the hospital is a blur. I take the first space I find in the parking garage before running to the entrance. “Where’s the ICU?” I ask the first person I find wearing a name badge. They point me to the elevators and tell me to take them to the third floor. I do, bouncing on the balls of my feet, shaking the whole time. Thatcher. All day long, I had no idea she was here. She must be so scared and feel so alone. And there I was, giggling to myself over going back to the club.

Dammit, I didn’t think about that until now. I’m supposed to meet up with them later tonight. But if she’s in really bad shape, there’s no way. I couldn’t possibly get in the right mood for that. I don’t have any of their numbers, though.

Who am I kidding? They’ll find me.

“I’m here for Thatcher Chase. Where is she?” I can’t believe I’m actually doing this, standing at this desk surrounded by rooms where monitors beep and nurses walk in and out. This can’t be happening.

One of the passing nurses stops and gives me a funny look. “Are you the girl I talked to on the phone?” Yes, her voice sounds familiar. “I’ll take you to her room.” I follow close behind, crossing my fingers and fighting back the tears. Please, let her be okay. Please, don’t let her be hurt too badly.

But she is hurt badly. I cover my mouth with one hand, but it’s not enough to stifle a whimper at the first sight of my best friend’s swollen, bruised face. “I’m sorry I was abrupt on the phone,” the nurse murmurs. “We’re pretty busy around here right now, and I’m not at liberty to give away personal information.”

“What happened to her? Can you tell me now?”

“We’re still not entirely sure,” she tells me with a sigh before walking over to the monitors next to the bed. She checks the fluids in one of the bags hanging from a stand beside Thatcher’s head. “She must have been there for at least a few hours by the time a passing motorist called it in.”

“She was on the road?” I whisper, horrified.

“Luckily, she carried a small wallet in her back pocket with her driver’s license, or else she would be a Jane Doe.” The nurse sighs again. “She’s been fortunate.”

Fortunate? She looks like she’s at death’s door. There are stitches over her right eye. Both of her lips are split, and her nose must have been broken. Her eyes are so swollen that I doubt she could see even if she was awake.

I can hardly force myself to think it, but the question won’t leave me alone. “Was she… I mean, did they…?”

“There are no signs of sexual trauma.”

I reach out and grab hold of the foot of the bed, almost weak with relief. At least she wasn’t raped. “So she was beaten? Is that what you’re saying?”

“That’s certainly how it seems. If she’d been out there much longer, there’s no telling what might have happened.”

I don’t want to think about it. It’s enough that she’s alive. “Can she hear me?” I whisper, inching closer to the bed.

“She’s not in a coma. She’s heavily medicated at the moment, though.”

I pull up a chair next to the bed and take her hand as gently as I can. “What were you doing, babe?” I whisper, stroking her knuckles with my thumb. “Who were you with? Who did this to you?” I look at the nurse. “Has she said anything?”

“Not yet.”

I turn back to Thatcher. “We’re going to make sure whoever did this to you gets what’s coming to them. You wait and see.”

Her fingers move. I gasp. “She’s awake.” The nurse hovers a little closer on her side of the bed, and I do the same. “Thatcher, sweetie? It’s Mira. I’m here.”

Her eyelids flutter as much as they can, which isn’t very much at all, thanks to the swelling. The nurse turns to the bedside table to pick up a Styrofoam cup with a straw sticking out from the top. “Thatcher, try to sip a little bit of water. It might help you.” The nurse eases the straw into her mouth, and I never thought the sight of somebody sucking water from a cup would bring me to tears. But here we are.

Her hand tightens around mine. “That’s right,” I whisper. “You’re strong. I’m right here with you. We’re going to get through this together.”

Her lips move again. “Mira.” It’s barely a whisper, hardly audible over the sounds from the machines.

“That’s right. I’m here.”

She tries to open her eyes. I can almost see her green irises. “So…”

“I know it hurts. I know. But you’re safe now.”

Her grip tightens. “So… sorry…”

“Sorry? This isn’t your fault.”

A tear squeezes its way out from between her swollen lids. “Him. Him.” Her shoulders shake, and I realize she’s not crying from the pain. “Adam.”

That’s when it all slams into me. All of it, all at once. “Adam?” I whisper, leaning so close our faces are practically touching.

“Sorry. Tried. Love you.”

My mouth opens in a silent sob—or is it a scream? He did this to her. Because of me. “To find me?” I somehow croak. The slight dipping of her chin is as much as she can manage.

“But he doesn’t know the name of the motel because I never told you.” She dips her chin again. Not that it matters. He knows I’m hiding out somewhere, that I didn’t leave town the way I hoped he’d assume.

“I’m not sure I understand any of this,” the nurse interjects. I almost forgot she was there.

I wish I could say the same. Now, I understand all of this. He found her somewhere or was following her. He beat her within an inch of her life until she finally told him what he wanted to know.

What am I going to do? Think, I have to think. I have to run! No, what if he’s already waiting for me? We should call the police and report him. But what happens if he makes bail and comes for me anyway? And he will, I know he will, he’ll find a way. He always told me he would if I ever left him. His parents have the money. They would bail him out in a heartbeat.

And then?

But I can’t leave Thatcher. Not like this. And I’m so tired of running.

But I have to. I have to go. I have to escape. I can’t let him find me.

Because if he does, he won’t stop until he finishes the job.

“I have to go. I’m so sorry. I love you.” She whimpers softly, but lets go of my hand. Somehow, I manage to stay on my feet, lurching from the room and flying down the hall. He knows where I am. He’s going to find me. And there’s nobody who can help; there never has been.

I have to leave now. I have to get my things and go.

I have to leave my best friend. And I told her I’d be there for her. I was ready to stay until she got better, I really was. Right now, all I can do is get out of here before he does to me what he did to her.

Part of me wants to keep going once I’m back in the car. To not go back to the motel. To drive east and not stop until I reach the ocean. But I wouldn’t have anything but the car if I did that. Not even the little bit of clothing I still own. I can’t do that.

It’s not until I’m a mile or so out from the motel that I remember the club. The guys. Dammit, I can’t reach out to them. I don’t even know how. Why didn’t I think to get their numbers? Right, because this was only ever supposed to be a one-time thing. We’re supposed to all go our separate ways after this. And we weren’t supposed to ever meet up again, with or without the prospect of extra money. Dammit, I could have used that money.

Right now, the overriding thought tearing its way through my mind is to run. While I still can.

There aren’t any strange cars in the lot, which gives me a bit of peace as I pull in and screech to a stop in front of my room. I open the door and flip the switch but don’t go inside right away in case he’s waiting. Hiding. Nobody comes jumping out from around a corner, though, so I dart inside and lock the door before flinging the dresser drawers open and gathering everything I can hold. The old duffel bag I used when leaving Adam’s is under the bed. I grab it, open it wide, and dump everything inside. At least it won’t take long before I can go.

I don’t know what hurts more. Leaving Thatcher in this condition or not being able to say goodbye to the guys. I can’t believe they actually matter as much as they do, but they gave me my life in a way. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to run like this. Even if I only cross state lines to stay away from Adam but stay close enough to Thatcher that I can check in, it’s better than being here. For all I know, he’s been checking motels all day long, looking for me. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I believe that’s exactly what he would do.

