RockingaSecret

Book#3ofCorrigan&Co.

ByCrystalPerkins

CoverDesignbyHelenWilliams

http://www.allbookedout.com/

EbookFormattingbyJesseGordon

http://adarnedgoodbook.com/

All trademarks are owned by their respective companies and are denoted by the use of proper
capitalization of the company and/or brand. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under
copyrightreservedabove,nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinorintroducedinto
a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright
ownerandtheabovepublisherofthisbook.Thiscontemporaryeroticromanceisaworkoffiction.
Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author ’s
imaginationorareusedfictitiously.Theauthoracknowledgesthetrademarkedstatusandtrademark
owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without
permission.Thepublication/useofthesetrademarksisnotauthorized,associatedwith,orsponsored
bythetrademarkowners.Thisebookislicensedforyourpersonaluseonly.Thisebookmaynotbe
re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person,
please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with, especially if you enjoy sexy,
emotional,romancenovelswithalphamales.Ifyouarereadingthisbookanddidnotpurchaseit,or
itwasnotpurchasedforyouruseonly,thenyoushouldreturnitandpurchaseyourowncopy.Thank
youforrespectingtheauthor ’swork.

AboutRockingaSecret

Abombshellstylistwho'smorethansheseems

Stella’s a kick-ass stylist who takes no prisoners, in or out of bed. For her latest mission with the
Corrigan&Co.Foundation,sheagreestoinvestigateblackmailthreatsagainstamemberoftheboy
bandhermotherworksfor.Blackmailshecanhandle,butfallingforthesexyyoungboybanderwill
causehertoriskeverything—andeveryone—shecaresabout.

Aboybandsingerwhowantstomakethebombshellhisown

Kace Reynolds may be young, but he knows what he wants. To sing without being singled out. To
figureoutwho’sblackmailinghim.AndtoconvinceStellathathe’sseriousaboutwantingtobewith
her. But blackmail isn’t always what it seems, and he’s going to have to choose between being
exposedandkeepingthewomanheloves.

Bombshells are falling left and right, but will the biggest SECRET of all rock them both too
hard?

OtherbooksbyCrystalPerkins

TheGriffinBrothersseries

GamingForLove(TheGriffinBrothers#1)

BuildingOurLove(TheGriffinBrothers#2)

CreatingALove(TheGriffinBrothers#3)

LearningToLove(TheGriffinBrothers#4)

DesigningTheLove(TheGriffinBrothers#5)

WorkingOnLove(TheGriffinBrothers#6)

KeepingTheirLove(TheGriffinBrothers#7)

Corrigan&Co.series

FieldingHerSECRET(Corrigan&Co.#1)

DevouringtheSECRET(Corrigan&Co.#2)

Publicly, The Corrigan & Co. Foundation has been supporting women for years. Secretly, five
powerfulwomenledbyJaneCorriganhaverecruitedtenagents,sendingthemtorescuewomenand
children in need, and take down those who exploit the weak. This secret society of women all have
unique skills they’ve brought to the foundation. Additionally, they’ve all had training in weapons,
etiquette, martial arts, technology, and languages. Helping out friends and family of their five
mentorsfromtimetotimeissomethingtheyweretoldtoexpect.Whattheydidn’tplanforisfalling
inlove.

AbouttheCorrigan&Co.FoundationandtheSociety:

•MitchellCorrigancreatedtheCorrigan&Co.Foundationforhiswifeaspartofhiscompanyten
yearsago.HestipulatedthatthefoundationwouldcontinueaslongasthereisaCorriganwomanto
overseeit.

•JaneCorrigan,CyndiEvans,MaggieGriffin,MalloryDaniels,andHelenWilsonarethefounders
ofthesecretsocietywithinthefoundation.Theyfocusonhelpingwomenandchildren,buttakeon
othermissionsfromtimetotime.

• While they assist government and private organizations on a regular basis, they only take
referralsforprivatemissions.

•Eachfounderhasrecruited,andmentors,twoagents.

• The company was founded in Chicago, but has now moved to Las Vegas, where Mitchell was
born.Onhisdeathbed,heaskedhisgrandsontomovethecompanyheadquarterstohelprevivethe
economyinhishometown.Therearesatelliteofficesallovertheworld.

• Jane’s grandson, Matt, who is President and CEO of Corrigan & Co., knows of the society. His
friendsNathanandAiden,whohebroughtinwhentheyallleftthemilitary,knowaswell.Thiswas
adecisionbythefivewomenwhentheyneededhelponamissionthatwentbad.Theydonotknow
allmissiondetails,buthelpwhentheyareasked.

Thisbookisdedicatedtomygoodfriend,

SamanthaBoydmanwholovesboybands

morethananyoneelseI’veevermet!

Prologue

Stella

Gavin’spartyisstartingsoon.He’sshowingoffthekitchenfacilityhehadtheGriffinsbuildforhisnew

culinary school. I was dressed and ready when Reina called to tell me that she and Jane needed me to
comeintotheoffice.Iknowtheywouldn’tcallmeunlessitwasimportant,soofcourseIcame.

IwalkintoReina’sofficeandthendropmyclutchonthefloorwithasqueal.“Mom,”IyellasIhugher.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Ineedyourhelp.”
“Ofcourse.Anything.What’sgoingon?”
“Haveaseat,Stell,andI’lltellyou.”
I do as she asks, looking over at Reina. She shakes her head at me. They don’t know why she’s here

either.We’llhelpher,though.There’snodoubtinmymind.

“Asyouknow,I’vebeenworkingforStorysidethispastyear.”
“They’rethatboybandallovertheTV,right?”
“Yes, Reina. When I started with them, they were just starting to get noticed. In the last few months,

they’vesurpassedOneDirectionasthemostpopularboybandontheplanet.”

“Issomethingwrongwiththem?”
“Not all of them. Just Kace Reynolds. He’s the most popular of the boys, and has always been the

sweetest,untilthelastmonth.He’sstartedactingout.Hecausestroubleonphotoshootsandappearances,
andhasevenbadmouthedsomeofthemorevocalfanswho’vecriticizedhim.Hismotherisdistraught,
andthemanagementteamisbesidethemselves.”

“Can’ttheyjustkickhissorryassoutoftheband?Therehastobesomeclause.”
“Thereisaclause.Manyinfact.Butdespitehisbadbehavior—ormaybebecauseofit—he’sstillthe

mostpopular.Thecashcow,sotospeak.”

“Howdoyouthinkwecanhelp?”Janeasks.
“AsIsaid,hismotherisdistraught.Sheraisedhimasasingleparent,andhisonegoalwhenhemadeit

bigwastotakecareofher.Shegoeseverywherewithus,eventhoughKaceistwentyonenow.Shetold
meyesterdaythatshesawhimcrumpleupapieceofpaperandthrowitout.Becausehedidn’tknowshe
wasthere,shewasabletograbitoutofthetrashcan.Hereitis.”

Mymomhandsusthepaper.
Tomorrow you will make a scene at the culinary school opening the band is attending. Remember

thatifyoutrytotellanyone,ordon’tdowhatIsay,I’llhavethepicturestothemediawithinthehour.

There’snosignatureandnothingdistinguishingontheplainwhitecopypaper.“Soitlookslikehehas

nochoiceinhisbehavior.Someoneelseiscallingtheshots.”

“Yes,Stella.ItallmakessensebecauselikeIsaid,Kacewasalwaysrespectfulandsweetinthepast.

He’sturnedintoahorribleyoungman,butitseemshehasnochoice.”

“Whatevertheyhaveonhimhastobeprettybad.We’llofcoursehelp,butwhatdidyouhaveinmind?”
“IneedStellatocomeworkwithme—thebandissobignowthatnoonewillthinkit’sunusualforus

tohaveanotherstylist.Andthey’reabouttostartaspecialtwomonthresidencyhereinVegas.”

“Icandothat.”

“It’snotaseasyasmehiringyou,though.Theboysallagreedtobeinchargeonefacetoftheircareers

earlyon.Soit’sintheircontractstohavethefinalsayforhiringinwhateverareatheychose.”

“Okay.Icancharmsomeone.Who’soverstyle?”
“Kace.”
“Andhe’llbeatthepartytonight.”Anideastartstoform.“Icanbepartofthescenehecauses.”
“He’sgoingtohitonyou,Stella.”
“AndI’mgoingtoputhiminhisplace.”
“Orfallinlovewithhim.”
“What? Are you insane, Mom? I’m not planning on settling down anytime soon, and even if I was, it

wouldn’tbewithsomejailbaitboybander.”

“He’sgorgeous,kind-heartedwhenhe’snotbeingblackmailed,andworshipshismother.”
“SoarehalftheguysIfu—Imean,sleepwith.”
“Don’ttonedownyourpersonalityorlanguage,evenwithmearound.I’vehearditall,andIneedyou

tobeyourself.It’sgoingtopullhimin.Whenyou’reascloseasyoufeelcomfortablewith,youcanwork
onearninghistrust,”mymomtellsme.

“Areyousureyoudon’twantajobherebecauseIthinkyoujustdidmine.”
“No,Reina.I’mnotcutoutforintrigueonadailybasis.That’sforyouandmyamazingdaughterandher

friends.”

“Weshouldheadtotheparty.Idon’twanttobetoolate.NotjustbecauseofKace,butalsobecause

FaithandGavinhaveworkedhardforthis.”

Everyoneagrees,andwealltakeofffortheparty.Iwashopingtohavefuntonight.NowI’mgoingto

bebabysittingalittleboy.Sotheoppositeoffun.

***

Kace

Whoever’s pulling my strings is one fucked up bastard. This school is going to be helping

underprivileged kids. The focus should be on that, not something I have to cook up in order to make a
scene.ThemediaalreadythinksI’manasshole.HowmuchfurtherdoIhavetogo?

IseeSheila,ourstylist,walkin.Istarttolookaway,butdoadoubletakewhenIseethebombshell

standingnexttoher.Thereisnootherwaytodescribeher.Bomb-fucking-shell.Shehasplatinumblonde
hairpulledintoasidebunwithsomecurlystrandshangingdown.Herlipsarethereddestofreds,andher
blackleatherdressandstrappyheelsmakemewanttodovery,verybadthingstoher.Thingsthatwe’d
bothlike,andwouldmakeherscreammynameallnight.

I’mstillcontemplatinghowtomakemymovewhenSheilaspotsmeandstartsheadingmyway.With

theblonde.AndhereIthoughtthisnightwasgoingtosuck.Well,maybeshewill.

“Kace,Iwantedyoutomeetmydaughter,Stella.”
“HiStella.”
“Hello,Kace.”
“Oh,Ijustremembered,Iactuallyneedtogotalktothemayor.Youtwowillbefinewithoutme,won’t

you?”

“Yes,Mom.Gohavefun.”
ShewalksawayandIputmybestsmileonforsexyStella.It’stheonethatmakespantiesdroparound

theworld.Shestartslaughing,actuallylaughing.Whatthefuck?

“Doesthatsmileactuallyworkforyou,littleboy?”

“Yes.Itdoes.Youknowyouwantapieceofthis.Ofme.Icouldhaveyouscreamingallnight.”
“Youcouldn’thandleme.”
“Mycock’sneverhadacomplaint,andithasasurprise.”
“Letmeguess,youpiercedyourcock,didn’tyou?I’vebeenthere,donethat.Sothat’snotenticingme,

either.”

“AndIhavethis.”
Iliftthehemofmydressshirttoshowherahintofthesharkbelowmybellybutton.
“You need to pull your pants up. It’s really not attractive when you babies show off most of your

underwear.Ahintpeekingoutofyourjeans—that’shot.Saggypantsandjeansarenot.”

“You’reabitch.”
“Thanks.”
“Iwasn’tcomplimentingyou.”
“Yes,youwere.Youjustdidn’tknowit.”
“Idon’tevenknowwhattosaytoyou.”
“Good.I’mtiredofyour‘lines.’Ifyouwanttotalktome,talktome.Don’ttrytobesexy.Idon’tfuck

babies,sothat’snotgoingtohappenbetweenus.Wecouldbefriends,though,ifyoucanjusttrytospeak
tomelikeapersonwithabrain.Andstopstaringatmytits.”

How am I supposed to ignore them? Her dress is an off the shoulder style that’s tight with a zipper

downthefront.Shehasthezipperpulleddownalittle,andherpresentsarepracticallybeggingformy
tongue.

“Youshouldzipyourdressupifyoudon’twantmelooking.”
“Ididn’tsayyoucouldn’tlook.Justnotallthetime.”
“Idon’tgetyou.”
“Doyouwantto?”
“Yeah,Ido.”
“Then hire me as your second stylist. I’ll dress you sexy enough to draw the chicks in. And then I’ll

impartmywisdomwithyousoyoucankeepthemforlongerthanafewhours.”

“MaybeIdon’twantthemformorethanafewhours.”
“You’reyoung.Youshouldhavethestaminaforallnight.”
“Withyou,IbetIcouldgofordays.”
“We’llneverfindout.”
“I’llmakeyouadeal.I’llhireyouaslongasyoupromisetogivemeafairchancetogetyouintomy

bed.I’llevenletyouimpartallyourwisdom.”

“Deal.”
“AndIhavetotellyou,I’mreallysorryaboutthis.”
Before she can react, I drop my drink and grab her zipper, pulling it down to her waist. Her tits are

barelyencasedinaredlacebra,andhernipplesarealreadyhardbeforeIgrabahandfulofeachone.I
kissherhardandshefightsme.Itdoesn’tlastlong.

I’mtackledfromthesideandgodownhard.WhenIlookup,ZackTaylorfromtheLegionsisstanding

aboveme.Helookslikehewantstokillme.

“Youjustputyourhandsonthewrongwoman,asshole.”
“She’swithyou?Ithoughtyouhadthatlittlenerdychickinyourbed.”
Hepullsbackhishand,buthisfiancégrabshisarm.“Youhaveagametomorrow,Zack.He’snotworth

it.”

“Noheisn’t,”Stellaadds,asshefinisheszippingupherdresstoglaredownatme.“He’sjustalittle

boywhocan’tcontrolhimself.”

“I’llseeyoutomorrow,Stella.Makesuretowearsomethingsexyforyourfirstdayofwork,”Iyellto

herassecuritydragsmeout.

IkeepthecockygrinonmyfaceuntilIgetinsidethelimo.ThenIholdmyheadinmyhands.Ihadtodo

that.Ihadto.ButnowI’veruinedanychanceImayhavehadwithStella.Andthat’sjustaboutasfucked-
upasitcanget.

***

Stella

Wellthatwasfun.Iknewhehadtocauseascene,anddamnifhedidn’t.Everyone’sclusteredaround

me making sure I’m okay. I’m not, but they’d take it wrong if I said that. I’m not bothered by being
exposed.Hell,I’veshownoffthegirlsonmorethanoneoccasion.I’mfreakedoutbecauseIlikedit.

Thatboyturnedmeon,evenbeforehekissedandgropedme.Heheldhisownwithme,andthatwas

hotter than anything. Most guys cave when I taunt them, but not Kace. He gave as good as he got. And
whenhekissedme…well,let’sjustsaythattherewasafloodinmynetherregions.

Tegancatchesmyeye,andherswiden.Sheknowsmebetterthananyoneelseandhasseenmeturnedon

before.Hell,we’veplayedtogetherbeforewhenwewerebothattractedtothesameguys.Sincesexis
justsomethingfunforus,wenevermindedsharing.Shecan’thaveKace,though.Thethoughtentersmy
brain,andIcovermymouthinhorror.

“OhmyGod,Stella.Areyougoingtobesick?”Reinaasksme.
Ishakemyhead,andTegancomesovertorescueme.“Ithinkshejustneedstogetoutofhere.I’llgo

homewithyousinceIgotaridewithIsa.Everyoneelseshouldjustkeepenjoyingtheparty.It’sforsucha
goodcause.”

“Yeah.I’mfine.Really.Pleaseenjoytheparty.”
“You’resure,Stell?”mymomasks,puttingherarmaroundme.
“Yes,Mom.I’llseeyoutomorrow.”
“Afterthis?Imean…”
“It’sreallyokay.They’rejustmytits.”
Sheshakesherhead,butsmiles.“Ishouldn’thavehadyouaroundallthoserockstarsgrowingup.”
“You’rethebestmomever.Stopworrying.”Ikisshercheekandheadoutthedoor.
Tegankeepsquietuntilwe’reinmycar.“Spill.”
“Spillwhat,Teeg?”
“Don’tplaydumbwithme.Youlikedthat.Youwanthim.”
“He’samission.Mymomaskedusforhelp.That’swhyIwaslate.”
“LetmeknowwhatIcando.Afteryoutellmewhyyouweresohotandbothered.”
Shit.She’snotgoingtogiveup.Iknowhowsheis.“Fine.Iwasalittleturnedonbyhim.”
“Alittle?Ohno.ThelasttimeIsawalooklikethatinyoureyesiswhenwewentbacktothehotelwith

thethreeFrenchguys.”

“Thatwasagreatnight,”Itellherwithasmile.
“Yesitwas.Nowstopdeflecting.”
“Hestooduptome,okay.Noguystandsuptome.Italkshittothem,andtheypracticallydroptotheir

kneestoworshipme.Andthekiss.Hotdamnthatboyknowswhattodowithhistongue.Andhands.”

“Okay.We’vehadfunonmissionsbefore.Wecanplaywithhim.”

“Notwe,Teeg.”
ThatcameoutangrierthanIintendedforitto.ButImeanit.Kaceisonlyforme.I’veneverfeltthis

possessivebefore,especiallyafterbarelymeetingaguy.I’msureaboutthis,though.

“HolyMotherofGod.Youlikehim.Likewantthewhitedresslikehim.”
“Iwouldn’tgothatfar.ButI-Idon’twanttosharehim.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah,Iknow.Whowould’vethought,huh?”
Shejustshakesherhead.“Notme.Butmaybeit’stimewestartedgettingserious,andstoppedplaying

aroundwithsomanymen.”

“Maybe.Youdon’thavetochangeonmyaccount.Imean,thiscouldjustblowover.”
“Onceyoublowhim?”
“Teeg!”
“What, we both know you want to. And he said he’d see you at work, so I know you’re going

undercoverasyourself.You’llbehandlinghisyummylookingpackage.”

“IsweartoGodifyoutalkabouthispackageagain,Iwillshootyou,”IpracticallygrowlasIsayitto

her.

“Ohyeah,you’vegotitbad.Thisisgoingtobegood.Reallygood.”
Forhermaybe.I’mnotsureIcanhandleserious.Especiallywithsometwenty-oneyearoldkid.I’ve

beenonsomeprettydangerousmissions,butIthinkthisistheonethatcoulddomein.

Chapter1

Kace

I’mstillpissedaboutlastnight,butnotjustatmyblackmailer.Icould’vechosentodosomethingelse

tomakeascene.ButIwantedmymouthonStella,andsincenoneofmyusualtrickswereworking,Iwent
fortheeasywayout.Ineedtoapologizetoher,butIcan’t.

Mypuppetmastersentmeanothermessage,tellingmethatIneedtobeanasstoeveryonetoday.Idon’t

howhe,she,oritknowswhatwillhurtmethemost,buttheydo.I’mnotajerk.That’swhyIneedtokeep
doingeverythingI’mtold,inordertomakesurethosepicturesneverseethelightofday.Todaythatwill
includecontinuingmyassholeactwithStella.IfsheevenshowsupafterwhatIdidtoher.

There’snofearofthatasshewalksinwithSheilaafewminuteslater.She’slookingsexyasfuck,even

inthebaggysweatershe’sgoton.She’spaireditwithskintightleatherpantsandanklebootswithchunky
heels,allblack,withherhairinaloosebraidoveroneshoulderthatmakesmewanttopullit.Ittakes
someinhumanstrengthonmyparttoavoidcominginmypantslikethekidshethinksIam.

“You’relate.AndItoldyoutodresssexy,Stella.”
Shesmirksatmeasshewalksover,grabbingmyjunkbeforeIevenknowwhat’shappening.“WhatI’ve

gotonisdoingitforyou,littleboy.Sostoppretendingitisn’t.”

“Youshould’veraisedyourdaughterbetter,Sheila.Disrespectfulandlate?Whatagreatrolemodelyou

musthavebeenforher.”

Stellastrikesfast,punchingmesohardIfalltotheground.Shestompsaheelintomystomachasshe

pullsmeupbymytie.“Thisisyourfirstlesson.Don’teverinsultawoman’smother.Especiallymine.I
willfuckyouupsobadyou’llneversingagain,andnotevenbreakasweatwhileI’mdoingit.”

“Stella,lethimgo,”Sheilapleadswithher,asItrytobreakherholdonme.
“Whatthehellisgoingoninhere?Getheroffofhim.”
Shit.Idon’tneedmymanagergettinginvolved.Andnoone’sputtingtheirhandsonStella.“Don’ttouch

her.She’slettingmegonow.Wejusthadamisunderstanding.”

Sheletsgofast,causingmetohitmyheadonthewoodfloorofthephotostudio.“Yeah.Justalittle

misunderstanding.We’regoodnow.”

“Whoareyou?”Marvinasksher.
“She’smypersonalstylist.Ihiredherlastnight.”
“Why’dyoudothat?Sheila’snotdoingagoodenoughjobforyou?Wecanreplaceher.”
If looks could kill, I’d be dead right now from the look Stella’s giving me. There’s no need. Despite

what I just said, I love Sheila. If I ever get out from under this blackmailer, I’ll make it up to her.
Somehow.

“Sheila’sthebest.Ijustwantedsomepersonalcare.It’sluckythatherdaughterwasavailabletohelp

me.”

“Keepherinline,Sheila,oryou’rebothgone.”
Ohfuckno.“That’snotyourdecision.Itoldyouwehadamisunderstanding.Don’tthreatenSheilaor

Stella,Marv.”

I’msoangry,I’mshaking.Heknowsit’sinmycontractthatIhavefinalsayonstylists.Withtheway

I’ve been forced to act lately, he should be scared to piss me off. I think maybe he is when he speaks

again.

“You’reright.Ofcourseyou’reright,Kace.I’msorryladies,”hesays,hisvoiceshaky.
“It’sfine,Marv.I’msureitwasashocktoseeStellalookingsoaggressivewithKace.Itwon’thappen

again.”

I look at Stella and see barely controlled rage on her face. She wants to speak up, but she won’t do

anything to embarrass her mother. Or jeopardize her job. I’m about to tell her to let loose when Chad
speaksup.

“Howcomeyougetapersonalstylistandwedon’t?Brett,Wayne,andIshouldhaveourown,too.”
“Thisisn’tafuckingcontest.”
“Thenhireusstylists,”Waynechimesin.
“Fine. Sheila, can you get me some recommendations and then call them in so the guys can handpick

them?”

“You’rereallygoingtoletusdothat?”Brettasks,lookingsurprised.
I feel like crap, knowing that I deserve his surprise. These guys have been my best friends for years.

And I’ve been forced to treat them like they don’t matter. Unfortunately, I have to keep doing it. I can’t
facethemwhenIdo,though.SoIturntowardsStella.

“No.Iwasjustmessingwithyou.I’llpickwhoIthinkwillmakeyouguyslookgood.Ornot.”
“God,you’vebecomesuchanass.Buttwocanplay.I’minchargeoffood,soexpectsomekaletobe

waitingforyoubackstage.”

Wellplayed,Wayne.Butnotwellenough.NowIknowtopackmyownsnacksformydressingroom.I

can’twaittoseewhattheotherguyshaveplannedforme.Ican’tdwellonit,I’vegotaphotoshoottoget
readyfor.

***

Stella

Kacegotanotherorder.I’mnotjustthinkingthatbecauseIhaveananti-douchefuckingrule.Isawthe

paininhiseyesasheturnedfromhisfriendstolookatmebeforetellingthemhewasincharge.Idon’t
knowwhyhefelthecouldshowmewhathewasfeeling.I’mjustgladhedid.

“Let’stakealookatwhatI’mworkingwith.”
“Youjusthadyourhandonthat,babydoll.”
“Imeanttheclothes,”Itellhimwithaneyeroll.“Anddon’tcallmebabydoll.”
“Baby?”
“No.”
“Doll?”
“Again,no.”
“C’mon,yougottaletmecallyousomething.”
“Stella.YoucancallmeStella.”
“I’llthinkofsomethingyou’lllike.Butfornow,I’llconcede.Letmeshowyoumyclothes,Stella.”
Hesaysmynameonawhisper,sendingachillthroughme.HewasrightwhenhesaidIknowwhathe’s

gotunderhisclothes.Anditwasprettyimpressive.Insultingmymom—eventhoughIknewitwaspartof
hisact—cooledmeoff.Butnowhe’sheatingmebackupagain.Damnhim.Andme.

AsIstepuptotheracksofclothing,Iimmediatelyseetheproblem.Justlikethesuittheyhavehimin,

therestoftheclothesaremoresuitedforachoirboythanabadboysinger.Iknowhewasn’talwaysbad,
butheisnowandweneedtocapitalizeonthat.

“Theseclothesaren’tyou.”
“You’re just going to come in here and declare that without even knowing him? Your mother picked

thoseclothes,”Marvsaystoherwithasneeronhisface.

“Ipickedthosemonthsago.Stella’sright.Theydon’tfithimanymore.”
“I’mnotauthorizingabigshoppingspree.”
“I’llpayforwhateverStellawantsmetohave.Wecandosomethingwiththese.”
“Donatethem.”
IseeKace’seyessoften,butthenhelooksresigned.“Yeah,somelameasskidwillprobablybehappy

withthem.”

“SometimesIthinkyoumightactuallyhaveaheart…andthen,youprovemewrong.Gotakeoffthatsuit

whileIseewhatIcandoforthephotoshoot.”

Hesalutesmebeforeundressingrightthereinthemiddleoftheroom.Ishakemyheadandstartlooking

forsomethingthatwillwork.Ifhe’sgottoplaythepart,I’llmakesurehelooksit,too.

“Puttheseon,”Itellhim,throwingapairofjeansathim.“Settlethemonyourhips,withalittlebitof

yourbriefsstickingout.”

HedoesasIask,butit’snotquiteright.Fuck.I’mgoingtohavetotouchhimagain.Iwalkoverand

adjustthejeansjusthowIwantthem.Ican’tresisttracingthesharktattoothat’speekingoutabovehis
boxerbriefswithmyfingers.Hesucksinabreath,andplaceshishandovermine.

“Where’smyshirt?”
“Noshirt.Youdoneedsomething,though.”
IthinkforaminuteandthenrealizethebraceletIthrewontodaywillwork.It’saguy’schunkychain

bracelet.It’soneofmyfavoritepiecesofjewelry,butIknowKaceneedsitmorethanIdo.Igototakeit
off,onlythenrealizingthatwe’restillbasicallyholdinghands.Itugmyhandfromunderhisandtakethe
braceletoff.Islideitontohiswristandsmile.

“That’sallyouneed.”
Heleansovertowhisperinmyear,“Ithinkyoujustwanttolookatmykillerabs.”
“Killerispushingit,butIwillagreethatthelittlegirlsaregoingtogocrazywhentheyseeyoulike

this.”I’mtotallylying.HisbodyisamazingandIwanttolickeveryinchofit.

“Idon’tcareaboutthem.Iwantthewomeninfrontofmetogocrazy.”
“Actlikeadecenthumanbeing,andwe’llsee.”
“Youpromisedtogivemeachance.”
“ThatIdid.Nowgoplaynicewithyourfriends.”
“Ican’t.”
“Can’torwon’t?”
Helooksconflicted,butthenanswersmehonestly.“Ican’t,Stella.”
Iwatchhimwalkoverandactlikeajerk.Seeingitmakesmewanttofindhisblackmailerevenmore.

He’sagoodguy,butifhehastokeepactinglikethis,he’llonlyhavehismotherleftonhisside.Andme.
Becauselikeitornot,I’monTeamKace,andnotjustinaworkcapacity.

Thephotoshootgoesreallywell,despiteKacetryingoutfortheAssholeoftheYearaward.Hisnew

looksetshimapartfromtheotherguys,butnotenoughtocauseproblems.Oncemymomfindsstylistsfor
Chad and Wayne, she can concentrate solely on Brett. While they were taking the pictures, we talked
about an overall vision for the band. It’s great to be working with her again. I just wish it was under
differentcircumstances.

Everything’spackedup,andI’mjustabouttoleavewhenIfeelahandonmyarm.Ilookuptoseethe

object of my attraction—I mean, irritation—looking down at me with a smile. “Everyone’s pretty much

gone.”

“Yeah,theyare.”
“Ineedtoapologizetoyouforlastnight.Ishouldn’thavedonethattoyou.I’mreallysorrythatIdid.

Well,I’mnotsorryaboutthekiss.Thatwasepic.Soareyourtits.ButIshouldn’thavedoneitlikethat.I
would’vepreferredtohaveyoubeawillingparticipantwhenwekissed,andwhenI-Itouchedyou.”

He’ssincere.Icanseeitinhiseyes.Andwhathesaidwasreallysweet.Exceptforthepartaboutmy

tits.Thatwasn’tsweet.AndIreallyneedtogetoutofherenow.

“It’snotokay,butwe’refine.Iacceptyourapology.I’llseeyoutomorrow,Kace.”
“Great.Seeyoutomorrow,honey.”
“No.”
We’rebothlaughingasIgetintheelevator.Thisisbad.Reallybad.Or…really,reallygood.I’mstill

notsure.

***

Kace

Stella’s even cooler than I thought the night we met. And hotter. I didn’t think that was possible. But

everydayshewalksintotheloftourhotelsetupforustouseasourheadquarters,Imeltalittlemore.
Thatsoundssofuckinggirly,butIdon’tknowhowelsetosayit.EverythingIfeelforherhasincreased
overthepastweek.I’mfallingforher,andIneedtoshowherthat.ButIcan’t.

Mytormenterhasorderedmetosteerclearofheroutsideofwork.Iwanttosaythehellwithitall,and

justtakeherbacktomyplace.Ifitwasonlymethatwouldbeaffected,I’ddoitinaheartbeat.It’snot,
though. I have to keep reminding myself of that, especially when I catch her looking at me with heat in
thosebeautifulblueeyesofhers.Icanonlygivemyalltooneperson,andunfortunately,she’snottheone
Ichoose.Ihavetorememberthatandstaystrong.

Today’s going to be rough. Stella’s been shopping all week and has what she thinks is the perfect

wardrobeforme.She’sinsistingthatItryeverythingon.Iknowthatit’sjustnormalprocedure,buthaving
her hands on me will be torture. I’ve gotten used to it happening once or twice a day, but this will be
constantasshechecksthefitofeverygarment.Isendupaprayertothebigguy,askingforstrengthIknow
Idon’thave.

WhenStellawalksin,Inearlyloseit.She’sgotonshreddedjeans,apinksweatshirtthat’sfallingoff

oneshoulder,andblackcowboyboots.Herhairisupinahighponytail,andshe’swearingnomakeup.
RememberhowIsaidshekeepsgettinghotterandhotter?Well,thenaturallookonheristhehottestyet.

“Youreadytotryonyourclothes,Kace?”
“Umm,yeah,Sure.”
“What’swrong?”sheasks,herfacescrunchingupasshelooksatme.
“Youlookbeautiful.”
“Thanks.Butyoudidn’tanswermyquestion.”
“YesIdid.”
“Howismylookingbeautifulaproblemforyou?”
“BecauseIwanttothrowyouupagainstthewallandkissyouuntilyoucan’tthinkstraight.Ormatchan

outfit.”

“Oh.”
“Yeah,oh.”
“Workfirst.Thenmaybekissinglater.”

“Ican’tkissyou.”
Shelooksconflictedforamoment.Likeshehassomethingtosay.Iwaitforit,wantingtoknowwhat’s

goingthroughhermind.Ishouldn’thavesaidthatbecausenowshehastoask.Butshedoesn’t.

“Let’sgetstartedontheclothes.”
Forthenexttwohours,Iplaymannequin.Stellafussesoverme,movingclothesaround.Tuckingand

pinning them when she’s not happy with how something looks. I’m happy with everything. She’s
transformingmeintosomethingawesome,stylewise.It’sedgy,butwithalittlebitofsoftnesstoit.Like
sheknowstherealmeisstillhere,underneaththeassholeI’vebeenforcedtobecome.Thiswomannever
failstosurpriseme.

“Well,allthework’sdone.Mymomwon’tbehereforanotherfifteenminuteswithBrett.Youwanna

gettothatkissing?Thewallovertherelooksperfectforbeingthrownagainst.”

Yes.Hellyes.Fuckyes.Absolutely,positively,yes.Iwanttokissher.ButIcan’t.OrcanI?Noone’s

here.Andlikeshesaid,it’snotBrett’sturnyet.

Igrabherandmoveusbothtothatwallofhers,pushinghergentlyagainstitbeforetakinghermouth.

Herhandsgotomyhair,pullingandtuggingasIsipfromherbeautifulmouth.Likeadyingmaninthe
desertwho’sjustdiscoveredwater,Ilapatherlips.Shetriestotakeover,butIdon’tlether.Iwantto
worshiphermouth,andnotrushtoinvolveourtonguesyet.

