“I don’t want you at the press conference tomorrow. Lane is unstable and who knows what he will do. How about you and Piper go shopping? Remo can go with you, even Thorn. My treat,” I say.
“Okay. You going to the gym tomorrow, too?”
“Yeah, why? You want to come?”
“It’s every girl’s dream to watch a bunch of hot, shirtless guys fight,” she rolls her eyes, but she’s perking up a little bit.
“It is? Can I give you a preview?”
“Take me to bed, Storm,” she grins.
“My pleasure, sweetheart.”
Holden
I can’t believe what Lane said. He’s completely lost his mind, killing her and then himself. What the fuck is wrong with that guy? It can’t be all that time on the street. Or growing up in a shitty household. Briar grew up in a fucked up household and she’s as sweet as pie. This just means we need to be more vigilant.
Briar
I wake up before him, letting him sleep a little later, I crawl out of bed, shower, throw on some joggers, a tank top, a cardigan, and slide into some flip flops. I grab my wallet and key card and go in search of Starbucks or other coffee on the casino floor. I won’t be gone long, I don’t think I’ll need a babysitter this early in the morning.
The elevator doors open and I walk through the casino, marveling at how many people are up this early gambling, or maybe they haven’t been to sleep. I order a white mocha with peppermint and stroll back to the elevators. I’m about to push the call button, when someone grabs me and drags me into a dark corner.
“Oh my, he let you out without his guard dogs.”
“Lane, let go of me,” I try to yank out of his arms.
“Stop struggling. I saw your eyes at the diner. You wanted me. You remember.”
“I’m with Kingston. I love him.”
“So, you don’t like me touching you,” he slips a finger under the band of my sweats and my breath hitches as he leans forward kissing my neck. I try to squirm away, but he holds me close.
“Let me go,” I snap at him.
“You like this,” he says gently. I didn’t know Lane could speak softly.
“Lane,” I warn him as his hands travel down and his finger traces my clit on the outside of my panties.
“Say you’ll be mine. We can leave, disappear. Thorn can come. Just like before,” he sounds almost desperate. This is different than the hate he usually spews.
“Lane,” I start when he pushes my panties down enough to get his hand in.
“You’re so wet, such a little slut. That’s okay, you’re my little slut,” he says.
“Please let me go,” I say again. I try to wiggle out of his grasp, this is going too far. He will never recover from this. I will never recover from this.
“You like this?” he asks.
“Stop. Lane, please stop,” I whimper. I start to cry, but that doesn’t faze him. I don’t know why he’s asking me a question if he’s not going to listen.
But he does. He stops. I stare into his eyes and it looks like he’s at war with himself.
“I need you to remember,” he says, it’s so soft, I barely hear him.
“Lane, please leave me alone,” I say. Remember what? I don’t know what he’s talking about but at this point I’m scared that if I don’t get away, he will try again.
“You liked that. I know you did.” He’s starting to get angry now.