Finally, though, I’m ready. I do one more quick check of the room in case I left anything, but there wasn’t much to pack anyway. I fling the door open, about to run for the car.

Which is my mistake. Normally, I would’ve peeked out from behind the curtain. I would have seen Adam standing in front of the door, waiting for me to come out.

“You’re not easy to find,” he murmurs with a chilling grin.

Then he shoves me into the room and slams the door shut. “We have a lot of things to discuss.”

13

“A dam, please.” There she is. The girl I told myself I would never be again. The one with the shaky voice, the voice with tears in it, begging and pleading. Pathetic.

Here’s the thing: it’s easy to forget what it’s like to be in this moment, with a man bigger and stronger than me, a man with a crazy light in his eyes and his hands clenched in fists. Rage rolls off him in icy waves strong enough to weaken my knees and take away every last bit of confidence I’ve earned since I left.

“Please? Please!” he shouts, advancing on me. “You’re going to beg me now? After weeks when I thought you could’ve been dead? Do you know how hard I’ve been looking for you?”

He lunges for me, and I skitter backward, bouncing off the corner of the bed and rebounding off the dresser. The TV sways back and forth, and one of the drawers starts to slide open before he slams it shut.

“Let’s talk,” I beg, hands outstretched in front of me. How many times has he had me like this? It’s the same thing all over again. How could I ever have convinced myself I would get out of it for good?

“No. That time is past.” He wraps a hand around my wrist, and he yanks hard, pulling me across the room and throwing me onto the bed. My duffel bag and purse hit the floor, both spilling open.

“Look what you made me do.” He runs a hand through his sandy hair, which looks greasy and too long. Like he hasn’t been taking care of himself. If I didn’t know him so well, I would think it was fear for me that made him like this. I’m not that naïve anymore. Obsession and concern aren’t the same thing.

“What did I make you do?” I whisper. I crawl backward on my ass, my hands and feet sliding over the cheap blanket until my back hits the headboard.

“You made me come here. You made me follow you. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting outside that fucking hospital?”

It’s even worse than I thought. I can’t pretend to be confused or surprised. I don’t have it in me anymore. “You knew where they took her? Were you watching?”

He snorts and rolls his eyes. “Right, like I was watching to see if they picked her up. Who do you think made the phone call saying she was spotted on the side of the road?”

I assumed it was a driver who pulled over and attended to her, somebody who cared. “That was you?”

“What, do you think I would let her lie there and die? What kind of person do you think I am? A murderer?”

He’s got to be kidding. He has completely lost his mind. “What, do you want me to thank you? Congratulate you? Sure, you beat her half to death, but at least you made sure EMTs picked her up?”

Maybe I’m the one who lost their mind, talking to him like that. Or maybe I just don’t care anymore. Maybe I’m so tired of this—the fear, the hiding, giving up my entire life because of him—that I would rather him end this here and now than spend the rest of my life waiting for him to find me.

“You got mouthy since you left.” He starts to walk around the bed, moving closer to where I’m pressed against the headboard. “And I wouldn’t have needed to hurt anybody if you hadn’t run away. Do you think I liked doing that?”

“Are you looking for a real answer? Or only what you want to hear?”

His eyes widen until they’re bulging. “Why are you trying to pick a fight? I went to all this trouble to find you, and this is how you thank me?” He looks around the room, his lips pulled back from his teeth in a grimace. “This is filthy. Did the roaches sleep in bed with you, or do you make a bed for them on the floor?”

He barks out a laugh, shaking his head. “You never did know how to take care of yourself. My parents always warned me.”

“Warned you of what?”

“That I would have to spend the rest of my life taking care of you. They said you would be an anchor around my neck that I’d have to drag around with me because you can’t stand on your own two feet.” He raises his arms, swinging them around. “Obviously, they were right. Look where you ended up.”

I have to bite my tongue to keep from blurting out what’s on the tip of it.

It’s better than being with him.

It’s better than having every move watched, questioned, and scrutinized. Better than having to be careful with every word I use in case he takes a thoughtless comment as an insult.

What am I going to do? I have to get out of here. While he looks around, I look around, too. Can I use something as a weapon? I don’t know that there’s anything heavy enough. The lamps are mounted to the nightstands and walls. My coat’s on the floor with the Mace in the pocket. Can I get to it? Maybe, but I don’t know if there would be time to reach into the pocket and pull out the can before he caught me. I was in too much of a hurry to put it on before leaving. So many mistakes.

I could end up paying for them with my life.

No. I’m not going to let that happen. Even if I have to lie to him and calm him down for a few minutes, I’ll do it. It’ll be worth it.

I take a deep breath and brace myself. “I’m sorry.”

“And what good does that do now? What’s done can’t be undone.”

“But we can move on from that, right?”

“Can we? Maybe I don’t want to.” I swear, I could script this. Even now, with a hundred ugly possibilities racing through my head, the predictability is sad enough to almost be funny. Now it’s time for him to pout, fold his arms, and draw me in, promising I’ll make it up to him.

“Then why would you come looking for me? You knew I needed help. You’ll always know me better than I know myself.” The words curdle in my throat, but I force them out anyway.

His shoulders lower from where they were hunched up around his ears, and his expression softens. He almost looks like the Adam I first fell for. The Adam he was pretending to be when he swooped in, and I got caught up in all of his lies. “You know why I had to look for you. We belong together. You need me. How could I let you go, knowing that?”

All I have to do is roll to the left until I’m off the bed, then grab my coat. I can just see it out of the corner of my eye. My whole body is poised, ready to make my move.

Until Adam trips over my open bag. We both look down, and I freeze in dread when I see what started to spill out.

“What is this?” He bends down and grabs it, pulling it out and holding it up for inspection. The corset. “What are you doing with something like this?”

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. I can’t come up with an excuse fast enough.

“Tell me!” he bellows before throwing the corset in my face.

That’s what gets me moving. I roll to the left, ready to reach for my coat, but he’s too quick. He takes a fistful of my hair and wraps it tight, pulling me back hard enough to make me scream.

“What have you been doing? Who have you fucked in this filthy place?” It doesn’t matter how I kick or scream. He pins me to the bed, wrists over my head, the weight of his body holding me down. “Tell me! Were you letting men fuck you? Is that how you’re making money now? You fucking slut!”

He holds both of my wrists with one hand, the other running between us and coming to a stop at my waistband. I buck and kick harder than ever, screaming, pleading, tears rolling down my cheeks. This is one thing he’s never done before. One line he’s never crossed.

He’s going to cross it.

“Nobody touches what belongs to me,” he grunts, working at my fly before yanking the jeans down over my hips.

“Please, please, no! Adam, no!”

We both jump when the door flies open hard enough to bounce off the wall next to it. It all happens so fast that I can barely keep up. One second, I can’t breathe because Adam’s on top of me. The next, he flies off me and hits the wall next to the bed. There are more people in the room, men, and one of them pulls Adam to his feet by his shirt collar.

Ranger. Followed by Dash and Arden; they’re all here. But why? And how?