Ilosetrackoftime,whichmeansthatwe’reoutofitfasterthanIwould’vethoughtpossible.JustasI

slipmytongueintohermouth,theelevatordings.Ijumpbackfromher,cursingmyselfformystupidity.
There’snolipstickonhertomessup,butherlipsareswollen.I’mbettingmineare,too.It’llbeobvious
whatwewerejustdoingtoanyonewholooksatus.

Idon’thavetimetodwellonmymistakeasSheilaandBrettstepofftheelevator.Ikeepmybackturned

astheygreetStella.Ishouldbenexttoher,talkingtothem.Inaperfectworld,she’dstillbeinmyarms,
andIwouldn’tcarewhosawus.Butmyworld’snotperfect,soIhavetoactlikenothinghappened.And
that’swhatIdo,earningaglareasshehurriesintotheelevator.Ishouldrunafterher.Iwanttorunafter
her.Butagain,ifIhavetochoose,itcan’tbeher.Itjustcan’t.

Chapter2

Stella

Ihead to theFoundation offices afterleaving the loft. Ifeel like I’mgoing to spontaneously combust,

andallwedidwaskiss.Withnotongue.IunderestimatedKace.Maybeagereallyisjustanumber.Ican’t
aboutthatnow.IneedtoseeifAinsleyorTeganhavefoundoutanythinguseful.

I say hi to Alex as I pass through the lobby. When I walk into the conference room, I’m pleasantly

surprisedtoseemymentor,MalloryDaniels.Ididn’tknowshe’dbehere.

“Mal,didyoujustflyin?”Iask,hugginghertightly.
“Yes.Iwantedtoseehowyourmissionisgoing.”
“There’snotmuchformetoreport.Kaceisstillactinglikeanass,andalthoughIgetaweirdvibefrom

theband’smanager,Marvin,I’mnotsureifit’sjustnormalcreepinessorsomethingelse.”

“He’scomeupcleaninallofthechecksI’verunonhim,”Ainsleytellsme.
“Iwouldn’tsay‘clean’isthewordI’duse,sinceIunearthedsomereportsthatweresweptunderthe

rug. They all had to do with sexual harassment and intimidation. Since Kace was playing nice in the
sandboxbeforetheblackmailergotaholdofhim,Ican’tseethatpersonbeingMarvin.FromwhatIcan
tell,he’snotonetogiveuphisgoldencowsoeasily.”

“Goldencow,Teeg?Really?”
“Look,weallknowthatboyhassomesexyblondehairgoingon.Andhecouldbehunglikeacow.You

won’ttellme,whichisreallymessedupsinceweusedtotelleachothereverything.SoI’mjustusingmy
imagination.”

“Hunglikeacow?Don’tyoumeanlikeahorse?”
“Cow,horse.It’sallthesame.”
“Youmakeashittycowgirl.”
“Ilikethemusicandthelook.Noanimalsoranyofthatcrap.Leavethattosomeoneelse.”
“AsmuchasI’menjoyingthisconversation,wereallyneedtogetbacktobusiness.”IcantellReina’s

tryingtohideasmileasshegivesusoneofhersternschoolmarmlooks.

“Sorry,Rei.Didyougetanythingfromhisphone?”IaskAinsley.I’dcloneditforheronmyfirstdayof

work.

“No.Theblackmailerhasn’ttextedhim,andhedoesn’treallygetanycalls.Heseemstouseittokeep

in touch with his mom, the other band members, and Marvin. He checks social media and has snapped
somepicsofyou,butthat’sit.”

“Picsofme?”
“Yep. They’re actually really sweet. You look beautiful, of course, but he picks times when you’re

lookingalittlelesspredatory.”

“Idon’tknowifyoujustgavemeacompliment,orinsultedme.”
“Iwouldn’tinsultyou.”
“No,youwouldn’t.”
These nine girls I work with are my extended family. We would do anything for each other. And we

supporteachotherunconditionally.Whatwedowouldbesomuchharderifwedidn’t.

“Keeplooking.EspeciallyatthisMarvinguy.IfhemakesStellafeelweird,weneedtokeepaneyeon

him,”Reinatellsthem.

“Istheboybandergivingyoutrouble,Stell?”Mattasksashewalksintheroom.“Icouldbeathisass.

HedeservesitafterwhathedidatGavin’sparty.”

“No,he’snotgivingmetrouble.”
“Andshelikedwhathedidattheparty.”
“Teeg!”
“What?Youdid.Secretscangetuskilled.Youknowthat.”
I do. I know that I need to tell them everything. It’s more than a little embarrassing to admit that I’m

lustingafteratwenty-oneyearold.Who’sinaboyband.Whathasmyworldcometo?

“You’rehittingthat?”Mattasksmewithalaugh.
“No.”
“No?Butyoualwaystakewhateverguyyouwant.”
“SoIcanhaveanyone?”
“Hell,yeah.”
“Let’sgobacktomyplace,then.”
IhearReinagasp,butI’mdoingthisforherbenefit.Iknowhewon’ttakemeuponmyoffer.Hemay

actlikehedoesn’tloveher,butweallknowhedoes.He’llprotectallofusgirlstothedeath,buthe’d
neversleepwithus.Itwouldbegoingtoofar,evenforhim.

“Umm…yeah,no.Sorry,butIcan’t.”
He looks at Reina to get her reaction. She’s not giving him what he wants, though. I think she might

actuallybedonewithtryingtoconvincehimthey’dbeperfecttogether.

“Whyareyoulookingatme,Matt?I’veneverbeenaconsiderationinwhetheryou’rekeepingitinyour

pantsornot.”

Yesshehas.TeganandIknowthat.We’veseenhimout.WhenReinaandMatthavearoughday,orshe

makeshimfeeltoomuch,hetakessomeonehome.SinceReinastarteddatingRick,Matt’signoredevery
woman. Every night that we’ve seen him out, we see him flirt, but that’s it. He’s taken no one home in
almosttwomonths.We’reprettysureheknowsthathemightactuallyloseherthistime,andit’skilling
him.

Iwon’tspillhissecret,andneitherwillTeeg.Thetwoofthemaretooimportanttoallofus.Andthat

informationmightjustsendusintoourownversionofWorldWarIII.Thecasualtieswouldbetoogreat,
andI’mnotsurewe’drecover.Theyhavetofindtheirwaytoeachotherontheirown.

“Justgofuckyourlittledoctor,Princess.”
“He’snotlittle,Matt.”
“CanhedoyoulikeIcan?Makeyoucomesohardyoublackout?”
“Bastard.”
“Ididn’tthinkso.”
Mattturnsandwalksout,droppinghiscockysmilewhenhethinksnoonecanseehim.Iturnbackto

Reina,andwatchhercrumpleintoachair.Damnthetwoofthem.Maybetheydoneedhelptomakethis
thingbetweenthemreallyhappen.I’mjustnotsurewhatwecando.

“Ladies,IneedtogoseeJane.Maggie’shavingapartyformeonSaturdayatherhouse.Ihopeyouall

canmakeit.”

“Ofcourse,Mal.I’msorryyouhadtowitnesswhatjusthappened.”
“So am I, Reina. Just remember that we can all see how much he loves you, even if he insists on

denyingittohimself.”

“Ican’trememberthat.IfIdo,I’llneverbeabletomoveon.AndIcan’twaitforeverforhim.Iwould

ifIthoughtIhadachance,butweallknowIdon’t.”

“That’snottrue,Reina.There’salwaysachance.Don’tgiveuponhim.”
Insteadofanswering,Reinajustdropsherheadintoherhandsagain.Ainsleytellsusthatshe’sgother,

soTeganandIleavethemalone.They’resuperclose,andweknowAinsleywilltakecareofher.

“Thatwasintense.”
“Yeah,itwas.”
“We need to go out and have some fun. You need to have some fun. You haven’t been out with me in

overaweek.Ifyou’renotgoingtohaveKace,youneedtofindsomeoneelsetogohomewith.”

“I’llgooutwithyou,butI’mnotsleepingwithsomeoneelse.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah.Ididn’tgetachancetotellyou,butwekissedtoday.Itwassogood.”
“Intheloft?Ithoughtitwasbugged?”
“Yes.Itisbugged,butIjammedthesignalwithmyphone.Ineededhim.”
“He’sgotamagictongue,huh?”
“Notongue.”
“Thenhowwasitamazing?”
“Heprettymuchpaidtributetomymouth.Itwashot.Beyondhot.”
Shelooksdown.“It’sthecowboyboots.Itoldyouguyscan’tresistthem.”
“You’redelusional.Let’sgochangesowecangetyoulaid.”
“You’regoingtobethebestwingwomanever.”
“Hellyeah,Iam.”

***

Kace

I’mintheVoodooLoungeattheRioholdingcourtwithagroupofwomen.Justlikeinstructed.While

I’mnotreallyenjoyingmyself,it’snotexactlytorture.UntiltheonlywomanIwantwalksin,takingmy
breathaway.Likeshealwaysdoes.

Stella’sgotonatightblackdressthatgoespastherknees.There’salittlecutoutinthetopofthedress,

withthinstrapsgoingoverhercollarbone.Howdoesshealwaysmanagetobethesexiestwomaninthe
room, even when she’s got twice as many clothes on? Oh yeah, because she’s her. Sexy should be her
middlename.Orhernickname.I’lltrythatnext.

Fornow,Ihavetositbyandwatchthemeninhereimmediatelygravitatetoherandherfriend.Ididn’t

noticethattherewassomeonewithherwhenshewalkedin,butnowIseethebeautifulredheadnextto
her.She’sgotonalowcut,veryshortdress.Andcowboyboots.Theguyleaningintoherwantsherto
ridehimhard.Withthebootson.Icanseeitinhiseyes,evenfromacrosstheroom.

Stelladeflectstheguyswhohitonher,butshedoesletthembuyherdrinks.Iwanttopunchthemall.

Everylastoneofthosefuckerswhothinkthey’regoinghomewithher.AndGodhelpmeifsheactually
doesleavewithone.

“Kace,you’reignoringus,”theblondenextmesaysinaloud,whinyvoice.
Loudenoughforthewholebartohear.IseeStella’sheadwhiparoundtolookatme.AndthegirlsI’m

surroundedby.Hereyesnarrow,andshethrowsbackherdrinkbeforestanding,andwalkingtowardsme.
I’mgluedtomyseatassheapproaches.

“HiKace.”

“HiStella.”
“I’dliketodance.”
“Sogodance.Hedoesn’tneedsomedesperatehohittingonhim,”theblondebitchsays.
“What exactly do you think screams ‘desperate’ or ‘ho’ about me?” Stella asks, spreading her arms

wide.

“I’ve seen you and your friend around. Always surrounded by guys. And always going home with at

leastone.”

Atleastone?Seriously?Thatisneverhappeningagain.Never.Iwon’tshareher.
“Jealous,huh?”
“Listen,bitch,don’tmakemehurtyouinfrontofallthesepeople.”
“I’dlovetoseeyoutry.NowKace,howaboutthatdance?”
“Ican’t.”
Iseeshock,thenhurt,crossherface.Dammit.Thisistoomuch.Thebastardwho’sblackmailingmeis

askingfortoomuch.ButImademydecision,andIneedtosticktoit.

“Youheardhim.Runalongnow.”
Iturntotelltheblondetomindherownbusiness,butbeforeIcan,Wayneisinfrontofme.Hesmilesat

mebeforeturningtoStella.“I’dlovetodancewithyou,Stella.”

“Sure,Wayne.”
My blood is boiling as I watch them walk to the dance floor. He puts his arms around her as a slow

songstarts.MyfingernailsarediggingintomypalmsasIwatchthemswaytothesexymusic.Ipushthe
girlsoffme,andheadforthedoor.ImaynotbeabletohaveStella,butI’llbedamnedifI’mgonnasitby
andwatchherinsomeoneelse’sarms.

I’ve just gotten into my limo when my phone rings with an unknown number. What now? I mean,

seriously, what more does this crazy person want from me. I’m both relieved and disappointed when I
realizeit’snotmyblackmailer.It’ssomeladynamedMalloryDaniels.

“I’m sorry to be calling on such short notice, Kace, but I wanted to invite you to a private party

tomorrow.”

“Allbookingsneedtogothroughmymanager.”
“Idon’twanttobookyou.Ijustthoughtyou’denjoyanafternoonoutofthespotlight.WithStella.”
“Stella?”
“Yes.She’slikeadaughtertome,andI’veheardthatshe’squitefondofyou.”
“Notaftertonight,sheisn’t,”Imumble.
“There’salwaystomorrow,youngman.”
“Notforus.Thanksfortheoffer,butIcan’tbeseenwithher.”
“Youwon’tbe.ThepartyisatMaggieGriffin’shouse.It’soneofthemostsecureplacesintown.No

onewillknowyou’rewithStella.”

“You’rereallysureaboutthis?”
“Iam.”
“Givemetheinfo,andI’llbethere.”
It’slikeI’vebeengrantedthewishIwantmorethananything.Well,notanything.Numberonewouldbe

notgettingblackmailed.ThatwouldallowmetofulfilltheStellawishanyway,soeitherwayshe’spartof
my biggest wish. I just hope she’ll forgive me for tonight. I’m not sure how many times I can say “I’m
sorry”andhaveheracceptthosewords,butIthinkImayrunoutofchancessoon.

IfonlyIcouldtellherwhat’sgoingon.HowIhavetoactthisway.Thenshe’dunderstand.Andmaybe

helpme.That’sjustapipedream,though.Ican’ttaketheriskI’dbefacingbylettingherknowjusthow

fuckedupmylifereallyisrightnow.

Chapter3

Stella

Last night was a disaster. I let too many guys buy me drinks as I watched Kace get pawed by his

groupies.Then,Iletthealcoholconvincemethatitwouldbeagoodideatowalkoverandaskhimto
dancewithme.Onlytogetshutdown.I’mdonewithhim,likereallydone.Well,asmuchasIcanbe.

Istillhavetodomyjobandtrytofigureoutwho’sblackmailinghim.Butnomoreflirtingorkissing.I

underestimatedthekid—he’sgotmoreplaythanIthought—andIwon’tbehumiliatedbyhimagain.Not
whenthere’splentyofotherguysouttherewhowantme.LikeWayne.Whichisanotherproblem.

He wouldn’t leave me alone after our dance. Even after I told him it was just a dance to me. Tegan

intervenedandwenthomewithhim,butstill.Ihavetoseehimatwork.WhichIguessIcouldusetomy
advantage;although,toyingwithguysisn’treallymystyle.Teasingandplayingisfun.ButIwouldn’tever
leadaguyonwhenIknownothing’sgoingtohappen.

Atleasttodaywillbefun.Maggiealwaysthrowsagreatparty,andsincethisone’sjustforherfamily

andallofusfromtheSociety,wecanjustbeourselvesandhaveagoodtime.Mymom’scoming,too,and
I’mlookingforwardtospendingsometimewithher.Weseeeachothereveryday,butthingsaresohectic
withthebandthatwebarelygettotalk.

I’ve only been here an hour, and I’m already having a great time. I’ve been playing with the Griffin

toddlerswhileIchatwithYasminGriffin.Sheownsalocalbookstoreandherstyleisvery50sandcool.
I helped her husband, Scott, surprise her by having a Project Runway designer make her some dresses
whenwewereallinL.A.lastmonth.Shegaveusanimpromptufashionshow,andScott’sthankedmeat
leasttentimesalready.Itoldhimitwasmypleasurebecausehonestly,itis.AlthoughIdresseveryonefor
theirmissions,andsometimesforthepartiesandballsweattend,Idon’tgettousemyfashiondegreeor
connectionsasmuchasIwant.EspeciallynotonsomeonewholovescoolvintageclotheslikeYasmin.

“Whothefuckinvitedhim?”Mattasks,interruptingmefrommythoughts.
IturntoseeKacewalkintothegreatroom,hishandsinhispocketsandasheepishexpressiononhis

face.Whenoureyesmeet,hegivesmeahalf-smilesearchingmyeyesforareaction.I’mshocked,butI
trytokeepmyselflookingindifferent.

“Itwasn’tme,”Isay.
“IinvitedKace,”Mallorysays.Ilookoverather.Shemusthavelosthermind.“Iknowwhatyou’re

thinking,butIwantedtogettoknowhimalittlebetter.”

“AfterGavin’sparty,Iknowmorethanenoughaboutthisasshole,”ZacksaysasKacewalkscloserto

us.

“IalreadyapologizedtoStella,butIneedtoapologizetoyouaswell,Gavin.Iwasn’tmyselfthatnight.

Ireallydidn’twanttocauseasceneatyourparty.”

Gavin’snothavingit.“Yet,youdid.NooneforcedyoutomaulStella.”
“Nooneheldaguntomyhead,no.”
Butsomeonedidforcehimtomakeascene.Notnecessarilywithme—Iwasjustcollateraldamage.As

angryasIamathim,Istillcare.AndMallorywould’veonlyinvitedhimhereifshehadareason.SoI
havetointervene.

“I’veacceptedhisapologyandmovedon.Heknowshewaswrong.”

“Ido.Iknowyoudon’tneedthemoney,butI’dliketodonate.AndI’lldoanythingelseIcantohelp.”
“Thekidswouldprobablyloveitifyoucametograduation.Ourfirstclasswillfinishtheirbasicsin

twomonths.”

“Sure,I’llbethere.”
“It’sgreatthatyouapologizedfortheparty,butwhataboutlastnight?”Teganaskshim,glaringashe

looksoverather.

“Teeg.”
“No,Stell.Hecan’tjustpullthatshitwithyouandthenwalkinherelikesomesadlittlepuppywithhis

tailbetweenhislegs.Thatwasfuckedup.”

“Whathappenedlastnight?”Mattasks,standingandwalkingtowardsKace.
Shit.Istepinfrontofhim.“NothingthatIcan’thandlemyself.”
“Notagoodenoughanswer.Whatkindofguyneedsagirltodefendhim,anyway?”
“Youdidnotjustsaythat,”Reinaisshakingwithanger,justasMattrealizeshismistake.
“Ididn’tmeanitlikethat.YouknowIdidn’t,Rei.”
“Whatever.”
Hestartstogotoher,butRickstandsupandgetsinhisface.“Idon’tknowwhyshe’supset,otherthan

thatshe’sastrongwoman.Butyoudon’tneedtocomeanycloser.Icantakecareofmywoman.I’mnot
scaredofyou.”

“Youshouldbe.”
“Why?Shechoseme.Nomatterhowmanytimesyoulookatherlikeyouwanttotakehertobed,she

goeshomewithme.”

Matt clenches his jaw and storms out of the room. Reina starts to follow, when Rick grabs her arm.

“Whereareyougoing,Reina?”

“I’mgoingtotalktomyfriend,whoIdon’tneedyoutosayshitlikethattoeveragain.”
“Yourfriend?Hewantstobemorethanyourfriend.WhatIsaidtohimislongoverdue.Heneedsto

knowyou’renothis.”

“Well,I’msureashellnotyours.Don’tevercallmethatagain.”
“Ifyouwalkoutthatdoor,I’mnevercallingyouagainatall.Imeanit.”
“Pleasedon’t.”
“So,that’showitis?Really?”
Reinadoesn’tanswerhim,asweallhearMatt’smotorcyclerevvingoutside.Shejustrunsoutthedoor.

Ihopeshecatcheshim.Forboththeirsakes.WeallglareatRickbeforehegetsthehintandleavesafew
minuteslater.

“Shecaughthim.Theyleftonhisbike,”Scotttellsuslookingupfromhisphone.I’msurehehasanapp

orsomethingwiththesecuritycamerashereonit.

“Thatwas…umm,yeah.ShouldIgo,too?”Kaceasks.
“Yes,”Tegantellshim.
“No.Youcanstay.Idon’tknowwhyyou’rehere,butyouwereinvited.So,enjoyyourself.”
I go back to the kids, while everyone starts talking and acting like we didn’t just see Matt and Reina

practicallydeclarethemselves.Again.I’veonlyjustsatdownwhenKacedropstothefloorbesideme.

“Youlookreallypretty,Stella.”
“Thanks.”
I’vegotonasleevelessdressthat’spinkdownthemiddle,withblack,brownandwhiteonthesides.

It’sgotalittleflaredskirt,soI’msittingcarefully.MyhairisinaponytailandIhaveblackflatson.It’s
fun,andalmostsweet.Notmynormalworklook.

“IwashopingIcouldtakeyouuponthatdanceyouwanted.”
“Itwasaone-timeoffer,I’mafraid.I’mnotaskingagain.”
“Oh.”
“Youcouldaskme,though.Ifyouwant.”
“Willyousayyes?”
“Youwon’tknowuntilyouask.”
“Willyoudancewithme,Stella?”
“No.”
“Ishouldgo.”Hesaysthat,buthedoesn’tgetup.
“DidyoureallythinkI’dmakeiteasyforyouafteryouembarrassedmelastnight?”
“Maybe.I’mprettyloveable,”hesayswiththatdamnsmileofhis.
“Whatyouareiscocky.Although,Ithoughtyou’drealizebynowthatIwon’tbefallingatyourfeet.”
“Iknowyou’renotimpressedwithme.You’vemadethatclear.”
“God,youaresuchalittlekidsometimes.Stoppoutingandactlikeadecentguy.Thenmaybeyou’llget

adance.Maybemore.”

“More.LikeIcankissyouagain,more?”heasks,hiseyestwinklingasherunshishandsthroughhis

softblondehair.

“That’sadistinctpossibility.”
Beforehecansayanythingelse,littleHopeclimbsintohislap.Shecuddlesintohisshirt,suckingher

thumb.Hereyesstarttocloseashewrapshisarmsaroundher.Thenheplaysdirty,hestartsrockingher
and singing her a lullaby. If those teenage girls think he sounds good belting out pop hits, they would
probablyfainthearinghimsoftlysingtoatoddler.I’mabouttofaintmyself.It’shot.Beyondhot,actually,
seeinghimsingtothatlittlegirlwithsuchtendernessinhiseyesandvoice.

ConversationintheroomliterallycomestoastandstillasErinandDaveclimbintomylapandstareat

himwithwideeyes.Ihugthemcloseandrockthemasweallwatchitgodown.Whenhe’sdonesinging,
all the kids are asleep, and my eyes have started closing, too. Scott, Ryan, and Owen come over to
retrievethekidsandtakethemupstairstothenurseryhereinthehouse.TheirwivesthankKace.Hejust
smilesandnods.

“Askmeagain,please.”
“Youwannadancewithme,Stella?”
“Yes.”
Hehopstohisfeetandthenreachesoutahandtome.Ilethimpullmeup,andintohisarms.ASam

Smithsongcomesonandasweswaytotheseductivetune,Kacesingsittome.Hechangesthewordsin
thechorus,sayingthatheknowshe’stheonlyone.IsmileathimasIholdhimtighter.

Ourmovementsgethotterasthesongcontinues,withhimturningmearoundtogrindonhimasheslides

upanddownwithhishandsonmyhips.Whenheturnsmeagain,hisfaceisrightwhereI’vedreamedof
having him. I gasp, and he smirks as he works his way back up to standing. I’m ready to throw him up
againstthewallwhenheblowsonmyear.

“Sexy?”
Ittakesmeamomenttorealizehe’sofferingthatupasanickname.“No.”
“Butyouare.Sofuckingsexy,Stella.Icanbarelyhandleit.”
“You’rehandlingmeprettywellrightnow.”
“More?”
“I’mleaningthatway.”
“Whatelsedoyouneedfrommetoturnthatmaybeintoayes?”

“Whyareyouactingsodifferentherewithme?ImeanIseeglimpsesofthissweetguy,butthenyouact

likeanass.”

“It’scomplicated.”
“Complicateddoesn’tscareme.”
Hisphonegoesoffbeforehecananswerme.Hepullsitoutofhispocketandpullsbackalittletolook

atthescreen.“Sonofabitch.”

“What’swrong?”
“Ihavetogo.”
“Justlikethat?”
He closes his eyes and drops his forehead to rest on mine. “Yeah. Just like that. I’m so sorry, Stella.

Really,Iam.Whenyouhatemetomorrow,justknowitwasn’tmychoice.”

“Whatareyousaying,Kace?”
“Just…I’msorry.”
Hekissesmyforeheadbeforelettingmego.I’mconfuseduntilAinsleycatchesmyeyeandholdsupher

phone.Igetit.Theblackmailerhasupgradedtotextmessages,andKacejustgotone.Ibarelylistentohis
goodbyestoeveryonebecauseIcantellfromtheexpressiononAinsley’sfacethatwhatevercamethrough
isverybad.

Assoonashe’sgone,Iturntoher.“Whatisit?”
Shehandsmeherphone,andmyheartsinkswhenIseewhatitsays.
Anonymous:(1/2)Whereareyou?Youcan’treallyhidefromme,evenifyou’vesomehowturned

offyourphone’sGPS.Iholdallthepower.It’stimeyourealizedjusthowbadIcanmakethingsfor
you.YoudidagoodjobofblowingoffStellalastnight,butnowit’stimeforyoutoensurethatshe
nevereventhinksofyouasanoptionagain.

(2/2)You’regoingtogotoPuretonightandpickupatleast2ofyourlittlegroupiestotakeback

tothehotelwithyou.Iwantitalloversocialmediatomorrowthatyoutookthembacktothehotel
andfuckedthemall.Ifnot,youknowwhatI’lldo.Haveagreatnight.

“OhmyGod,”IsayasInearlydropthephone.
“Whatisit?”Teganasks.
“He has to pick up more than one girl and take them all back to the hotel with him. The blackmailer

wantsitalloversocialmedia.”

“Thatdoesn’tmakesense.Ifhe’stryingtostopthemfrompostingpicsofhimalready,whywouldhe

takesomemore?”mymomasks.

“Hisrepisalreadysobadnowthatpicsofhimgoingtothehotelwithgirlswon’tlooksobad.Ifthere

werepicsoftheactualacts,itwouldbedifferentIthink.”

“I’monit.”
“Whatdoyoumeanyou’reonit,Teeg?”
“ImeanthatI’monit.Ainsley,canyoushutoffthehotelcameraslongenoughforDarcytogetStella

intohisroom?”

“Yeah,sure.Butwhatareyougoingtodoaboutgettingtheothergirlsout?”
“Connectingroom?”Darcyasks.
“Wayneononeside,Brettontheother.”
“Shit. I’m going to put my tongue down his throat again? I need mouthwash in my purse. Lots of

mouthwash.”

“You’re not doing anything. None of you are. So he sleeps with some chicks. It’s not like we’re

together.”

“Youtwoaresotogether.Imean,comeon.Lullabies,andthenyoutwowerepracticallymakingyour

ownbabieswhiledancing,”Isatellsme.

“Wewerenot.Itwasjustdancing.”
“Whilehewassingingtoyouandyourpantiesweredisintegrating,”Audreypointsout.
“Theywere.God,theywere.I’msopathetic.”
“No, but you are hot for that boy. Now do you want to be the one he’s in the room with tonight or

what?”

“Yes,Teeg.Iwantthat.”
“Thenit’sallsettled.I’llgopityfuckWaynesomewhereelsewhileDarcyuseshissuitetogetthegirls

out.”

“Iappreciateyoutakingoneforme.”
“You’ddoitforme.Oratleastyouwould’vebeforeyoumetKace.Andit’sjustsex.”
“True.”
“Let’sgetgoing.I’llcallmygirlsontheway.”
We say our goodbyes before Darcy and I head to the hotel the band’s staying at while Tegan goes to

PuretofindWayne.Thiscouldallworkoutreallygreat,orgohorriblywrong.I’mhopingit’stheformer.

***

Kace

I was close. So fucking close to kissing Stella again. And maybe more. But of course nothing can go

rightforme.Ithasn’tsinceIstartedbeingblackmailed.Idon’tknowhowI’mgoingtogetbackonher
goodsideaftersheseesthepicturesfromtonight.Ireallywanttofindthesonofabitchwho’sdoingthis
tomeandkillhim.Orher.Likeseriouslycausethembodilyharm.

I’m resigned to my fate, though, as I try to find some chicks I could get it up for. I’ve never had that

problembefore,butsinceImetStella,itonlyanswerstoher.IguessIcanjustthinkaboutherwhenI’m
with them. That’s what I’ve been doing while getting myself off lately. It’s no substitute for the woman
whoIknowwouldrockmyworld,butit’sapassablesolution.

I’msolostinmythoughtsthatIdon’tseethethreewomenwho’vesurroundedme.They’reallreally

hot,butagain,notdoinganythingforme.Buthey,atleastnowIdon’thavetogolooking.Iplasterasmile
onmyfaceanddowhatIhaveto.

“Goodevening,ladies.Areyoulookingforsomefun?”
“We are,” says the blue haired woman in the middle, barley covered by the scrap of fabric she’s

wearing.

“Doyouwanttostayhereforthenexthourpretendingwe’regoingtojusthangout?Orcanwejustcut

tothechaseandgotomyplace?”

“Yourplace.”
“Allofyou,right?”
Theothergirlsnod,andIgivethemasmallsmile.Asweleave,ImakesureI’vegotmyhandsontwo

ofthem.Theflashbulbsstartassoonaswewalkoutside.Thegirlsaretruepaparazzichamps,kissingmy
cheeksandgropingmeforthecameras.Idon’ttrytohideusallgettingintomylimo,sealingmyfateeven
further.

Tomysurprise,whenwegetinthelimoandraisethepartitiontogetsomeprivacy,theyallsettleaway

fromme.“You’reprettyfaraway.”

“Wehaveasurpriseforyouwhenwegettoyoursuite.We’llplayalongforthecameras,butuntilwe’re

behindcloseddoors,noone’stouchingyou,”thebrunettetellsme.

“Um,okay?Worksforme.”
It really does, even though they don’t know why. Maybe I can even get them to keep that no touching

thinggoing.Theirsurprisemaymeanthey’reintoeachotherandjustwantmetowatch.Thatwouldbethe
bestscenario.Withthewaymyluck’sbeenholdingup,though,that’snotgoingtohappen.I’lljusthaveto
hopeforthebestandbegStellaforforgiveness.

Igetusuptomysuiteaftermorepicturesinsidemyhotel.IwishIcould’vejusttakenthemtoaroom

whilewewereatCaesar’s,butthat’snotwhatIwastoldtodo.Idon’tlikebringingchickstomyprivate
space. I’ve seen too many guys get burned by pics and shit when they fall asleep with random people
around.Butagain,I’vegottothinkaboutmorethanjustmerightnow.

I let them in and follow close behind, surprised when the door is shut for me. “Surprise,” says the

redheadIsaw—butdidn’thavetimetomeet—atthepartyearlier.“I’mDarcy.”

“Oh,um,hey.Whatareyoudoinginmyroom?”
“She’shelpingme.”
I turn to see Stella in the doorway to my bedroom, looking as beautiful and sexy as ever. And also a

littlenervous.Idon’tlikethat.She’snevernervousaroundme.

“Thisisn’twhatitlookslike.”
“Soyoudon’tmindifDarcygetsthemoutofhere,andit’sjustus?”
Fuckno.Idon’tmind.Butthatdamnpuppetmasterwill.“Ireallywantthat,butthereareotherthings

goingon.”

“ItoldyouI’mgoodwithcomplicated,Kace.Youjustneedtotrustme.Darcywillgetthegirlsoutwith

nooneseeing.Unlessyouwantthemhere,andnotme.”

Issheinsane?“Onlyyou,darling.”
“No.”
Ilaughasthethreechickslookatuslikewe’recrazy.“Shesaidnotogettingcalleddarling,notbeing

alonewithme.”IturntoDarcy.“Ifyoucangetthemout,that’dbegreat.”

“I’monit,”Darcytellsher.
“Youwon’tsayanythingaboutthis,willyou?”Iaskthegirls.
“No.WeoweTeganafavor.Thisisjustthepayment.Youhavefunwithyourgirl.”
Shemakesaphonecall,andthenleadsthemthroughWayne’ssuitenextdoor.I’mnotsurehowshegot

hisdooropensoquickly,butIhonestlydon’tcare.I’malonewithStellainmysuite,whichmeansIhave
moreimportantthingsonmymind.Likegettingheroutofthatdress.Andunderstandingwhyshe’shere.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
Shelooksconflicted,butthenanswers.“ScottGriffinhascrazysecurityandtechnologygoingonathis

parent’splace.Whenyouleftsoquickly,hecheckedhislogandreadyourtext.”

“Whatthefuck?Hecan’tjustdothat.”
“Hecan.Hedoesn’tnormallyinvadeourprivacy—thewayheexplainsitisthathisprogramlooksfor

threats,andthat’sallhenormallysees.Anythingthatcouldbeathreattohisfamily.Hemadeanexception
thistime.I-Iaskedhimto.Iwasworried.Youlookedsoupsetwhenyougotthattext.Andthenyousaid
thosecrypticthingstome.”

“It’snotokay,Stella.IfIwantedtotellyousomething,Iwould.Youcan’tjustinvademyprivacylike

that.Ithoughtyouweredifferent.Butyou’rejustlikeeveryoneelse,wantingapieceofmethatI’mnot
willingtogive.”

“That’s not true. I only want you for you, Kace. Honestly. And I want to help you. Who was that text

from?Andwhyaretheyblackmailingyou?”

