Arranged love

Her cheeks redden, and she goes to look down, but my hand in her hair tightens to keep it in place, forcing her to look up at me.

That, right there, is why I asked her that question. Because I wanted to see the look of want in her eyes. Hear the little whimper that slips from her parted lips. She may be innocent, but it’s not by choice.

I lower my lips toward hers, and at the last moment, I dip my face to her neck and press mine to her skin.

Her body softens against mine, her hands gripping my shirt, trying to pull me even closer to her. And I know if I wanted to, I could have her right here and right now. But I don’t have time for that. I have to remind myself that she is not for me.

So I release her and take a step back. Then I turn and walk out of the room, listening to her following me.

MIA

I SIT IN Dillan’s passenger seat, my legs rubbing together. Unable to get comfortable. My skin feels clammy, my pussy throbbing, and I can feel the sweat bead on the back of my neck.

Kink got me all worked up.

I don’t know why.

Bones likes a submissive. Matteo had said to me. I knew what he meant, but I didn’t put much thought into it. Now it’s all I can think about.

I catch him looking at me for a quick second before he places his eyes back on the road. He’s taking me home. Like a child in trouble, he’s driving me back to his house, where I’ll spend all day alone. I’m probably grounded and won’t be able to spend time with the girls.

I’m being punished for wanting a normal life. For wanting a little bit of freedom.

Hell, I’m a twenty-year-old goddamn virgin. I’ve never even used any toys. The only thing I’ve ever had to get me off was a showerhead. Well, I also used the jets in my father’s hot tub a few times, but that wasn’t the most comfortable.

He almost kissed me in Kink. I’ve never known that kind of need. My body was vibrating. My thighs clenched. But instead, he kissed my neck and then pulled away. He’s playing with me. Probably thinks it’s funny. I’m just a game to him. If he has to take care of me, he might as well get some fun out of it.

My eyes go to look over at Dillan out of the corner of my eye, trying to stare discreetly. He’s wearing a black button-up with black slacks. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up to show off his ink-covered arms. And he’s got the top two buttons undone.

He’s unbelievably attractive. The kind of sexy that you know your mother would hate if you brought him home. But he’s also scary. Like walk faster down an alleyway if you saw him alone type of scary. That’s what makes it so interesting. When you stare at him, your heart starts to race out of fear and anticipation.

A pair of black shades covers his face, but I can see the side view of his lashes when he blinks.

The sound of his phone ringing in the silent car makes me jump. Grave lights up his dash. He reaches out to the screen on his dash and hits answer. “Yeah?”

“Find her?” His voice fills the car, and I roll my eyes.

Great. Now they all think I’m a runaway.

“Yes. We’re on our way to the house now,” Dillan answers, changing lanes on the highway.

“Okay. How long before you get back?”

“I’m going to work from home today,” he announces.NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

“What?” I bark out.

The unintelligible sound that Grave makes tells me he’s just as pissed that Dillan is staying home to babysit me like a child.

I slump down in the seat and watch the city roll by while we drive down the highway.

“What about tonight?” Graves growls.

“I have to be at Glass by seven. Then I’ll meet you guys there around midnight.” Dillan hangs up without a goodbye. I have a feeling it’s more, so I can’t get any information out of their conversation.

“I don’t need a babysitter,” I say when the silence fills the car again.

“Yet here I am taking you home in the middle of the day,” he speaks.

It’s actually not even eight in the morning yet, but I don’t correct him. I stay silent the rest of the way back to his house. The moment he pulls into the garage, I jump out and run to the bathroom.

Standing in the shower, I hold the sprayer in my hand, debating whether to put it between my legs. To get off. It’s been so long since I felt anything. Since I was able to get any type of satisfaction from anything.

Why don’t I use Dillan? It’s not like I’m trying to trap him. Or take over his business to give to my father. And I know he understands that; otherwise, he would have shipped me off on the first plane out of here when I came running back. Or killed me already.

You know they’re my favorite. My brother had said. It’s as if they hold being a virgin over our heads. Like being a virgin is something they can take at any time. I’m not holding it for someone special. I just haven’t had the chance to be with anyone.

I tried once, but Nite shot me down. He was always there and watching over me. He was the only guy I was around who wasn’t actually blood. Even if my mom and dad had adopted him. But too much had happened. I’m the reason he no longer speaks. So any chance I had there is gone. But Dillan? He’s something new. Something I can use to my advantage. Others have taken advantage of me, so why can’t I get something for myself now?

Making up my mind, I place the showerhead back in place and start soaping up my body, knowing exactly what I’m going to do.

I’m twenty motherfucking years old. Not a little girl. It’s time I act like it.

I walk through his closet. I reach out, running my fingers along his button-ups. Picking out a white one, I pull it off the hanger and slide it on. The sleeves are too long, and the hem almost reaches my knees, but the material is soft and cool against my skin.

I don’t drink, but I wish I had something to take a sip of right now. Just to calm my nerves. I hate how nervous I am. Men like Dillan sleep with experienced women. I make my way upstairs, running my hands along the banister. Making it to the top of the landing, the softness of the carpet almost tickles my feet.

I look to my right and see his office door cracked. Taking a deep breath, I push it open and step in.

He’s sitting at his desk, his phone in his hands, and he’s typing away on it. I have a moment of panic. What if he doesn’t want me? This is stupid. Why would he want me? I have nothing to offer him. But isn’t that what we’re taught from a young age-to use our bodies?

He looks up, his eyes meet mine, and he stops typing.