“Are you okay?” Arden leans down, eyes darting over my face.

“How?” I look at Dash, standing behind him. “How?”

Ranger slams Adam against the wall, and there’s something satisfying about watching his head bounce off the paneling. “Get the fuck off me!” Adam snarls.

“Oh, no, pal. Not until we have a talk.” Ranger glances over his shoulder. “She okay?”

“I’m all right,” I whisper, drawing my knees to my chest.

“Adam Palmer.” Dash folds his arms, snickering as he looks at him up and down. “You have a lot of explaining to do.”

“What are you talking about? Get your hands off me!” he demands. Ranger only uses him as a human hammer against the wall once again.

“If you’re going to download videos of girls who look like they’re barely old enough to grow hair on their pussy, you should make sure your security is a little tighter,” Dash informs him. “It took me all of five minutes to go through your files once I confirmed your name and location. You don’t even use a password for your Wi-Fi. It’s like you were begging to get hacked.”

“You hacked me?”

“Is it really hacking if you made it so easy?” Dash tips his head to the side. “That wasn’t all of it, either. Was it? I found some other things, too. You were actually stupid enough to let your face be seen in a mirror in one of those videos. Did you know that?”

I turn my head slowly, eyes wide, in time to witness the color draining from Adam’s face.

“That’s bullshit,” he whispers.

“You’re not a very good actor,” Arden mutters through his teeth. “I guess we shouldn’t be surprised a man who hurts women hurts little girls, too.”

Ranger hauls him in close, snarling in his face. “You are never going to come near Mira again. She will never see your face or hear your voice unless it’s her choice. And if you decide you just can’t live without seeing her, those files are going to the cops. Every single one of them.”

“Don’t test me,” Dash warns, and there’s no more cat and mouse. “Your fucking life is over.”

They don’t know what I know. Even Adam doesn’t know because I didn’t tell him Thatcher is awake and talking. He’s screwed either way.

“Do you understand?” When Adam doesn’t answer quick enough, Ranger backhands him hard enough to make his head snap around and blood bloom on his mouth. “Answer.”

“Okay! Just don’t go to the cops. Please, don’t do that.” Now he’s who I finally figured him to be. He’s weak, sniveling. Begging, the way I used to beg him to stop yelling and hurting me.

“The police are going to come looking for you no matter what.” I’m not sure how, but I manage to stop trembling long enough to get up, to stand upright. No more cowering. “Thatcher woke up. She told me it was you, just like she’s going to tell the cops.”

“What are you talking about?” Arden mutters, but it doesn’t matter. Adam knows what I’m talking about—and now he looks a little green.

“If I were you, I’d start running now.” Ranger drags him across the room and literally throws him outside before closing and locking the door. The lock still works. It’s not broken. How did they get into the room?

It doesn’t matter right now. He’s gone. He can’t hurt me now.

“How did you know to come?” I settle into one of the two molded plastic chairs by the window, trembling all over again.

“When you didn’t show up, we figured something must have happened.”

I look at Dash. “Is it true? What you said? Those files you found?”

“Yeah, it’s true. I hope you don’t mind, but I found him through your social media and went from there.”

“Why would I mind?” I ask with a shaky laugh. “You might have just saved my life. He almost killed my friend, trying to find me.”

“Jesus.” Ranger cracks his knuckles, growling. “I shouldn’t have let him off that easy.”

“It doesn’t matter. He’s going to get what’s coming to him.” I look around the room, and my heart is almost too full for me to speak. “How can I thank you guys? I thought I was… I mean, I thought he was going to…”

Ranger jumps in and spares me from having to say it. “I’m just glad we got here in time.” Yeah, I can agree with that.

“So what are you going to do?” Dash sits down on the bed, facing me. “You’re free now. You don’t have to run away. And don’t worry, I’m sending the files to the authorities anyway. You don’t have to worry about him anymore.”

I have to hold my head in my hands since it feels like it’s about to explode. “I don’t know. It’s all so much. I want to be here for Thatcher. I can’t ditch her while she’s recovering. Otherwise, I don’t know.”

Arden exchanges a look with his friends. “So long as you’re not going to leave town in the morning, maybe we can make plans to get together one last time—no matter what your decision finally is.”

“Yes, I want that. Just not tonight.”

Ranger chuckles. “Nobody was thinking that. What about tomorrow?” That works for me.

“Why don’t you spend the night at our place?” Arden suggests. “I can’t imagine you would want to stay here another minute.”

“Actually, I think maybe I should stay here. No offense. I need a little time alone. I have to think things out.” I stand, then hug each of them in turn. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“Are you kidding? It was fun making that guy almost piss himself.” Ranger winks at me before he opens the door. Dash follows him outside.

I touch Arden’s shoulder before he leaves. “How were you able to get in without breaking the door down? Didn’t Adam lock it? They didn’t give you a key at the front desk or anything, did they?”

“Don’t worry. You’re safe.” When I continue staring at him, waiting for an answer, he shrugs. “Call it a hobby.”

“Lock picking?”

He only offers a Mona Lisa smile before following the guys to their cars.

14

W hen I arrive at the hospital with an armful of flowers, two men leave Thatcher’s room while I’m on my way down the hall. The badges clipped to their belts tell me they’re police. Detectives? So she’s feeling strong enough to talk. That’s a good sign.

The sight of her banged-up face still takes my breath away, though I try to hide it. “Good morning,” I chirp with a smile, holding up the flowers. “Thought I’d bring you something to brighten up this room.”

She lets out a long breath. “Been worried sick.” It’s still not easy to understand her with the swollen lips, but she’s clearer than last night.

“I should’ve called. I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” I leave the flowers on a table across from the bed so she can see them before pulling up a chair. “Everything’s fine now.”

“Fine?”

“It’s a long story.”

She snorts. “What else am I doing?”

Good point. I’ll never have such a captive audience again. “You’re not going to believe it. I wasn’t ever going to tell you, but there’s no way to explain how I got away without telling you about them. The guys.”

“Guys? Plural?”

“Just promise me something, okay? Promise you won’t judge me.”

She reaches out a hand. “Never. Not ever.” And I believe her because she’s the only constant in my life, and she’s never let me down. So even though it’s not easy to break the news, I do it. All at once, like ripping off a Band-Aid. Needing the money—she knew about that part. How I decided to earn it. How genuinely nice the guys are and how they wanted to help me.

How they did eventually help me. So much. This morning could’ve dawned much differently if it hadn’t been for them coming in when they did. I could be in a bed like the one Thatcher’s in now. Maybe worse.

“And that’s it.” I finish with a shrug, feeling weak and shaky but relieved now that it’s over. I told her everything and lived through it. No sudden lightning bolts, no fires of hell, or anything like that.

“Three men,” she whispers, staring at the wall. “Three at once.”

“Yeah. I think you’d like them. And they’d like you—not that way.”

She makes a noise that sounds suspiciously like choking. I jump up from the chair, ready to call out for a nurse. “You? Three men? All at once in a sex club?”

She’s laughing. “You evil bitch,” I whisper while she keeps laughing, harder now. “Making me think you’re having an episode or whatever.”

“Maybe… I am…” She wheezes before laughing again. “Ow, it hurts.”