“IfIknewthewhooreventhewhy,don’tyouthinkIwouldhavetakencareofitbynow?Idon’tneed

yourhelp.MymomandIhavedonejustfineovertheyears,dependingonlyoneachother.”

“Your mom’s awesome, but sometimes you need outside help. It’s okay to need it. Getting help from

otherpeopledoesn’tmakeyouweak.”

“Oh,soyoutakehelpfromotherpeopleonaregularbasis?”
“Yes.Irelyonmyfriendsallthetime.Andtheyrelyonmeforhelp,too.”
“Goodforyou.Andthem.”
“Letmehelpyou.Tellmewhat’sgoingon.”
“No.Youneedtogonow,andyou’realsofired.YourmomismorethancapableofhandlingbothBrett

andmeuntilIcanfindyourreplacement.”

“Don’tdothis.I’llbackoff.Don’tfireme,though.Ineedthisjob.”
“You should’ve thought about that before you stuck your nose where it doesn’t belong. I can’t have

peopleworkingformeifIdon’ttrustthem.”

“Youcantrustme.Ipromise.I’dneverspillyoursecrets.”
Iwanttobelieveher.ButIcan’t.I’malreadybeingblackmailedbysomeone,andIcan’taffordtogive

my trust to someone who’s already betrayed it. Someone should’ve told me what I was walking into at
thatparty.InsteadtheyjusttookawaythelastbitofmethatIhadformyself.Myprivacy.

“Justgetout.Andbegladyourmomstillhasajob.She’sthebestthereis,andhasalwaysbeenniceto

me.Otherwise,she’dbeouttoo.”

“I-Ican’tleave.Wedidn’thaveaplaninplaceforthatuntilthemorning.”
“Whichremindsme.HowdidyouknowDarcyandthosechickscouldgetoutthroughWayne’splace?”
“Tegan’sdistractinghim.”
“Seriously?Yourfriendisofffuckingmyfriendsoyoucansneakinherewithme?”
“Yes.SheknewIwantedtobewithyoutonight.”
“Well, that worked out really great for both of us, didn’t it? If you can’t leave, just pick another

bedroom.There’sthree.”

“CanIborrowyourshirttosleepin?”
“I have closets full of clothes in the other rooms. Just grab whatever you want. Take something with

you,even,asasouvenirofthenightyouspentinmysuite.”

“Iwanttheoneyou’rewearingifit’sgoingtobemysouvenir.”
“You’vegottobekiddingme.”
“Please,Kace.”
“Fine.Whatever.”
Iwhipthet-shirtovermyhead,andtossittoher.ShecatchesitgivingmeasmallsmilebeforeIturn

my back on her, walking into the master bedroom and slamming the door. I can’t believe I just turned
downsexwithStella.No,actually,it’smorethanthat.IflatoutturneddownStella.Ineveryrespect.And
I’mprettysurethat’sgoingtobechalkedupasoneoftheworstmistakesofmylife.

But what she and her friends did was wrong. And if I’m being honest, kind of sexy. It was like they

were a band of secret agents or something. But the wrong outweighs the hot. It has to because I can’t
affordforthemtofindoutanythingelse.

Chapter4

Stella

It’sbeenaweeksinceKacekickedmeoutofhislife.Mymomsayshe’sbeenactingworsethanever.

I’ve been trying to cope with everything while helping Ainsley and Tegan dig deeper into everyone’s
backgrounds.Therehastobesomethingwemissed.Anythingthatcouldgiveusaclueastowhysomeone
wantstoblackmailhim.Andwhatexactlyitisthattheyhaveonhim.

“Areyougoingoutwithme,tonight?”
“No,Teeg.”
“Howlongisthispitypartygoingtolast?He’sjustaguy.Youdidn’tevenfuck.”
“Pleasedon’tremindme.”
“Seriously,Stell.He’sanass.Yeah,weviolatedhisprivacy,butyouwereofferinghimwhathesaidhe

wanted.Andheturnedyoudown.Nooneturnsyou—orme—down.Itjustdoesn’thappen.”

“Maybeitshould.Ormaybelikeyousaidafewweeksago,weshouldstopwhoringaround.”
“Ineversaid‘whoring.’Whoareyouandwhathaveyoudonewithmyfriend?”
“I’mjustgettingtoooldforthefuckandduck.Iwantmore.AndIknowyoudo,too.Nomatterwhatyou

say.”

“AndyouthoughtKacewastheone?”
“Maybe.Imean,Iknowhe’syoung,butIjust…IfeelsomuchwhenI’mwithhim.Anger,frustration,

happiness.Alittleofeverythingthereis.”

“Includinglove?”
“Itwasheadingthatway,yeah.”
“Bullshit.You’repastthe‘headingthere’ifyoucan’tevengooutandyou’recryingyourselftosleepat

night.”

“I’mnot.”Shegivemeapointedlook.“Fine.Icryeverynight.Areyouhappy?”
“OfcourseI’mnothappy.You’remybestfriend.Idon’twanttoseeyouhurting.”
“Theonlythingthatmightdothatformenowisusfindingthisdamnblackmailerandmakingthempay.”
“Ithinkwecandobetterthanthatforyourhappiness,butfornow,I’llfocusonthematterathand.”
“YousaidWaynewasbadmouthingKace.Doyouthinkhecouldbebehindit?”
“He’dbemynumberonechoice,buthekeepscomingupclean.AinsleyandIhavedugdeeperonhim

thananyoneelsebecauseofthesleazethatrollsoffhim.Butthere’snothing.He’sobviouslynotanaltar
boy,butheisn’tanevilmastermind,either.Amediocrelayyes,butbadguy—notsomuch.”

“Ineedtoapologizeagainforthat.Ishouldn’thaveletyougetitonwithhim.”
“He’snotmyfirstbadfuck,although,Imaybethinkinghe’sthelast.Andhonestly,itwasn’treallybad.

Ijustkeptthinkingaboutourtalk,andtheguyIwaswishingIwaswithinsteadofhim.Heputintheeffort
tomakemecome,though,soIshouldstopsayingitwasbad.”

“There’saguyyouwant?”
“Yeah.”
“Sincewhen?”
“Oh,maybethelasttwelveyears.”
“Teeg!”

“What?It’snotgonnahappen.OratleastIneverthoughtitwould.YouandKacehavemethinkingthere

mightbeachance.”

“ThereisnomeandKace.Youknowthis.Henotonlykickedmeout,hefiredmeandtoldmetokeep

hisshirtasasouvenir.Ithinkit’sprettyclearthatheneverwantstoseemeagain.”

“Sincewhenhaveanyofuseverletsomethingstopus?”
“Sincenever,”Isabellesays,walkingintotheroom.
“Hey,Isa.Haveyoucometoletusborrowyoursuperbrain?”
“I’mheretoseeifIcanhelpyou,yes,”shesayswithalaugh.“Reinasaidyouhaven’tbeenabletofind

anything.She’shopingIcanlookatthedatafromadifferentangle.”

“Ifanyonecanfindsomethingwe’vemissed,it’syou,”Tegantellsherwithasmile.
She’s right. Isa’s a certified genius. She graduated high school at twelve and college at fourteen. She

hasaPhD,andmorethanoneMaster’sDegree.She’soneoftheyoungestofusall,butwe’realltotallyin
aweofher.Especiallybecausesheneveractssuperiortous.Ifanything,she’sthemostmodest.Weall
look out for her because she’s also super shy. I’m waiting for the day she falls for a guy, and finally
unleashes the goddess that’s hiding behind her glasses. Because while the sexy librarian look totally
worksforher,Iwanttodressherinthesexiestclothespossible,andwatchthatluckysonabitchfallat
herfeet.Becausehewill.

“Stella,didyouevenhearawordIsaid?’
“Sorry,no.”
“Wereyoudressingmeinyourheadagain?”
“Maybe.Ifyou’djustletmedressyouforreal,Iwouldn’thavetodaydreamaboutit.”
“Youdressmeformissionssometimes.”
“Justinpracticallythesameclothesyouweareveryday.Orjeansandbuttondownshirts.”
“I’mcomfortableinmyclothes.Ilikethem.”
“Iknow.That’swhyIneverpush.ButIcan’thelpwaitinginanticipationforthedaywhenyoufinally

letmesexyouup.”

“I’msexy.Themeninthisbuildingarealwaysgivingmelooks.”
“Yesyouare.Ididn’tmeantoinsinuatethatyou’renot.Ijustwanttoplayitup.”
Herlipstiltupinahalfsmile.“MaybeI’llletyoudressmeforapartyorball.”Sheseestheexcitement

inmyeyes.“Maybe.”

“I’lltakethatfornow.’
“Good.Nowthatit’sallsettled,youtwocanwork.”
“Whereareyougoing,Teeg?”
“Ihavesomethingtotakecareofthisafternoon.ButI’llseeyouinthemorning?”
“Besafe.”
“Always.”
She throws on one of her damn cowboy hats and saunters out the door. I love that girl to death, but I

don’t understand how a born and raised city girl could grow up to be so obsessed with the country
lifestyle.Itsuitshernow,though.Noneofuscanthinkofherwithoutherboots,orhats.I’mnotsureif
she’sembracedit,orit’sembracedher.Eitherway,itworks.

IsaandIspendtherestoftheafternoonworking.Shefindsafewthingsshesayslookofftoher.She

won’tshareuntilshehasachancetolookintothemfurther.It’sjustherway.Shealwayshastobesureof
herself,neverspeakingordoingwithoutthinkingthingsthroughfirst.It’sagoodbalance,notjusttome
and Teeg, but for some of the other girls as well. I would say we’re almost evenly split here at the
foundation, with thrill seekers and thinkers. Some people, like Reina and Audrey, have the qualities of

both and use that to their advantage. They’ve also been here the longest, so maybe learning how to
balanceitallisjustsomethingyoulearnwithtime.

I head home, still processing some of the info I’d looked at today. And also thinking of Kace. He’s

neverfarfrommythoughts.I’mactuallystillstylinghim,evenifhedoesn’tknowit.Ihavepicsofhimin
allhisoutfitsonmytablet,andItellmymomwhattoputonhim.She’slettingmedothis,notbecauseshe
can’t—shetotallycan—butbecausesheknowsIneedit.Ihavetodosomethingtostayclosetohim.And
helphim.Eventhoughhedoesn’tknow.

ImakemyselfsomedinnerandwatchalittleTVbeforeheadinguptomyroom.It’searly,butIdon’t

want to do anything but be in my bed. I change into that damn t-shirt, because I can’t stop myself from
puttingitoneverynight.It’sallIwearbecauseIknowthatonceIstartthinkingaboutKace,I’mgoingto
havetotakecareofmyself.Idon’tuseanyofmytoysorvibratorsbecauseIdon’thavethememoryof
himinsideofmetoguideme.SoIjustfuckmyselfwithmyfingers.Everydamnnight.

***

Kace

Theshoottodayranlong.Weweresupposedtobedoneatfive,butit’snoweight.It’sallthankstome.

Iwastoldtomakeitgoover,andasalways,IdidasIwastold.AtleastI’mbeingleftaloneatnight.I
can’t stomach the thought of going out anymore. I usually just go up to my room and drink some dinner
before passing out. It’s the same every night because being drunk is the only way I can blank out the
imagesoftheonewomanIcanneverhave.Ipushedheraway,andnowIhavetotakemypunishment.

WhenIwalkintomyroom,Iletoutalittlescream.“Fuck,Tegan,Youscaredtheshitoutofme.How

didyougetinhere?”

“ThesamewayStellaandDarcygotinhereaweekago.”
“IsStellahere?”
“Whywouldshebehere?Youkickedherout.”
“Justchecking.”
“Noyou’renot.Isawthelookinyoureyes.Thehopethatshe’dbehere.”
“Isthatwhyyou’rehere?Shesentyoutoaskmetoreconsider?”
“Hell,no.Shedoesn’tneedtosendmetodojackshit.You’rethebiggestidiotintheworldforletting

hergo.YouandIbothknowthat.”Idon’teventrytodenyit.Becauseshe’sright,andwebothdoknowit.
“I’mherebecauseIknowyouwanther,andIcan’tstandtoseehersosad.Nomanhasevermadehercry
herselftosleepeverynight.Ishouldbekickingyourassforit,butinstead,I’mgoingtogiveyouachance
tomakeitright.”

“WhatifIdon’twantto?”
“Youdo.”
“Shebetrayedme.”
“She’snottheonewhogotacopyofyourtextmessage.Yes,shewasshownitandreacted,butwhat

guywouldn’twantwhatshewasoffering?I’veseenhernaked,Kace.Youmadeabigmistakethatnight.”

Shit.NowI’vegotimagesofnakedStellagoingthroughmymind.Ineedadrink.Severaldrinks.“Well,

itwasmymistaketomake.”

“I’mgivingyoutheopportunitytochangeyourfateandgetthegirl.”
“Isshereallycryingeverynight?”
“Yes.Shesleepsinthatstupidshirtofyours,too.It’spathetic.Andthat’sawordIneverthoughtI’duse

inrelationtoStella.Butyoubrokeher.”

“Tellmetheplan.”
“ThatwaseasierthanIthought.”
“Really?”
“No.Iknewyou’dcave.Youhaveitasbadforherasshehasitforyou.”
I do. As much as I want to pretend that she means nothing to me, I’m afraid that she could mean

everything.Ifthere’sachanceforustoworkthisout,I’mgoingtotakeit.Wehavesomemoretalkingto
do,butI’mupforitifsheis.

Weendupsneakingoutofmyroomandtakingaserviceelevatortowalkthroughthehotel’semployee

hallways.I’mtechnicallyanemployeeofthehotel,soTeganhasmeputmyarmaroundherandjustact
likeI’mtakingherwithmeforsomefun.Whenwegetoutthebackdoor,there’sacarwaitingforus.Iget
inbackwithher,andshepushesmyheaddown.

“WhyamIsittinglikethis?”
“Sonocameraspickyouuponthewaytoourapartments.”
“Goodthinking.”Ishould’vethoughtofthat,butmymindistoocloudedwiththoughtsofseeingStella.

Andtakingawayhertears.

Once we’re in an underground garage, I’m allowed to sit up and stretch. We take an elevator into a

heavilyguardedlobby,andthenTeganuseshereyetoactivateaninsideelevator.“Thatwascool.”

“You’llgetusedtoitifyoustayaround.”
“Sure,becausesecretspystuffisnormal.”
Shedoesn’tlaughwhenIsaythat,andIwanttoaskherwhyshe’snottakingmywordsasajoke.The

elevatordoorsopenbeforeIcan,andshepushesthebuttontoholdthemopenasshedirectsmetoStella’s
apartment,tellingmethedoorwillbeopen.ShesaysIshouldwalkin,andgivesmethelayoutsoIcan
findthebedroom.

I walk into her place, and stop short. It’s 100% Stella. There are cool metal sculptures and black

marblefloors.Butthecouchesandchairslookcomfortableandsexy.Thecolorschemeisblack,silver,
white,andgreen.Ididn’tknowshelikedgreenbuttherearesplashesofemeraldallover.IdecidethatI
cantakeatouroftherestofherplacelater.Iclimbthecurvedstaircasetothesecondfloorandfollow
Tegan’sdirectionstothebedroom.Thereareacoupleofextradoorsuphere,butIdon’tstoptocheck
themout.

I’malittleconfused.Stellabeggedforherjob,andyetshe’slivinginthissickapartmentthatIknow

hadtocostacouplemilatleast.Wereally,reallyneedtohaveatalk.Butfirst,Ineedtotakecareofher.
WhenIwalkintoherbedroom,IrealizethatI’llbetakingcaringofherinanentirelydifferentwaythanI
thoughtIwouldbe.

Stella’sspreadoutonthesexiestbedI’veeverseen.It’safewfeetoffthefloorandhassheerstripsof

fabricandstringsofsparklyjewelsattachedtothechandelieraboveit.Theyattachtothepolesonthebed
at different places. And hang straight down in other spots. There’s a tufted headboard between the two
polesatthetop.It’snotthebedthat’sgotmycockabouttoburstoutofmypants,though.

Stella’s fucking herself with her fingers, Her other hand is playing with her tits, while her head is

thrownback.She’sbitingdownonmyt-shirt,whichisbuncheduparoundherneck.Myfeetaremoving
beforeIcaneventhinkaboutwhatI’mdoing.

Ijumpontothebed,pushingherhandoutofthewayasIfusemymouthtoherlowerlips,suckinghard.

Iusebothmyhandstotakehertitsformyself.Shebowsupoffthebed,fuckingmyface.

“Kace,ohGod.”
Idon’tanswerher.Icouldn’tformacoherentwordrightnowifItried.I’mlostinthetasteandfeelof

her. I lick lower, swirling my tongue into her before moving back up to her clit. She’s out of control,

movingsohardthatshealmostdislodgesmymouthfromwhereitneedstobe.Ireluctantlyletgoofone
nipplesoIcanusethathandtoholdherhipdown.ShepullsmyhairsoI’lllookup,andIseeshe’staken
over,swattingmyotherhandawaytoo.Iknowwhatshewants,andIgiveittoher,thrustingmyfingers
intoherandtwistingasIpumptheminandout.Itonlytakesafewtimesbeforeshe’sscreaming.Ilickher
untilshecomesallthewaydown,andthenIstartagain.

“Icame,Kace.”
“Iknow,”Itellher,lettingherclitgoforafewpreciousseconds.“Butyoustartedthatone.Iwantone

that’sallme.”

“Iwantyoutocome,too.”
Igiveheralonglickbeforeanswering.“Iwill.We’vegotallnight.”
“Iwantyoutocomenow.”
“Youwannasuckmeoff,sweetie?”
“Yes.Andno.”
IchuckleagainstherasIfliparoundandthenpullherontopofme.Sheimmediatelytearsatthebutton

andzipperonmyjeans,notevenbotheringtotakethemoff.Shejustreachesintomyboxerbriefsandlets
meout.Inearlycomefromthefirstswipeofhertonguedownmylength.Ican’teventellyouhowmany
dreamsI’vehadthatinvolvedherandhersexymouth.

Sheknowsexactlywhatshe’sdoingasshelicks,sucks,andnibblesonmycock,makingsuretoplay

withmypiercingeverytimeshegetsbackuptothetop.I’msodizzywithlustthatIabandonwhatI’m
doingforamomentwhenshesucksmeallthewayintohermouth.

“God,Stella.Justlikethat,love.Justlikethat.Pleasedon’tstop.”
Shedoesforjustamomentsoshecanreply.“Yes.”
As what she just said registers, I snap out of it, and attack her pussy. We’re both completely out of

controlaswetakeeachotherover.Welickandsuckeachotherdry,andthenIturnandpullhertome,
kissingherwitheverythingIhave.Shegivesitrightbacktome,tuggingatmyhairasIrunmyhandsup
anddownherbody.

“Iwanttobeinsideofyou,”ItellherasIbreakthekiss.“No,Ineedtobeinsideofyou.”
“IthinkIcouldgetusedtothisyoungerguystamina.”
“ItoldyouoncethatIcouldgofordayswithyou.”
“Yes,youdid.Idon’tthinkwecangetawaywithdays,butIwantyouallnight.”
“Good,becauseI’mnotleavinguntilyoutellmeI’mthebestyou’veeverhad.”
Shemovesawaytoreachintohernightstand,pullingoutajumboboxofcondoms.“Showmemoreof

whatyou’vegot,littleboy.”

“WebothknowI’mnotlittle,love.Andyoulikemypiercing.Iknowyoudo.”
“Let’sseeifyouknowwhattodowithit.”
“Oh,mybigcockandIdefinitelyknowwhattodo,”ItellherasIputacondomcarefullyovermymetal

androllitdown.

Ipullherkneesupandthrustballsdeepintoher,causinghertocryout.“Nowwhatwasthataboutme

beinga‘little’boy?”Iaskherwithalaugh.

She answers by grabbing my ass and pulling me deeper into her as we both moan. Oh, yeah. This is

goingtobethebestnighteverforbothofus.Guaranteed.

Chapter5

Stella

I wake up wrapped in Kace’s arms. I’m blissfully sore, and still horny as hell. We did it in every

positionwecouldthinkof—andwebothhavevividimaginations.Iwasn’tlyingwhenIfinallytoldhim
hewasthebest.Hemaybeyoung,butdamncanheusehiscock.Justthinkingaboutithasmewantingto
climbonforyetanotherride.OrdosomethingelseI’vethoughtabout.Alot.

IsmileasIclimboverhimandlickhissharktattoo.I’monmysecondtimearounditwhenhegrabsme

andpullsmeuptohim.WekissforafewminutesbeforeIpullback.

“Why’dyoustopme?Iwasgonnagolower.”
“Oh,Iknowyouwere.Butwebothneedtobeatworksoon,andifIonlygetoneorgasmthismorning,I

wantitinyourpussyandnotyourmouth.”

“Idon’thaveajobtogoto.”
“Thehellyoudon’t.You’remom’sthebestinthebusiness,butyou’rethebestforme.Besides,you’ve

beensecretlydoingthejobthislastweek.Youmightaswellgetpaidforit.”

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”
“Uh-huh.Sureyoudon’t.”
“Youcan’tproveanything.”
“Idon’tneedto.AndIlovethatyoucaredenoughtokeepmakingmelookgood.”
“Ido,Kace.Icare.”
“Isthatwhyyou’relettingmecallyou‘Love’?”
“Notexactly.”
“Areyougoingtoelaborate?”
“Ithoughtweweregoingtofuckagain.”
“I’llmakeyouscreamonceyoutellmewhat’sgoingoninthatbeautifulheadofyours.”
God.Whydidn’tIjustsayyeswhenheasked.“Fine.Imostlylikeitbecausenoone’severcalledme

thatbefore.Anditsoundsbothsweetandsexywhenyousayit.”

“GuyshavecalledyoualltheothernicknamesItried?”
Inod,pickingatanimaginarythreadonthesheet.HeputshisfingersundermychinsoI’mforcedto

lookupintohiseyes.Heraisesoneeyebrowatme.“I’vebeenwithalotofguys,Kace.Alot.”

“So?Iwasn’tlookingtosacrificeavirginwhenIwentdownonyoulastnight.IwasthinkinghowI’m

the luckiest guy in the world to have my mouth on the sexiest women I’ve ever met. And how I could
convinceyoutoletmedoitallnight.”

Wow.Justwow.“Yousingbabiestosleep,thensingasexysongtome,andnowyoujustsaidthebest

thinganyone’seversaidtome.Ifyouhaveanyothertricksupyoursleeve,Imayjusthavetokeepyou.”

“That’stheplan.Iwanttobekept.”
“Keptmendowhatevertheirsugarmamawantsthemto.”
Heburstsoutlaughing.“Sugarmama?Iguessifyoumeansugarlikethekisses,thatcouldwork.IfIget

rewardedinkisses,I’lldoprettymuchanythingyouwant.”

“Oh,I’mgoingtorewardyou.Youcanbesureofthat.”

Imoveoffofhim,andgraboneofthesheersIhavearoundmybed.Itieitaroundhiswristashiseyes

widen. I do the same with his other hand and then sit back to see him stretched out across my bed. Oh
yeah,thisisgoingtobehot.

“Sothat’swhyyouhaveyourbedlikethis,huh?Totieupunsuspectingmen.”
“Sinceyou’rethefirstmanthat’sbeeninmybedthatwouldbeano.”
“What?Seriously?”
“Yes,”ItellhimasIrollacondomonhim.“Idon’tinviterandomguyshere.Myplaceisimportantto

me.”

Heopenshismouthandthenclosesit.Icanseethathe’sfightingwhathewantstosaytome.Hefinally

closeshiseyes,andspeaks.“Youdidn’tinvitemehere.”

“Iwouldhave.Teegknewthat.Shewouldn’thavebroughtyoutomeifshedidn’tbelievethatIwanted

youhere.”

“Yeah?”
“Fuckyeah,K.”
“K?Ilikeit.”
“You’regoingtolikethisevenmore,”ItellhimasIclimbontohiscock,backwards.
“Shit,Stella.Letmetouchyou.”
“Nope.Justenjoymyride.IknowIwill.”
IleanforwardandgriphisanklesasIridehimhard,thenslow,fast,andthenjustgrindonhim.Itfeels

amazing,andIknowhe’swatchingmyass,andseeingmetakehiminoverandover.I’msohotfromjust
thethoughtofhimsubmittingtomethatitonlytakesafewminutesbeforeI’mcominghard.BeforeIcan
evenprocesswhat’shappening,IhearfabricrippingandI’mbeingflippedontomyknees.

“I’llpayforthecurtains,butit’smyturn,love.Youhadyourfun.NowholdontotheheadboardwhileI

fuckyouhardenoughtobringdownthisbed.”

Thisbed’snotgoingtobreak,butIknowwhathemeans,andI’mdrippingwetjustthinkingaboutit.I

grabtheheadboardandarchmyback.“Doit.”

Heentersmeagain,andthebedisactuallyshakingandcreakingwiththeforceofwhathe’sdoingto

me.Icanbarelyholdon,he’spumpingsohard.I’mlovingeverysecondofitasIknowIdidthis.Imade
himsooutofcontrolthathecan’teventrytobesweet.Hesnakesoneofhishandsaroundtopinchmy
clit,andIswearIblackoutforafewsecondsasIcomeagain.Acouplemorepumpsandhe’sbitingthe
back of my neck before he roars out my name. It’s animalistic, and arguably the hottest thing I’ve ever
experienced.

“Damn. Are you okay? I didn’t mean to be quite that rough, but you…God, you made me so out of

control.”

“I’msookaythatI’llprobablybecomingforweeksjustthinkingaboutwhatyoujustdidtome.”
“Whatyoudidtomewasprettyfuckinghot,too.Definitelygoinginthespankbank.”
“Haveyounotbeentiedupbefore?”
“Nope.Butyoucandoitwheneveryouwant.IhavetowarnyouthatI’llprobablytearallyourcurtains

down.”

I look over and see that dangling fabric that’s still tied to his wrists. “Hearing that fabric rip was…

yeah,Ican’tevendescribeit.”

“Ifeltwhatitdidtoyou.Remember,Iwasstillinsideofyou.”
“Oh,Iremember.Believeme.It’sgoinginmyfingervault.”
“Fingervault?Whatthefuck?”
He’slaughingsohard,hedoublesover.Ipunchhiminthearm.

“Isawthatonlineoneday,”ItellhimasIstarttountiehiswrists.
“You’resocute.”
Thatmakesmesnort.“Noone’severcalledmecute.”
“Good.Ilikebeingtheonlyone.”
“Ishouldgotakeashower.YoucanuseoneofmyotherbathroomsorwaituntilI’mdone.”
“Idon’tgettowashyourback?Youseemedtolikeitlastnight.”
“Ilovedit,andifmybosshadn’ttoldmethatIhavetobetoworksoon,I’dtotallydragyouinthere

withme.”

“Yourbosscouldallowyoutobelate.Justthisonce.”
“Later,K.Wehavetonight.”
“Promise?You’renotgoingtogetscaredandshutmeout?”
“Iwon’tifyouwon’t.”
“I’mallin,love.Allthefuckin.”

***

Kace

WhileStellawentintohergiantbathroom,Igotuptofindanothershower.Thedoornexttoherroom

opened into a room almost as big. It wasn’t another bedroom. It’s a giant dressing room with clothes,
shoes,andaccessorieseverywhere.I’veneverseenanythinglikeit,andallIcanthinkaboutisStellain
herepickingoutwhattowear.Itgivesmeanidea,butIstillneedtofindashower,soImoveon.Thenext
doorItryislocked,buttheonenexttoitisaguestroomwithanicesizedbathroomwiththatshowerI
need.Iwashup,andthenjerkoffsinceI’mpainfullyhardjustthinkingaboutStellainherownshower.

IheadbacktoherroomaftertakingcareofthesurpriseIthoughtof.I’vejustgotteneverythingwhereI

wantitwhenshewalksoutofthebathroominashortrobewithhermakeupdone,andherhairinafancy
bunwithabraidinfront,andcurlshangingdowninplaces.Ireallyamaluckyman.

“What’sthis?”sheasks,lookingatwhatI’velaidonthebed.
“IthoughtI’ddressyoutoday.”
Shestepsover,andfingersthesoftblacksweaterwithwhitebirds,theshortblackleatherskirtwitha

ruffleonthebottom,thickcableknitblacksocks,andthesockgartersIfound.They’reblackwithsilver
studsandaheart.Sexydoesn’tevenbegintodescribehowIknowthey’lllookonher.Howit’llalllook.
IhaveblackMaryJaneshoeswiththickrubberheelsontheflooranddanglingsilverbirdearrings.Oh,
andatinyblacksatinbraandboyshortpanties.I’mgoingtobehardalldaythinkingabouthertitsspilling
outofthebra,andherasspeekingoutofthosepanties.

I’mbitingmylipandbouncingontheballsofmyfeetasshejustkeepsrunningherhandsoverallofit.I

wanttohertolikewhatIpicked.AndthatIdiditforher.Shefinallyturnstome,butinsteadofspeaking,
shepullsmetoherandkissesthehelloutofme.

“Noone’severdonethatforme,exceptmymom.Iloveitall.”
“ThankGod.Iwantedtodosomethingspecialforyou,andthenIsawyourdressingroom.”
“It’sabitmuch,Iknow.”
“It’sprettyspectacular.Andsoveryyou.”
“Itdidn’tscareyouoff?”
“Obviouslynot.Iespeciallylovedyourlingerieclosetinthere.I’mhopingtoseeeverythinginthereon

yourbangingbody.”

“Bangingbody,huh?Wasthatyourfirstthoughtwhenwemet,andyouwerecheckingoutmytits?”

IlaughbecauseI’venevermetanothergirlorwomanwhowouldcomerightoutandaskthat.“Actually,

thefirstthoughtIhadwhenIsawyouwas‘bomb-fucking-shell.’”

“That’shot.Ilikeit.MaybeIshouldgetashirtwiththatonit.”
“You’rehot.AndIlikeyou.Youshouldtotallygetashirtwiththatonit.”
“Ilikeyou,too.Ididn’twantto,butIdo.”
“Whydidn’tyouwanttolikeme?”Iaskher,asIputmyarmsaroundherandhughertight.“Wasitmy

reputation?”

“No.Youdon’tscaremewithyourbadbehavior.Iwanttopunchyousometimes,butIcanhandleall

that.Itwasouragedifference.You’resoyoung.”

“Thatworkedoutwellforyoulastnight.”
“Yes,itdid,”shetellsmewithasmile.“Butseriously,youdon’tminddatinganolderwoman?There’s

lotsofyoungeroneswho’dlovetobeinyourbed.”

“Mind?Umm,no.It’snotyouragethatIwant,Stella.Iwantyouforyou.Youcouldbeahundredand

I’dstillwantyou.Becauseyou’reyou.”

“I’mnotquiteonehundredyet,soIthinkwe’regood.”
“We’rereallygood,”ItellherasInuzzleherneck.
“Yeah,Kace.Weare.”
“Sonomoreworriesabouttheagething?”
“Aslongasyourmomdoesn’tkillmeforcorruptingherbabyboy,we’regood.”
“Mymomhasnoroomtotalk.She’snotasaint.Butifshedoesn’tlikeit,we’lljustshowherwe’re

seriousandchangehermind.”

IkissStella,pouringalltheloveIfeelforherintoit.Yeah,love.IknowIloveher.It’snottimetotell

heryet,butIwillsoon.Wealsostillneedtotalk.Aboutlotsofthings.Includinghowshecanaffordthis
apartment.Notnow,though.Rightnow,Ijustwanttobeinthemoment.So,Ishutoffmybrainandjustget
lostinher.

***

Stella

Ireallylovemyoutfit.It’sbeyondsweetandsexythatKacepickedoutsomethingformetowear.We

didn’t have time for me to thank him properly this morning, but I’ll make sure he knows how much I
appreciateittonight.We’resmilingandholdinghandsaswewalkofftheelevatorintotheloftatthehotel.
Untileveryoneseesus.

Conversationstops.Justliterallystopsaspeoplestareatuswiththeirmouthsopen.Wayneisthefirst

onetorecover.“Well,hotdamn.Thiswillbefun.”

“Thishasnothingtodowithyou,man,”Kacetellshim.
“Butitcould.TegantoldmeallaboutherandStellaandallthefunthey’vehad.Withlotsofguys.I’m

notintoyou,dude,butwecouldallplaytogether.”

Istopbreathing.Ican’tbelieveshetoldhim.Howcouldshedothattome?OhmyGod,IthinkImay

dierightnow.I’msnappedoutofitasKaceletsgoofmeandlungesforhim.

“No.Stop,Kace.Don’t.”IyellasIpullhimoffofableedingWayne.
“He’snotgoingtotalkshitlikethataboutyouwithmehere.”
“You act like I was lying. I wasn’t. She’s done multiple guys before. With and without her friend.

Haven’tyouStella?”

“Yes.Ihave,”Itellhimastearsrolldownmycheeks.

Iwon’tdenyitbecauseI’mnotashamedofwhatI’vedone.AtleastIhaven’tbeenuntilthismoment.In

thisroomwithaguyIthinkImightlove,andmymom.She’sseenitallinherjob,butshedoesn’tneedto
knowI’vedoneitall.IjusthavetogetoutofherebeforeI’mforcedtolookatherandKace.Ican’ttake
eitherofthembeingdisgustedbyme.

