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And I almost like him for that.
Almost.
“Rae, the game will go late tonight. But Kayce made sure you have enough food, and if you need anything, John’s number is in your phone. And Phoenix’s. Call them if you need anything while we are playing. Oh and make sure to arm the system.” Drew stands next to me while I sit on the couch.
“Yeah. Okay.” I pick up my Kindle and try my best to get lost in a book. But I am too distracted by everyone hovering over me.
“I can have one of Phoenix’s husbands stay here, maybe I need to get someone here to stay with you,” he sighs as he rubs the back of his neck.
“So you have the state of the art alarm system installed, one that could wake Mars if it went off, and yet I still need a prison guard?” I scoff.
He shakes his head and groans. “No, that’s not what I mean by all that. I just want to keep you safe. None of us will be here to watch over you.”
“Like I’m in a prison.”
“Fuck. No, I’m sorry. You are right, this place is safe. I… I just worry.” He bounces back and forth on his feet.
“Nothing to be worried about with me here in this castle.” I let out a long breath.
“Okay, look, change of subject. What are you up to, today?”
“Just reading.” I don’t look at him when I respond. The air is thick, and it’s hard to breathe. The room feels stuffy. And I am getting antsy to start setting my plan in motion.
He hums and then turns and heads into the kitchen. My gaze follows him, and I see Tristan staring at me.
“Do you mind not staring at me like a creeper? It’s starting to get on my nerves,” I spit.
“Too bad,” is all he gives me. And continues to watch me. This fucking guy…
Apparently, from what I’ve overheard, he blames himself for what happened. And as much as I want to tell him it wasn’t him, it was the assholes in the masks, and I don’t want to have to talk about it.
“Have you talked to John yet?” Asher asks me.
“Jesus fucking Christ! What is with the inquisition? Stop asking me questions! No, I have not talked to John. Why would I talk to him? So I can talk about my freaking out? Does he need to know I was naked on a bed with four guys? That I had a cock in my mouth and was about to take another one from behind? Is that what you want me to talk to him about? That I’m a fucking slut?” I explode.
“That’s not what we are asking.” Drew starts to come toward me again.
“Stop! Leave me alone! I need to breathe. You all are up my ass twenty-four-seven. Newsflash for all of you: I have survived on my own for this long. Even through the fucking shit I went through.”
What I want to say is, I survived and yet was ready for death. That if death came for me, it was a welcomed end to the shit life I was dealt.
Instead, Drew had to rescue me, and here I am.
“Rae—” Kayce steps around the counter.
“No! I’m done. I want to be alone. Please. Just leave me alone right now. Stop breathing down my fucking neck.” I grab my phone and Kindle and take off toward my room, locking the door as soon as I am inside.
And finally, I can breathe.
I take a deep breath, feeling like the weight of them all is finally lifted from me. The air is less stuffy. I just need them all to leave for their stupid game.
While I wait, I lie in bed and try to rest my eyes. This has all been exhausting. My head is killing me. I let out a sigh and sink into the bed.
Once they leave, I can get ready and go seek out Ronnie.
I know she will be able to help get me back home.
While I know I don’t need their money, Drew’s cash is coming in handy right now as I pay a taxi to take me back to Level Seven. When I return to New York and start stripping again, I will send him every dime I use.