“The kid you came in with the other day.”
“What about him?” he goes on.
“Bring him over tomorrow. We’d like to see him.” The guy hangs up.
Tyson locks his cell before looking up at me. “Looks like you’ve got one more chance.”
ELLINGTON
I STAND INthe ballroom, my eyes on a man who stands at the opposite end. I know him. I’ve seen him before. He came over to my house. He brought us papers to sign when Sin said he bought the house for us. I should go over there and ask him why he did that when it was a lie. Why go through that much trouble? But my feet are planted where I stand. His blue eyes are on mine, staring at me. He doesn’t care that I’ve caught him. Lifting a champagne flute to his lips, he takes a sip.
A hand grabs my arm and I’m pulled out of the ballroom. My feet are unable to keep up and I trip but thankfully don’t fall on my face. “Christ, you’re on drugs. Again.” It’s Lincoln. “Goddamn it, Elli. Can’t you stay clean for a day?”
I groan as he brings me to a stop, spinning me to face him. “What the fuck did you say?” he demands in my face.
I’m not even here. The Molly has kicked in and I’m drinking. I no longer taste him in my mouth. I could be drooling for all I know.
“Hmm? What did you say to Sin?”
I blink, my eyelids heavy, making everything kinda blurry.
He raises his hand to slap me, but it stops in midair. “Just what do you think you’re doing?” Chance growls.
I blink again, realizing that Chance’s hand is wrapped around Lincoln’s wrist, stopping him from hitting me. I didn’t even flinch, the thought of pain makes my nipples harden. I want to feel something. I wish Sin were here to hurt me. To make me beg him to push me further than my body wants to go.
Linc yanks it free and steps back. “I’m having a conversation with my stepdaughter.”
Bile rises at those words. While wallowing in my own self-pity, I forgot that he’s married to my mother. I’ve officially fucked two of my mother’s husbands—while they were married to her. I’m a horrible person.
“Why is she fucked up?” Chance asks Linc.
He snorts. “Because she’s a fucking druggie. You knew this. It’s what she does.”
Chance turns to face me and cups my cheeks. I lean into his cool hands. They feel so good. “Are you okay?” he asks.
A laugh bubbles up and I can’t help but let it out, making my body shake.
“Elli?” Chance frowns, shaking me a little.
“She’s fine,” Linc snaps.
Chance lets go of my face and walks me over to a chair, pushing me down into it, then he turns to his uncle. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing? Your wife is here, for fuck’s sake.” I tilt my head, their conversation confusing me. She is? I haven’t even seen my mother tonight. This party may be for me and Chance, but she threw it for herself. It’s a way for her to show off that I’m not a complete waste of space in her life. Becoming a Lady is a big thing in our world. Not sure when becoming a slave was something to be proud of.
Linc straightens his shoulders. “We had a deal—”
“Yes, I know what he agreed on,” Chance snaps, interrupting him. “But she’s not my wifeyet. So keep your hands to yourself until then.”
Lincoln’s eyes narrow on me and I smile at him. At least I think I am. My lips are numb.
“Sin knew something—”
“Sin is watching her every fucking move,” Chance goes on, taking a step back and running a hand through his dark hair. Not sure if he’s aggravated at me or his uncle. “Jesus, you’re a grown-ass man. You once went three years without pussy. Keep it in your pants for another week before you ruin this for us both.”
Lincoln fixes his collar and glares at me while he speaks to Chance. “I want her on the wedding night.”
Chance lets out a huff.
“I’m serious, Becks. It’s not like she’s a fucking virgin and you’ll be the first one there. I want her after the wedding. Hell, you can be there and watch, but I want to fuck her before you do. I’ve earned that.”