“Look at me, Stella,” Kace says. I shake my head, and he leans close to whisper in my ear trying to

catch all my tears with his fingers. “I don’t care, love. What you did before doesn’t matter. All that
mattersisnow.YoutoldmeIwasthebestyoueverhadandnowthatjustmeansevenmore.Noone’s
goingtomesswithyouaboutthis.Notiftheywanttohavealltheirlimbsintact.”

I look up at him and there’s no disgust in his eyes. Just concern, and God, love. His eyes are full of

love.“Thankyou.”

Thatgetsmeaquickkissandasmile.“Backtoworkeveryone.Thefuckingshow’sover.Andifanyof

youeventhinkingofmentioningthistoStellaor me, I suggest you don’t. She’s with me—that’s all you
needtoknow.”

Everyoneturnsbacktowhattheyweredoing,exceptmymom.Shecomesovertomeandhugsmetight.

“Iloveyou,Stell.Idon’tcarewhatyou’vedoneorplantodointhefuture.I’llalwaysloveyou.”

Kacemovedawaytogiveusprivacy,soI’mabletotellherwhatI’mthinking.“Thankyou.Thatmeans

everythingtome.Ihavetoquitmyjobthough,Mom.Ican’tworkwithTegan.Ican’tevenstomachthe
thoughtofseeingher.”

“Talktoher.She’syourbestfriend.Shewouldn’tjusttellhimthosethings.”
“Butshedid.Andshe’snotmyfriendanymore.She’sdeadtome.”
“I’llsupportyounomatterwhat.”
“Iknow.Iloveyou,Mom.”
Wehugagain,beforeshegoesbacktoworkwithBrettandIwalkovertoKace.HetellsmeIcanleave

for the day if I need to, but I don’t want to do that. If I leave right now, I’ll do something rash. I was
seriouswhenItoldmymomthatIcan’tworkwithTeganagain,butquittingseemssowrong.Ilovemy
job.Andmyotherfriends.Ineedtothinkaboutthisforacoupleofdays.

Imakeitthroughtheday,ignoringthestares.Becausepeoplearestaring.Theywon’tsayanythingsince

Kace threatened everyone, but they can’t help but stare. I’ve never regretted my choices, or what I’ve
doneinthepast,buttodayIfeeldirty.Andalittlecheap.Ican’tbelieveit’smybestfriendthatmademe
feelthisway.

By the time I fall asleep that night with Kace next to me, I have fifteen missed calls from Tegan, and

twiceasmanytextmessages.Idon’tlookatthem,orlistentothevoicemails.Ijustcan’t.Ithurtstoknow
she betrayed me. And I don’t even understand why she did it. I know I could ask her, but honestly, the
thoughtofseeingheragainmakesmewanttothrowup.

Chapter6

Stella

IentertheFoundationofficesafewdayslaterandnodatAlex.Icalledanemergencymeeting,soshe

knowsI’mnotinthemoodforsmalltalk.IwishIcouldsaythatIwrestledwithmydecision,butIdidn’t.
IjusthadtodrumupthecouragetoactuallygothroughwithwhatIknowIhavetodo.Kaceonlyknows
thatIwanttobreakoffmyfriendship,andwhilehetoldmetotalktoTeganfirst,Ijustcan’t.Ijustneedto
getthisoverwith.

Alex takes care of the phone system, and we enter the conference room together after passing the

securityscans.EveryoneisalreadyinsideasItakemyplacenexttoMalloryandDarcy.Idon’tsitdown.

Janestandsandaddressesme.“Stella,youknowthatcallinganemergencymeetingisnotsomethingto

betakenlightly.Pleasetelluswhyweallhadtobeheretoday.”

“I’mnottakingthislightly.IcalledthismeetingbecauseIneedtoquit.”
“What?Stella,no,”Mallorysays,jumpingoutofherchair.
“Ihavenochoice.”
“There’salwaysachoice,Stella.Youknowthat,”Janelightlyreprimandsme.
“Ican’tworkwithTegan.Infact,it’stakingeverythingIhaveinmetostandherecalmlyandnotripher

fuckingthroatoutrightnow.”

“What,Stell?You’requittingbecauseyou’reangryatme?Forwhat?You’remybestfriend.”
“Angrydoesn’tevenbegintocoverwhatI’mfeeling.Andyouknowwhy,sostopactinglikeyoudon’t.

Ithoughtyouweremybestfriend.UntilIwalkedintoworkafewdaysagowithKace.AndWaynetold
everyonethatIlikedtobewithmultipleguys,sometimeswithyouparticipatingtoo.Mymomwasthere,
Tegan.”

“Holyshit,”Aidensays.
“Shutup,A,”Matttellshimwithaglare.
“I-I…”
“You what? You just had to tell him that? He forced you at gunpoint to tell him about my past sexual

encounters?Why?Whywouldyoudothattome?Iwould’venevertoldsomeonesomethinglikethat.And
youhadtoknowhe’dtellKace.YouknowIlikehim.He’sthefirstguyI’veeverwantedtobewithlike
this.Wereyoutryingtoruinthatforme?”

“Yes.”
Ireelbacklikeshe’spunchedme.“What?”
“Ainsley’s in love, Faith’s in love, and now you—you’re maybe in love—and it’s too much. I kept

thinkingaboutwhowasgoingtogooutwithmetoclubs?Andbemybestfriend?ThenIsawhowsadyou
were,andhowfastKacesaidyeswhenIwenttobringhimtoyou.Iwashappyforyouthen,butitwas
toolate.I’dalreadytoldWayne.I’msosorry.Imeanit.”

Damnit.Iknowherbackground,andIshould’veknownshe’dfreakout.Andnowmyangerhasfaded,

andIrealizemymomandKacewereright.Ishould’vejusttalkedtoher.“I’llstillgooutwithyou.Isaid
I’dbeyourwingwoman.I’mnotgoingtoabandonyoujustbecauseI’mwithKace.Butyoucan’teverdo
anythinglikethisagain,Teeg.Thewaypeoplehavebeenlookingatme…I’vefeltsogross.Andbad.”

“Kacesaidsomeshittoyou?He’sdead!”

“No,Matt.He’sprotectedme,andtoldmethepastdoesn’tmatter.”
“Ofcoursehedid.Imean,damn,whatguydoesn’twanttohearthathiswoman’sprettywild?”Nate

says.

“You’resuchanass,”Jadetellshim.
Ifliphimoffandtellthemtherest.“Hesaidallthatmattersisnow,andus.Andhesaidhe’dfuckup

anyonewhomessedwithmeaboutit.”

“That’ssosweet,”Isasays.
“Yeah.Andhedressedmetoday,”Isaygesturingtomyclothes.Thisistheseconddayinarow.Ihope

hekeepsitup.Icantellhereallythinksaboutwhathe’spicking,andbothtimes,he’schosenaperfect
outfitforme.”

“Hepickedyourclothes?Andyoulethim?Damn,Iknewsendinghimtoyouwastherightthingtodo.

But,umm,doesyourmomhateme?”Teganasks.

“No.Shetoldmetotalktoyoubeforequitting.Iwasjustsomad.Andhurt.”
“Ireallyamsorry,Stell.Pleasedon’tgothroughwithquitting.Weallneedyou.”
Ilookaroundandseeeveryonenod.IfinallysettleonJane.“CanItakeitback?”
“Yes. But please just talk it out next time you think about leaving. Any of you.” She looks to Tegan.

“Whatyoudidisnotacceptable,Tegan.Notjustasafriend,butasasister.Wekeepeachother’ssecrets,
notspillthemtothesomerandomman.Especiallynotwiththeintenttoharm.”

“Iknow.”
“You’llbeoffmissionsforatleasttwomonths,andwillbeexpectedtobehereattheofficeseveryday

helpingwhereveryou’reneeded.”

“Ofcourse.IunderstandwhatIdidandhowbaditis.”
“Good.Now,I’mactuallygladthateveryone’shere.Well,almosteveryone.Alex,canyoucallMilesin

here?Ineedtotalktoallofyouaboutsomething.”

We all sit there quietly as we wait for Miles. Jane seems really serious, and a little sad. As I look

around,wealllooklost,evenReina.

“Sorryittookaminuteformetogethere,Gram.Iwasonacall.”
“Notaproblem,Miles.Pleasehaveaseat.”
She takes a deep breath, and I’m even more scared. Especially when Mallory, Maggie, Helen, and

Cyndigotostandwithher.Sheseemstogainstrengthfromherfriendsandopenshereyes.

“I’mnotexactlyayoungwomananymore.And,well,Ican’tcontinuetorunboththeC&CFoundation,

andtheSociety.It’stoomuch.I’vebeenfeelingalittleweakandtiredthepastcoupleofmonths.Iwantto
stayonasamentorandhelpwhereverIcan,butIneedtogiveupcontrol.Thisisn’taneasydecisionfor
me,especiallybecauseitputsallofyouatrisk.

“As you know, my husband had a condition written in when he created the Foundation. It will only

continue to function if a Corrigan woman is in place to run it, unless there isn’t one available. This
wouldn’t have mattered even a month ago, but now that Alex and Miles are married, things aren’t as
simple.”

“BecauseIcan’truntheFoundationortheSociety,”Alexsays.
“Iloveyoumydear,butno,youcan’t.”
“Itwasn’taquestion,Jane.IknowI’mnotcutoutforthat.”
“There’sonlyoneotheroption.Matt,Ineedyoutogetmarried.Itwillonlyhavetobeforayear,and

thenyoucangetdivorced,andthelastnamecanberetained.”

ByReina.She’snotsayingit,butweallknowthat’swhoshemeans.There’snooneelse.Andnoneof

uswouldmarryMattinherplaceanyway.Notwithknowinghowmuchsheloveshim.

“Okay.Icandothatforyou.OfcourseI’lldothatforyou,”weallknowhe’stryingtoconvincehimself

asmuchashe’sconvincingher.He’sthebiggestplayerintheroom.“Dowedrawnamesorsomethingto
seewhotheluckygirlis?”

Reinastandssofastthatherchairrollsbacktoslamintothewall.“Youbastard.Ihateyousomuch.”
“Good,”hetellsher,standingasshestalkstowardshim.“Thenmaybeyou’llreallymoveonandstop

lookinglikeasadlittlepuppywhenyou’rearoundme.”

“Really?Youwantmetofuckingmoveon?Becauseyoudidn’tseemtoenjoyseeingmewithRick.”
“Iwasbeingselfish,knowingthatIcouldn’thaveyouinmybedwhenIneededyou,Princess.”
“Becausethat’sallIamtoyouisn’tit,”shescreamsasshegetsinhisface.“Justabodytohelpyou

whenyouneedit.Youcouldn’tevengivethe‘puppy’apityfuckwhenItoldyouIneededyou.AndI’ve
putupwithit,takenwhatyou’dgivemebecauseIthoughtmaybeonedayyou’dthinkIwasgoodenough
formore.ButnowIknowI’mnot.I’mjustapieceoftrashforyoutouseandthrowaway.”

“Don’tfuckingtalkaboutyourselflikethat,Rei.”
“It’strue.AndIfinallyhavetoacceptit.I’mnothingtoyou,andIneverwillbe.”
Shestaggersawayfromhim,andIthinkshemayfallover,butMattgrabsher.Sheimmediatelystarts

fightinghim,butheholdshertightpullinghercloserandclosertohim,assheslapsandkickshim.When
hefuseshismouthtohers,shestopsfightingandputsherarmsaroundhisneck.Shekisseshimbackuntil
hepullshismouthaway.

“Marryme,Reina.”
“Iwon’tshareyou.”
“Iwouldn’tcheatonyouwhenwe’retogether.Notever.”
“Andyou’llbewithme?Reallywithme,ineveryway?”
“I’mabastardforit,butyes.Youhavetoknowit’sonlyforayear,though.Ican’tgiveyouforever.”
“I’lltaketheyear.Fornow.Soyes,I’llmarryyou,Matt.”
“Perfect.We’llgetCanditotaketheengagementphotosandthenreleaseittothepress.Itwilltakea

few months to get everything together for the wedding since it will need to be big. Unfortunately, that
meansthegirlscan’tstandupforyou.”

“Ican,”Ainsleysays.
“Metoo,”Alexsays.
“Yes,thetwoofyoucan.I’msorrythatnooneelsecan.”
“It’snotreal,Gram.Itdoesn’tmatterwhostandsupforus.”
“Weallknowthisisn’tgoingtobeatotallyfakemarriage,Matthew.Thesooneryoustoppretendingit

is,theeasieritwillbeforyouandReina.”

“Justtellmewheretobe,andwhen.I’lldowhateverIneedto.Inthemeantime,Ihavearingtobuy.

I’llbringitbylater,okayPrincess?”

“Oh,yeah.Umm…sure.”
Idon’tthinkI’veeverseenReinalookingflustered.Butthenagain,she’sneverhadtheguysheloves

tellherhe’sbringinganengagementringbyherplacelater.I,forone,can’twaittoseewhathepicksfor
her.Weallwatchashekissesherforeheadandwalksout.

“Backtoworkeveryone.Westillhaveablackmailertofind,andothermissionstoworkon.”
Everyoneelsestarttofileout.Tegancomesoverandstandsinfrontofme,lookingnervous.“Arewe

reallyokay,Stell?”

“Yeah,Teeg.Weare.Whatyoudidhurtme.Alot.Butwe’rebestfriends,andIneedyouinmylife.Just

please talk to me next time you’re upset, instead of telling some asshole things he shouldn’t ever know
aboutme.”

“Iwill.Ipromise.Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyou,too.”
“Goenjoyyourbabyboy.”
“He’snotababy—inanyway—butIwillenjoyhim.”
ShelaughsasIpulloutmyphonetotextKace.Iinvitehimoverlater,andlethimknowI’llhavethe

guardslethimin.Hedoesn’trespondrightaway,butIdon’tworry.He’sprobablybusy.

***

Kace

Rehearsalafterourlatestphotoshootwasintense.Ourresidencystartsinjustafewweeks,soweall

wanttheperformancestobeperfect.Especiallyopeningnightwhenthemediaandothercelebritieswill
beinattendance.IsmilethinkingabouthavingStellainthefrontrowwhileIsingtoher,andthenonmy
armforthepartyafterward.Ihaven’taskedheryet,butI’msureshe’llbetherewithme.

MysmilegetswiderasIseeatextfromhertellingmeshe’ssetthingsupsoIcangotoherplacewhen

I’mdone.AndthenIswipetothenexttext.It’snotfromher,andwhatitsaysmakesmystomachdropand
mybloodboil.

Anonymous:Blowoffyourblondesluttonight.Gooutclubbingorstayinyourroom.Idon’tcare.

Justdon’tshowupforyoudatewithher.Anddon’tcallortexthertomakeanexcuse.I’llknowif
youdo.

Fuck.I’mgoingtokillthispersonifIeverfindoutwhotheyare.Notjustforblackmailingme,butfor

callingStellaaslut,too.Itmakesmethinkthattheblackmailerhastobesomeoneworkingcloselywith
us.Andthat’sallIknow.Therewereatleasttwentypeopleintheroomthismorning.

MybiggerworryishowStella’sgoingtoreactwhenshedoesn’thearfrommetoday.I’msureashell

notgoingout,soatleastshewon’tseepicturesofmepartyingitupwhileIignoreher.Idecidetoseeif
mymomisfreetonight.Maybewecanhangoutandtalk.It’sbeenawhilesincewedidthat.Icatchheras
she’sleaving.

“Mom,waitup.”
“Hey,honey.Didyouneedsomething?”
“Anightwithmybeautifulmotherwouldbegreat.”
“Ithoughtyou’dbewithStella,orissheotherwiseoccupied?”
Whoa.“Excuseme?”
“IheardaboutwhatWaynesaidtoeveryone.”
“Firstofall,Itoldeveryonetheretokeeptheirmouthsshut.Andsecond,whatshedidinherpasthas

nothingtodowithourpresent.”

“The past always catches up to you, Kace. Even when you think you’ve outrun it, it comes out of

nowheretorearitsuglyhead.”

“I’mnotafraidofStella’spast,oranyoneinit.”
“Youloveher.”
“Yes.Ihaven’ttoldheryet,butIdo.”
“She’s going to break you. A woman who looks like that and has done what she’s done won’t settle

down.”

“What the hell is wrong with you? I’ve never heard you say something so judgmental about anyone

before.Yetyou’rejudgingStellabecauseshelookshot.Andhadsomefunbeforeshemetme.Why?”

“Becauseshe’snotgoodenoughforyou.”

“That’sformetodecide.God.It’slikeIdon’tevenknowyouanymore.Forgethangingout.Ican’ttalk

toyourightnow.Thanksforthesupport.”

“Kace.”
“Justgo,Mom.”
ShegetsintotheelevatorasIrunmyhandsthroughmyhairanddownmyface.Howdidmylifegetso

fuckedup?Ijustdon’tunderstandit.Iwasaniceguy.Ihadanicemom.Yeah,westruggled,butwenever
intentionallyhurtanyone.YethereIam,beingblackmailedandhavingtolistentomymombadmouththe
womanIlove.It’salmosttoosurrealtobebelievable.But,I’mlivingit,soIknowit’shappening.

“Thankyou,Kace.”
IturntoseeSheilastandingbehindme.“Forwhat?”
“Youjustdefendedmydaughter.”
“Youdon’thavetothankme.I’lldefendheruntilthedayIdie.”
“Becauseyouloveher?”
“Yeah.Ishouldprobablytellhersoonsinceeveryoneelseishearingit.”
“You’lltellherwhenit’stime.Justbegoodtoher.”
“Iwill.”Shit.NoIwon’t.Butwait,Icandothis.IleaninclosetoSheilaandpretendtokissheronthe

cheek.“Ican’tbewithhertonightandIcan’tcallhertocancel.IwishIcouldtellyouwhy,butcanyou
pleaseletherknow?”

“Goodnight,Kace,”shetellsmewithanod.
“Goodnight,Sheila.”
“Aww,thatwassotouching.”
“Whatdoyouwant,Wayne?Haven’tyoutriedtocauseenoughtroublethisweek?”
“Neverenough,Mr.BigStar.”
“Don’t.We’reallthestarshere.”
“That’sbullshitandyouknowit.They’vealwaysgroomedyou.”
“AndI’vealwaysresistedit.”
“That’s why you’re acting up now and making sure you’re getting all the attention, huh? Those little

jailbaitchicksareeatingitup.”

“No.I’mnot.Ihonestlydon’twanttheextraattention.”
“Well,you’regettingit,”Chadsaysashewalksovertous.“Isay,embraceit.Yourfifteenminutesand

all.”

“Notinterestedinfifteenminutes.Iwanttostayinthisbusinessforalongtime.Withyouguysbymy

side.”

“Sure you do. C’mon, Chad, let’s go find us some company for tonight while lover boy sulks in his

suite.”

“How’dyouknowI’mstayingin?”
“Luckyguess.”
“No,seriouslyman,”ItellhimasIshovehimintothewall.
He’sbeenatthetopofmysuspectlistsincethebeginningandnowthis.Plus,I’mstillpissedthathe

embarrassedStella.I’dlovenothingmorethantobeathimuntilheconfesses.Butweneedhim.Ineed
him—ifhe’snotbehindthis.We’vebeenfriendsforyearsandIdon’twanttolosethat.Ilovetheseguys
likebrothers.

“Iheardyoutalkingtoyourmomaboutspendingtheeveningwithher.Ifiguredyoudidn’thaveplans.

AlthoughifStellawaswithme,Iwouldn’tletheroutofmysight.”

“Well,she’snevergoingtobewithyou,soitdoesn’tmatterwhatyou’ddo.Itrusther,andthatmeans

thatspendingtimeapartisn’tabigdeal.”

“Whateveryousay.Seeyouaround.”
Iwatchthemwalkout,butinsteadoffollowingthem,Igrabmyguitarfromthestandandstartplaying.

Notanythingofoursthough.I’mfeelingoldschoolatthemoment.I’msointothesongthatIdon’tnotice
Brettuntilhestartsclapping.

“Ohhey.IthoughtIwasalonehere.”
“Iwasgoingovermyclothesfortomorrow.Sheila’sbeenlettingmehelppickthingsout.”
“That’scool.”
“Yeah.Sowhat’swiththeDuranDuran?Doyoureallyneedaprayersavedforyou?”
“Iwasfeelingretro.Butyes,Iactuallyneedlotsofprayers.”
“CanIaskyousomething?”
“Sure.”
“Whyareyousuchanassholelately?”
“Idon’twanttotalkaboutthat.Sorry,dude,Ijustdon’t.”
TherealityisthatIcan’ttalkaboutit.ButifIusethatword,Iknowhe’lltrytogetmetotellhimwhat’s

going on. He’s not only the most quiet of all of us, he’s also the most observant. And smartest. I’m
honestlyinaweofhisbrain.Anddon’tevengetmestartedonhowtalentedheis.Hisvoiceissimilarto
mine,butheseemstobeabletohitthenotesalittleeasier.Luckybastard.

Well,notreallyluckywhenyouthinkabouthislife.Hewasabandonedbyhisparentswhenhewasa

baby.Hebouncedaroundinfosterhomesuntilheendedupwithsomedecentoneswhoputhimintheir
church’schoir.That’showMarvfoundhim.Idon’tknowhowhewalkedintoachurchwithoutbursting
into flames, but it happened. And Brett joined Wayne, Chad, and me. That was four years ago, and we
haven’tstoppedsince.Iwouldn’tchangeanything.Storysidesavedusallinonewayoranother.

NowifIcouldjustfindoutwho’stryingtotakeitallawayfromme.Icouldprobablysurvivelosingmy

careerandfriends.Idon’tthinkIcansurvivelosingStella,though.Infact,IknowIcan’t.

“I’llseeyoutomorrow,Iguess,”Brettsays,snappingmeoutofmythoughts.
“Yep. See you in the morning,” I tell him, putting my guitar away before I head to my suite to order

roomserviceandthinksomemoreaboutmybombshell.AndhowbadlyIwanttobewithhertonight.

Chapter7

Stella

Istillhaven’theardfromKacewhenIgetthemessagethatMatt’sarrivedwithReina’sring.Igivethem

alittletimetobealoneforit.Eventhoughtheysayit’sfake,weallknowit’snot.Theyloveeachother,
and I hope this marriage will make them realize that they need to be together. Like me and Kace. Who
hasn’tcalledmeorcomeoveryet.

IheaduptoReina’sapartment,andfindI’mthelasttoarrive.Thegirlsaregatheredaroundher,while

theguysareslappingMattontheback.Helooksreallypleasedwithhimself.

“Hey,Stella.Golookattheringandgivemethestyliststampofapproval.”
IflashhimasmileasIpushmywaythroughtoReina.Thesmilemomentarilydropsfrommyfacewhen

Iseethering.Ilookupather,andshegivesaslightshakeofherhead.SoIplasteranothersmileonmy
faceandpretendtobestudyingthegiantyellowdiamondonherfinger.Yellow.Asinthecolorshetold
metoneverdressherinbecauseshehatesit.Shewon’tevensitonayellowchairoruseayellowplate
whenshe’soutifshecanhelpit.

“Well?”Mattasksme.
Shit.“It’sstunning.”That’snotalie.
Theovalcenterstonehastobeatleastfifteencarats,andissurroundedbywhitediamondswhichalso

completely cover the band. For someone who likes the color yellow, it would be the perfect ring. For
Reina,it’stheworstchoicehecould’vemade.Andyet,she’llsmileandpretendtoloveit.Becauseshe
loveshimsomuch.

“IknewIdidgood.Onlythebestformyfiancé.”
Reinasmilesandgoesovertokisshim.“Thanksagain.”
“Everyonegetoutsowecanhaveaprivatecelebration.”
Welaughwhilefilingout.Aswe’rewaitingfortheelevator,Ainsleygetsanalertonherphone.“Stella,

youneedtoseethis.”

Ileanovertoreadthetextmessage.Damnit.I’mgoingtostranglethisfuckingblackmailerwhenwe

finallyfigureoutwhoitis.“Youstillhaven’tbeenabletotraceit?”

“No.Butiftheykeepusingthesameburnerphone,wewill.I’llneedtogointotheofficeandcheckto

seeifit’sthesame.”

I feel bad because she should be going home with Zack to plan her own wedding. But because her

secondincommandbetrayedusonthelastmission,sheisn’ttrustinganyoneelsetotakecareofthings.
AndbecauseI’minvolved,she’sputtinginextratime.

“I’msorry.Youshouldbegoinghomewithyourman.”
“Heunderstands.Hedoesn’tloveitsometimes,buthegetsit,”shesaysaswegetontheelevator.
“IhopeIhavethatsomeday.”
“Youwill.Youhavetorememberthatwedidn’thaveaneasyroadtowhereweare,butwemadeit.”
“True.Ithoughtyoumightkillhimsometimes.”
“You’retheonewhopointedagunathim.”
“Noonemesseswithmyfriends.”
“Ormine.I’mgoingtogetthispersonforyou.”

“Ifanyonecan,it’llbeyou.”
WehuggoodbyeasIgetoffonmyfloor.I’mhonestlyalittlebothered.Kaceshould’vefoundawayto

get a hold of me, somehow. He doesn’t know that his phone is cloned. And he’s choosing to protect
himselfoverme.Imean,wehaven’tdeclaredourselvesoranything,butthere’ssomethingmorethansex
betweenus.Atleastonmyside.

WhenIwalkintomyplace,mymomissittingonmycoach,watchingrealityTV.“Hey,Mom.Ididn’t

knowyouwerehere.Iwould’vecomebackdownsooner.”

“It’sfine.Theguysdownstairstoldmetherewassomethingbiggoingon,soIsaidnottobotheryou.”
“Yeah.MattbroughtReinaherengagementring.”
“They’reengaged.It’saboutdamntime.”
“Yeah.Itreallyis.”
“Isitbeautiful?WhatamIsaying—themanhasmoremoneythanGod.Ofcourseit’sbeautiful.”
“Yes and no.” She raises an eyebrow at me. “It’s a giant yellow diamond. And Reina hates the color

yellow.”

“Ohno.Hedoesn’tknowherfavoritecolorisblue?”
“Apparentlynot,”Itellherwithalaugh.“Howdidyouknowthatwasherfavoritecolor?”
“Shealwayshassomethingblueon,evenifit’sjustapairofearrings.”
“Ifonlyhewould’venoticedthat.”
“She’spretendingtoloveitthough,huh?”
“Ohyeah.”
“Well, good for her. The fact that he gave her one at all is enough. And speaking of giving, I have a

messagetogivetoyou.”

“Oh,okay.Whatisit?”
“Kaceaskedmetotellyouthathecan’tcomeovertonight.Hesaidhecouldn’tcontactyouortellyou

why.I’mguessingit’stheblackmailer.”

“Itis.Ainsleyjusttoldmeaboutthetext.”
“Ah,thatexplainsit.”
“Explainswhat?”
“Whyyoulookedupsetwhenyouwalkedin.Iknewthetwoofyouwouldhititoff,butIdidn’trealize

you’dbecomesoseriousthisfast.”

“IwasupsetbecauseIwantedhimtogetamessagetome.Andhedid.He’sgreat,Mom.Reallygreat.I

justworrythatoncethisisover,hewon’tbeabletoacceptme.Healreadyacceptedmysexualhistory,
buthowmuchcanaguytake?”

“There’snolimitonlove,Stella.Whatyouandyourfriendsdoisamazing.He’llrealizethat.”
“Willitbetoolate,though?IwastalkingtoAinsleyandIrememberedhowupsetZackwaswhenhe

found out she’d been undercover. And she wasn’t invading his privacy as much as I’m doing to Kace.
When he finds out we cloned his phone, he’s going to be angry. And I’ve been putting off planting the
camerasintheloft,hopingwe’dfindsomething.ButIhavetodoit.It’smyjob,andI’mcurrentlysucking
atit—becauseI’mafraidofhurtingtheguyI’minlovewith.Imeanlike,I’minlikewith.”

“Lovewasthecorrectword,andwebothknowit.”
“Butit’saffectingmywork.I’mnotbeingfairtohim,andI’mnotbeingfairtoReinaandthegirls.Ijust

can’tchoose.”

“Youdon’thavetochoose,Stell.Youcanhaveboth.”
“WhatifIcan’t?Whatifhedoesn’tacceptmyjobandwhatI’vedone,andamgoingtodo?”

“You’redoingittohelphim.Ifhecan’tacceptthat,thenalltheloveintheworldwon’tbeenoughto

makethingswork.”

“You’reright.”
“Iusuallyam.”
“Willyoustayheretonightwithme?”
“Ofcourse,”shesaysopeningherarmstome.
“Iloveyou,Mom,”ItellherasIcurlupnexttoheronthecouchandclosemyeyes.
“Iloveyou,too.”

***

Kace

Ifuckeduplastnight.IrealizeditwhenIwokeupinthemiddleofthenight,whenIgotanothertext.I

should’ve never had Sheila tell Stella I couldn’t see her. Whoever’s messing with me is expecting a
reaction,andafight.Whentheydon’tgetone,I’mgoingtobeintrouble.Shit.

“Thanksforstandingmeuplastnight.IthoughtyouweredifferentKace,”Stellasaysasshewalksin.
Either Stella didn’t get a hold of her, or she somehow knows to help me. I’m just grateful this is

happening.“Ididn’tknowIhadaleashonme.”

“Commoncourtesyisn’taleash,Asshole.”
“You’rejustacheaplay,Stella.Weallknowit.”
Iseethehurtflashinhereyes,butIhadtodoit.Iwastoldtodoit.TohurtherasbadlyasIcould.I’m

hatingeverysecondofthis,butIcan’tbackdownnow.

“Fuckyou,Kace.Orbetteryet,Iwon’t.Ishould’veknownalittleboycouldn’thandleme.”
“Ihandledyouquitewelltheothernight.Don’tpretendIdidn’t.YousaidIwasyourbest.”
“Iquit.Doyouhearme,youlittlebastard?Ifuckingquit.Andifyoucomenearmeagain,Iwillmake

sureyou’llneverwalkonstageagain,muchlesssing.”

Sheturnsandrunsfromtheroom.Ittakeseverythinginmetonotrunafterher.I’msolostinthatthought

thatIdon’tseetheslapcoming.MyheadwhipstothesideasIseeSheilastandingbeforeme,crying.

“What you did is unforgivable. I won’t quit because there are three other people in the band who I

happentolike.ButIwantyoutoknowthatIthinkyouarethelowestpieceofscumontheEarth.How
dareyoudothattomydaughter?”

“Gettowork,Sheila,”Itellherinaflatvoice.I’mdyinginside,butIcan’tshowit.
Hourslater,I’mthelastoneleftintheloft.Ican’tputonefootinfrontoftheotherandleave.Notafter

whatIsaidanddid.Ijustwanttocurlupinaballandcry.

“Hello,Kace.”
Ilookupandseeagirlwalkingtowardsme.Shecouldbearoundeighteen,orshecouldbemyage.I

can’treallytell.Idoknowshelooksalittlefamiliar,butthathappenstomequiteabit.Toomanyfans.
Herhairisdarkblonde,andshehasglasseson.She’swearingat-shirtfromourlasttour,andtightjeans.

“Whothehellareyou?”
“Isthatanywaytogreetafan?”sheasksasshewalksaroundtheroom,touchingabunchofshit.
“Wholetyouin?”
“Doesitmatter?Wecouldhavesomefun.”
“No,wecan’t.”
“C’mon,Icanshowyouagoodtime,”shesaysasshetakesoutherphone.Shepushesafewbuttonsas

Ijustglareather.Afteraminute,shesmiles.“No?I’llleavethen,Iguess.”

“Pleasedo.”
Shelaughsasshewalksout.Idon’tevenknowwhattothink.Thatwasdefinitelyweird.Ishouldbe

usedtoweirdbynow,butI’mnot.Ihavetoomanyotherthingstothinkabout.

IknowIneedtohavesomeoneanalyzethepicturesformetoseeiftheycanfindanything.I’vejustbeen

worriedabouttrustingsomeone.ButIneedhelp.Ican’tlivelikethisforever.IlostStella.Ican’tlose
anyoneelse.Likemymom.Thatwouldbetoomuch.

So,I’mgoingtobitethebulletandgoseetheinvestigatormylawyerfoundforme.ItoldhimIneeded

someonewhowasamazingattheirjob,andwouldbediscreet.Hewantedtoaskmore,butwhenIjust
staredathim,hedidn’t.Hefoundmesomeone,though.Icallher,andshesaysshehasanhourfreeright
now.

WhenIgettoheroffice,astunninglybeautifulwomangreetsme.“Hello,Kace.I’mMel.Pleasecome

onback.”

“Ohhey.”
Damn. I wasn’t expecting my private investigator to look like her. If I wasn’t hung up on Stella, I’d

probablytrytogoforher.ButIam.EventhoughIknowshehatesme,Istillwantonlyher.

“Areyougoingtostandoutthereandstareatmyass,orareyougoingtocomeintomyofficeandtell

mewhyyoucalledme?”