“Then stop laughing at me, maybe.”

“I can’t help it.” She drags her hands over her cheeks to catch the tears. “You, of all people.”

“You know I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t have to. I needed a way to come up with the money, fast.”

“You were smart, coming up with that idea.” Her lips twitch. “Was it fun? You didn’t mention that part.”

My cheeks go hot, and I can’t fight back a grin. “Yeah. It was fun. A lot of fun.”

“I’m so jealous. But you deserve it after everything. You deserve to be happy.”

Happy. Am I? “I don’t know if I’d take it that far. They’re great, but it doesn’t mean anything more than what it is. We had fun, and they made it so I can leave town and be comfortable. They care a lot more than they need to, for sure. But it’s not anything deeper.”

“Maybe not for you, but you just said it yourself. They care.”

“Because they’re decent.”

“You sure about that? It’s nothing more?”

“What else could it be? I mean, I guess they like… being with me.” I can let all three of them fuck me, but I can’t talk about it without my stomach getting all fluttery and my tongue getting tied.

“Nobody goes through all that trouble just because you’re a good piece of ass.”

“I know they can’t have feelings for me.”

“What if they do?”

“Oh, please. I’m like a toy. Something they can play with. But I’m not the first, and I doubt I’ll be the last. They’ll move on, and so will I.”

“Do you want to?”

“Why does that matter?”

“It matters to you.”

“It doesn’t,” I insist, staring out at the dreary day because it’s easier than facing my friend and myself.

“You’d be human if it did. You have fun with them, right? They make you feel things you’ve never felt before. You feel safe with them. You like hanging out when your clothes are on.”

“So?” This time it’s a whisper. I can barely breathe for the pressure in my chest. “I like them. I hate the idea of never seeing them again. But I know it’s stupid to let myself feel this way.”

“Why is it stupid?”

“Because it was only ever supposed to be a one-time thing. That’s it. They’ve done this before. I’m nobody special.”

“What are you really afraid of?” she asks.

“I’m not afraid.”

“Then what?”

“I’m embarrassed, for one thing.” Now that I’ve put it out there, I see how true it is. “I’m not supposed to like them. This isn’t a normal situation.”

“Maybe this doesn’t have to be as big a deal as you keep trying to make it. I think if you like being with all of them, you should keep going. See what happens.”

“You mean it?”

“Why not?”

“Even though it’s… different? Some people would call it wrong.”

“Some people are stupid assholes, and this is your life, not theirs.”

“You’re not just saying this so I’ll feel better, are you?”

“No. I’m really not.” She tries to smile, which just about breaks my heart because I can tell it’s uncomfortable. “I couldn’t get up from that ditch he left me in, but I was conscious for some of the time.”

The thought is enough to make me recoil. “Oh, my god.”

“I remember thinking if I get out of this, and I’m okay, I’m going to live my life for real. No more wasting time. Same with you. I want that for you, too.”

“What should I do? Tell three guys I want to be their girlfriend?”

“If you want to stick around town now and keep communicating with them, why not? Especially if they’re into the idea.”

“How do I know if they are?”

“You’re going to have to suck it up and ask, I guess.” She snorts at the face I make. “And who knows? You might end up happy with the answer.”

“I don’t know what to think about myself anymore.” I tuck my hair behind my ears while staring at the floor. “I really don’t. I like being with them. I even like the way they treat me when we’re playing or whatever it’s called. What does that say about me?”

“It says you’re human. No big deal. Everybody likes what they like.” When I glance up at her, she chuckles. “What? I told you. Almost dying has a way of making everything look different.”

Obviously. I hardly recognize what she’s saying. She’s always been the free-spirited one. Kind of wild, a little nuts. But this is beyond that. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to find out what they think about it,” I murmur, more to myself than to her.

“That’s right.” She smiles as much as she can. “Look at you, being brave. Don’t forget about me while you’re busy dating three men at once, okay?”

If there’s one thing I don’t have to think about, it’s that. “How could I ever?”

I think it over on the way back to the motel. I should move, shouldn’t I? At least to someplace cleaner and more livable. I can afford it now, at least for a little while until Thatcher’s better.

And then what? I know what my heart wants. At least, I think I do. On the other hand, I was so looking forward to moving away and starting fresh.

Maybe I can start fresh here.

I’m still so distracted, going back and forth, that the sight of something spread out across the bed doesn’t register right away when I enter the room. When it does, I press myself against the closed door while my heart beats in triple time.

Finally, it’s clear I’m alone and that the dress came from Cassandra’s. I remember it as one of the outfits I saw on a mannequin this week. There’s a note sitting on top. Wear this tonight.

Do I even want to know how they broke in and left this here? Who have I gotten myself involved with?

Am I crazy for still wanting to see how far we can take it?

15

“W here’s the outfit?”

It’s the first thing anybody says when I enter the room. Once again, they got here before I did. I was hoping it would be the other way around so I could be ready when they arrived.

I lower my brow and give Arden a pointed look. “I’m wearing it under my clothes. Unless you thought it was a good idea for me to walk up here looking basically naked.”

He grins, shaking his head. “You’ll pay for that, smart-ass.”

“Let’s see it.” Dash perches on the corner of the table, rubbing his hands together.

Rather than do a striptease—which I would fail miserably at anyway—I take off my sweater in one quick motion, then drop my jeans. Their sharp intakes of breath are all I need to leave me glowing all over, to tighten my nipples and wet my pussy. It’s like this magic effect they have on me.

It took a minute for me to figure out how to get into this sheer bodystocking. I was thinking about looking for instructions online before I figured it out. What got me confused was the pair of cutouts for my boobs to go through. That, and the open crotch, are the only exposed parts of me.

“Holy shit.” There’s desire in Ranger’s voice, in his gaze. He lowers his hand to his crotch, rubbing his growing erection. “Turn around. Let’s see the back.”

I do as I’m asked, pressing my lips together to hide a grin even with my back to them. I’m so glad they like it.

“It’s not quite right.”

I spin around in surprise at Arden’s declaration. “What’s wrong?”

“Did I tell you to turn around?” I face the wall again, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. He walks toward me, and I squeeze my eyes shut, bracing myself for what’s coming.

The touch of his hands on my ass comes as a surprise—but just as suddenly, he finds the opening in the stocking and tears it wider until my ass is as exposed as my boobs. “There. Better.” Well, he bought it. I guess it doesn’t matter if he ruins it.

“Not quite yet.” There’s a strange yet familiar sound behind me, and an instant passes before something wet touches my back. I don’t realize until he’s on the second word that Dash is writing on me.

“Enter here.” He draws what can only be an arrow pointing to my ass.

“Good thinking,” Ranger murmurs. “Let me have that.”

He turns me around to face the three of them before getting on his knees in front of me. “Eat… me,” he murmurs as he writes on my lower belly, drawing an arrow down to my pussy.

Arden takes the marker. Fuck my mouth he writes across my collarbone, where the stocking comes to an end. Then, he adds something else. Cum he writes on one boob, then, here on the other.

By the time they’re finished, I’m wearing almost as much ink as they are—and I dearly hope it washes off easily, even if the faint reminder of this wouldn’t be too bad. Something tells me the novelty would wear off pretty quick.

