Her wide eyes go back and forth between mine before she whispers, “Are you here to take that choice away?”
“Depends.” I lean forward, placing my lips right to her ear, and whisper, “Are you into being forced to take cock?” Her breath hitches, and my free hand comes up into her hair. “Everyone has fantasies, Lace. What’s yours?”
“Scout.” My name trembles on her lips, and her hands grip my arms.
I take a step back and smile down at her. “Maybe some other time.” Then I turn and walk out of her room.
As I’m getting into my car, my phone alerts me of a message. I lift my hips to remove it from my pocket to see I have two. I ignore the one in the group chat from Law to Henley and go to the one from Monroe.
Monroe: Taken care of.
I frown, reading over it. A little disappointed I don’t get to handle it how I want. That fucking bitch really would be terrified of what I had in store for her. But at least it’s done. Instead of responding, I pull up a number and make a call.
HENLEY
The next two weeks have gone by pretty quick. The Westbrook Warriors made playoffs, but I’m not surprised. I knew they would.
I haven’t spent much time with the guys. Thankfully, everyone has been pretty busy doing their own thing, and I’ve been helping Lisa plan for the wedding. It’s actually been fun and nice to have her around.
I was sitting on my bed doing homework when Law came in and asked if I wanted to go to Death Valley with him and Scout this evening. It’s Halloween, and I was doing nothing but sitting at home being bored. I actually jumped at the opportunity to get out, have some fun, and get fresh air.
We’ve only been here for about half an hour. I stand with Law in the back corner of the Graveyard. He’s talking to Scout, who is getting ready to fight. He only has two fights tonight.
My cell vibrates in the back pocket of my jeans, and I pull it out to see it’s a text from Lacey. I open it up.
Lacey: Meet me in the chapel.
I look up at the railing on the second floor, my eyes scanning the large crowd to see if I see her, but she’s not there. I text back.
Me: You’re at Death Valley?
I had invited Lacey to come so I would have someone to talk to, but she told me she was taking her foster brothers and sisters trick-or-treating tonight. Why would she have come by herself if she knew I was coming? Maybe that’s why she came, and she just caught a ride with someone.
Lacey: Yes, in the chapel.
Me: Okay. On my way.
I lock my phone and place it back in my pocket. I look up to go tell the guys I’ll be back. But I see Law and Scout huddled around Matthew trying to talk over “Painkiller” by Three Days Grace, so I say forget it. I won’t be long.
Turning, I make my way up the stairs, through the crowd, and down the hallway. I see the closed doors to the chapel and open them. I step inside and see the back of Lacey. She’s sitting in the very first pew with her back to me. “Hey, girl? What are you doing up here? Scout is about to fight. Let’s go downstairs.” I walk down the aisle to the front of the room and come to a stop. “Lacey?”
Getting a better look at her, she has her head down and her hands knotted in her lap. “Lacey, everything okay?”
She lifts her head, and I see tears running down her cheeks.
“Hey.” I run over and kneel before her. “What’s wrong?” I ask, pushing her blond hair from her face. “Did something happen?” She shouldn’t have come here without me. Death Valley can be the best place to party but can also be a nightmare. I know.
“You should leave,” she whispers.
“Good idea.” I stand and grab her hand, bringing her to her feet as well. “Let’s go downstairs. We’ll get you a drink.” She opens up when she’s been drinking, and maybe that will get her to tell me why she’s so upset.
I turn around to start walking but come to a stop when a man steps out from behind the shadows in the corner. I immediately shove Lacey behind me. “Stay back,” I call out. “We were just leaving.”
A laugh comes from behind us, and I spin around to see fucking Nicholas standing there. “Lacey …” I look down at her, and she’s shaking uncontrollably, silently crying.
“They used you,” I say out loud. To set me up.
“I’m so sorry,” she cries as Nicholas grabs her and yanks her back to his front. She screams out, and he slaps his hand over her mouth.