“I’msorry.”
“Don’tbe.Thedayamandoesn’tlookatmyass,isthedayI’llstartworrying.”
I laugh and take a seat in front of her desk. She takes the seat next to me instead of going behind her

desk.I’mgoingtolikethiswoman.Iknowitalready.Itellhereverything,exceptwhatthepicturesI’m
beingblackmailedwithcontainandthetextmessagesI’vereceivedlately.Iwanttomakesureshe’lltake
mycaseandagreetoaconfidentialityagreementbeforeIshowher.

“Yes,Kace.I’llkeepeverythingconfidential.”
Itakeadeepbreathandpulloutmyphone.BeforeIcanswipeoutofthelockscreen,Ihearhergasp.I

lookoveratherandsmile.“Mygirl’sprettyhot,huh?”

“Yourgirl?”
“Stella.She’smy—well,foraboutadayshewasmygirlfriend.”
“Onlyaday?”
“I’llshowyouthetexts,andthenactually,Iwanttotalkalittlebitaboutherwithyou.”
Mellooksuncomfortable,butnods.Ishowherthetextsandhermouthhardensintoaline.“Thisperson

isevil.Ican’tbelievetheyhadyoudothattoStella.Imean,I’mguessingyoufollowedorders.”

“Yeah,butIwenttoofar.IsaidthingsIshouldn’thave.”
“Soyouwantmetohelpfigureoutawaytomakeituptoher?”
“No.”It’smyturntolookuncomfortable.“Somethingsdon’taddupwithStella.”
Iexplainthingstoher.HowStella’sfriendinvadedmyprivacyandhowshehasanapartmentthatshe

shouldn’tbeabletoaffordwhenshewaspracticallybeggingmeforajob.ItellherthatSheilahasnever
saidanythingaboutfamilymoney,andweusedtotalkallthetime.Granted,sheneverreallytalkedabout
Stella,whichisweird,butIthinkbeingrichwould’vecomeup.

“Whatdoyouthinkshe’shiding?Actually,letmerephrasethat.Whatareyouafraidshe’shiding?”
“Honestly,mybiggestfearisthatsomeguy’spayingforeverything.”
AngerflashesthroughhereyessofastIalmostmissit.Shetakesafewdeepbreathsbeforeshespeaks.

“I’massumingyou’vesleptwithher.”

“Welltherewasn’tmuchsleepinggoingon.”

“Andyouthinkshe’ddothatwithyouifanothermanwaspayingherbills?Andhavesexwithyouin

herapartmenthewasfunding?”

“Ihopenot,butIneedtoknow.”
She opens her mouth to say something, but then closes it. I can feel her anger, but I just don’t get it.

Shouldn’tIbesuspicious?IthinkI’mhavinganormalresponse.

“Fine,”shesays.“I’lllookintoStellaforyou.Areyoureadytoshowmetheblackmailpicturesnow?”
“AsreadyasI’lleverbe,”Itellher,pullingthemout.
Shelooksatthem,andIseetheshockonherface.“Thesearen’twhatIexpected.Atall.”
“Nowyouunderstand.”
“Yes.”
“Doyouthinkyoucanhelp?”
“Ihopeso.IhavesomefriendsI’dliketoinvolve,”shesays,puttingupahandwhenIstarttoprotest.

“They’llkeepyoursecret.Ipromise.I’llneedtokeepthepicturestoshowthem.”

“Okay.Butonlyifyouthinktheycanhelpandwon’ttellanyone.I’llwanttomeetthemifthisgoeson

muchlonger.”

“Theyliketoworkbehindthescenes,butI’lltryandseeifIcangetyouameeting.”
“Whataretheyspiesorsomething?”
“Something.”
Icantellshe’snotgoingtoelaborate.WhydoIkeepfindingwomenwhokeepsecrets?Atleastwith

Mel,it’sherjobtokeepthem.It’snotStella’sjob.Andthat’swhywehaveaproblem.OneIreallyneed
todiscusswithher.Ifsheeverspeakstomeagain.

Chapter8

Stella

I’m in one of the small conference rooms at the Foundation waiting for Jane, Reina, and Mallory to

arrive.Iknowwhytheycalledmein.Ihadnorighttoquitajobtiedtomymission.Nomatterhowbadly
myfeelingswerehurt.Themissioncomesfirst.Iknowthat.I’vebeentrained.AndI’vealsobeencalled
alotworsethanwhatKacesaidtome.I’vejustneverbeeninloveonamission—oranywhereelsefor
thatmatter—soIreactedbadly.NowIhavetofacethefiringsquadsotospeak.

Mallory’sthefirsttoenter.Shecomesovertohugme,butIcanseethatshe’sworried.“I’msorry,Mal.

Ididn’tmeantodothistoyou.”

“Iknow.We’llgetthroughthis.”
ReinaandJaneenteramomentlater.Therearenohugsfromthem.Iknowtheycareaboutme,butthe

needsoftheSocietyhavetocomefirst.AndweallknowIscrewedup.Bad.

“I’dliketogiveyouachancetoexplaintouswhyyouquit,Stella.I’msureyou’reawarethatbydoing

that you’ve made our job much harder. And just because it’s your mother we’re doing this for, doesn’t
meanit’snotstillarealmission,”Reinatellsme.

“Iknowit’sreal.It’sjustthethingshesaid.”
“Youknewhehadtoembarrassyou.Ainsleysaidshetoldyouaboutthetexthegot.”
“Iknow.Butwhathesaid…I…he-hesaidIwasjustaneasylay.”
“I’msorry,Stella.Butyou’vehadworsesaidtoyou.I’veheardit.Andyou’vealwaysmaintainedyou

cool.”

“Ilovehim,”Itellthemquietly.
“Wereallyareturningintoadatingservice.”
“I’msorry,Rei.”
“Don’tapologize.Youcan’thelpwhoyoulove.I’mtheposterchildforlovingthewrongman.”
“It’sworkingoutforyounow,”Iremindher.
“Maybe,”shesayslookingdownatherring,beforelookingbackupatme.“Butwe’renotheretotalk

aboutme.”

“Iknow.Icantryandgetmyjobback.”
“That’stheonlyacceptableoutcome,”Janetellsme.
“Isagotthebugsplanted.”
“Yes,Stella,butweneedyouthereinperson.I’msorry,butunlessyouwantustoabandonthemission,

youneedtogetyourjobback.”

I’veneverabandonedamission.Never.It’srarethatanyofusdo.We’renotquitters.“I’llgetmyjob

back.”

“Good.I’mgladthisissettled.Iknowthiswillbehardforyou,butyouwouldn’tbeworkingforusif

youwantedaneasy,carefreelife.”

“Thanksforgoingeasyonme,Jane.”
“I’mnotameanogre,”shesayswithachuckleasshecomesovertohugme.
“No,you’renot.Youjusthavetokeepusontrack.”
“Notformuchlonger.Reinawillbetakingoverfullysoon.”

ReinastartstospeakwhenAlexbuzzesin.“Sorrytointerrupt,butMel’shere.Shesaysit’simportant

thatshetalktoallofyou.ShespecificallyaskedforStellatobeincluded.”

“Send her in,” Reina says, looking at me. I shrug because I have no idea what Mel wants to see us

about.

MelwasonceslatedtobeaSocietygirl,butshedecidedthatshe’dratherworkonherown.Shestill

helpsusfromtimetotime,eventeachingacoupleoftheclassesforournewrecruits.Forthelastfew
years,that’smeantoursupportteams.Wehaven’thadturnoverinanyagentsforafewyearsnow.We’re
allreallyhappywithourjobs.

“Hey,Mel.Whatcanwedoforyou?”Reinaaskswhenshewalksin.
“IgotanewclientyesterdaywhoIthoughtyoumightbeinterestedin.HisnameisKaceReynolds.”
Myeyeswiden.“Kacehiredyou?”
“Yeshedid.”
“Whatdidheaskyoutodo?”Reinawantstoknow.
“Find the person who’s blackmailing him—which I’m guessing you knew about. And, well, he also

wantsmetoseeifStellahasaSugarDaddyshe’shidingfromhim.”

“What?”
Isheinsane?I’mgoingtokillhim.HethinksI’mfuckingsomeoneelseontheside.OrIguesshe’dbe

theoneontheside.Iwanttothrowup.

“Hesaidyoupracticallybeggedhimforajob,yetyouliveinafancyapartmentandwearexpensive

clothes.”

“So,obviouslyI’mgettingmoneyfromsomeguy.WhilefuckingKace.Thisisjustgreat.Theicingon

thedamncake.”

“Stella,calmdown.”Mallorytellsme.
“Seriously?”
“Yes,seriously.Wejusttalkedabouthowyouneedtogetyourjobback.Again.Youcan’tpunchhimthe

nexttimeyouseehim.”

“Ifit’sanyconsolation,hewasreallyupsetwhenhewastalkingaboutyou.Andheshowedmethetexts

aboutignoringyou,andthenembarrassingyou.I’massumingyouknowaboutthose,too.”

“Yes.Weknow.Didhetellyouanythingelse?”
“Actually,Reina.IthinkImayknowsomethingyoudon’t.IdidtellhimIwasaskingforoutsidehelp

fromfriendswhowouldn’tspillhissecrets.So,heknowsaboutmetalkingtoyou.Ofcoursehedoesn’t
knowit’s‘you.’”

“Showuswhatyou’vegot.”
Shereachesintoherlargepurseandpullsoutafolder,slidingittothemiddleofthetablebeforetaking

outthepicturesandspreadingthemout.“Holyshit,”Isay.“He’snotprotectinghimself.”

“No.He’snot.”
Nowonderhe’sbeendoingwhatevertheblackmailerwants.It’snottokeeppicturesofhimselffrom

surfacing. It’s much worse. The pictures are of the very married Marvin…and Vivian, Kace’s mom.
Thingsjustgotalotmorecomplicated.

***

Kace

I’maloneinmysuite,thinkingaboutStella,asusual.Ineedtocomeupwithaplanonhowtogether

backoncethismessisalltakencareof.IhavefaithinMel.OfcourseIalsohavetoseewhatMelfinds

outaboutStella.Ifthere’ssomeotherguyinvolved,I’mout.NomatterhowmuchIloveher,andwanther,
Iwillnotshareher.Itwouldkillme.

I’mstillthinkingaboutthiswhenthere’saknockatmydoor.Igooverandlookthroughthepeephole.

It’sStella.It’slikemythoughtsbroughtherhere—well,notexactly.She’dbenakedifImanifestedher.
Notinthisblackandwhitetank-topandpantspajamasetshe’swearingnow.They’relooseandhidemost
ofthecurvesIknowandlove.She’sstillthemostbeautifulandsexywomanI’veevermet.Itakeadeep
breathandopenthedoor.

“Iwasn’tsureyouweregoingtoopenit,”shesays,bitingherbarelipandwalkinginwhenIstepback.
Damnifshe’snothotterwhenshe’slikethis.Withnomakeup,andherhairalllooseandnaturalaround

theshoulders.Iloveherwhenshe’sallbombshell,butthis…thisiswhenshe’sdevastatinglybeautiful.

Iclosethedoorbeforeanswering.“I’mtheonewhowaswrong.Iknowit.WhatIsaid…Ididn’tmean

it,Stella.IswearIdidn’tmeanit.”

“That’swhateveryonethinkswhentheyseeme,youknow?ThatI’mjustsomechickwhosleepswith

every guy she meets. Even before I started making my hair more blonde, or wearing red lipstick. I’m
smart,butnoonecares.Andyeah,I’vebeenwithlotsofguys.Butmostofthoseguyshavebeenwithlots
ofgirls.Andnoonecallsthema‘whore’or‘easy.’”

“You’renotthosethings.Idon’tthinkofyoulikethat.”
“Apartofyoudoes,oryouwouldn’thavesaidthattome.I’vebeencalledthosethingsalot,Kace.But

untilyousaidthemtome,Ineverfeltliketheyweretrue.”

HerlipsaretremblingandIseetearsforminginhereyes.No.Justno.“You’renot.Atall.Comehere,

love.”

Igatherherintomyarms,pickherup,andcarryhertothecouch,holdingheronmylapasshecries.I

kissthetopofherheadandwhisperreassurancesuntilshefinallystillsandjustwrapsherarmsaround
me,holdingtight.

“I’mamess.”
“You’rebeautiful.”
“Icameheretoseduceyouintogivingmemyjobback.”
“SoIshouldholdoutandnottellyouthatIdon’twantanyoneelsedressingmeuntilyougivemeanice

blow?”

“Ass,”shetellsmeassheswatsmyarm,beforelookinguptoglareatme.“Andmymouthonyourcock

lasttimewasjust‘nice’?Really?”

“Ialmostlostconsciousness,sothatwouldbeano.”
“I’mwaiting.”
“For?”
“Youtobetterdescribemymouthonyou.Suckingandlicking…”
“You’reevil.Purefuckingevil.”
Istandupfastandtossherovermyshoulder.Iwalkintomybedroomandthrowherdownonthebed.

“Areyougoingtofuckmegoodnow,K?”

“No.WhatI’mabouttodotoyouisgoingtobebad.Very,verydirtyandbad.”
Ipullmyshirtandjeansoff,lettingmycockspringfreesinceI’mnotwearinganyunderwear.AsIlean

over and rip her pants down, I see I’m not the only one going commando. Her pussy’s glistening, and I
leandownforaquicklick.Shearchesoffthebed,andmovesherhandbeneathhershirt.

“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Playingwithmytits.”
“DidIsayyoucould?”

Hereyeswiden,andshelicksherlips.“No.”Iraiseaneyebrow,andshepullsherhandsoutplacing

themathersides.

“Iletyoutiemeupinyourbed.Inmybed,I’mincharge.You’regoingtodoexactlyasIsay,orI’ll

havetopunishyou.”

“MaybeIwanttobepunished.”
Iflipherover,andsmackherass.Shemoans,andIalmostcome.“Youlikedthat,didn’tyou?Youwant

itharder?”

“No.Justlikethat.Please.”
Thatrightthereisanotherreasonwhythiswomanissofuckinghot.She’sgoingtotellmewhenIgotoo

far.Andnotletmegofartherthanshewants.Ipullherupontoherknees.

“Fingers,tongue,orcockforyourfirstone,love?”
“Alloftheabove.”
“You’reagreedygirl,aren’tyou?”
“Withyou?Hellyeah.Youhavethestaminaforit.”Ohyeah,Ido.
“Ithinkyouneedtoridemyfacefirst.Thenmaybeyoucanhavemycock.”
“Wecan69.Iloveditwhenwediditlikethat.”
Ismackheragain.“ItoldyouI’mincharge.MaybelaterI’llletyousuckmeoff,butrightnowIneedto

makeyouscream.”

IlookaroundandknowjusthowIwanttodothis.Ipullhertotheendofthebedandwrapherlegs

around me as I walk to the chaise lounge by the window. I stand her up as I lie down, my head at the
bottom.“Takeoffyourtopandbra.Thenkneeldownovermyhead,facingthewindow.”

ShedoesasIask,andIrewardherwithanotherlick.Herhandsclenchintofistsathersides,butshe

keepsthemthere.Fornow.Soonshe’sgoingtowanttotouch—meorher.

Igrabherasswithonehandandmycockwiththeother.IstrokemyselfasIsuckandlickherclitand

pussy.Ifeelithappen.Shestartstoreachforme.Iknewit.

“Notouching,”ItellherasIsmackherasslightly.“Meoryou.”
Shegroans,butmovesherhandbacktoherside.Icaressherass,andthenmovemyfingersinsideher

cheeks.AsIrunmyfingerlightlyoverherpuckeredskin,shegrabsmywrist,hard.

“No,Kace.”
Iimmediatelymovemyhandaroundtothefrontandpinchhernipple.Shearchesherbackasherhand

goesbackwhereitbelongs.She’sclose,butsoamI.Ineedhertocomefirst,orforustocometogether.

“I’mgoingtoletyouplaywithyourtitsnow,becauseIwantyoutocome,”IwhispertoherasIsnake

myfingersintoher.

Ican’tseewhatshe’sdoing,butIknowit’sworking.She’sdrenchingmyfingersandmovingfaster.I

feelhercomeasshescreamsmyname.Icomerightafter,shootingmyloadalloverbothofus.Sheleans
forward,butthenstops.Goodgirl.

“Youcanhaveataste.”
Sheplacesherhandsbymysidesassheleansdownandlicksmystomach.Watchingherdothathasmy

cockgrowingagain.IliftherupbeforeshecanhaveanymorebecauseIwon’tbeabletotakeit,andI
wanttocleanusbothup.“Kace.”

“Isaidataste.NowIneedtocleanusup.”
Icarryherintothebathroom,andplaceheronthecounter.ShekissesmebeforeIcandoanythingelse.

IpullbackandsmileatherasIgrabthewashclothandsoap.Iwashherofffirstandthenstarttoclean
myself.

“Iloveyourass.”

“Thanks.”
“Iwantit.”
“Isaidno.”
“Notevenfingers?”
“Isthisgoingtobeaproblem,Kace?BecauseIwon’tchangemymind.”
“You’veneverdoneit?”
“Ihave.”
Whatthefuck.“Butyouwon’twithme?Really?”
Shepushesmebackandjumpsoffthecounter,walkingbackintothebedroom.Shestartspullingonher

clothes,andIgrabherarmtostopher.Sheyanksitfreeandkeepsgettingdressed.“Isometimesmanage
toforgethowyoungyouare.”

“Whatdoesthathavetodowithanything?Ithoughtwewereoverthedamnagething.”
She stops and looks at me. “Just because I’ve done something, doesn’t mean I enjoyed it. I’ve done

prettymuchanythingyoucouldthinkof,Kace.BecauseIwantedtotryitall.IknowwhatIlike,andwhat
I’llneverdoagain.ItoldyouIwon’tchangemymind.”

“Okay.I’msorry.Ijusthaven’tdoneit,andtheydoitinthe…umm…well,stuffIwatch.”
“Youwatchpornandlikeseeingwomengetfuckeduptheass?”
“Yeah.”
“You’reaguy.Thatshouldturnyouon.I’msureoneofyourgroupieswouldletyoudoit.”
She’sdressednow.Andwalkingoutoftheroom.Ican’tletherleave.“Idon’twantthem.AndIwon’t

evertryitwithyou.Ipromise.Don’tgo.”

“Ihaveto,Kace.I-Idon’tfeelsafewithyouhere.”
Ireelbackfromherwords.“Excuseme?”
“It’sjust…thisisyourplace.Yourbandisdoingashowhere,soyoucouldaskforwhateveryouwant.

Dowhateveryouwant—andthey’dlooktheotherway,orhelpyoueven.Idon’twanttowakeupandfind
myselfinasituationIdon’twant.”

“Iwouldn’teverforceyou,”Isaythroughgrittedteeth.
Sheleansoverandkissesmycheek,notlettingmepullawayfromherassheholdsmyfacesoIhaveto

lookinhereyes.“Iwanttobelievethat,butyouwerereallyangryrightnow.AndI’dbelyingifIsaidI
wasn’tstillalittlehurtbywhatyousaidtome,andthatIfeellikewejustarguedrightnowbecauseof
youstillbelievingit.Wehaven’tknowneachotherlongenoughformetotrustyouunconditionally.SoI’m
goingtoleave.I’llseeyoutomorrowatwork,andthenwecangotomyplaceafter.”

“Yourplace?”
“Yes.”
“So you’ll feel in charge. I get it. I’m really sorry that I made you distrust me. I was being a jerk by

gettingmad.Iunderstandthatnoisno.Ipromise.AndIhonestlydon’tbelievewhatIsaid.I’llneedto
keepshowingyouthat,though,andnotjustsaythewords.Igetit.”

Shekissesmeonthemouth.Runningherfingersthroughmyhair.“Wecanbothbeinchargetomorrow.I

justfeelmorecomfortablethere.”

“Thenthat’swherewe’llgo.”
I get a few more kisses before she leaves, and she also thanks me for being patient with her. I don’t

wanthertogo,butIwon’tstopher.IdounderstandthathowIreactedwaswrong.Iwasjustjealousof
theguyswhogottodoeverythingwithher.ButIshouldn’tbe.Theyhadherforonenight,andI’mgetting
more.IfIcanworkthisright,Imightevengetforever.

Chapter9

Stella

IknowImadetherightchoicelastnight,butIhatedleaving.Ihadtostandupformyself,though.IfI’d

donesomethingIdidn’twantto,itcould’vebeentheendforus.AndIdefinitelydon’twantthat.

Today’soneofthebiggestphotoshootstheguyshave,soIneedtobeinclothesthatarecomfortable.I

didn’tfeellikewearingpants,soI’minasleevelesscroppedshirtandalongflaredskirtthatgoespast
mykneesandhasazipperupthefront.It’sstillwinter,soIthrowonanelectricbluemotorcyclejacket.
Myhairisupinaponytail,andmymakeupisinplace.Shinyblueflatscompletemylook.IhopeKace
likesit.Becauseyes,Iambecomingthatgirl.Theonewhodressesforherboyfriend.Orwhateverheis.

HesmileswhenIwalkinandcomesovertogivemeakiss.“IthoughtI’dgetpantstoday.Thisoutfitis

somuchbetter.Youlookgorgeous.”

“Thanks.I…nevermind.”
“Nope.Tellme,”hesaysasheliftsmyhead.
“Iwashopingyou’dlikeit.”
Asmilelightsuphiswholeface.“Youdressedforme?NowIknowI’mtheluckiestguyintheworld.”
“Don’tforgetit.”
“Iwon’t.”
“Areyouplanningonworkingtoday,Stella?OrdidyoucomeheretoflirtwithKace?”Marvinasksme

withaglare.

Kacestartstomovetowardshim,butIgrabhisarm.“Icandoboth.I’mverygoodatmulti-tasking.”
“FromwhatI’veheard,you’dhavetobe.”
“Don’t,”ItellKaceasIstepinfrontofhim.“He’snotworththetrouble.”
Iknowit’snotjustmehewantstopunchMarvinfor.I’veseenthepictureshe’sprotecting.Hismom

andMarvinwereprettywild,evenbymystandards.Likeseriously,BDSMtotheextreme.

“Weneedgoodpicturestoday,Marv.Wavingtheredflaginfrontofthebullwon’tbeagoodthing,”

Chadtellshim.

“Andjealousyisn’tagoodlookonyouMarv,”Kaceaddswithasmirk.
“YouthinkIwanther?”
“You’reaguywithaheartbeat.Youwanther.Butshe’smine.Sobackthefuckoff.”
“You’rehis,huhStella?”
“Yes.Iam.”
“Justgettowork.Allofyou.”
Well,thatwasinteresting.Kacewasright.Marvwaspracticallyundressingmewithhiseyes.Ikindof

wantedtohurl.Iwouldnever.EvenifIwasn’twithKace.Imayhavesleptaround,butIhavestandards.
Smarmycreepsaredefinitelynotmything.

Iwalkovertotheclothingrack,pickingthingsout,andKacetriestocontrolhisanger.“Youshould’ve

letmepunchhim.Noone’sgoingtotalktoyoulikethatwithmearound.”

“I appreciate it, but you’d be fighting all day and night. He’s not the first, and I can pretty much

guaranteethathewon’tbethelast.”

Ihandhimsomejeans,andhedropstheoneshe’swearingtoputthemon.Damn,ifmymouthdoesn’t

water.“Myeyesareuphere,love,”hetellsmewithalaugh.

“Acoupleofweeksago,youwantedmetolookatyourpackage,”Itease.
“OhIdo.ButonlywhenIcandosomethingaboutit.”
“Later.”
“Oh,Iknow.Believeme,I’vebeenthinkingaboutitsinceyouleftlastnight.”
Ismile,untilhetakesoffhisshirt.ThenI’mconsumedwithlustagain.He’snotcrazymuscular,buthe

isbuilt.Theguysallworkoutforacoupleofhourseachday,andItotallyappreciatethetimeheputsin.
Hisshoulders,arms,chest,anddamn,thoseabshe’srocking.Ican’twaittolickthemlater.That,andthe
gloriousVIalwayspartiallycoverup.Littlegirlsdon’tneedtoseethat.Okay,theywanttoseethat,but
theycan’t.It’sbadenoughthattheygettoseeatleastpartofhistattoo.

“Areyougoingtogivememyshirt?”heasks,hiseyestwinkling.
Ihandittohimandrollthesleevesupalittleafterheputsiton.Iadjusthisjeansandbriefs.Thatlittle

hintofhistattooandasliverofhisunderwearabovehisjeansreallyisgoingtodrivethegirlswild.The
shirtisn’tright,though.ImotionforhimtotakeitoffasIpullashortsleevedoneofftherackinstead.We
trade, and I see I was right. His arm muscles are straining against the sleeves with a hint of his guns
poppingoutofthebottomofthem.Hot.Likereallyhot.

“Perfect.”
“Whythankyou.”
“Imeantheclothes.”
“Noyoudidn’t.Well,nottotally.”
Webothsmilebecauseweknowhe’sright.Igetaquickkissonthecollarbonebeforeheheadsoverto

themake-upchair.AsIsiftthroughtheclothesforhisnextoutfit,Ifeelsomeonenexttome.Iturnandsee
Brett.

“Hi,Brett.”
“Ishenicetoyou?”
“Kace?”
“Yeah.”
“Heis,butthat’sreallynoneofyourbusiness.”He’saniceguybutthisconversationisalittleweird.
“I’vealwaysthoughthewasaniceguy.Ijustwantedtomakesure.”
“You’vebeenfriendsalongtime,haven’tyou?”
“No.Marvaddedmerightbeforewewentintotherecordingstudio.”
“Oh,Ithoughtyouwenttohighschooltogether.”
“Hewantedpeopletothinkthat.Marvevenpaidsomeonetoplantrecordsofmeatthesameschoolas

them,andotherstuff.”

That’sinteresting.Veryinteresting.“Iguessitmakesthestorybetterifyouwereallfriends.”
“Yeah.Iguess.Ibettergetoverthere,”hesays,motioningtowhereKaceiswatchingusfromhischair.
“Probably.”
IshrugatKacewhenheraisesaneyebrowatme.Idon’tknowwhatthatwasabout.Itakeoutmyphone

andtexttheinfotoTegan,Ainsley,andIsa.WeneedtoknowwhoBrettreallyis.

Theshootgoesreallywell.Theguysallbringitandthere’snofighting.MymomandIgottositand

chatformostofthetime.It’sreallynicetoworkwithher.Theotherstylistsgivemeawideberth,which
sucks.Butitiswhatitis.KaceandIarejustgettingreadytoheadout,whenhisphonebuzzes.

“Motherfucker,”hesays.
Mystomachdrops.Iknowwhoit’sfromifhe’sreactinglikethat.Anditcan’tbegood.

***

Kace

Todayhasbeengreat.Theshootwasactuallyfun,andIhadmygirltoeatwithonourbreak.Andnow

I’mplanningongoingbacktoherplacetomakelovetoherallnight.Prettymuchtheperfectday.Soof
coursemydamnblackmailerhastogoandruinit.

Ireadthetextagain,asStellatriestocatchmyeye.Sheknowssomething’supbythewayIreacted.I

couldn’thelpbutreact.AndIwon’tdowhatitasks.Ican’t.

Ineedtotalktomymom.Tellherwhat’sgoingon.Becausethiswillaffecther,too.ButIjustcan’tdo

whatI’mbeingtoldto.It’stoomuch.

“Ineedtotalktomymom.CanImeetyouatyourplacelater?”
“Yeah.Iseverythingokay?”
“No.Andit’sonlygoingtogetworse.”
“CanIhelpyou?Letmehelpyou,Kace.”
“Iwishyoucould,”ItellherhonestlyasIkissher.“Ipromisetobeoverlater,okay?”
“Yeah.Callifyouneedmebeforethen.Imeanit.Anythingyouneed,K.”
“Thanks.”
Shegetsatextasshewaitsfortheelevator,andhergaspmakesmeturnaround.Shemeetsmyeyesand

smiles.“Goseeyourmom,Kace.Ijustgotamessagethatshockedmealittle.”

Thatmakestwoofus.Inodandturnbackaround,walkinguptomymomasshe’spackinguphere-

reader.“Ineedtotalktoyou,Mom.”

“Ofcourse.What’sup?”
“Nothere.”
“Okay?You’rescaringmealittle.”
“Something’sbeengoingon.Andit’sprettybad.Iwastryingtokeepitfromyou—Iwantedtoprotect

you.ButIcan’tanymore.”

“Youdon’tneedtoprotectme.It’smyjobtoprotectyou.”
“Willyougowithme,somewhere?”
“Ofcourse.”
Itakeherhandandwewalkout.IdrivetotheCorrigan&Co.building.WhenItextedMel,shesaidI

should meet her there at the Corrigan & Co. Foundation offices. I’m not sure why, but she’s the
professional.Theguardsareexpectingus,andwe’rewavedthroughtotheparkinglot.

Thisplaceislikeafortress.Thereceptionistgivesusbadgesandactivatestheelevatorforus.There’s

nobuttonformetopushinside,andwhenitmovesonitsown,IfeellikeI’minaspymovie.Kindoflike
atStella’splace.

ThereceptionistinthefoundationofficesisAlexGriffin.“Hi,Kace.It’snicetoseeyouagain.They’re

expectingyouintheconferenceroom.I’lltakeyouthere.”Sheintroducesherselftomymomandshakes
herhand.

Shehastohavehereyeandhandscannedtoopentheinnerdoor.Seriousspystuffaroundhereforsure.

Sheopensthedoorandthenwalksbacktoherdesk.IshakemyheadasIwalkin.Thenstopinmytracks.
Jane Corrigan is at the head of the table. Mel’s to one side of her and Stella’s friend, Reina, is on the
other.Teganisalsohere,alongwiththegirlwhoshowedupattheloftthatday,andZackTaylor’sfiancé
isnexttoher.

“Whatthefuck?”

“Hello,Kace.Pleasetakeaseat.”
“No.WhyamIhere?Didyoutellthem,Mel?”
“ItoldyouIwashavingfriendshelpme.”
“Howaresomechickswhoworkatafoundationgoingtohelpme?”
“Becausewe’rethebest,”Stellasays,walkingintotheroomandlookingpissed.“AndIdon’thavea

SugarDaddy.Iknowyouwerewonderingaboutthat.”

Well,fuck.“Ijustneededtoknowhowyoucouldaffordallthat.”
“AndofcourseyouimmediatelythoughtIgotitfromsomeguy.WhileIwasfuckingyou,inmybedthat

youthoughtsomeoneelsepaidfor.You’resuchanass.”

“Youcametomyroomlastnight.”
“Ihaveajobtodo.”
“Fuckingmeisjustajob?”
“Aww,didyoureallythinkIwanteditfromyou?”
“Stella.Thisisnotthetimeorplace,”Reinatellsher.“Youcankickhisasslater.Anddonotsuggest

yousleptwithhimaspartofyourjob.Thatisnotsomethingwedo.”

“Sorry,”shesays,lookingvulnerableandsad.
“I’mnotsurewhat’sgoingonhere,”mymomsays.
“Youtoldmymomthatyouneededhelpbecauseyoufoundablackmailnote.So,shecametousandgot

help,”Stellasays.

“Youknew?”Iaskmymom.
“Ifoundanoteinthetrash.That’sallIknew.Whatdidyoudothatyouneedtohide?”
Idon’tanswerherasIsinkintotheclosestchairandputmyheadinmyhands.“It’snotme.”
“What?”
“Thepicturesaren’tofme.”
“Stella?”
“I met him after you saw the note, so that would be a no. Although pictures of him pulling my dress

downandgropingmeareprettymucheverywhere.”Sheturnstolookatme.“Thanksforthat,bytheway.”

“Stella,”Reinawarnsheragain.
“Hehurtme.Whycan’tyougetthat?Ialreadywentandbeggedformyjobback,evenwhenIwantedto

justpunchhim.HowmuchmoredoIhavetosuckuptohim,orsuckhiscock,beforeit’senough?”

“Gotoyouroffice.We’lltalklater,”ReinatellsherasIjustsitthereinshock.
“Yay.Wecanbeonprobationtogether,”Tegansaysandtheyhighfive.
“What’sgoingonhere?You’reonprobation,Teeg?AndStella’sgoneofftherails?Ihelpedtrainyou

better,”Melsays.

“This mission’s messed with both our heads. I got worried she’d ditch me to hang out with asswipe

overthere,andItoldsometalesIshouldn’thave.Thensheactuallyfellforhimandgotherfeelingshurt,
soshequitherjobandhadtogetitbackbecausenoneofuscouldtakeherplace,”Tegantellsher.

“Butthey’rebothontracknow.Ortheywillbe.”
Reina looks stressed, and I don’t blame her. I’m holding onto Tegan saying Stella fell for me. That

meansitwasreal—shewantedme,eventhoughshejustsaidshedidn’t.OrmaybeTegan’slying.It’stoo
muchrightnow,andIneedtogetbackontrack.

“ThepicturesareofyouandMarvin,”Itellmymom.
“OhmyGod.”
“Whywereyouwithhim?Imean,youcoulddosomuchbetter,Mom.”

Shedoesn’twanttoanswer.Icanseethatshedoesn’t.Butthenshedoes.“Igotdrunkonenightwhen

wefirstmethim.Isleptwithhimandtoldhimsomethings.ThingsI’dnevertoldanyoneelse.”