“Now you look like the greedy little cum slut you are,” Ranger decides. He settles into the armchair, legs spread wide, and pats his thighs. “Come over here. On your knees. Show me how much you want this cock. Don’t pretend it hasn’t made you come.”

I lower myself to one knee, then the other, and take my time crawling across the floor. The men mutter obscenities under their breath as I go, but I never break eye contact with Ranger. A sly smile stirs his lips once I reach the chair.

“You like this, don’t you?” He fondles my boobs, his touch stirring me into a moan. “You like being our personal little slut for the night?”

“Yes,” I whisper, leaning into his caress.

“And do you want us to fill all your holes tonight?” He runs a thumb over my mouth before letting his fingers trail down my throat.

There’s only one answer that makes any sense. The truth. “Yes.”

“Let’s start by filling your mouth.” He looks down at his crotch, then at me. “Take me out and suck me good. Show me how much you love it.”

Three pairs of eyes watch intently as I do as I’m told, pulling Ranger free. He’s hard, dripping with anticipation, and I catch the moisture on the tip of my tongue before taking him deep.

“Look at this greedy little slut,” he mutters.

“Dying for it,” Arden agrees. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him rounding my back. A moment later, his hand runs from the crack of my ass down to my clit and back up again. “So hot and wet. It’s almost dripping from her.”

“You get her good and wet for what we have planned,” Dash tells him, and Arden continues his stroking while I plunge my head up and down on Ranger’s cock. I’m going to give myself over to it tonight, to whatever they want and whatever I feel. I’ll never get this chance again.

“Spread your legs wider, slut.” When I don’t move as quickly as he wants, Arden spreads them roughly. At first, I’m not sure what he’s doing. He’s moving around, but I can’t see him. The touch of his tongue against my sensitive folds clues me in. I moan around Ranger’s thrusting cock as pleasure spreads through me.

“Sit on his face,” Ranger commands. Arden takes my hips and pulls down until there’s nothing for me to do but obey. His pleasured groan and the vibrations it causes make me moan in response.

Dash steps up beside me, and I know what to do without being told, wrapping my hand around him and stroking. “Do you like having all these cocks in front of you with a tongue shoved up your cunt?” Ranger asks, and I look up at him and moan in response. I do like it. I love it. They’ve unlocked something in me, and I don’t think I can ever go back.

Arden’s tongue slides in and out of my pussy, and I rock my hips, grinding my clit against his face. He groans louder than before, and the motion from his tongue speeds up. Dash lowers to his knees and plays with my boobs while Ranger’s hips jerk upward to meet my downward strokes.

I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t believe I’m at the center of this, and the way my body is reacting. “Oh, my god,” I manage before plunging down on Ranger again.

“Do you want to come, slut?” he asks, and I nod a little, moaning. Arden moans, too, hooking his arms around my thighs to hold me in place before drawing my clit between his teeth and sucking hard.

That sends me over the edge. The tension in my core explodes before bliss radiates through my body, making my legs shake. Rather than let me up for air, Ranger holds my head down, forcing me to cry out my release with him pressed against the back of my throat. When I try to lift my head, he only holds me tighter. “You’re ours to do whatever we want with. Remember?”

Finally, he lets me up, and I cough and gag while Arden works his way out from under me. “Nasty little bitch.” He grabs me from behind and kneads my boobs while grinding his cock against my ass. “Riding my face like you’ve done it a million times. Coming all over me.”

With one hand, he pulls me in, turning my head until I’m facing him. “Taste your cum,” he invites before touching his tongue to my mouth. I part my lips to let him in, kissing him deeply while stroking Ranger and Dash. Arden uses his other hand to knead my boobs again. I melt against him, sinking deep into the sensation, forgetting everything else.

He pulls back. “I’m fucking your ass tonight.”

I’m torn between fear and excitement and decide to go with excitement. “Yes,” I whisper in agreement.

“She can hardly wait.” Dash stands, pulling me away from Arden to shove his way into my mouth. Ranger stands, too, and soon he’s taking his turn. Arden stands on his other side—I take him in one hand, Dash in the other, going from one to the next and back again. Making them all groan and sigh and dribble precum over my hands, onto my tongue.

Ranger backs away and goes to the sofa, where he spreads out a towel before lying on his back. He watches me service the others for a little while, stroking himself with his eyes glued to me. I meet his brown eyes and shiver from the intensity I find there.

“Bring that pussy over here.” He motions for me to join him. “On your knees.”

I crawl to him while Arden and Dash take turns slapping my ass. By the time I reach the sofa, I’m close to tears. “Poor little slut can’t take it?” Ranger slaps my face with his dick, laughing when I try to turn away. “Get up and put this in your pussy. Ride it.”

I get up on trembling legs and straddle him, one knee on either side. “Put it in you and make yourself come,” he commands as I lower myself onto his dick. I settle in—he’s so big, so deep—before starting to grind in slow circles.

Arden smacks my ass. I gasp in surprise and pain, but Ranger groans. “Her pussy twitches when you do that. Do it again.” I open my mouth, ready to tell him not to, but it’s too late. I grit my teeth against a cry of pain while Ranger mocks me, laughing.

“She can’t complain with her mouth full.” Dash steps up beside me and once again enters my mouth while Arden kneels behind me so he can grind against my ass and play with my boobs.

I’m on fire, torn between humiliation, resentment, and the sweetest, mind-bending pleasure. Being used. Mocked. Desired. It’s all so confusing.

All I can do is follow what my body wants, and right now, it wants release. Every time my clit grinds against Ranger’s base, I inch toward the edge. Arden’s grunts of pleasure, his hands on me, the way Dash tugs my hair to keep my focus on his dick.

“She’s getting close,” Ranger announces. “Tighter. Are you ready to come, slut?” I try to tell him yes, I’m close, but Dash won’t let me up for air—in fact, he takes me harder, almost brutally fucking my face until tears roll down my cheeks to mix with the saliva dripping down my chin.

“Come for us,” Arden growls before pinching my nipples, and that’s what finally does it. I stiffen against him, going still for a heartbeat before sweet relief washes over me. They wait until the strongest spasms pass before lifting me off Ranger, who gets up so Dash can take his place.

But Arden stays where he is, waiting until Dash is inside me before rubbing his thumb over my asshole. Ranger crosses the room to get the lube, which he squirts over my crack. I’m still registering this when he takes my mouth roughly, continuing what we started.

But my focus is on Arden and the pressure against my asshole. Instead of using his thumb this time, he begins pressing his head against me. I try to ask him to go slow, to stop, but Ranger won’t let me.

They’re going to take my ass and pussy all at once. I don’t know if I can handle it. If my body can take it.

I don’t have a choice but to find out. Arden takes his time, inching deeper. My eyes go wide, and I moan loudly—I can feel him and Dash rubbing together with only a thin wall between them. I can’t stop moaning, whimpering, choking on the intense sensations.

“Keep sucking,” Ranger growls, and I struggle to do as he says, but I can’t concentrate. Dash thrusts up into me while Arden withdraws. Arden thrusts deep as Dash pulls back. They set their rhythm—they aren’t new to this—and there’s nothing I can do but hold on and let them use me.

