Page 79 of Stand: Part One

Her chest was heaving up and down, her breath coming in quick pants as she clutched the pole like letting go would disrupt her triumph and turn it all into an illusion. A soft chuckle escaped her lips, a wide-toothed smile reaching her eyes as she finally lifted her gaze to mine.

“Ha!” She laughed, still catching her breath.

I couldn’t help but return her smile, pride flowing through my veins at her little victory.

“Fuck, that really hurt,” she muttered under her breath, rolling her shoulder. I sharpened my gaze as I subtly looked her over for any visible injuries, but the only thing I could see was the blazing ray of triumph bursting in her eyes. And it was just too fucking adorable.

Could I have caught her sooner? Unquestionably, yes.

Was I impressed by her ingenuity and execution? A thousand percent, yes.

Was I still going to fuck her like she’d lost? Absolutely.

With steady strides, I made my way over to her, giving her a slow clap of applause for her successful efforts.

“Very impressive, Jaden,” I praised her, watching the light in her eyes brighten tenfold. I knew any kind of praise from me was like a drug for her, but this had been well-earned. “At first, I thought you just conveniently tripped, but you actually made a very calculated and clever maneuver at the perfect timing. Well done.”

On shaky legs, she pulled herself up by the pole and stood tall. “Thank you,” she said proudly, glancing down to brush off the dirt and grass from her clothes. I was half tempted to tell her not to bother since she was about to be covered in it again anyway.

Feeling my presence closing in, she lifted her eyes, her brows rising slightly as she took a cautious step backward.

“To the victor goes the spoils,” she reminded me, her eyes narrowed as she took another step back.

“Yeah,” I concurred, then snatched her by the throat. “You’re still getting fucked, though.”

22

Earned

I paced back and forth inside the walk-in closet, my agitation growing with every minute. It had been five days since I beat Darren at his stupid little challenge. Five days and he still hadn’t made good on our deal. I’d finally secured myself a sure way to get the fuck out of this house, and he was holding out on me. I’d given him two whole days before I brought it up, reminding him of the importance of his word, but all I’d gotten was a promise of “soon.” Whenever the fuck that would be.

I wanted to pester him about it more, but he’d barely been home the last couple of days. It was like the fucker was deliberately trying to avoid me so he could delay it.

I meant what I said before. I would steal one of those damn cars if I had to.

When it was time to head downstairs for breakfast, I stormed my way into the dining room, finding Darren already seated at the head of the table.

Plopping into my chair, I folded my arms against my chest and stared ahead, refusing to acknowledge him. From the corner of my eye, I could see that he had arched a brow as he stared at me.

“What’s with the attitude this morning?” he asked, unimpressed.

I held my composure. “I’m still waiting.”

Darren rolled his eyes and sighed. “This again? Excuse me for not prioritizing your little joyride, princess, but I do have several empires to run and two wars to direct.”

I clenched my jaw. I didn’t give a flying fuck what his excuses were. I wanted our agreement honored just like he would if he were in my position.

“Sounds like just a bunch of excuses to me,” I mumbled.

“What was that?”

I closed my eyes and sighed through my nose, attempting to cool down my anger before it got me in more trouble. “Nothing,” I replied, dejected. “Just never mind.”

Darren’s tone was so grave, it could have cut steel. “Careful, little girl. Some of us have actual professions that require more time and attention than lounging around the house all day might.”

My entire nervous system instantaneously detonated, bursting into flames with an absolute, uncontrollable rage.

How. Fucking. Dare. He.