“Soheblackmailedyou?”
“Yesandno.Imean,Ikindoflovehim.SoIwantedtobewithhim.Ijustdidn’twanthimrecordingit.

Buthesaidhewantedtowatchuslater.”

OhGod.I’mgoingtothrowup.MymomandMarv?Disgusting.Butifsheloveshim,Ihavetosupport

her.“Doesheloveyou?”

“Hesayshedoes.Iknowhe’sanasswithyouandeveryoneelse.Buthereallyisgoodtome.Andhe’s

furiousaboutyourbehavior.SoIdon’tthinkhe’dbetheoneblackmailingyou.”

“Wellsomeonegottheirhandsonthetapes.WemayneedtobringMarvininonthis,”Reinasays.
“You’restillgoingtohelpme?”
“Yes, Kace. We don’t give up on missions once we take them on. But I’m only going to tell you this

once. Stella is amazing. And if you can’t get your head out of your ass and treat her right, you need to
moveonbecausethereareninewomenandatleastfivemenwhowilltearyouapartifyoukeephurting
her.”

Wow. I just got threatened by a sexy super spy. That went so much differently in my teenage dreams.

Reallifeblowssometimes.Andnotinagoodway.

“Iunderstand.”
“Good.Nowwehavetodecidehowtoproceed.I’mgoingtosuggestagainthatwebringMarvinin.

ThenheandStellacanfakeyourlatestdemand.”

“Youknowaboutthat?”
“Stellaclonedyourphone.”
“AndIplantedlotsofbugsthatdayIcametoyourloft,”theyounggirlsays.
“Youdidagoodjob,pretendingtobeateenagegroupie.”
“Thanks.I’mIsabelle,bytheway.IfyoumakeupwithStella,youcancallmeIsa.”
“I’llrememberthat.”
“Speakingofteenagers,youneedtogetbacktoworkingonyourcoverforyourupcomingmission.”
“Rogerthat,”shesaysasshesalutesandthenwalksout.
Reinarollshereyes.“WhyamIdoingthisagain?”
“Becauseyouweremadeforthis,Rei,”Meltellsher.“There’snoonebettertotakeoverforJane.”
Janenodsheragreementandthenlooksatmymom.“We’llneedyoutocallMarvinnow,Vivian.”
Mymommakesthecall,andwe’rejustwaitingforMarvtogethere.Hesaidhe’saboutthirtyminutes

away.Ican’tjustsithereandwait,knowingStella’ssomewhereinthebuilding.Mykneesarebouncing
andI’mbitingmylipaseveryonejustchatswitheachother.

“Comeon,”Tegansays,standingup.“I’lltakeyoutoher.”
“Tegan.”
“Reina.”
“Fine.We’llcallyouwhenMarvingetshere.”
“She’sintense,”ItellStellawhenweleavetheroom.
“Youhavenoidea.”
Wegototheendofthehall,andTeganopensthedoor.Stella’scurledupwithsomeguy’sarmaround

herassheleansintohim.Anotherguy’sholdingherhand.ZackTaylor,GavinHarris,MattCorrigan,and
abunchofgirlsarespreadoutoncouchesandchairsinthebiggestdressingroom/closetI’veeverseen.
There’sadeskinthecorner.ThisisStella’soffice.Andjustlikeherapartment,it’ssoveryher.

“Whatthefuckishedoinghere?”Zackasks,standingup.

“It’sokay,Football,”Stellasays.
“No,Stell.It’sreallynot,”theguyholdingherhandsays.Heletshergoandstandsup,too.
Ohfuck.He’sbig.BiggerthanTaylor,andthat’ssayingsomething.I’madeadman.Imightaswelljust

goaheadandgetmyselfkilled.

“IneedtotalktoStella.Alone.”
“Idon’tthinkso,”Mattsays.Herewego.
“Well,Ido.Everyoneout.”ThankGodStellajustsaidthat.Iwasn’tquitereadytodieyet.
“Seriously?You’vebeeninherecryingoverhimandhowyoumayloseyourjobbecauseofhim,and

nowyouwantustoleaveyoualonewiththebastard?”theguywithhisarmaroundherasks.

“Yes,Aiden.Weneedtodothis.Iappreciateyouall.YouknowIdo.Butgetout.”
Theyallglareatmeastheywalkout.Ileanagainstthecloseddoor,staringatthewomanIlove.The

womanwhowassecretlyhelpingme,andwhoIhurt.ButI’mhurttoo.

“Whatwasreal,Stella?”
“Everythingwithus.”
“Yousaidintherethatyoujustcametomelastnighttogetyourjobback.Isthatwhyyouleft?”
“No.ItoldyouwhyIleft.Andyes,Ineededmyjobback,butasReinasaid,sexisn’tpartofmyreal

job.”

“You’reintrouble.”
“That’sanunderstatement.”
“HowcanIhelp?”
Shelooksmeintheeye,andwhatIseescaresmealittle.Shelookssoscaredandvulnerable,andnot

likemyfierceandsexybombshell.“Canyouhugme?”

I’monthecouchinseconds,pullingherintomyarms.“Whatelsedoyouneed?”
“Justthis.Justyou.Youmakemesoangrysometimes.Butsohappy,too.”
“Doesthehappyoutweightheangry?”
“Usually,no.”
“I’ll have to work on that. Although, ‘Angry Stella’ is fucking hot. I wanted to throw you on that

conferencetableandfuckyouhardwhenyouwereinsultingme.”

“You’resoridiculous.”
“Andyoulovemeforit.”
“Ido,”shesayssoftly.“Iloveyou,Kace.”
“Iloveyoutoo,Stella.”
“Good.BecauseImayneedyoutobemySugarKidforawhileifIgetfired.”
“Anytime, love. But I don’t think they’re going to fire you. They called Marvin so he can play along

withmylatestorder.WhichI’mguessingyouknowabout.”

“Yeah,Ido.Youweren’tgoingtodoit,wereyou?That’swhyyoucalledMeltoday.”
“Iwouldneverdothat.It’stoomuch.”
“Thanks.Whyaren’tyouangry,though?YougotmadaboutScott.Whyaren’tyoumadthatwebugged

yourplaceandIclonedyourphone?”

“Because I know my mom asked your mom for help. And that’s what all of you have been doing—

helpingme.Andalsobecauseoneofmyteenagefantasieswasthatafemalespywouldseduceme.So,
thanksformakingthathappen.”

“Iaimtoplease,”shesaysassheleansovertokissme.
We make out for what seems like seconds, but must be longer because Ainsley’s voice comes over a

speakerintheroom.“Thecamerasareoff,butIknowyou’rebothinthere.Marvin’sherenowsoReina

wantsyoubackintheconferenceroom.”

“Thanksforturningoffthecameras.We’llbethereinacoupleofminutes.”
“Idon’twanttoletgoofthese,”ItellherasIrunmythumbsoverhernipples.Iloveholdinghertitsin

myhands.

“AndIdon’twanttoletgoofthis,”shesays,givingmycockonelastsqueezebeforepullingherhand

outofmypants.“ButI’drathernothaveReinacomeinhereandgetus.Whichshewill.Orworse,she’ll
sendMatt.”

“Fine.ButIwantcustodyforatleastanhourlater.”
“Custody?”
“Well,theyaretwins,”Iremindher,givingthembothonelastsqueezebeforeIfixherbraandpullher

topbackdown.

“Trueenough,”shetellsmewithalaugh.“Andthey’reallyourswheneveryouwantthem.”
“Sameformeandmybody,love.”
“Unlessyou’refeelingbossyagain,Kace.”
“Oryoutiemeupagain,Stella.”
Thedoorburstsopenbeforewecansayanythingelse.“Sorrytointerrupt,butReinawantsyou.Now.”
“Itoldyoushe’dsendMatt.”

Chapter10

Stella

Marvin’slividwhenhehearswhat’sbeengoingon.He’salsoapologetic.TobothVivian,andme.He

tellsmehe’ssorryforthewayhe’streatedme.HejustthoughtIwasoutforapieceofKace.

“IwantallofKace,actually,”Itellhim.
“Itlookslikethefeelingsaremutual.”
KaceandIwalkedinholdinghands,andhaven’tletgoyet.Itfeelsnicetoholdhands,especiallywhen

herunshisthumbovermyhandeveryonceinawhile.Iknowhe’sdoingittoshowmehissupport;Ilove
himevenmoreforit.

“Youdon’thaveanyideawhocould’vegottentheirhandsonthetape?”Reinaaskshim,tryingtokeep

everyoneontrack.

“No.Butwhenyoufindthem,I’mgoingtokicktheshitoutofthem.Thattapewasforme.Nooneelse

should’veseenit.Orpicturesfromit.EspeciallynotKace.I’msorry,son.”

“Metoo.Ineverwantedtoseeyou,ormymom,likethat.”
Heshuddersalittle,andI’mtheonerubbinghishandnow,leaningovertokisshischeek.Reinagives

mealook,andIrollmyeyes.It’sjustacheekkissforGod’ssake.

Weworkoutthedetailsforthenight.KaceandIaregoingtomeetMarvinfordrinksattheChandelier

BarattheCosmo.MarvinandIwillgouptoaroom,andafterahalfhour,I’llcomebackdownwithmy
hairalittlemessyandmylipstickoff.Kacewillhavetodoagoodactingjob.Heassuresushecanlook
relievedandsad,thinkingaboutsendingmeoffinordertoprotecthismom.AndIcanacthurt.

Weallstarttofileout,whenReinastopsme.“Stella,youcanmeetKaceoncewe’redonehere.”
“Youwantmetostay,love?”
“Youcan’t.I’llseeyousoon.”
“Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyou,too.”
He kisses me hard and long, only stopping when Reina clears her throat. I sigh and turn to her as he

closesthedoorandleaves.“Haveaseat,Stella.”

“Justgoaheadandfireme.”
“Isthatwhatyouwant?”
“Ofcoursenot.”
“Thenpleasesitdownsowecantalk.”
Isitdown,andlookherintheeye.“Ireallyamsorry.Hejustmakesmecrazy.”
“Iknowwhatthat’slike.MattandIhavecausedmanyascene,”sheremindsmewithasmile.“Ijust

needtoknowthatyoucancompletethismission.Youknowtheblackmailermayaskforworsefromhim
beforewecantrackthemdown.Youhavetobeabletohandlegoingalongwithwhatevercomesup.”

“Iwill.Wetalkedalittleearlier,andwe’rebothonthesamepagewithourrelationship.Knowingthat

makesmefeelmoresecure.”

“Okay,Itrustyou—andsodoesJane.”
“That’sit?”
“Doyouwantittobeharder?”

“No,butTegan’sonprobationandall.”
“She betrayed your trust. You just acted a little inappropriately. There’s a big difference between the

two.”

“She’sreallysorry,too.”
“Iknow.Andshewon’tbeonprobationforever.”
“EspeciallysinceIsamayneedherforhermission.Whichiscrazy,bytheway.”
When Isa went to Kace’s room, acting like a groupie, she was approached by an actual teenager. He

offered her a job. Yeah, that kind of job. He was wearing a jacket with the crest from a local private
school.Isathoughtfast,andtoldhimshewasstartingattheschoolinacoupleofweeks,onceherparents
weresettledintotheirnewhouse.Shesaidshe’dthinkabouthisoffer.

ShebroughttheinfotoReinaandJaneandaskedtogoundercover.Thisistotallyinournormalmission

wheelhouse,andtheycouldn’tpassupthechancethisguygavethem.SomefriendsoftheSocietyagreed
to act as Isa’s parents, and Ainsley’s team has been perfecting the cover. She’ll start at the school in a
coupleofdays.It’scrazytothinkofkidsrunningaprostitutionring,exploitingtheirclassmates.Adults
doingitisbadenough.

“Yeah.Thefactthatthekidcameuptoherinpubliclikethattellsmetheythinkthey’reabovethelaw.

Butnoone’saboveus.”

“She’llgetthem.I’llgopullherclothesbeforeIleavejustincasesomethingelsehappens.”
“Thanks.AndStella…I’mhappyforyou.IhopethisworksoutwithKace.”
“Me, too. And I know it’s going to work out for you and Matt. A year where you’re living together?

He’sgoingtohavetofacehisfeelings.”

“It could be perfect or it could go really, really bad. I do need a wedding dress if you have time,

though.”

“Ofcourse.I’dlovetodoit.I’llpickoutafewthingsIknowyou’lllove.”
“No.”
“No?”
“This isn’t real. I can’t walk down an aisle in a dress I’d dream about knowing the man at the end

doesn’treallywantit.Idon’twantsomethingI’llhate,butIcan’twearsomethingI’dlove,either.”

“Gotit.I’llfindyouadressyoulike.”
Wehug,andthenIheadtomyofficetogetthingsdonebeforemy“date”tonight.

***

Kace

I’msittinginthebar,waitingforStellatocomeback.I’vemadesuretokeepapissedofflookonmy

face while she’s been gone. It’s not hard. I’m very pissed. If Stella hadn’t been who she is, and Marv
hadn’tagreedtothis,picturesofmymomwouldbeallovertheinternetrightnow.Howcansomeonedo
thattoanotherperson?

“Hey,man.Fancyseeingyouhere.Alone.Where’syourhotwoman?”Wayneasksashetakestheseat

nexttome.

“She’sinameeting.She’llbebacksoon.”
“Ameeting,huh?Inahotel?ThinkIcouldjoinin?”
Iwanttograbhimandslamhimontothebar,buttherearetoomanypeoplewithcellphonecameras

givinguslooksalready.“Iwillkillyouifyoudon’tstopsayingshitaboutStella.”

“Touchy.”

“Whendidyoubecomesuchanass?”
“Whendidyou?”
“Weweresuchgoodfriends.You,me,andChad.Iwantthatbackman.WithBrett,too.”
“Andwhatthestarwants…”
“Isthatwhatthisisabout?Ican’thelpitthattheykeepputtingmeupfront.You’veheardmetellthem

nottosinglemeout.Idon’tneedthatattention.”

“Youreallydon’tcare?Evenjustalittlebit?”
“Nope.Ijustwanttosing,andhangwithyouguys.Andmygirl.”
“Youreallylikeher,huh?”
“Iloveher.”
“Well,shit.I’llstopactinglikeabastardtoher,then.”
“Thanks.Ireallydon’twanttohavetokillyou.”
“I’dliketolive.Speakingofliving,there’syourgirl.”
IlookovertoseeStellawalkingback.She’spullingatherclothes,andbitingherlip.Playingherpart

perfectly.Shewalksoverandstandsinfrontofme.

“Canwegonow,Kace?”
“WeshouldstayandhaveadrinkwithWaynenow.”
Hereyeswiden.“Ireallywanttogo.”
“Areyouokay,Stella”Wayneasks,lookingconcerned.
“She’sfine.We’llcatchyoulater.”
“Yeah.Later.”
WedothehalfhugthingandIpullStellaafterme,actingannoyed.Webothkeepuptheactuntilwe’re

inmycar,headingforherplace.ThenIreachoverandsqueezeherknee.

“You’reokay,right?Hedidn’ttryanything?”
“No.AndIwould’vetakenhimdownifhehad.Myactingwasprettygoodthough,huh?”
“VerystellarMs.Stella.”
“No.Justno.You’resuchadork.”
“Youknowwhatadorkisright?Awhale’spenis.Niceofyoutofinallyadmithowbigmineis.”
“Idiot.”
“Sexy.”
“Umm,Ijustinsultedyouandyoucomplimentedmeback.”
“Yep.I’mjustthatkindofguy.Youknow,thoughtfulandshit.”
“Ithinkyoumayjustbeperfectforme.”
“Iam.”
JustwaituntilwegettoherplaceandsheseeswhatTeganandtheirfriend,Faith,helpedmeplan.I

foundTeganbeforeIlefttheFoundationearlierandtoldherwhatIwantedtodo.Everythingshouldbein
placebynow.

We walk into her apartment, and it’s even better than I expected. There are fresh flowers, and lit

candleseverywhere.IcansmellthepotroastFaithsaidshe’dmakeforus,too.

“Kace?”
“Ihadsomehelp.”
“Butyouplannedthisforme?”
“Yeah,”Itellherfeeingshyallofasudden.
“It’sperfect.”

Ileadhertooneofthebigcushionedloveseatsshehasaroundhercustomdiningtable.“I’llgetthe

food.Yourelax.It’sbeenaharddayforyou.”

“Forbothofus.”
“Tonight’sforyou,love.Allforyou.”
ShesmilesatmeasIleandownandkissher.“Thankyou,K.”
Igrabusfood,andthensettlenexttoher.Weeatinsilence,stealingkisseshereandthere,butjustreally

enjoyingthatwecanbetogether.Oncewe’redone,Ipickherup,andcarryhertoherbathroom.Tegan
drew the bath for me, and activated the tub warmer. Yeah, I know. Who has a tub warmer? Apparently
Ainsleycancreatealmostanytechnologyapersoncanthinkof.

IundressStella,makingmyselfbehave,andthenliftherintothetub.Sheslidesunderthebubblesand

rosepetalswithasighthatgoesstraighttomycock.Itrytowillitdown,butit’snouse.IguessI’lljust
besingingwitharaginghardon.NotlikeIhaven’tdoneitonstagebefore.

Beingateenagerandhavingwomenandgirlsthrowtheirbrasatme,thenflashme…well,yeah,Igot

hard.ButitwasnothinglikeitiswhenI’maround,orin,Stella.ShegetsmesohardIthinkmycockmight
breaksometimes.Whichreallyisn’tasbadasitsounds.It’sactuallyreallygood.

IpickuptheguitarTeganstashedforme,andstarttostrum.AsIsingthefirstnotesofLoveMeTender,

Stella’seyesopenandshesmilesatme.Shesitsupandrestsherchinonherhandsasshewatchesme
serenadeher.WhenIfinishsheclapsandblowsmekisses.

“Whydon’tyoueversingyoursongs?”
“Youdidn’tlikethat?”
“Ilovedit.Iwasjustwondering.Withthekids,andnowwithme,italwaysseemstobeotherpeople’s

songs.”

“Igivemysongstotheworld.Iwanttogiveyousomethingelse.Onopeningnightoftheshow,I’llbe

signingtoyou,though.Onlyyou,love.”

“Areyoutakingrequeststonight?”
“I’llplayyouanythingyouwant.AslongasIknowit.”
“SexualHealing.”
Fuckyeah.“Okay,”Imanagetocroakout.
As I begin to play, she stands up in the tub, flicking the plug so the water starts draining. She starts

movingherhandsoverherbodyasIsingthewordstoher.She’stakingtimewithhernipplesandherclit,
pinchingandrubbingasIfighttokeepmycomposure.Imanagetofinishthesongwithoutcominginmy
pants,andI’mprettydamnproudofmyself.Iplacetheguitartothesideandstandup.

“Itoldyoutonightwasforyou,”Isay,leaningovertolickhernipple.
“Ididthatforme.”
“Sureyoudid.”
Ilickherothernipple,andslidemyhandbetweenherlegs.She’ssowetandreadyforme.Islidemy

fingersinandoutofherandoverherclitafewtimesasshemoans.Itampdowntheurgetotakeherright
here,andpickherupinstead.IthinkIshockherwhenIputherdownoutsidethetubanddon’tcarryherto
herbed.“Inhere?”

“No.Ijustneedtodryyouoff.Thenwe’regoingtothatsexybedofyours.”
I grab one of the fluffy green towels and thoroughly dry her off. Then I kiss my way up her legs and

beyonduntilI’mstandingbeforeher.“I’mlovingthis,K.Allofit.”

“Thisisjustthebeginning,”Iremindherwithasmile.
“Youhavetoomanyclotheson.”
“Youwannaseemyhotbod,huh?”

“Mm-hm.Iloveyourbody.”
“Anyspecificpartinparticular?”IaskasIkickofmyshoesandstartundressingforher.
“Yourthroat.”
What?“Mythroat?”
“Yep.It’swherethosesexywordsyousayandsingtomecomefrom.”
IletgoofmyshirtasIgrabherandkissher,pickingherupintheprocess.Herlegswraparoundmy

waistasIwalkusintoherroom.“Howandwhere,Stella?”

“Getonthebedandleanagainsttheheadboard.Ineedtorideyourcock.”
Ohyeah.IfI’msitting,she’sgoingtodoitdifferently.AndI’mgoingtoloveeverysecondofit.Ican’t

wait.

Isitlikeshewantsmeto,andsheslidesdownonme.Insteadofmovingrightaway,sheswingsherlegs

aroundandhooksthemovermyarms.Thenewpositionpushesmeevenfartherinsideofher.Iholdher
legswhileplacingmyhandsonherhips.ShenodsandIstarttothrustwhileholdingherdown.

Shegrabstheheadboard,puttinghernipplesrightwherewebothwantthem,andItakeoneinmymouth

andsuckhard.AsIbitedown,shestartsbucking.She’spumpingonme,butit’snotenoughforher.She
pushesherlegsbackdowntostraddlemeandstartsridingmehard,makingmealmostslideoutmorethan
onceasshecompletelylosesherselfinme.It’spossiblythemosteroticthingI’veeverseeninmylife.

Ishouldholdherdownagain,butIcan’t.I’mtransfixedbythesightofhertakingmehowsheneedsto.

Harderandharder,hertitsjigglinginfrontofme.Whenshescreamsmyname,Icomerightalongwith
her,thrustinghardintoherassheclenchesaroundmycock.

AndthenIrealizewhatwassogoodanddifferentaboutthistime.Iwasn’twearingacondom.“Stella,

love,Ididn’thaveacondomon.”

“I’veseenyourfiles.You’reclean.I’mcleanandonbirthcontrol.Yousaidtonightwasforme,andI

neededtofeelyou.”

“God,Iloveyou,”ItellherasIturnusonoursidesandnuzzleherneck.
“You’regettinghardagain,already.”
“Yousoundsurprised.”
“Justinaweofyouryouth.”
“That’sallthatyou’reawedby?”
“DoIreallyneedtosayit?”
“It’dbenice.Ineedmyegostrokedsometimes.”
“I’minaweofwhatyouandyourbigcockdotome.Nowletmestrokethat,”shesays,takingmein

hand.

Hours later, we’re cuddled up under a throw on her couch. We came downstairs to blow out all the

candles,andthenwerealizedthatwehadn’tchristenedanyofthelowerflooryet.Now,webothhavea
few extra bite marks, and neither one of us are moving very easily. So, we’re just cuddling. Which is
prettyfuckingawesome.

“Howdidyoubecomeasecretagent?”
“It’snotanexcitingstory,really.”
“Goon.”
“IwasstylingforanactresswhowasfilminginChicago.Therewassomeshadystuffgoingonwiththe

producer of the film, and the Society had someone undercover. I ended up helping her figure things out
withoutknowingshewasthereofficially.Whenitwasallover,Mallorycameandtalkedtome.Shesaid
shewasimpressedwithwhatIhaddoneandtoldmeshehadanopeningforsomeonewhowassmartand
unique.Noonehadeverwantedmeformybrainbefore,soIsaidyes.Fiveyearslater,hereIam.Oh,and

the person undercover was Audrey. I don’t think you’ve met her yet. Which is probably good. You’d
probablywanttoleavemeforher.She’sthesexiestofallofus.”

“Iwantyouforyourbrain.Justsoyouknow.Yourbody,too,butIloveyoursexybrain.So,I’mnot

leavingyouforanyoneelse.”

“Thanks.Thatmeansmorethanyouknow.”
“Haveyoueversleptwithsomeoneonyourmissionbefore?”
“Yes.Butnotlikethis.Sexusedtobefun.”
“It’snotfunwithme?”
“YouknowwhatImean.That’sallitwas.Withyou,it’sjustanaddedbonusofawesome.”
“Itisveryawesome.”
“But?”
“ButIwantyouguystofigurethisout,soIcanshowyoutotheworldasmine.”
“Iwantthat,too.Iwon’tbeabletogoonmanymissionsoncethathappens,butIcanworkbehindthe

scenes.”

Ikeepmymouthshut.BecausewhatIwanttosayisthatI’mgladshecan’tgooutanymore.Thatshe

won’tbeundercoverandsleepingwithotherguys.ButIknowthatwouldbebad.Andwrong.Fromwhat
I’vefiguredout,shehelpspeople.

“Iwouldn’t,Kace.”
“Wouldn’twhat?”
“Sleepwithsomeotherguyonamission.That’swhatyou’rethinkingabout,isn’tit?”
“Kindof.”
“Thisisimportanttome.You’reimportanttome.Iwouldn’tjeopardizethat.”
“Meeither.I’mnotgoingtosleepwithanyoneelseifwegoontouragain.”
“Good. Now let’s go to sleep so I have enough strength to suck you off in the shower before work

tomorrow.”

Ohyeah.I’mareallyluckyguy.

Chapter11

Stella

Theblackmailerhasbeenquietsincemynight“with”Marv.Kacetoldmeabouthisconversationwith

Wayneinthebar,andnowwe’rewonderingifitreallywashim,andhe’sdecidedtogiveupnowthat
Kaceassuredhimhedoesn’twanttobethe“star”oftheband.Everyone’sstillpaintinghimthatway,and
astheopeningshowdrawscloser,fanshavebeenfloodingthehotel.

Wehaven’tbeenabletogotomyplaceforaweeknow.Teegbroughtmeclothes,andI’vejustcamped

outwithKaceinhissuite.Itrusthimnow,andknowI’msafe.Hetoldmehe’smorethansatisfiedwith
whatwedoandapologizedagainformakingmeuncomfortable.Wespendmostnightstalking,watching
our favorite TV shows, and, of course, making love. It’s really nice. I wish we could stay this way
forever.ButI’mafraidsomethingbadisgoingtohappen,andthatthisisjustthecalmbeforethestorm.

We’remakingoutonthecouchwhenKace’sphonegoesoff.Iknowhewantstoignoreit,butweboth

know he can’t. Especially when mine goes off a minute later. We both know what that means. It’s the
blackmailer.Hepullsawaytolookandletsoutastringofcurses.

“Whatnow?”
“Ihavetogetfallingoverdrunkandthengoouttoseethefans.”
Icantellhe’snotsayingitall.HeknowsI’llhavethetext,soIdon’tknowwhyhe’shidingit.Ipickup

myphoneandletoutmyowncurses.

“Youhavetoconvincemetogodownandgetyou,thenmakeoutwithyouinfrontofthem.”
“Youdon’thaveto.IcansayIcouldn’tconvinceyou.They’llhateyouifyoudoit.”
“They’llhatemeanywayifyou’restillplanningonmebeingyourdateforopeningnight.”
“Ofcourseyou’remydate.It’sgoingtobeprettybad.Iwon’tlietoyou.I’veseenwhatthey’vedoneto

thegirlfriendsofothersingers.”

“IcanhandleitaslongasIknowyou’llbetherewithme.”
“Always,”Itellherleaningovertokissher.“IguessIshouldstartdrinking.”
Wegethimgoodanddrunk,andNate,who’sbeenposingasanewsecurityguy,takeshimdownstairs.

He’lltextmewhenit’stimeformyappearance.IdomymakeupandhairlikeI’mgoingouttoaclub.I
stepintotheshortestandtightestdressIhavewithmeandputonmyheels.They’regoingtohatemeno
matterwhatIwear,soImightaswelldoitup.

Fiveminuteslater,Igetthetext.NatetellsmetohurrysinceKaceisn’tgoingtobeuprightmuchlonger.

Igetofftheelevatorandseehimleaningontwogirls.

“Baby,thereyouare,”IsayasIgetofftheelevator.
“Stella.Iloveyou,”hesaysstumblingovertome.He’skindofadorablewhenhe’sdrunk.
Igrabhismouthandkisshimhard.Hewrapshisarmsaroundme,andIusemyhandsonhisfaceto

helpholdhimup.Wekissforseveralminutes,untilthefansstartbooingandscreamingoutinsultsatme.

Nateandhotelsecuritygetusbackintotheelevatoranduptothesuite.ItellthemI’vegotitcovered,

and help him flop onto the bed, bringing the trash can over. I sit with him all night as he pukes up the
alcohol and curses the damn blackmailer. We both finally fall asleep after the sun has risen, only
squeezinginaquicknapbeforewe’reupandgettingdressedforwork.

Natecomestothedoorandtellsusit’sreallybad.We’realloverthenews,andthefansaretearingme

apartonsocialmedia.It’sokay.I’vegotKace.Nothingwillgettomeaslongashe’sherewithme.He
takes my hand before we step out of the elevator and holds it tight as we fight through the crowd of
journalistsandfansjusttogettotheemployeehallways.

“I’msosorry,love.So,sosorry.”
“It’sokay.I’vegotyou.You’reopinion’stheonlyonethatmatters.”
“Myopinionisthatyou’rethemostamazingwomanI’veevermet.”
“See?Thenallisgood.”
Dress rehearsal sucks, which is generally a good thing in any theater performance. Kace is still hung

over,Brett’s battling acold, and Wayneand Chad just keepglaring at everyoneand missing their cues.
ThestagemanagerisabouttohaveaheartattackwhenMarvtellsthemtobreakforlunch.

Thehotelbroughtinabuffetforallofus.KaceandIsitwiththeguystoeat.Chaddoesn’tlikeit,and

hemakessuretotellme.“Doyouneedtobeattachedathiship,Stella?Havesomeself-respect.”

WaynecomestomydefensebeforeKacecan.“Chilloutman,Stella’scool.”
“Whatever.”
“HiKace.”
WeallturnandIseeayounggirlaroundKace’sagewalkingtowardsus.Hestiffensnexttomewhile

Chadstandsup.“Whatareyoudoinghere,Cam?”

“IcametoseeKace.”
“Umm,hiCameron.Whyareyouheretoseeme?”
“Isawyouwithher,”shesays,shockingmewiththesneeronherface.
“Thisismygirlfriend,Stella.Stella,thisisChad’ssister,Cameron.”
“Iwasyourgirlfriend.”
“Thatwasalongtimeago.”
“Myfriendsdon’tbelieveme.”
“He’lltellthem.Doyouwanthimtorecordavideoorsomething?”Iaskher.Shelookssosad,andI

wanttotryandhelp.

“Canhesayhe’smyboyfriendnow?”
“No,”Kacetellsher.
“It’sfine,Kace.Youcandothatforher.Idon’tmind.”
“Well,Ido.Youalreadybrokeherheart,andthenjustwentonwithyourlifelikeitwasnothing.Like

shewasnothing.”

I’mgettingabadfeelingaboutthis.ImakeeyecontactwithNate,andhenods.Hecanfeelit,too.
“Stopbabyingme,Chad.Kacejustneededtogooutandhavefunbeforehecomesbacktome.”
“I’mwithStellanow,Cameron.”
“Fornow.You’llgetboredwithher.Yougotboredwithalltheothergirls.”
“Iloveher.”
“Yousaidyoulovedme.”
“I-IthoughtIdid.LikeIsaid,thatwasalongtimeago.”
“Icameheretobeyourdatefortheshow.”
“Stella’smydate.”
“Youcouldtakeher.”Iwanttogowithhim,butthisgirlisonthevergeoflosingit,andIdon’tknow

what’sgoingtohappenwhenshedoes.

“No.Ican’t.I’msorry,Cameron,butI’mplanningtobewithStellaforever.”
“It’sbecauseshe’saslut,isn’tit?Icanlearntodoallthethingsshecan.”

Okay.I’mdoneplayingnicenow.AndsoisKace.“Getyoursisterthefuckoutofhere,Chad.”
“Youcan’ttellmewhattodo.Justbecauseyou’rethestarandnoonecareshowyoubehavedoesn’t

meanyouhavemoresaythanIdo.”

“Hedoesn’thavemoresay,butyoursistercan’tcomeinhereandinsulthiswomanlikethat,”Wayne

tellshim.

“Hefuckedmysister,feedingherbullshitlinesaboutloveandmarriage.Hebrokeher.”
“Iwassixteen.ShewasthefirstgirlI’deverbeenwith.OfcourseIthoughtIlovedher.”
“No.Youdon’tunderstand.NoonebelievesmeandItoldthemyou’dbemydateformybirthdayparty

nextweek.”

“We’resingingatyourparty,butIneversaidI’dbeyourdate.Never.”
Myphonepingswithatext.ThetextIknewwascoming.“Chad’syourblackmailer,Kace.Ainsleyjust

confirmedthatthetextmessagescamefromaphoneinhispocket.”

“Youbastard,”Kacesayslungingforhim.
BrettandWaynetrytointervene,butNateandIholdthemback.Marvincomesrunninginwithmore

security.TheypullKaceandChadapart.“What’sthehellisgoingon?”

“He’stheblackmailer,”Itellhim.“It’sChad.”
“Youlittlesonofabitch.”
“You’retheonewhowasfuckinghismom.Inallkindsofdisgustingways.She’sjustasbigofaslutas

hisnewgirlfriend.”

NoonewasreadyforMarvintolungeforChad,sohegetsafewgoodhitsinbeforehe’spulledback.

“Don’tevertalkaboutVivorStellalikethateveragain.”

“Cansomeonepleasetelluswhatthehellisgoingonhere?”
“Let’ssitdown,andI’llexplainitalltoyou.AtleastthepartsIknow.”