Somewhere in all that is the heat building deep inside me, hotter and more intense than ever before. My pussy, my ass, my mouth, every inch of skin their hands are touching, all of it builds together until I know I’m going to come hard. I welcome it and fear it at the same time, whimpering louder with every breath.

Ranger pulls free, finally letting me breathe. “Is it too good? Getting all your holes filled?”

“Y-Yes!” I sob out.

“Are you going to come again?”

“Yes!” I shout. “Yes! Yes! Yes, fuck, yes!”

“I’m gonna come in your ass,” Arden promises. “You ready for it?”

“Same, but in your pussy.” Dash’s thrusts dissolve into frantic, desperate rutting. Seeing and feeling him lose control is what sets me off. My insides clench, and my muscles tighten. A long, loud cry tears out of my throat and fills the room, building until everything breaks, and I fall back against Arden.

“Oh, fuck! Yes!” He buries himself to the hilt, and I feel the warmth of his cum filling me a moment before Ranger’s cum hits my chest. Dash grits his teeth and roars as he, too, shoots his load deep inside me.

I have no chance to recover before they’re moving me again, lifting me onto my feet, then lowering me to a sitting position on the sofa once Dash is up. “Pull your legs back.” Ranger’s dick is softening now, hanging close to my face when he places a knee on the cushion.

I’m still breathless and dizzy, but I wrap my hands around the backs of my knees and pull my legs back. The three of them admire what they see: their cum dribbling out of me, running down my chest.

“Look at you,” Ranger murmurs, shaking his head. “Full of cum, sweating, shaking. Are you a nasty little slut?”

“I am,” I gasp, nodding. “Yes. I’m a nasty little slut.”

Our eyes meet, and he smiles—genuinely. “Good girl.” He and Dash lower my legs, touching me gently now. It’s over. I’m almost glad—I’ve never been this exhausted.

They help me to the bathroom, where I clean myself up as best as I can. Everything below my waist throbs. My legs shake, and even my arms are weak.

And somehow, I’m proud of myself. I’ll always look back on this night fondly, strange as it might sound. It makes me smile as I finish washing up, then step out of the bathroom to find my clothes laid out and waiting for me.

“Thank you.” I’m not quite ready yet, though, choosing instead to sit down and hydrate while the guys finish dressing. Once they do, they gather around me, stroking my hair, shoulders and legs as they check in to make sure I’m doing well. I’ve gone from feeling completely used to completely cared for.

And it makes me sad because I have to give it up. “I don’t know what I’m going to do now. You can’t go back to regular vanilla sex after this.” It’s not easy to admit, but I have no secrets from them.

They exchange a look, and I wonder if I said the wrong thing.

Turns out, it was the right thing.

“What if you didn’t have to go back to regular sex?” Dash asks. “What if we kept going on this way, permanently, as part of each other’s lives?”

16

“H old up.” Not the most intelligent thing I’ve ever said, but it’s what I need. For them to hold up so I can catch up to what the fuck I think I just heard. “You want me to be your girlfriend? Or, like, to date casually?”

“All of us. Yes.” Arden doesn’t flinch when he meets my gaze. “We talked it out after last night.”

“We were going to ask you to stay in town and even live with us until you get on your feet,” Dash offers. “Since that motel is pretty fucking bleak.”

“Either way, we don’t want you to go,” Ranger concludes.

I hold up a hand and close my eyes. “I’m still putting this together. You want me to be with all of you after tonight? Into the future? All three of you?”

“I told you she’d freak.”

My eyes snap open. Ranger said it, and he’s glaring at the other two. “I’m not freaking,” I say. “More like surprised and trying to figure it out. Because I was going to ask you guys tonight for pretty much the same thing. I’m glad you said it first since I probably would’ve lost my nerve.”

“So you want this, too?” Dash can’t hide a grin. It’s kind of adorable, which is not a word I would’ve used to describe any of these three until now. They put up a good front, but inside they’re sweet, protective teddy bears. And they’d probably be sick if they even suspected I thought of them that way.

“I mean, yes. I do.” My eyes threaten to fill with tears. “If you want me.”

“Haven’t we proven that already?” Ranger asks as he takes a seat beside me, so close our knees touch. “We want you. Until now, we’ve only shared women on a one-off basis.”

“You’re different,” Arden continues as he steps up behind me. The weight of his hands on my shoulders is nice. Comforting. “You’re worth doing things differently. None of us wants to say goodbye.”

I place a hand on one of his, twisting my head around to look up at him and smile for the first time since they blew my mind. “I didn’t want to say goodbye, either. I didn’t know how to say it, is all.”

“So you’ll stay?”

“I want to. I don’t want to leave you. I know that for sure.” It’s almost too surreal. Like I passed out after coming too hard, and this is all a fantasy being spun by my worn-out brain. But I feel Arden’s hands massaging my shoulders. The warmth of Ranger’s body close to mine. The velvet sofa under me. I even hear the light pulsing of music coming from downstairs, the little bit of sound that floats up even with the soundproofing I know they must have in place.

This is really happening, even though it feels like a dream I hope never ends.

“Now you have everything you need to start a new life.” Dash rests against the sofa he and his friends just took me on. “The money, the freedom. And three men who’ll take care of you. No matter what you need.” There’s no missing the edge in his voice on that last part. I know what he’s saying. They want to take care of all of my needs, including one I never knew I had before I met them: the need to be used and defiled and cared for tenderly afterward.

“It’s like a dream come true. I almost don’t want to believe it.”

“I think we all know what it’s like when you try to wrap your head around things suddenly going your way after they haven’t for so long.” Ranger looks around at his friends, who nod like they understand too well. “You might not want to believe it at first.”

“Because you’re used to the rug getting pulled out from under you,” Dash adds, folding his arms and frowning at a memory.

“I’m used to that,” I agree.

“But this is real.” Arden squeezes my shoulders again before running a hand over my hair. “You don’t have to second-guess this.”

“You can finally have a life of your own.” Ranger’s hand covers my knee. “We want to be part of it. That’s all.”

“Where would I live?” I ask. So many questions are bouncing around in my head, but that’s the loudest one.

“Where do you want to live? And please, don’t say that motel.” Dash shivers a little, which makes me giggle. A big, tough guy, but he can’t stand the thought of roughing it.

“No, not the motel,” I agree. “Do you expect me to live with you? That’s what I mean.”

“It’s up to you. We talked about that, too, and we’re ready to follow your lead.”

I get a choice. It’s almost scary—but I’d better get used to it. I can’t be too scared to live my life. “I think I would rather live on my own,” I decide. “No offense. Please, don’t be mad.”

“Why would we be mad?” Ranger’s lips twitch in the beginnings of a grin. “I’m not ready for a woman living in my space, anyway. Nagging me. Bossing me around. No, thanks.”

“But at least do us one favor. Stay with us tonight. I can’t stand the thought of you being in that motel another minute.” Arden’s no-nonsense expression tells me there’s no room for argument. “Tomorrow, we’ll help you start looking for another place. Even if it’s a hotel and not an apartment, you deserve better.”

