Page 29

“You won’t have a choice.”
Finn’s friends start arriving once the sun goes down. There are six of them, not counting Finn. The cabin is small and all the extra men just makes it feel smaller.
I stand in a back corner as the men come in and make themselves at home. They’re pigs. Placing their feet on the coffee table. Burping even though they don’t have any beer in them yet. Scratching their butt and balls. I shudder. Why are men so gross?
They all notice me of course. How could they not?
“Why is she hiding in the corner?” Jed asks. He as a scruffy beard that needs a good washing. I think I even see some food still stuck in the hairs. I have to hold back my vomit.
“She’s not shy,” Finn says. “I think she’s just a little scared. Why don’t we make her feel welcome, boys?”
They all shout and cheers to that.
Finn tugs me towards the middle of the room, so I’m on full display for these men. The only thing that could make this moment worse is if Finn were to take my clothes off. I just have to pray he does nothing of the sort.
The six unfamiliar men all look at me like I’m a piece of meat for them to eat. I sneer back at them.
“She’d be pretty if she wasn’t scowling,” Zach says. He’s one to talk. He’s got a large beer belly and a bad comb over.
“Like you’re so good looking?” I snap back, making all the men laugh except for Zach. He flushes and grumbles into his beer.
“Aria is not afraid to speak her mind,” Finn says, squeezing my shoulders. “Be careful what you say to her. She’ll give it right back.”
“So, is she yours?” Carl asks. He’s the skinniest guy in the room. Almost skinnier than I am. All these men look like ragged out drug addicts. How did Finn even become friends with them? It just shows that I don’t know Finn at all.
“She’s not mine,” Finn says. “But she’s alsonotnot mine.”
“What the fuck?” Jed asks, laughing to the man next to him. Silas, I think his name is.
“Just don’t piss me off, boys, and we won’t have any problems.” Finn lets me go. “Now, let’s all enjoy some beers. And Carl brought the good stuff.”
Carl pulls out a baggie of something and a bong. Oh god. They’re going to get high right in front of me. I always hated the smell of pot. I think it’s almost worse than cigarette smoke. There’s no way Finn could have known this about me so it must be a pure coincidence that he’s going to torture me with this.
The men all settle in the living room, laughing and getting high. I almost choke at the smell of the pot. It’s so strong and disgusting.
“You don’t like it, baby?” a man named Kevin asks me. His eyes haven’t left me all night.
“It’s disgusting,” I answer honestly.
“Good,” Finn says, making the other men laugh. “Aria, don’t just stand there in the corner. Come join us.”
“No.”
“Join us.” His tone doesn’t leave any room for discussion.
The moment I reach the couch, Finn tugs me towards him. “Get on your hands and knees. I need a footstool.”
I stare at him aghast. “No.”
“Do it, do it,” the other men chant.
“Fuck you all,” I snarl, but it only makes them laugh harder. They find my pain amusing. This is why Finn invited these men over tonight. To torture me. Put me back in my place.
“You will do as I say, princess.”
“Or?” I challenge.
“Or I just might kill your father. Your choice.”