***

Kace

Ican’tbelieveit’sChad.We’vealwaysbeengoodfriends.ImeanIkindofgetitafterseeingCameron.

Ididn’tknowshewasstillhunguponme.It’sbeenalmostfiveyearssinceshewasmygirlfriend.Andit
wasonlyfortwomonths.

Afterwetellthemeverything,WayneandBrettlookliketheywanttobeatChadup,too.“Seriously?

YoublackmailedhimwithpicturesofhismomandMarvin?Whatiswrongwithyou?”Wayneaskshim.

“Iwantedhimtogetknockeddownafewpegs.Mysister’snottheonlygirlwhosehearthe’sbroken.

Butnoonecaredbecausehe’sthestar.Ithoughtifhegotabadreputation,thefanswouldturnonhim.But
theydidn’t.Theylovedhimevenmore.AndthenStellacamealong,andshe’sabadassaswellasbeing
smokinghot.Butyoufellunderhisspell,too.Imean,what’shegot,amagiccock?”

“It’sverynice,but‘magic’isgoingalittlefar,”shetellshim,tryingtoeasesomeofthetensioninthe

room.Iloveherforit,butnothing’sgoingtocalmmedownatthemoment.

“Butwhymymom,dude?TherewereafewthingsIreallydidn’twanttodo,butIcouldn’thavethose

picturesleaked.”

“Shesacrificedeverythingforyou.Iknewtherewasnothingyouwouldn’tdoforher.Includinggiving

yourgirlfriendtoMarvin.Howwasshe,bytheway?”

“Wait,wasthatwhyyouwereatthebarattheCosmolookingallpissedoffthatnight?”Wayneasksme.
“Yes,butno.Itwasanact.Theywentupstairstogetherandstayeduptherelongenoughtomakeitseem

likethey’ddonesomething.”

“Areyousure?”Chadasks,tauntingme.
“I’m about to punch you myself. Why are you goading him when you know he already wants to kill

you?”Stellaaskshim.

“So,youknewaboutmyfun.DidyouthinkitwasWayne?Ibetyoudid.”
“Hewasasuspect,yes.”
“ButIwasn’t,wasI?NoonepaysanyattentiontomeorBrett.We’rejustthefiller.”
“That’s bullshit. You’re crazy talented, and Brett, well Brett’s pretty much a genius, musical and

otherwise.”

“Thefansdon’tseeitthatway.Ourstuffsellswaylessthanyours.”
“Maybeifyou’dfocusedyourenergyontryingtogetmoreexposureinsteadofblackmailingme,you’d

havemorefans.Orifyou’djustcometomeandtalked.”

“Ican’tbelieveyouhurtmyKace,Chad.Howcouldyoudothat?”
Oh sweet Mother of God. We all forgot she was still in the room. Cameron needs help. Like serious

help.Whensheputsherarmsaroundme,Ijumpup.

“Cameron, I am not yours. We were together five years ago. For two months. We’re not getting back

together.”

“IfIcan’thaveyou,neithercanshe,”shesays,pullingagunfromherpurseandpointingitatStella.
“Putthegunawaybeforeyouhurtyourself,sweetie,”Stellatellsherstandingup.
“I’llshootyou.IswearIwill.”
“Noyouwon’t.”Stellamovessofast,Ialmostdon’tseeithappen.ShepullsthegunfromCameron’s

hand and elbows her in the chin, knocking her over. “You have to cock the gun if you want to shoot
someone.Otherwisenothingwillhappen.”

“Damn,thatwashot,”Waynesays.Ishoothimaglareandheshutsup.
“Sheneedsapsychevaluation,Chad,”Stellatellshim.
“Iknow.Shehasn’tmentionedKaceinacoupleweekssoIthoughtshewasgettingoverhim.”
“Igother,Stell,”Natesays,pullingCamerontoherfeetandwalkingheroutthedoor.
“Now,weneedtofigureouthowtogetpastthis,”Marvsays.
“I’mnotgettingpastthis.Hetriedtodestroymylife.Andthegroup.”
“Wehaveacontractwiththehotel.They’llsueifwebreakit.”
“Chadgoingtojailshouldbeagoodenoughreasontobreakit.”
“Youdon’treallywanttopresscharges,doyou?”
“ThehellIdon’t.I’drathergiveupallmymoneyandmoveinwithStellathanlethimwalkfreesowe

candosomeshows.”IturntoStellaforconfirmation.“Icanmoveinwithyou,right?”

“Yes.”
“Whataboutus?ArewemovinginwithStella,too?”Wayneasks.
“I’mfinewithwhateverKacewants,”Brettsays.
“Youwouldbe,”Chadsayswithasneer.
“Howmanyoftheshowswouldwehavetodo?”
“Allofthem,”Marvtellsme.
“Ican’tcommittothatrightnow.”
“Sotakeitoneshowatatime,”Stellatellsme,rubbingmyback.
Ilookupintohereyes.She’sgoingtogetmethroughthis.Icandoanything—includinggettingupon

stagewiththeguywhoblackmailedme—ifshe’swithme.“Okay.Butwhenwe’renotonstageordoing
press,Idon’twanthimanywherenearme.Andeverycopyofthosepictures—andthattape—betterbe
destroyed.”

“Fine.IguessIshouldsaythanks,”Chadsays.
“Don’t.I’mdoingthisforWayneandBrett.Icouldcarelessaboutwhathappenstoyou.”
Everyonefinisheseatinginsilence.After,wegobackouttothestage,butnoneofusareintoitnow.We

decidetojustquitforthedayandrestbeforeopeningnighttomorrow.StellaandIgobacktomysuite.

“Howareyouholdingup,K?”
“I’mnot.”
“WhatcanIdo?OrIshouldsay,isthereanythingIcando?”
“Justbewithme.”
“Always.”
A few hours later and we’re naked on the couch. I realize that I need to apologize to her. “I’m sorry

aboutCameron.”

“Youdon’thaveanythingtoapologizefor.Youcouldn’thaveknownshe’dbeensoobsessedwithyou

foralltheseyears.”

“Shepulledagunonyou.”
“It’snotthefirsttimeI’vehadagunonme.Andallyourfanswouldlovetodoit,soitprobablywon’t

bethelast.”

“Idon’twantyoutobeindangerbecauseofme.”
“I’mnotgoinganywhere.Unlessyouwantmeto.”
Shesitsup,herhairfallingoveroneshoulderassheleansonherhand.God,she’ssobeautiful.Idon’t

knowwhatIdidtodeserveher,butI’mnotlettinghergo.

“Idon’twantyoutoleave.That’sthelastthingIwant.”
“Good.Nowstopworryingandkissme.”
IsmileasIpullherbackdowntome.Idomorethankissher.Allnight.IknowIshouldberestingfor

myshowtomorrow,butIneedher.Allofher.BecauseIhaveabadfeelingaboutlettingtheshowgoon.
Anddespiterecentevents,myinstinctstendtobespoton.

Chapter12

Stella

I’mgettingreadyinthesuitewhileKacefinishessomeinterviews.Iwantedtolooksexy,butnotover

thetopfortonight.Ichoseasleevelesswhitetopthat’shighinfront,butdrapeslowinback.Rhinestones
drape over my shoulders on each side. I paired it with a short black skirt that has a fringe overlay in
different lengths. Sexy, blinged out high heel boots with a peep toe are on my feet, and my hair’s in a
messybunwithstrandshangingdownallover.

“Hello,gorgeous,”Kacesays,walkingintothebathroom.
“Hirockstar.”
“Youlookamazing,love.”
Heputshisarmsaroundmeandkissesthenapeofmyneck.Ileanbackintohimandwesmileateach

otherinthemirror.“Ican’twaittoseeyouuponstagetonight.”

“You’veseenmeonstageallweek.”
“Notwithhundredsofgirlsscreamingforyou.”
“Youwanttohearthat?”
“No.ButIwanttobeabletositthereandknowyou’regoinghomewithme.”
“Sit?You’regoingtositthroughtheconcert?”
“WhatdoIgetifIstand?”
“Hmm…anextraorgasm?”
“Justone?”
“You’resogreedy—butIloveit.”
“AndI’mstandingwithouttheextra‘o’sonoworriesthere.Ijusthadtomesswithyou.”
“Iloveyousomuch.”
“Iloveyoumore.”
“Notevenpossible.”
“Wecouldbehereallday,solet’sjustsayweloveeachotherequally.”
“Thatworks.”
Iturninhisarmsandwekissforseveralminutes.UntilNateknocksonthedoor,lettingusknowwe

needtoleaveinfiveminutes.Iputonmylipstick—IknewbetterthantoputanyonbeforeKacegotback
—andgrabmyclutch.Weholdhandsallthewaydownandthroughthecrowdsagain.

Imakesureeverything’ssetforhimbackstage.Mymom’shandlinghischanges,alongwithBrett’sfor

tonightsoIcanbeintheaudience.Ithankheragain,andgoouttomyseatinthefrontrow.

“Ohlook,it’stheslutwhothinksshecankeepKace,”thegirltomyrightsaystoherfriend.
Iignoreher.Andthegirltomyleft.Andthentheonesbehindme.Ohyeah,thisisgoingtobeareally

funnight.

They’reforgottenwhenthelightsgodownandtheshowbegins.Istandupwitheveryoneelse,andsing

along.Kacecatchesmyeyeandsmilesashesingstome.Ismileback,andcontinuetosingrightbackto
him.

Whenthefirstsongisabouttoend,hegrabsawhiterosefromastagehandandbringsittome.Itakeit

fromhimashesingsthelastnoteandthenleansovertokissme.“Lotsofextrastonight,Stell.Lots.”

IlaughasIstepbackandhegoesbackovertotheotherguys.Theytalktothecrowdandlaunchinto

anothersong.Iholdontomyrose.IknowifIsetitdown,oneofthegirlswillgrabit.

Kace surprises me with another rose and kiss after this song, too. I’m sensing a pattern, which lasts

throughthewholeshow.Whenthelastnoteisplayed,Ihaveeighteenrosesandeighteenkisses.Icanfeel
the glares of every woman in the theater, but I don’t care. I’m feeling loved and cherished by my man.
Whocouldaskformore?

Icarrymyflowerstothebackstageentrance,pastallthegirlslineduptryingtoconvincetheguardsto

letthemin.Iseeayoungteenagegirlwithhermother.She’snotyellingorscreaming.Justhangingback,
waitingpatiently.

“Wouldyouliketomeettheband?”Iaskher.
“You’reKace’sgirlfriend,Stella.”
“Iam.”
“She’dlovetomeetthem,”hermomtellsme.
“Let’sgothen.”
Ileadthemtothefrontandtelltheguardthatthey’rewithme.Wewalkbackandintothelargegreen

room.KacerunsoverasIwalkinthedoor,pickingmeupandspinningmearound.

“Hi,love.Didyouliketheshow?”
BeforeIcananswer,henoticesmycompanions.Heraisesaneyebrowatme.“Ibroughtthisbeautiful

youngladybacktomeetyouandtheguys.AndIlovedtheshow.”

“Hi.I’mKace,”hesaysholdingouthishand.
“Hi,”shesaystimidly.
“OhgiveherahugforGod’ssake.”
Her eyes widen as he does just that. “Guys, come on over and say hi to our fan. What’s your name,

honey?”

“Kayla.”
“ComesayhitoKayla.”
Allthreeguyscomeovertohugherandtakepictures.Theyalsosignthetourshirtsheboughtandgive

hersomeextramerchandise.

“Thankyousomuch,”hermomtellsme.
“You’rewelcome.”
“Thatwasverysweetofyou,”Kacesays,nuzzlingmyneckashehugsme.
“Shewasn’tactingcrazyoutthere.Shewasjustwaitingforaglimpseofyou.”
“Thegirlswereprettymeantoyou,weren’tthey?”
“NothingIcouldn’thandle.”
“Youshouldn’thaveto‘handle’anything.”
“YouforgetthatIgrewuparoundrockstarsandpopstars.Iknowthislife,Kace.”
“Andyoustillwantme?”
“Ido.Iwantyouverymuch.Iloveyouverymuch.”
“IthankGodforyoueveryday,Stella.Ireallydo.”
“Samehere,K.”
“Aww, isn’t this sweet. You two lovebirds are so freaking adorable,” Chad says, putting his arms

aroundus.

“Whatpartofstaythefuckawayfrommedidyounotunderstand?”Kaceaskshimthroughgrittedteeth.
“Smileprettyforthecameras,”herepliesjustasaflashgoesoff.“Catchyoulater.”

I pull Kace into me again, and rub his back. “Don’t. He wants you to react. He never got what he

wantedfromyou.He’sgoingtokeepbaitingyou,hopinghecangetyoutosnap.Butyou’renotgoingto
becauseyouknowwhathe’sdoing.”

“Sexybrain.”
“Throat.”
“Tits.”
“Magiccock.”
“Deliciouspussy.”
“Biceps.”
“Ass.”
“Abs.”
“Eyes.”
“Smile.”
“Bestgirlfriendever.”
BeforeIcanrespond,hismouthisonmine.Westaywrappeduptogetherasflashesgooffaroundus.

It’snotuntilareporterclearsherthroatseveraltimesthatwepullourmouthsapart.Wedon’tletgoof
eachother,though.

“Yes,”Kacesaystothewomanwithaglare.
“Iwanttointerviewyou,Kace.WehadsuchanamazinginterviewlastyearinHouston.”
Hesleptwithher.I’veneverbeenajealouswoman,butIwanttoscratchhereyeballsout.Instead,I

justgripKace’shairalittleharder.Hesmirksatmebeforeturningbacktoher.

“I’mbusy.Goseeoneoftheotherguys.”
“You’returningmedown?”
“Yeah,Iam.”
She storms off as Kace looks back to me with that smirk placed firmly on his face. “Jealousy looks

goodonyou.”

“I’mnotjealous.”
“Youshouldn’tbe,butyouare.Andit’ssexyashell.”
“You’remine.”
“Iam.”
“AndI’mnotinterestedinsharing.”
“That’sgood,becauseneitheramI.”
Kacedoesafewinterviews,butdoesn’tleavemyside.Photographersaskforpicsofhimalone,buthe

tellsthemwe’reapackagedeal.Itellhimhedoesn’thavetodothis,buthesaysthathewantsittobe
veryclearthatwe’retogether.

Wesneakoutassoonaswecan.We’rebothhornyashellandhetakesmeagainstthewallassoonas

weclearthedoorofhissuite.It’shard,fast,anddirtywithmebracingmyselfonthewallashefucksme
hardandwhispersnaughtythingsinmyear.Afterwebothcomehard,hecarriesmeintotheshowerandI
facehimwhenhetakesmethistime.

Bythetimewecollapseintosleep,I’velostcountofhowmanypositionswe’vebeenin.AllIknowis

thatIgotallthoseextrashepromisedme,andImaybecrawlingforaweek.Butitwassoworthit.

***

Kace

Stellahadtogointoherrealworktoday,soI’mhereattheloftforourrecapmeetingonmyown.Well,

mymomandSheilaarehere,too.Iknowthey’reonmyside.Everyoneelseisupintheair.ExceptChad.
Chaddefinitelyhatesme.Thefeeling’smutual.

“Whatthefuckwasthatwiththerosesandkisseslastnight?We’reaboyband.Thefansarepissed.”
“Youwantedmorefansforyourself,Chad.Maybeminewillallgotoyounow.”
“Actually,forasmanyangrysocialmediapoststherewere,thereweretwiceasmanypoststhatthought

it was romantic and sweet,” Marvin says. “And bringing that girl backstage was brilliant on Stella’s
part.”

“Shedidn’tbringherbackforpublicity,”Itellhimwithaglare.
“Well,itworkedoutwellforyou,andus.Thefanssawshe’snotjustagolddigger,andtheylikeit.”
“Un-fucking-believable.Howdoeseverythingalwaysworkoutforyou?”
“I’dsaythingsareworkingareprettywellforyou,Chad.Imeanyou’resittingherewithusinsteadof

inajailcell.”

“Marvinandyourmomdon’twantmeinajailcell,doyou?”
“Thosetapesaresupposedtobedestroyed.”
“Oh,theyare.ButIstillknowwhat’sonthem.”
“Youareasickbastard.”
I mean, seriously? What’s he going to do, tell everyone my mom and Marvin had some BDSM sex.

Wouldpeoplebelievehim?Iguessitreallydoesn’tmatter.Itwouldhurtmymomeitherway,soIhaveto
suckitup.Idon’thavetolistentohimrunhismouth,though.

Istandandstarttowalkaway.“Whereareyougoing,Kace?”Marvinasksme.
“I’llcomebackwhenChadlearnshowtoactlikeadecenthumanbeingagain.Untilthen,I’mout.”
“Waitup,man.”IturntoseeBrettcomingtowardsme,withWaynerightbehindhim.“We’rewithyou.”
“Yeah,totally,”Wayneadds.“Nooneshouldbemessingwithyourmom.”
“Thanksguys.Youwannaordersomecrappyfoodandplayvideogameslikeweusedto?”
“Yeah.That’dbecool,”Brettsays.
Weallgoupstairsandchillfortherestoftheafternoon.Weeatandplaygames,butwealsotalk.About

everything.ItellthemabouthowintoStellaIam,andtheytellmewhatI’vemissedintheirlivesthepast
coupleofmonths.It’sreallynicetogetbacktojustbeingfriendsagain,withoutallthefamebullshit.

Weallheaddowntothetheatertogether,andthat’swhenIrealizethatIhaven’theardfromStellaall

day.Sheprobablyhadalottodoatthefoundation.Istillcan’tbelieveIgettogotosleepeverynight
withaspyinmybed.Irealizethatshe’llhavetokeepsecretsfromme,andthatI’llhavetobeokaywith
that.Iwillbe.Iloveherenoughtoknowthatshe’lltellmewhatshecan.

When we get backstage, we all split up to go to our dressing rooms. I walk into mine, and know

something’swrongimmediately.Stella’sthere,butshe’snot.She’swearingalooseStorysidet-shirtand
sweatpants—Ididn’tevenknowsheownedsweatpants.Herhairismessyandshehasnomake-upon.
Andthenthere’sherfeet.She’swearingflipflops.Something’sreallywrong.

“Stella,love,what’swrong?”
“OhhiKace.Nothing’swrong.Whyareyouasking?”
“You’re…umm…dresseddown.”
“Yeah.IwantedtobecomfortablewhileI’mbackstage.”
She’snotmeetingmyeyes,andsoIknowwhatever’sgoingonhastodowithme.Issheboredwithme?

Arewedone?No.Shesaidshelovedme,andIknowshemeantit.

“Youwon’tevenlookatme.Ineedyoutolookatme,Stella,andtellmewhat’swrong.”
“Ican’ttellyou,Kace.Thatrightthereistheproblem.”

“Youwouldifyoucouldthough,right?”
“Yes.Inaheartbeat.IswearIwould.”
“Thenit’sokay.We’reokay.Iknowwhatyoudoforaliving,andthatitmeansyouhavetokeepsecrets

fromme.”

“It’snotokay,Kace.”
Ipullhertome,andhugherclose.“Itis.Ipromiseyouitreallyisokay.Iloveyou,Stella.”
“Iloveyou,too.”
“Ineedtogetdressedandgooutonstageinafewminutes,orI’dstayhereandholdyouallnight.”
“Iknow.”
“Aftertheshow,though,it’scuddletime.Okay?”
“I’dlikethat.”
“Metoo.”
I’mnotlying.Yeah,IwanttoravishhereverytimeIseeher,butIalsolovetojustholdherinmyarms.

Icantellthat’swhatsheneedsfrommetonight.Sothat’swhatshe’llget.

Ihavetodoaftershowinterviewsandtakepictureswithhighrollersfromthehotel,butIgetbackto

mygirlassoonasIcan.Isawherduringwardrobechangesandgaveherquickkisses,butIcan’twaitto
haveherinmyarms.EventhoughI’mstillsweatyfromtheshow,shehugsmetightanddoesn’twanttolet
go.Whatevershe’skeepingfrommehastobebad.ButI’llhelpherthroughit.

We make it upstairs without too much trouble from my fans, and I carry her to the couch. “Are you

hungry?”

“Alittle.”
“Youwantyourusual?”
“Yes,please.”
“Soformal.Where’smydirtygirl?”
Thatgetsmeasmile.“I’msorry.”
“Forwhat?”
“Beingsadandemotional.Youjusthadanothergreatshow.Youshouldbecelebrating.”
“AnytimeI’mwithyouisacelebration.AndIdon’texpectyoutobehappyallthetime.We’reforreal,

Stella.ThatmeansI’mhereforgood,bad,andeverythinginbetween.Always.”

“Me,too.”
“Youcandoonethingforme,though,ifyoudon’tmind.”
“Sure.Whatdoyouneed?”
“Canyouleavethatshirton?It’sallkindsofhottoseeyouinmybandshirt.”
“Yeah.Icandothat.”
Sheleansupandkissesmesoftly,beforesettlingbackintothecouch.Iorderfoodandthenwrapmyself

aroundheraswewait.Thenightisquietandsweet,andhonestly,there’snoplaceI’dratherbe.

Chapter13

Stella

ThesecretI’mkeepingfromKaceiseatingmeupinside.It’sbeenaweeksinceIfoundout.Aweekof

metryingtoactnormalaroundhim,andfailing.He’sbeenamazingthroughitall,whichmakesmefeel
evenworse.Afterthefirstnightwherehejustheldme,we’vegonebacktomakinglove.Butit’sslowand
sweet now, nothing like how it used to be. He’s treating me like a piece of china that might break, and
honestly,IfeelasifIcould.

Thissecretistoomuch.It’stoowrong.IbeggedReina,andthenJane,toletmetellhim.Iknowthey

sympathize with me, but since he’s not our client I can’t tell him. His mom needs to do it. She’s been
avoidingmesincethedaywetoldherwe’dseenthewholetapeandweknewwhatshewashiding.She
can’thideforever,though.Kaceneedstobetold.

Allwithinamatterofweeks,Ialmostquitmyjobandthenwasworriedaboutbeingfired.Iwasbeing

rashthen,butI’mnotnow.IwilltellhimsoonifViviandoesn’t.Ihaveto.There’snofutureforusifhe
doesn’tknow.

“Iknowwhatyou’rethinking,Stella,”Mallorysaysasshewalksintomyoffice.“Youcannottellhim.”
“They called you in to convince me, huh? You’ve been racking up the frequent flier miles with me

lately.”

“I’llbeherewheneveryouneedme.Foranything.Youknowthat.”
Idoknowthat.MalloryhasbeenlikeasecondmomtomesinceIwasrecruited.Iloveher,andIhate

todisappointher.ButIknowI’mgoingto.

“Ican’tlivewiththissecret.It’stoomuch.”
“You’driskthepossibilityofbringingdowntheentireSocietyinordertokeeponemanfromleaving

you?”

“Don’tdothis.Don’ttryandmakemefeelguiltyforbeinginlove.”
“Ifyou’refeelingguilty,it’sbecauseyouknowI’mright.VivianhassaidthatifyoutellKace,shewill

exposeus.”

“Kacecoulddothesamethingwhenhefindsout.He’sgoingtohateme.”
“Yes.Hewill.I’mnotgoingtotrytosugarcoatthis,orlietoyou.ButIdon’tthinkhe’llgiveawayour

secret.Andthathastobewhat’smostimportantforus.Youknowthat.”

Ohyeah,Iknowit.It’snotbadenoughthatReinaandJanehavehammereditintome,orthattheyhad

Mallory fly in. Every single one of my friends has come to me and told me that the whole is more
importantthanone.So,Igetit.Really,Ido.Butitdoesn’tmakeitanybetterforme.

“Justgo,Mallory.Youbeinghereisn’tgoingtoconvincemeonewayortheother.”
“One,Stella.Iwantyoutothinkaboutthefactthatevenonewomanorchildcouldbeharmedbecause

we couldn’t function if we’re exposed. And then you decide if telling Kace what you know is more
importantthanthatlife.”

And that’s the crux of it. I couldn’t live with myself if the Society was exposed. But can I live with

myselfwhenKacehatesme?There’sonlyonerightoption,butit’sstillwrongforme.

I don’t hug Mallory when she leaves, and I don’t smile at any of my friends when I walk out of the

buildingafewhourslater.IneedtofindVivianandconvincehertotellKace.He’sgoingtobeangryat

hernomatterwhat.Butshecouldsavemeifshewantedto.

When I corner her at the loft, I realize that she has no interest in helping me. “You have to tell him,

Vivian.”

“No.Idon’t.”
“Howcanyoukeepthisfromhim?Frombothofthem?”
“Thisisn’tyourbusiness.”
“Ilovehim.AndI’mgoingtolosehimwhenhefindsoutIknewaboutthisanddidn’ttellhim.”
“Sogoaheadandtellhim.ThenMarvandIwillholdanicelittlepressconferenceandtelltheworld

aboutyouandyourfriends.”

“We help people. Lots and lots of people. You’d destroy us out of some crazy pretense of revenge?

Becauseitwouldn’tjustbemeyou’dhurt.”

“I’lldowhateverIhavetoinordertokeepwhatyoulearnedfromKace.”
“LikeconvincehimtokeepChadintheband?Thatbastardblackmailedhimwithpicturesofyou.Kace

protectedyou,andnowhehastosingalongsidehim.Andallbecauseyourefusetotellhimthetruth.”

“Ilovemyson,Stella.Ican’tlosehim.”
“Sositdownwithhimandexplainit.YouhavetoknowthatChad’saloosecannon.Hecouldtellhim

atanytimeandthenwe’dbothbecollateraldamage.”

“I’mkeepingChadhappy.”
“OhmyGod.You’resleepingwithhim?”
“LikeIsaid,I’lldowhateverIhaveto.”
“Vivian,no.Don’tdothistoyourself.Kacelovesyou.He’llforgiveyou.”
“Ican’ttakethatchance.Andit’sjustsex.Youhavenoplacetotalkwhenitcomestosex.”
“I never slept with someone because I was forced to. You shouldn’t either. I can’t believe Marv is

goingalongwiththis.”

“Hedoesn’tknow,”shetellsmequietly.
For the first time, I hear the pain in her voice. It was missing when she talked about the secret she’s

keepingfromKace,butit’stherenow.Becauseshe’sinlovewithMarv.Whocoincidentallyjustfiledfor
divorce,becausehelovesher,too.

“Thisisgoingtobesobadwhenitgoesdown.”
“AndnowyouknowwhyIcan’ttellKace.IfIdid,ChadwouldmakesureI’dloseMarv,too,”shesays

assheslipsbymeandgoesoutthedoor.

Howcanshenotseethatit’sallgoingtohappenanyway?ChadisthelastpersononEarththatanyofus

cantrust.He’sgoingtotellKacethesecret,andhe’sgoingtotellMarvthathe’sfuckingVivian.It’sjusta
matterofwhen.Heavenhelpusallwhenhedecidestobringdownthequeenonourlittlechessboardfull
oflies.It’sgoingtobegameoverforusall,withnoonewinning.

I go over and open the boxes of new clothes that were sent for Kace. He has a few formal events

comingup,andIfindthatseveralofthedesignershavesentgownsforme,too.Iguessthey’reassuming
I’llbegoingwithhim.IhopeIwill.

“That’shot,”Kacesays,comingupbehindmeandwrappinghisarmsaroundme,asI’mholdingoneof

them up. It’s long sleeved and black, with sheer panels swirling all over the top from front to back.
Basically my nipples would be covered, but the rest of my breasts and most of my stomach and back
wouldbeexposed.“What’sitfor?”

“Someofthedesignerssentmethings,too.Incaseyoudecidetotakemeasyourdate,Iguess.”
“Ofcourseyou’llbemydate.AndIdefinitelyvoteforthatdress.IfIhaveavote.”
“Youalwayshaveavote,K.AlthoughIdolovetosurpriseyou.”

“Iloveallofyoursurprises.”
Isetthedressdown,andturninhisarmstofacehim.“Ihaven’tbeenmuchfunlately.”
“Honestly?No.Youreallyhaven’t.ButifIwasonlyinterestedinfun,I’dstillbegrabbingadifferent

groupieeverynight.”

“Doyouwanttogobowling?”
Their show is dark tonight, and I want to give him some fun. He deserves it. And I need some more

goodmemoriestofileawayforwhenit’sallover.

“I’dlovetogobowlingwithyou.Arewebetting?”
“Wecould,”Itellhimwithasmile.
“I’mareallygoodbowler.IthinkIneedtodisclosethatbeforewemakeourbets.”
“Areyounow?Well,I’mprettygoodmyself.”
“Sowemaybeequallymatched.Thisshouldbefun.”
“Definitely.”
“Oh.Ijustthoughtofsomething.Nottobragoranything,butwemightgetmobbedifwegotoabowling

alley.”

“Wewouldmostdefinitelygetmobbedatapublicalley,Mr.RockStar,butIwasplanningontaking

youtotheoneinmybuilding.”

“Youguyshaveabowlingalley?”
“Yes.Wehaveamovietheater,basketballcourt,andevenaniceskatingrink,too.”
“HowdidInotknowthis?”
“We’vebeenholeduphere,hidingfromyourfansandthepress.”
“I’msorryaboutthat.”
“I’mnot.It’sbeennice.Ijustmissmyownbed.”
“Imissyourbed,too.”
“Youmeanyoumissbeingtiedtomybed,don’tyou?”
“I’llanswerthatlater.AfterIbeatyouatbowling.”
“Youwish.”
“Iwishforlotsofthings.Butlet’sgetserious.Howisthewageringgoingtowork?”
“Hmm.Wecoulddoitbypins,orstrikes.”
“Holyshit.Ijustrealizedwecanplaystripbowling.Ifyoucangetthecamerasturnedoff,thatis.I’m

assumingtherearecameras.”

“Therearecameras,but,yes,Ainsleycanshutthemoffforus.So,aframebyframelossofclothes?”
“Ohyeah.Andthenagamebygamewinner.”
“Deal.”
Weshakeonit,andthenofcourse,wekisstomakeitofficial.Mywishwouldbeforthistolast.Iknow

itwon’t,butthatdoesn’tstopmefromwishing.

***

Kace

I’vebeenbowlingallmylife,butneverlikethis.We’realmostdonewithourfirstgame,andbothofus

are in just our underwear. I’m ahead by one pin going into the final frames. Stella’s bent over the ball
return,tryingtodistractme.It’sworkingasIonlyhitthreepins.Imakemyselfconcentrate,eventhough
it’stoughwitharaginghardon.Imanageaspareandthenastrike.

“Beatthat,Bombshell.”

“Iapproveofthatsecondnickname,justsoyouknow.”
“Dulynoted.”
ItrytodistractherbypullingmybriefsdownfarenoughformycocktopopoutasIlayonthelanenext

toours.Sheglancesoverandsmiles,butdoesn’tletmefazeher.Shegetstwostrikesinarow,andthen
knocksdownsevenmorepins.Ican’tevenbemadbecauseshelookedsohotdoingit.

“Iwon.”
“Youdid,”ItellherasIstarttostand.
“Ididn’ttellyoutogetup.”
Ilaybackdownandsmirkather.“Ihaven’tlostmybriefsyet.”
“Soyouwon’ttakethemoffformeifIaskyouto?”
“Areyoutakingoffyourthong?”
“WhyyesIam.”
Insteadofspeaking,Iwhipoffmybriefsandtossthemtowardsthechairwheretherestofmyclothes

are.Sheshimmiesoutofherlittlescrapoflaceasshewalksovertome.Iputmyhandsbehindmyhead
andcrossmyankles.

“Haveyourwaywithme,love.”
“Don’tmindifIdo,”shetellsmeasshestraddlesme,rubbingherfingersovermypiercingbeforeshe

slidesallthewaydown.

Fuckisshewet.“Ilovethis.Beinginsideyou,andfeelinghowmuchyouwantme.”
“AndIloveknowingyou’rethisbigandhardjustforme.”
“Onlyyou.Alwaysyou.”
Hereyesgetsadforafewseconds,butthenhersmileisback.Shegetsintotherhythmsheknowsdoes

itforbothofus.IpullherdownsoIcanplaywithhertits.Ilickandsuckuntilhermovementsgeterratic.
“Kace.”

“Igotyou,”ItellherasIholdherhipsandstartthrustingintoher.
Shecomeshard,andIfollowrightafterher.Ipullhertomeandkissheruntilwe’rebothgaspingfor

air.“Thatwasagreatprize.”

“Minewillbebetter,”Itellher,smackingherassbeforeliftingheroffofme.“Let’sgetcleanedupand

play.”

Shegroans,butletsmepullhertoherfeet.“Idon’tthinkI’m100%capableofplayingagoodgame

afterthat.”

“I’mcountingonthat,”ItellherasIwalkustothebathroom.
“Cheater.”
“Don’tbeasoreloser.”
“Ihaven’tlostyet,butIamhopingtobesore.”
“Naughtyvixen.”
IlookoveratherwhenIdon’tgetaresponse.IdropthepapertowelsinmyhandwhenIseehercrying.

Ipullherintomyarmsandrubherback.Sincethishasbeenhappeningalotlately,Iknowshewon’twant
totalkyet.Ormaybeever.