I deserve better. It’s going to take time for me to believe that, but something tells me they’ll find a way to make sure I do. “Thank you. For caring. For everything.”

“You might not be thanking us when you see how often we change the sheets in the guest bedroom.” Dash makes a face that gets me giggling as we pull ourselves together to leave.

“We almost never have guests,” Arden points out. “What, are we supposed to change sheets that don’t get slept in?”

Meanwhile, I’m surprised they even have a guest room. I can hardly wait to see what their apartment looks like.

THIS, I didn’t expect.

It was one thing to pull into the adjoining garage of one of the many downtown skyscrapers after Dash and Arden took me to the motel to get my things. Not that it took long, I didn’t have much to gather, but they’re too protective to let me go on my own. I was already asking myself the entire way up to the apartment how much this must cost per month.

Stepping inside is a whole other story. “This is where you live?” I stop dead on the spot after taking three steps inside the apartment. My eyes don’t know where to look first: the enormous living room, the incredible views beyond the windows, or the gas fireplace that Ranger turned on for our arrival.

Beyond the living room, there’s a huge kitchen with appliances that look brand new. After all, they don’t cook, so I guess everything would look pretty shiny. Everything I see from where I’m standing looks like it was decorated professionally. I don’t know what I was expecting. A frat house?

Arden must read my shocked expression for what it is. “We might have unusual tastes when it comes to sex, but we like to live well.”

Meanwhile, Dash is taking a seat at a desk in the corner that looks more like a command center, with four monitors and a keyboard that flashes colored lights when he touches it. He said something about having work to do once we got here.

Who works like that, in the middle of the night? Who lives like this when I know none of them came from money, and they seem to be able to drop everything whenever they want?

“Okay.” I leave my duffel bag on the floor by my feet, put my hands on my hips, and glare at all three of them. “If we’re going to have a future, I need to know the truth right now. What do you all do to make money? I think I deserve a little honesty to start things off right.”

“I told you this would happen, too.” Ranger looks a little sheepish as he rubs a hand over the back of his neck before dragging his fingers through his dark hair. Not the body language of a person who’s feeling confident.

“She’s right. She deserves the truth.” But Dash isn’t in any hurry to give it to me, which doesn’t make me feel much better. Should we have talked about this before deciding to go ahead and try to build a relationship?

Arden finally fesses up. He goes to a bar built into the wall beside the fireplace and pours himself what looks like whiskey. “It’s time for the truth. You probably already figured out what Dash does.”

“He’s a hacker.” I shoot him a look, and he at least has the decency to offer an apologetic shrug. “I figured that one out on my own, yeah.”

“The three of us own a tech company,” he continues, turning back to me. “Sorry, did you want a drink?”

“No, thank you. A tech company. What’s so bad about that?”

“For one thing, it’s a front.” He takes a breath deep enough to make his chest swell. “Dash handles enough of the tech side of things to make it look legit.”

“What do you really do?”

“Ranger and I are in procurement and sales.”

Procurement and sales. Right away, it makes me laugh. “So you steal things and sell them, is that what you’re telling me?”

“What made you jump to that conclusion?” Ranger asks.

“The way you picked the lock at my motel like it was nothing, for starters.” I look from him to Arden, arching an eyebrow.

“To be fair, they might as well have used one of those old hook-and-eye latches,” Arden offers. “But yes. You’re right. That’s what we do.”

“Art and jewelry, for the most part,” Ranger informs me, though I haven’t asked. I’m still a little too overwhelmed.

“Is it a deal breaker?” Arden lifts the glass to his lips, but his eyes never leave me. “It’s okay if you say yes. We should’ve told you this before.”

“It’s not that we don’t trust you. We just have to be careful.” Dash swivels his chair around, watching me intently as I process this.

“Sure, of course, you do.”

“But is it a deal breaker?” Arden asks again.

Is it? This doesn’t change who they are. They’re still the same people they were a few minutes ago before I asked. And back then, I was nothing but happy, relieved, and even overjoyed. Full of hope, ready to move into my future with these three in my life.

What’s changed?

“No, it’s not a deal breaker.” I shake my head firmly in case they think I’m just saying this. “You do what you do. So long as you don’t take crazy risks or anything, I won’t complain. I just want you guys to be safe.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yeah. It doesn’t change who you are as people and how you treat me. I would rather be with three good men who kinda-sorta do illegal things to support themselves than a so-called respectable person who’s a raging asshole behind closed doors.”

I can almost taste the relief that spreads through the room. I would never have guessed they were so nervous about telling me. It’s cute and endearing. And one more thing to confirm I’ve made the right decision. These are the people I want to be with.

For right now, though, what matters most is getting some sleep after everything we did tonight. Arden shows me to the guest bedroom. It’s bigger than the room at the motel, but that isn’t saying much, with more beautiful views, just like the view from the living room. There’s also a queen-sized bed that’s almost calling my name.

Arden goes to close the drapes, but I stop him. “I want to look out. I want to see everything.”

“I guess it’s a better view than the parking lot of a motel,” he murmurs.

“I was too afraid to leave the curtains open.”

He meets me at the foot of the bed and takes my face in his hands before placing a gentle kiss on my forehead. Nothing in the world has ever felt more right. “You’re never going to have to live like that again. We’ll make sure of it.”

I believe him with all my heart. So much so that as I slide between the soft sheets and rest my head on the pillow, I can’t stop smiling. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy in my whole life.

And to think, this is only the beginning.

EPILOGUE

Six Months Later

“I t isn’t often we see you down here.” The girl behind the bar offers a warm smile as she slides a glass of Chardonnay my way. “You’re usually headed straight upstairs.”

“It’s kind of a special night,” I confide with a wink. “But that’s just between us. For now, anyway.”

“It’ll be our little secret.” She moves farther down the bar to assist another customer, and I take the first sip of the chilled wine. Six months ago, I would never have imagined stepping foot in this place, much less sitting here at the bar like I’m a regular.

Not that we need to come here anymore, necessarily. We can either have fun at my apartment or theirs. Call me sentimental, but it’s sort of nice to stop in here once or twice a month. And it’s special, too—we’re all so used to each other’s apartments that being here, in our special room, makes everything more exciting. Less ordinary.

Not that my everyday life is boring. In fact, it’s better all the time. I smile to myself before taking another sip. Sometimes I wish Adam wasn’t locked up for what he did to Thatcher and the files Dash found. I would like him to see me, to watch me walk through a life I’ve built with the help of three men who actually give a shit about me and are worthy of trust.

I’d want him to see me going to school. Making friends. Living in a sunny, beautiful apartment.

I’d want him to see me feeling confident. I can trust myself. That’s still sort of a work in progress, but every time I want to rely on one of my guys to help me make a decision, they always remind me that I’m smart enough to do what’s right for me. My intuition is there for a reason.

I mean, how much luckier could I get?

I’m about to find out.

According to my phone, it’s five minutes to nine. I asked them to meet me here at nine sharp—and before the clock reaches that point, all three of them come in from the lobby, scanning the room until they find me waiting for them.

