Page 29 of Distorted Obsession (The Distorted Trilogy #1)

eva

Today has been a day.

Fuck —the last few weeks have been a series of unfortunate events. Except for?—.

Don’t you go there, Eva Rose.

“Move,” someone shouts, shoulder-checking me, jarring me from my thoughts, and serving as a reminder that I stopped in the middle of the hallway.

My anger simmers. There was no reason for her to do that. Peering around, I notice there is more than enough room to pass without bumping into me.

The stupid bitch did that shit on purpose.

“An excuse me works just fine,” I growl at the retreating form. “Next time?—”

I forget to breathe. I’m frozen, paralyzed to the spot, watching the girl with the long, onyx-colored hair cut into layers speed down the hall.

But that’s not what robs me of my air—it’s the scent of her perfume and her very distinguishable tattoo that keeps peeking out with each sway of her hair—??????? ?????? ???? ???? ?????? flows down her spine into a pink lotus. Hidden battles leave the deepest scar.

I choke, remembering the day she got it. Her mother hired the same person who does the tattoos for the Heirs.

“The pink lotus means resilience, Evie. It’s meant to show that we’re still here to fight in spite of our silent battles.” They were meant to be matching tattoos. I was supposed to get mine once I came back. But?—

Sighing, I don’t bother to finish. Instead, I search for who has to be a figment of my imagination.

It can’t be her.

Doubt wraps around me. Could she?—

Farrah is dead, Eva.

I try to reason with myself.

But what if she’s not?

I have to know.

Delusional hope springs into my chest, and my brain finally releases me from my stupefied state.

She’s turning the corner when I take off after her, eager to see my best friend again.

My heart thumps, beating erratically as I follow her steps. But by the time I enter the hallway, there’s no one there.

No… no… no .

Spinning in circles, I search for any trace of her.

I dart to the stairwell, pushing the door with such fervent force that it bangs against the wall.

No one is here.

Refusing to give up, I spin and run upstairs.

Nothing—she’s gone.

Tears pool in my eyes as I feel the loss of her again. Pain grips me in its hold, forcing me to atone—to repent—to pay penance and restitution. Karma seeks justice to right the scales.

My thoughts swirl in rapid succession. Every moment flashes before my eyes from its beginning to its end.

A familiar foe wakes from its slumber, ready to feast on despondency.

I need to escape the overwhelming despair.

Frustrated, I wipe away all traces of my sour mood. If I enter my suite like this, the mother hens will swarm me, and I don’t have the energy to engage in their optimism or suggestions to forgive myself and move on.

Sometimes, you need to be okay with not being okay .

Inhaling, I fortify my defenses, my mask perfectly in place. Fun, easygoing Eva is present, and she knows what needs to be done.

We just need to get to our room.

“Hey, girl, hey,” Jade exclaims as I walk through the door. “You’re home just in time.”

Glancing, I notice Camiel, Paisley, and Ayana are sitting on the barstools in the eat-in kitchen.

“In time for what?” I question.

“We’re heading to the mall for some retail therapy. You want in?” Ayana inquires.

Perfect.

If they leave, I won’t have to worry about one of them bursting into my room due to prolonged silence.

“Next time,” I promise.

“Oh, come on, Eva,” Paisley states with pleading puppy dog eyes. “It’ll be so much fun. We can grab food from your favorite BBQ spot.”

My lips part, ready to agree, when the image of the mysterious girl who resembles my best friend pushes to the forefront.

Shaking my head, I restate, “Next time. I’ve got a crap ton of homework to do before our game this week.” The excuse falls from my mouth with ease.

I can’t go. The glimpse of the raven-haired girl was too much for me to ignore.

Jade studies me, seemingly seeing past my defenses.

Remember to look happy.

“How about we all catch a movie tomorrow night?” I offer, widening my smile.

Jade narrows her gaze, surveying me before replying, “Okay, deal.”

Paisley’s shoulders slump, but in the end, she nods her head.

I inwardly squeal when they don’t make any further protests.

“We’ll bring you back some food,” Camiel announces as they prepare to leave.

“Thanks. Y’all are the best,” I grin this time, genuinely. “Bring me back some of the honey cornbread.” Then I walk toward my bedroom, not stopping until I’m inside, and shut the door.

I drop my bag at my feet before striding to my bed and plopping down on the mattress.

Closing my eyes, I try to fight off my intrusive thoughts.

Was Farrah really there… is she haunting me for what I did… is this punishment for still being alive?

The endless questions batter against my shield, ripping it to shreds.

I catapult upright, springing from the bed and rushing to my nightstand drawer. Initially, I reach for the pencil case, but when I pass the box with my toys, I’m instantly transported back to the night with Coop and Colt.

My brain still can’t process what transpired with them two days ago. Never in my wildest dreams did I think they would want me sexually.

“Wh-what are we doing?” I ask as Colter runs his palm up the expanse of my stomach. His hands slip beneath my shirt before tweaking my nipple.

I try to fight the butterflies whirling in my stomach, but I’m thrust back into the moment.

“Fuck,” I exclaim, no longer able to ignore the need growing between my legs. My pussy clenches, and I feel the dampness of my panties against my skin.