Even six months later, the sight of all three of them entering the room at once is overwhelming in the best possible way. Sometimes I still can’t believe they’re mine, that they want me. They could have anybody they wanted, but I’m the one worth negotiating spending time with. Sometimes we do one-on-one dates where I can focus on one of them at a time, while at other times, we hang out in a group. It isn’t all about sex, even if that plays a big part in things. At the end of the day, I really enjoy spending time with them.

That’s not exactly what’s on my mind, though, as they cross the room like a trio of lions spotting their next meal at the watering hole. One by one, they kiss me on the cheek the way they always do when we meet in public, though this time, they don’t hesitate to run a hand down my back, or in Dash’s case, over my ass.

“You’re looking delicious this evening,” he murmurs, squeezing my ass before backing away. “Good enough to eat.”

“And you’ll be doing that,” I promise, biting my lip. A glance down at his crotch reveals what a fan he is of that idea. But first, we have something to talk about.

I sit up a little straighter and take a deep breath to brace myself while they order drinks. I can be brave. I can do this. It’s not like we’ve never talked about it before, even if we don’t usually get into specifics.

And it makes sense. All this going back and forth from one apartment to the other can be a pain in the ass. Sure, I like having my own space, but there’s plenty of room at their apartment, too.

Still, all the thinking about it in the world isn’t going to matter if they freak out. All I can do is hope they meant it all the times they said it would be convenient if I lived with them.

“What’s up?” Ranger asks once their drinks are taken care of. “We don’t usually meet down here.”

“Maybe I wanted to enjoy a drink with the three of you before we take off all our clothes,” I suggest.

“Since when are you not in a hurry to get down to business?” He looks me up and down, his eyes narrowing slightly as he takes in my brand new, almost skintight dress and five-inch heels. “Especially looking the way you do right now.”

“I have a proposition for the three of you.”

“I don’t know if I like the sound of this.” Still, there’s a playful light in Arden’s eyes when they meet mine.

I might as well jump right in. I hope I’m making the right call. “I wondered if you would mind another roommate.”

It’s the funniest thing, watching the three of them react.

“Seriously?” Dash asks.

“Finally,” Ranger mutters.

“It’s about time,” Arden growls. “What took you so long?”

“I wasn’t sure if you actually wanted me to move in. Do you really want to have a woman up in your business all the time?”

“You practically live there now,” Ranger points out. “You have your own bathroom, for fuck’s sake.”

“Because you don’t want my so-called girly shit in your bathroom,” I remind him. Let’s be honest, though. Having my own bathroom is amazing, considering we’re talking about three men. I love them all to pieces, but they’re still gross boys.

“You’re ready for this?” Dash looks like he wants to believe it, but he’s afraid to.

“I miss you guys so much when we’re not together. And I like having my own space, but it’s not like you guys are always around, anyway.” Especially when Ranger and Arden have their nighttime activities. We don’t talk about that—it’s safer for me that way, which I understand. Besides, I’m not sure I want to know the specifics.

“And you’re not going to try to redecorate the place, are you?”

I have to laugh at Arden’s pained expression. “No, your precious gaming chair will stay exactly where it is. I’m not trying to change your lives, not at all.”

“It’s a little too late for that.” But Ranger looks nothing but happy when he says it.

“You’ve already changed everything. And I don’t think any of us would complain.” Dash looks at Arden, then at Ranger, both of whom shake their heads.

“So we’re doing this? I’m moving in with you?”

“You’ll have to find a subletter to cover the rest of your lease—unless you want to keep the place empty just in case you change your mind,” Arden offers with a shrug.

“I already found a subletter ready to move in by the first of the month.”

Ranger bursts out laughing. “So you’ve been giving this a lot of thought.”

“I have. This is important to me. I want this to work.”

“Keep being the amazing person you are, and it will work just fine.” The four of us lift our glasses in a toast. Nobody says anything specific about what we’re toasting to, but I know it’s to the future. If it’s anywhere near as good as the past six months have been, I can’t think of another thing I’d ever ask for.

Well, maybe one thing.

Dash clears his throat while sliding a look toward the stairs. “How about we take this someplace a little more private? I would like to, you know, express my gratitude physically.”

I have to laugh even though I understand very well how he’s feeling. All I want right now is the three of them all over me. It’s my favorite way to celebrate.

I lead the way up the stairs and head for our room. I could make it blindfolded by now. As we climb the stairs, the guys comment quietly on my ass, which I may or may not swing a little more than necessary since I know what it’s doing to them. They’re not the only ones who know how to play games.

All my game playing earns me is stern treatment once we’re alone with the door closed.

“On your knees,” Ranger demands, taking the wine glass from me. “You’re going to learn what happens to little girls who go out of their way to tease.”

I’ve gotten better at hiding my excitement, lowering myself to my knees while wearing a penitent expression. “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “Sometimes I forget.”

“And you need to be reminded.” He brushes a strand of hair away from my cheek. “Isn’t that right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Sometimes, it takes a little extra reinforcement when certain lessons are forgotten.” Arden joins Ranger, with Dash stepping up on his other side. “Don’t worry. We have all night if that’s what it takes.”

No. We have longer than that. We have the rest of our lives.

And that makes me even happier than the hungry looks I’m getting from the three men in my life.

Ranger reaches into his back pocket, barely hiding a playful grin as he pulls out a length of silk. “I thought we might need this tonight,” he announces before covering my eyes. “You’ve been a little bratty lately. We’ll have to go over a few lessons in what we expect from you.”

I can pretend to be apprehensive all I want. Meanwhile, my pussy is almost dripping wet in anticipation of what I know is to come.

“You’ll thank us when it’s all over,” Arden promises.

That much I know is true. I have so much to thank them for, much more than this.

Though right now, this is more than enough. This and the promise of hours of fun yet to come.

No, not hours. Years. As far as I’m concerned, we could do this for the rest of our lives.

And we will.

I can hardly wait.

Thank you for reading Room 24 of Club Sin Chicago. Don’t miss the other 8 books of this amazing series.

9 rooms, 9 fantasies…Which door will you step through?

CLUB SIN: CHICAGO

🗝New York took your breath away, now visit Club Sin: Chicago for two more play sessions.🗝

Fantasies are meant to come true and the men of Club Sin: Chicago will see to your every kinky desire. This June is the first play session of the year with 9 of your favorite steamy romance authors. We’ll take you inside Club Sin: Chicago, a forbidden place where you’ll find love and pleasure with multiple hot men in these Reverse Harem novellas. Can you handle the heat?

9 rooms, 9 fantasies…Which door will you step through?

♥️ Check out the series and get your copies today! ♥️

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Room Twenty by Jenna Thalia mybook.to/RoomTwenty

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Room Twenty-eight by Stephanie Brother mybook.to/RoomTwenty-Eight

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ALSO BY DARCY ROSE

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Bound

DANCE FOR ME

His Ballerina

Their Ballerina

His Gymnast

His Stripper

His Dancer

DARK SHIFTER

I’ll be Your Beast

I’ll be Your Wolf

STANDALONES

Christmas Obsession

Extra Credit

Heaven

Table of Contents

Title Page

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Epilogue

Club Sin: Chicago

About Darcy Rose

Also by Darcy Rose