Shaking my head clear of the vision, my hand moves from the pencil case to the box, pulling my limited edition unicorn-designed Le Wand and hot pink double-penetrating Wallbangers vibrator.

A different form of punishment is on the menu tonight.

Then, I pick up the pink bottle of lube, cleaning spray, and strip before heading into my bathroom.

I quickly turn on the shower, allowing it to warm up as I walk over to the sink to prepare my toys. Leary of bacterial infections, I clean them after every use and also like to ensure their cleanliness by wiping them down before using them.

Just as I’m about to begin cleaning the wand, I glance in the mirror, studying my reflection.

I’m a shell of my former self—not physically—the essence of who I am pales in comparison to who I used to be.

Even while broken, a light still shone through my cracked pieces.

Now that light is gone—snuffed out in punishment for my betrayal.

Withdrawn, honey-colored eyes appear dull as they judge me.

Snap out of it.

The internal reprimand hastens my movements. I clean both toys, ignoring the visible scars on my exposed skin. Otherwise, the yearning to add more will override my need for an alternative lesson I plan to dole out to myself.

Stepping into the shower, I secure the dildo to the tiled wall. Not quite ready for what I have in mind, I place the tongue-like flickable attachment to the sky-blue head of the wand, lift my leg on the ledge, and turn the wand to the second vibration setting.

“We’re doing what we promised, zzīna l-m????? —helping you forget,” Colter whispers, running his tongue up the shell of my ear.

My skin heats at the reminder of Cooper’s head between my thighs as Colter slowly tortured me, both of them pushing me closer to the edge, only to bring me crashing back down and then starting all over again.

Widening my legs, providing unrestricted access to my pussy, I place the toy on my clit and instantly clench my teeth. I forgot how powerful this silicone tongue is, no matter the speed.

This isn’t for your pleasure, Eva .

I ignore the reprimand as another image of that night appears. The sound of Cooper between my thighs, along with my unabashed moans, urges me on.

Groaning, I increase the speed and begin to grind my hips, trying to match Coop’s pace, recalling how they smirked and left me there without so much as a backward glance.

I inch closer to finally finding relief when Cooper’s words flit through my mind, reminding me of the Faustian bargain.

“But you don’t get to come until you agree, and that agreement must be in writing,” Cooper commands.

I tried to ride my way to completion but was denied at every turn. My unsated lust is still evident by how incredibly wound up I am. As someone who likes to get off almost daily, whether it’s through self-pleasure or with the help of one or more partners, I’m not used to being denied.

“And you better not touch or let anyone else touch our pussy because we’ll know if you do.”

Frustrated, I mutter, “How would they know?” It’s not like there are cameras in my room that they can use to spy on me.

I only need to come once to take the edge off.

I clench at the idea of them watching me be disobedient.

Would they be angry, turned on, or both?

A moan escapes me at the mixed rage and lust that would be on their faces, and what my punishment could be.

I need this— and the tightening in my abdomen agrees with me until I see her.

“ How could you do this to me, Evie?”

I yank my hand away, and I can almost feel my pussy weep. That’s when Farrah’s lifeless body appears. She lies limply, unmoving.

“No… no… no. Please… no,” I mutter, using my free hand to clasp my throat, desperately trying to recreate the euphoria I experienced with Colter and Cooper.

Tightening my grip, I press my fingers until my nails dig into the flesh of my neck.

The sting grounds me, providing temporary relief from the guilt.

Heaving, I ignore my body’s natural self-preservation and return to the wand. The silicone tongue flicks up and down, causing every nerve ending to stand on edge. I gasp, trying to suck in air while my hips undulate. My eyes roll back, and a choked moan escapes my parted lips.

You can’t ignore me, Evie.

Dead eyes snap open. Farrah’s pleading gaze morphs into anger.

“ This is all your fault,” she screams.

Then it feels like an invisible force wraps around my hand and squeezes. I drop my vibrator. “I’m s-s-s-sorry, Fah,” I shout between choked sobs.

“Keep your bullshit apologies. It’s too late for sorries,” she growls.

Crying, I watch as Farrah stands. Her once beautiful olive complexion is now ashen, and the stench of decay makes my stomach churn. Her head turns to an unnatural angle.

“Do you think you get to enjoy this?” she questions, taking a step. “Do you think you can right the egregious wrong you’ve committed by taking over my life?”

Her taunting strikes like a whip, tearing pieces of me with each blow it lands. There’s a slight lucid part of me that knows she’s not physically here, but that side has lost the war.

“You don’t get to be happy, Evie Rose. There will never be a happily ever after for you—you don’t fucking deserve it!”

Sobering, I know what needs to happen—what needs to be done to give recompense. As soon as the thought appears, the pressure around my throat loosens, allowing me to drop my hand.

“I’ll make this right, Fah. I promise,” I rasp.

Turning, I ensure the dildo is securely attached to the shower wall before I position myself.

My gaze flits past the black bottle I brought into the shower. I purposely refuse to add any lubricant.

I don’t deserve it.

“This was never about pleasure, Eva.” I remind myself as I reach back and spread my ass cheeks. Then, I angle my body, slightly arching until I feel the tips of the two-prong dildo enter my body.

Snapping my eyes closed, I mentally count to three before thrusting back with such violent force that all the air leaves my lungs.