“I’mamess,”shesaysafteraminute.“Let’sgoouttheresoIcanbeatyouagain.”
“YouknowIloveyou,don’tyou?”
“Yeah.Iloveyou,too.Somuch.”
“Wecanjustgoupstairsandcuddleifyouwant.”
“WhatIwantistohavefun.Lotsandlotsoffun.Andsex.Withyou.Onlyyou.Forever.”
“I’mtotallydownwiththat.”

“Fornowyouare.”
“Forever.Iwantthat,too.”
“Youwon’talwaysfeelthatway.Iguaranteeit.”
“Isthisaboutthatsecretyou’rekeeping?”
“Yes.”
“Youtoldmeyou’dtellmeifyoucould.That’sallIcanaskofyou.”
“You’regoingtoleavemewhenitcomesout.Ihavenodoubtaboutthat.”
“Butyou’redoubtingme.Don’tdothat.I’magoodguy.There’snothingsobadyoucouldbehidingthat

wouldmakemeleaveyou.”

“Iwishthatweretrue.”
“Havesomefaithinme.”
“Ido.”
“Thenlet’sgooutthere,soIcanbeatyouandclaimmyprize.”
“Goodluckwiththat.”
Theresheis,thesassywomanIlove.NotthatIdon’tloveherwhenshe’scrying.Butit’sstartingto

scareme.She’ssosurethatthisdamnsecretisgoingtotearusapart.Iwon’tletthathappen,though.I’m
goingtoholdontoherandgivehermystrengthbecauseIcantellsheneedsit.

This game is going much faster, because we’re both trying hard to distract each other and win. We

startedoutnaked,soit’sbeenworkingoutwellforbothofus.Shelicksherlipswhilesqueezinganipple.
Istrokemyselfandplaywithmypiercing.It’sthesixthframe,andwebothhaveascoreofzero.

“Weshouldputthebumpersupsowe’llknocksomethingover,”shesayswithalaugh.
“Orjustabandonthegameandgodirectlytotheprize.”
“Letmeguess,we’dbedoingyourprize,right?”
“OhBombshell,webothknowthatnomatterwho‘wins’we’rebothgoingtoscore.”
She laughs so hard she snorts. She’s doubled over and snorting. “Oh my God. That sounds like

somethingthey’dsayinacheesy80smovie.”

“Ilovecheesy80smovies,andsodoyou.”
“Yeah,yeah.I’mnotforfeitingthough,sobumpersupornot?”sheasksonceshecomposesherself.
“Down.Idon’tneedthem.I’mdonelettingyoudistractme.”
“Ohreally,”shesays,directingalookatmyfullyerectcock.
“It’sbetterthatway.Itcanhelpguideme.”
“No.Juststop.Thisisyournewtactic,isn’tit?You’regoingtocheeseyourwayintoawin,sinceyou

couldn’tdoitwithsexytimes.”

Ihonestlywasn’t,butnowIsoam.“Icandefinitelydo‘it’withsexytimes.Anytimeyouwantit.”
Instead of answering, she starts singing “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Badly and way off-key. She’s

dancingallcrazyandpracticallyscreechingoutthewords.Isincerelyhopeshe’smessingwithme.Igrab
her,silencingherwithakiss.

“Pleasetellmeyouwerekiddingwiththat.”
“Sorry,butthere’sareasonIworkbehindthescenes.”
“You’rekillingme.Myearsareliterallydead,buttherestofmeisn’tdoingsowell,either.”
“Iwouldthinkmyothertalentswouldoutweighmymusicalshortcomings.”
“Theymorethanmakeupforyourscreeching.ButthedreamsIhadofusdoingaduethavejustgoneup

inflames.”

“Whendidyoueverdreamofusdoingaduet?”
“Twonightsago?”

“Really?”
“Yeah.Iknowit’sstupid,butIthoughit’sbecooltohaveyouonstagewithme.”
“Autotune?”Iask.Heraisesaneyebrow.“Sorry?”
“Don’tbe.Ihavelotsofotherdreams—andfantasies—thatinvolveyou,me,andnosinging.”
“Me,too.”
“YourswillhavetowaitbecauseI’mabouttowinthisgame,”ItellherasIgrabmyballandthrowit,

hittingastrike.“We’llgettothemlater.Ipromise.”

“Well,shit.”
She tries, but I’m on fire. I want it my way. I know she’d let me do it later, but winning is so much

better.Iendupwinningbyeighteenpoints.Idoavictorydanceassherollshereyes.

“Layitonme.Whatarewedoing?”
Ipretendtothinkaboutit,butIalreadyknow.I’veknownsinceIwalkedinheretonightandsawthe

retroballreturnsystems.She’sgoingtolovethisasmuchasIam.Maybeevenmore.

“Straddlethatemptyballreturnoverthere.”
“Youwantmestanding.”
“Yes,bentover,andwithyourlipsoverthefanthing.”
“Youwantmetokissit?”
“IwantyoutofeelthatwarmaironyourclitwhileI’mfuckingyoufrombehind.”
“Youweren’tkiddingwhenyousaidwe’dbothscoretonight.”
“No,Ireallywasn’t.”
She positions herself like I told her to, her back arching as she feels that air blowing on her like my

mouthusuallydoes.Icomeupbehindherandgentlypushherdownsothatherarmsarebent,andherass
isintheair.Igripherhipsandthrustintoherasshecriesout.

“Youlikethisdon’tyou?Feelingtheairatthesametimeasyou’refeelingmycock.It’slikethere’stwo

ofme.”

“Yes.”
“Nootherman’severgoingtobewithus,Stella.Sothisistheclosestyou’regoingtocometothiswith

me.”

“Ionlywantyou,”shesayswithagaspasIpinchhernipples.
“Iwantittobebetterthanwhenyouwerewiththoseotherguys.”
“Ialreadytoldyouyou’rethebest.”
“I’mbetterthantwo?”IaskasImoveonehanddowntospreadheropenandlettheairhithermore

fully.

“God,yes.”
“Ilovemakingyoucome,almostmorethanIlovecoming.Didyouknowthat?Mostofmyfantasiesare

abouthowIcanmakeyoucomeharderandbetter.”

“Idreamofsuckingyoudry,withmypussyandmymouth.”
“Areyougoingtosuckmewiththatsexymouthofyourslater?Andplaywithmybarbell?”
“Yes.”
“We’regoingtohaveto69soIcanlickyou.”
“Please.”
“IwanttomakeyoupassoutfromthenumbersoftimesI’mgoingtomakeyoucometonight.”
“You’llpassoutfirst,”shesays,startingtomovebackagainstmeasshegetscloser.
“WithmycockstillhardinsideofyousoIcanwakeupfuckingyou.”
“Kace—Kace—Kace!”shescreamsassheshattersaroundmycock.

“Fuuckk!”IyellasIcomesohardmylegsgiveoutandIhavetograbthesidesofthemachinetostop

fromcrushingher.

“Onceyoucanstand,weshouldtakethisupstairsforroundsthreethroughten.”
“Ifyouthinkit’sonlygoingtobeten,you’reforgettingwhoyou’reworkingwith.”
“Youhaveashowtomorrow.”
“AreyoureallyforgettinghowyoungIam?”
“Iprefertofocusonwhatyoudotome.”
“Myyouthiswhatmakesthathappen,love.”
“Staminaismynewfavoritework,K.”
“Let’sgobeforeroundthreehappensinhere.”
Istandupandhelpheroffthemachine.Wegetdressedinsilence,andholdhandsaswewalkout.This

washandsdownthebesttimeI’veeverhadinabowlingalley.AndIalreadyknowit’sonlygoingtoget
betterandbetter.

Chapter14

Stella

Iwakeuptolittlekissesallovermybareback.“No.Ineedsleep.”
“Norestforthewicked.”
“I’mnotfullywicked,justalittlebad.”
“Well,mybadBombshell,wehavetobeatthetheaterinanhour.”
“I’mtoooldforthis.”
“Youweren’tcomplaininglastnight.Orthismorning.”
“I’mnotreallycomplainingnow,”Isay,liftingmyheadtosmileathim.
“Bestnightofmylife,handsdown.”
“Same.”
Ipullhimdowntome,andwekissforseveralminutes.Sweetandsexykisseswherewesipfromeach

other’slipsanddartourtonguesoutforsmalltastes.Neitheroneofustriestotakethekissesdeeper.It’s
perfect,andIwanttostayrighthereinthisbedwithhimforever.

“Wehavetogo.”
“Iwishwedidn’t.”
“We’llbebackhereaftertheshow.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
I shower quickly and happily take the coffee and toast Kace hands me before we walk out the door.

“Thanksforbreakfast.”

“I’dhavedonemore,butIwasoutoftime.There’llbefoodbackstagewhenwegetthere.”
“Tryingtokeepmefedandhappy?”
“Youknowit.”
Ido.Especiallythislastweek,Kacehasshownmethathewantstobewithmeforthelonghaul.Tosay

I’vebeenamessisanunderstatement.IreallyhavenocontrolofwhenandwhereChadisgoingtotell
Kace.AndIneedmorememories.Oneslikelastnight.Goodmemoriestoholdinthepiecesofmyheart
whenitbreaks.

“You’regettingquietonme,love.”
“Justthinkingaboutwhattoplanforourdatetonight.”
“It’smyturntoplan.”
“Youwanttoplanourdate?”
“I’vedoneitbefore,andverywellifIremembercorrectly.”
I do remember the night in my apartment that he planned. It was romantic and very, very hot. “It was

amazing.”

“Tonightshouldn’tdisappointyou,either.”
I would tell him that he’ll never disappoint me, but that would be a lie. Even though I know what’s

coming,I’mstillgoingtobedisappointedinhim.Knowingwhathisreactionwillbedoesn’tmakeitany
easiertoacceptit.

“You’vealreadyplanned?”

“Ihave.”
“Iloveyousomuch,Kace.Pleasedon’teverforgetthat.”
“Iwon’t.Youhaveforevertoshowme,remember?”
“Iremember.”
I kiss him before I start crying. This is different than how we kissed in my bed. I can feel my

desperation,andIthinkmaybehecan,too.Whenwebreakapart,IlookupandmeetNate’seyesinthe
rearviewmirror.Hegivesmeasadsmilebecauseheknowswhat’scoming.Itseemslikeeveryonebut
Kacedoes.

We’vebarelywalkedintothetheaterwhenVivianrunsovertous.“Stella,Ineedtotalktoyou.”
“Alright,”Itellher.
“IseverythingokayMom?Youlookalittlefrantic.”
“Ijustneedafavorfromyourgirlfriend.”
“I’llhelpyouifIcan,”Isay,ignoringthewayshealmostsneeredthatlastword.Bitch.
“Ohyoucan.Andyouwill.Webothknowyouwill.”
“Benice,Mom.Stella’snotatyourbeckandcall.”Heturnstome.“Youdon’thavetodoanythingyou

don’twantto.”

“Iknow.Yougogetready,andI’llbetheresoontocheckonyou.”
Hekisseshismomonthecheek,andthengivesmealong,lingeringone.“Seeyousoon.”
Ismileathim,andthenturntoVivianoncehe’sgone.“Whatdoyouwant?”
“It’snotwhatIwant,it’swhatChadwants.”
“Icouldgivetwofucksaboutthatlittlebastardandwhathewants.”
“He’sgoingtotellKaceifwedon’tdoit.”
“He’sgoingtotellhim,anyway.Whenareyougoingtogetthat?”
“HowmanytimesdoIhavetotellyouthataslongashe’shappy,hewon’ttell?”
“You’redelusional,butwhatisityouwantmetodo?”
“Hewantsusboth.Together.”
Thiswomanhaslosthermind.“Fuckno.Iamnothavingsexwithhim.Withorwithoutyou.Andwith

youisjustdisgusting.Imean,you’remyboyfriend’smother.”

“Youhaveto.Itwon’tbesobad.”
“Areyouinsane?”
“You know what I can do. You’re not going to let that happen just because you’ve all of a sudden

discoveredyourmorals?”

“I’ve always had morals, bitch. And you need to tell your son the truth. I mean, seriously—if Chad

wantsthisnow,what’shegoingtoaskfornext?”

“Idon’tknow,butwhateveritis,I’llgiveittohim.”
I make my voice softer because fighting with her isn’t working. “Don’t do this to yourself. You’re a

goodperson.IknowyouarebecauseKaceisagoodmanandyouraisedhimthatway.Hewillbemadat
youforkeepingthesecretfromhim,buthe’llforgiveyoubecausehelovesyou.I’mnotsayingthisforme
rightnow.Youknowmyjob.I’veseenandhelpedcountlesswomanwhothoughtusingtheirbodywould
getthemwhattheywant.Itneverdoes,inanysituation.”

Shecrumples,then,andIbarelyhavetimetocatchherandlowerusbothtothefloor.“Iknowyou’re

right.ButI’msoscared.”

“I’mscared,too.IknowI’mgoingtolosehim,andI’mpowerlesstostopit.”
“Ishould’vetoldhimwhenyoubeggedmeto.Ialsoshouldn’thavethreatenedyou.”

“Iwishyouwould’vetoldhim.It’stoolateformenow,though.I’veknowntoolong.Justpromiseme

thatyou’lltakecareofhim.AndtellhimIlovehimeveryday.Evenwhenhedoesn’twanttohearitor
believeit.”

“Iwill.Ipromise.Iamsosorry,Stella.”
“Iknow.”
IstandupandgointothebathroomtofixmymakeupthebestIcan.IneedKacetogooutonstageand

performwithoutworryingaboutmecrying.Chadistoomuchofafame-whoretotellhimbeforetheshow,
andIwantmylastcoupleofhourswiththemanIlovetobehappy.

“Thereyouare.Iwasafraidyouwouldn’tmakeitbeforeIhadtogooutthere,”KacesaysasIwalk

intohisdressingroom.

“OfcourseI’mhere.Ihavetogiveyouyournightlygoodluckkiss,don’tI?”
“Always.AndIneedmygoodmorningkissfromyoueveryday,too.”
“You’resofuckingsweet.”
“Itry.”
“You’rereallycomingovertonight?”
“Of course I am,” he says with a confused look on his face. “I told you I planned our date. Plus, I

promised,andIdon’tbreakmypromises.”

“Ican’twait.”
“Iloveyou,Stella.Foreverandalways.Nomatterwhat.”
“Iloveyou,too.Nomatterwhat.Don’tforgetthat.”
“Iwon’t.”
ThelightsflashandIgivehimthatnightlykissbeforeherunsouttodrivetheteenagegirlscrazy.Once

thedoorisclosed,Isinkdowntothefloorholdingmyheadinmyhands.Ihearthedooropen,andthen
Tegan’ssittingonthefloornexttome.

“Viviancalled.Shesaidyou’rebothprettysurethattonight’sthenightChadisgoingtotellall.”
“Hewantedmetojoininonsexwiththem,andIsaidno.Soyeah,we’reprettysure.”
“Eww. I may throw up. He’s gross on his own, but to do it with you boyfriend’s mother? That’s just

nasty.”

“He’sdefinitelytwisted.”
“Kacemaynottakeitoutonyou.”
“WebothknowbetterthanthatTeeg.He’sgoingtobeangryathismom,butshe’shismom.I’mjust…

well,me.”

“’Well,you’isprettydamnawesome.Don’tyoudareforgetthat,bestie.”
“Thanks,Teeg.”
I manage to smile and kiss Kace through his wardrobe changes. Tegan stays with me, which makes

Waynehappy.Hereallylikesher.AndIlikehim.He’sstillalittletooforward,butIknowhe’snotabad
guywhenyougetpastallthat.

Whentheguyscomeoffstage,Kacepushesmeagainstthewallandkissesmesenseless.“AllIcould

thinkaboutouttherewasgettingbackhereandtakingyouhome,”hewhispersinmyear.

“Canwegonow?”
“Iwish.Ihavetodotwointerviews.Butthat’sit.ItoldMarvthatI’mnothangingaroundafterthose

areover.”

Itdoesn’tworkoutlikethatofcourse.Thehotelownerbringssomepeoplebackstageagain.They’re

not high rollers this time. The guests are people from Opportunity Village. It’s a local organization that
supports those with special needs and even gives them jobs to do so they can feel like they’re part of

society.It’sabeautifulorganizationandwhenKacelooksoveratme,Iimmediatelynodandsmileathim.
I’dneveraskhimtoleave,orrushthem.EvenwhenIknowthatthelongerwestay,thebetterthechance
isthatwewon’tbegoingbacktomyplacetogether.BecauseI’mprettysurethat’sapromisehewon’t
keepwhenChadtellsall.

***

Kace

I am without a doubt the luckiest guy on the planet. Probably the whole universe, too. Stella has

patiently waited while I spent time with all the guests who are here, even though I said we’d leave a
coupleofhoursago.WhenI’veglancedoverather,though,I’venoticedthatshe’sgettingalittlemore
freakedoutastimepasses.Tegan’sevenholdingherhandnow.

Aseveryonefilesout,Imakemywayovertoher,sittingonthearmofherchairandkissingherlightly.

“Thanksforlettingmespendtimewitheveryone.”

“Ofcourse.I’dnevertakeyouawayfromanyfans.”
“Eveniftheywerekissingme?”
“Youwouldn’tletthathappen.”
“No,Iwouldn’t.”
“Iwould,”Waynesaysashewalksover.“Wouldyoustopthat,Tegan?”
“No.Ihavenoclaimonyou.”
“Wehadfun.”
“Yes,wedid.I’llgiveyouthat.”
“AndI’lltakeit.”
“Ihatetobreakthisup,butit’stimetogoStella,”Chadsays.
What?“She’snotgoinganywherewithyou.”
“Vivian,youdidn’tconvinceher?”
“No,Chad.Shewon’tdoit.”
“Youknowwhatthatmeans?”
“Yes.Ido.”
Stellaispracticallybreakingmyhand,she’sholdingitsohard.“Whatthefuckisgoingon?”
“TherewasmoreonthattapeIsawthanjustsex,Kace.Yourmom’sbeengivingmesomegoodfucksin

ordertokeepmequiet,butsinceshecouldn’tdeliveryourgirlfriendtome,I’mafraidit’stimeformeto
tellall.”

“You’vebeensleepingwithhim,Viv?”Marvasksher.
“Ihadtokeepthesecret.”
“Yousleptwithhimtokeepsomedamnsecret?”I’msqueezingStella’shandhardnow.
“It’snotjustonesecret,myfriend.It’stwo.Andthey’resobigyou’llneverrecoverfromthem.Justlike

mysisterhasneverrecoveredfromyou.”

“I’mnotyourfriend.Sogoaheadandspillwhatyouknow.Icanhandleanything.”
“Iloveyou,Kace,”Stellasaysasshelooksupwithmewithtearsinhereyes.Whyisshecrying?
“Marv’syourdad.”
Chadsaysitlikeit’snothing,breakingmeawayfrommythoughts.IpullawayfromStellatostalkover

toMarv.“Howlonghaveyouknown?”

“YourmothertoldmewhenIfoundyou,Wayne,andChadinthattalentshow.”
“Andyoudidn’tthinkIshouldknow.NeitherofyouthoughtIshouldknow?”

“Wehadn’tseeneachotherinyears,andIthoughtMarvwashappilymarried.YouandIhavealways

beengoodwithitjustbeingthetwoofus.”

“Youhadnorighttokeepthisfromme.”
Ilookdownatmymomandseethetearsrunningdownherface.I’mangry,reallyangry.Butshe’sright.

We’vealwaysbeengoodonourown.Shemadesureofthat.Ican’tforgetwhatshe’sdoneforme.Ipull
herintomyarmsandholdhertight.

“I’msosorry.”
“Iknow,Mom.It’sokay.Imean,it’snot.ButIunderstand.Andhey,nowIgettohaveeverykid’sdream

—myparentstogether.”

“That’snotgoingtohappen,Son.”
“Whatdoyoumean?Yousaidyouweredivorcingyourwifebecauseyou’reinlovewithmymom.”
“Didyounothearthatshe’sbeensleepingwithChad?Andme.Alltokeepyoufromfindingout,even

thoughweallknewhewasgoingtotellyoueventually.”

All?OhmyGod.That’swhenIknow.Thisisn’tjustmymom’ssecret.ThisisthesecretStella’sbeen

keeping from me. The one that’s been eating away at her the past couple of weeks. Ainsley would’ve
lookedatthewholetapebeforedestroyingit,andshetoldherwhatwasonthere.

“Stella?”
ShecloseshereyeswhenIlookather,andIcanseethatshe’sshakingwiththeforceofthesobsthat

arewrackingherbody.“Yes.Iknew.”

“Youkeptthisfromme?”
“Itwasn’tmysecrettotell.”
“Itwasn’tyoursecrettotell?Areyoufuckingkiddingme?”IaskherasIpushmymomasideandgofor

her.

Ipullhertoherfeetandshakeher.“Youcould’vetoldme.Youshould’vetoldme.”
“Icouldn’t.”
“There’smore,”Chadsays.
Ilookoverandhelookslikethecatwhoswallowedthefuckingcanary.Whatmorecouldtherebe?Ilet

Stellago,andturntohimwithmyarmscrossed,waiting.

“Youwerebornatwin.”
“NoIwasn’t.”
“Oh,youwere.WhydoyouthinkBrettsoundssosimilartoyou?”
Brett?Oureyesmeet,andIseethehorrorIfeelreflectedonhisface.Wedosoundthesame,andnow

thatIknow,Icanseeit.Icanseehowwelookdifferent,butthesame.

“Youputmeinanorphanage,whileyoukeptKace?Youraisedhim,whileleavingmebehindtofend

formyself,”hesaystomymom.Ourmom.“Howcouldyoudothattome?”

“Icouldonlytakecareofoneofyou.IwasbarelyabletokeepKacefed.”
“Soyoujustthrewmeaway?Whyme?Whatwasitaboutmethatwassobad?”
“Therewasnothingwrongwithyou.IhadtochooseandsoIjustclosedmyeyesandpicked.Ithought

you’dgetadoptedrightaway.Youweresobeautiful.Bothofyouwere.”

“Iwasn’tadopted,though.Noonewantsababywhofussesallthetime.Orageniuskidwhocan’tsit

stillbecauseofallthethoughtsrunningthroughhishead.”

“I’msosorry.Ididn’tknow.IswearIthoughtyou’dbefine.Marvfoundyouassoonashecould.And

thenitallworkedout.”

“Exceptwedidn’tknowwewerebrothers.Howthehellisthatworkingoutforyou,Brett?”Iask.
“Idon’tevenknow.I’mgladyou’remybrother,butI’mpissedthatnoonethoughtweneededtoknow.”

“Yeah.Metoo.Imean,youandIarecool.Butourdearsweetparentsmightaswellbedeadtomeat

themoment.”

“Youdon’tmeanthat,Kace.”
“ButIdo,Mom.Ireallydo.”
I’llcalmdown,IknowIwill.Ilovemymomtoomuchtostaymadatherforever.Marv—Idon’tknow

about.I’veneverbeentooclosetohim,andIdon’tallofasuddenhavefeelingsoflovetowardshimjust
becausehe’smyspermdonor.

Theotherpersonwhoknew—I’mdefinitelydonewithher,though.IturntofindStellacurleduponthe

couch,withTeganrubbingherback.“Yousaidyoulovedme.”

“Ido.Iloveyousomuch,”shesaysasshestandsonwobblylegs.
Shestillcryingandshaking,andIalmostgotoher.Iwanttopullherintomyarmsandtellherthatit’s

okay.Thatwe’reokay.Butwe’renot.

“Ifyoulovedme,youwould’vetoldme.Thisisn’tamatterofnationalsecurityandnoonewould’ve

beenhurtbyyoutellingme.Sotherewasnoreasonforyoutokeepthisfromme.None.”

“IsweartoyouthatIwould’vetoldyouifIcouldhave.Iwantedtotellyou.YouknowI’vebeenupset

thesepastcoupleofweeks.”

“AndI’vedoneeverythingIcouldthinkoftocheeryouupandmakeyoufeelbetter.Allwhileyouwere

lyingtome.”

“Ididn’tlie.”
“Youjustkeptimportantthingsforme.That’sjustwhatshouldhappeninarelationship,right?Wasit

evenrealtoyou,orwasthisjustoneofyourgames?”

“Youknowitwasreal,Kace.”
“Bullshit.Iknownothingwhenitcomestoyou.Nothing.You’reacompletestranger,andIcanhonestly

saythatIhateyourightnow,youselfishbitch.”

ShegaspsandcollapsesasTegancatchesher.Nate’sonmebeforeIevenseehimcoming.Hegrabsmy

neckandraisesmeofftheground.“Ihavenoproblemendingyou,littleboy.Callheraname—anyname
—again,andI’lldoitrighthereinfrontofyournew-foundfamily.”

“Lethimgo,Nate.Please.”
HedoesasStellaasks.IrubmyneckwhileIwatchhimpickherup,carryingherfromtheroom.Tegan

givesmeahardlook,lettingmeknowthatI’mnotsafefromher,either.Idon’thaveitinmetogivea
fuck.

“Iwanthimarrested,”ItellMarv.
“Nate?”
“Chad.Iwanthimarrestedforblackmailingmeandmymom.”
“Yeah,right,”Chadsayswithalaugh.
“He’snotkidding,asshole,”Waynetellshim.
“Withoutme,there’snoStoryside.”
“Sothethreeofuswillre-inventourselves,”Brettsays.
BeforeChadcanargueanyfurther,theoffdutypoliceofficerswehirefortheshowenterandreadhim

hisrights.Watchinghimgethandcuffedhasbeentheonlysatisfyingpartofthisevening.Heputsupafight
foraminute,butwhentheytellhimhe’llbechargedwithresistingarrest,thecockysmilefallsfromhis
faceandhisbodygoesstill.

“Weneedtogoawayandregroup,”Waynesayswhenhe’sgone.
“Thethreeofyouwillbegreatonyourown.Thefanswillfollowyou,”Marvsays.

“Andwecanmakesomegreatmusic.Weshouldfindsomeplacethat’schillwherewecanjustjamout

andwon’tgetbothered.”

“WellyoudohavethatpartyinAustininafewweeks.Youpromisedtosingatthatcharityevent.The

onethatprovidesmusiceducationforsickkids.Youcouldhideoutthere,”Marvtellsus.

“IloveAustin,”Waynesays.
Brettlooksconflicted,butthenhesayswhat’sonhismind.“Willyougowithus,Vivian?I’dliketoget

toknowyou.I’mstillangryandhurt,butyou’remymom,andthathastomeansomething.Ineedtohear
moreaboutwhathappenedallthoseyearsago.Andalsowhyyoustillwantedtokeepmeasyourdirty
littlesecretevennow.Idon’tknowifIcanforgiveyou,butIwanttotry.”

Idon’twantheranywherenearmerightnow,butifthat’swhatheneeds,I’llgoalongwithit.Itwas

hardnothavingadadgrowingup,butatleastIhadher.Ican’timaginewhatitwaslikeforBrett.Ican
bitethebulletandtolerateherifheneedsmeto.

Shelooksatme,andInod.Whilestillglaringather.“I’dloveto.AndIpromisetotellyouwhatever

you want to know. One thing you can always count on with Kace and me is that we keep whatever
promiseswemake.”

Shit. We do keep our promises. And I made one about tonight. I have to go keep it. Not the way I’d

planned,though.

“I’llbebackinanhourorso.Canwegetajettonight?”
“Yeah,that’snoproblem.Whereareyougoing,Kace?”
“Tokeepapromise,Marv.”
Thankfullynoone’stoldtheguardstokeepmeoutwhenIgettoStella’sbuilding.Iwalktowardsher

door and stop a few feet away. I don’t know if I can do this. How can I do this? I have to, though. I
promised.

I square my shoulders and walk to her door, turning the knob because I know it’ll be unlocked. I

should’veexpectedthescenebeforeme.ButIwasn’tthinkingthatfarahead.

“Kace,“Stellasays,asmilebreakingacrosshertear-stainedface.“You’rehere.”
Idon’tdarelookatanyofherfriendswhoaregatheredthere.Iknowthey’llseewhatshehasn’tyet.

I’mnotstaying,andIwanttowalkoutofthisapartmentwithallmypartsattached.

“IpromisedyouI’dcomehereaftertheshow.”
“Forourdate.”
ShereachesformeandIstepback.“Don’ttouchme.”
“Idon’tunderstand.You’rehere?”
“I’mherebecauseIpromisedI’dcomehere.Icame,nowIcangowithaclearconscience.”
“No.Please.No,”shecries,grabbingmyshirt.
“Ihaveneverhitagirlbefore,butifyoudon’tgetyourfuckinghandsoffme,Iwilldowhateverittakes

tomakeyoudoit.”

“Andthenyou’lldie,”Reinatellsme.
I look over and see the women all standing while the guys sit back and watch. They’re all smirking

becausetheyknowaswellasIdothatanyoneofthesewomencouldendmylifeinseconds.“Someone
bettergetheroffmethen,becauseI’mleavingonewayoranother.”

Noonehastocomeforher.Sheletsgoofmeandstandsupstraight.“I’mnotcompletelypathetic.No

onehastogetmeoffofyou.Justknowthatifyouleavetonight,youwon’tbeabletojustwalkbackin
hereagain.You’llbeonyourkneesbeggingbeforeyouevercomethroughmydooragain.”

“IpromiseyouthatIwillneverbegyouforanything.”
“Thengo.”

Iturnandwalkoutthedoor.Idon’tevenmakeittotheelevatorbeforeIfeelahandonmyshoulder.I

turnandshrugoffZackTaylor’shand.GavinHarrisisinthehallwithus,too.

“Whatdoyouguyswant?”
“Stella’sanawesomewoman.Anyonewouldbeluckytohaveherfeelevenatenthoftheloveshefeels

foryou,”Zacktellsme.

“Shehasafunnywayofshowingthatlove.”
“Theycan’ttelluseverything.Eveniftheywantto.WhenAinsleyandImet,shethoughtImightbethe

one sabotaging the Legions. If I would’ve been, she’d have taken me down in a minute. And then I
would’vestillproposed.BecauseIrespectwhosheisandwhatshedoes.”

“I almost lost Faith because I wasn’t sure I could be okay with some of the things they have to do. I

endeduprealizingthattheydowhattheyhavetoforareason.Sometimestheycan’ttellusthatreason.”

“Thiswasasecretaboutme,Gavin.”
It’sZackwhoanswersme.“Idon’tknowallthedetails,butAinsdidtellmethatStellareallycouldn’t

tellyou.Butshewantedto,andshe’sbeenamessbecauseofit.”

“Shehasbeenamess,butIhavetocomefirstwiththewomanIlove.AndIobviouslydidn’t.Youdon’t

mindtheSocietycomingbeforeyou?”

“Honestly,no.Ineverysinglewaythatmatters,I’mfirst.InFaith’sheart,andhersoul,it’sme.When

I’mkissingherorwe’remakinglove,that’sallme.Idon’tcarethatshesuspectedmeofbeingatraitor,
and she can’t tell me much about what she does every day. When we’re together and even when we’re
apart,Iknowshe’smine.Always.Stella’sthatkindofwoman,too.You’llbefirstinallthosewayswith
herifyougiveherachance,”Gavinsays.

Ihavetogetoutofhere.They’reconfusingme.AndIhaveaplanetocatch.Besides,whattheysaid

doesn’tchangewhatshedid,orwhatshekeptfromme.That’swhat’simportant—andunforgivable—to
me.Ishakemyheadandgetintotheelevatorwithoutsayinganotherword.

Chapter15

Stella

It’sbeentwoweekssinceKacewalkedoutofmyapartment.Imakemyselfgointoworkeverydayand

go through the motions of doing my job. I’m trying to act normal, but I know my friends aren’t fooled.
Teganstaysinmostnights,keepingmecompanyaswewatch80smoviesandeatlotsoficecream.She
saysshewantstostoppartyingsomuch,somyself-imposedexileisactuallyagoodthingforher.That’s
whatshesays,butIknowbetter.She’sscaredtoleavemealone.Theyallare.

Mynewassistant,Kevin,hasbeendoingagreatjobofpickinguptheslackwhenIzoneout.Heusedto

workfortheGriffins,butChloesaidhe’dbeagreatfitforme,andshewasright.He’sfun,stylish,andan
all-aroundgreatguy.Thegirlshavebeentryingtofindanothergreatguytohookhimupwith,butallof
hisdateshavebeenduds.Ihaveanideaforsomeone,butI’mnotsurehowI’llworkthatout.

Vivianhadbeenkeepingmeupdatedaboutwhat’sgoingoninAustin.Iknowshewasdoingitbecause

she feels bad. She says the guys are making some great music and bonding all over again. She usually
textsmeatleastonceaday.It’sbeenfourdaysnow,andI’mguessingherguiltiswaning.It’sprobably
forthebest.

“Heygorgeous,Reinawantstoseeyouinthesmallconferenceroom.”
“Thanks,Kev.”
Ameetingintheconferenceroommeansanewassignment.Ididn’tthinkshe’dsendmeoutagainso

soon,butIguesswhoeveritisneedswhatIcanoffer.Iwalkdownthehallandknockbeforegoinginside.

AlongwithReinaandMallory,there’sastrikingwomaninmaybeherfortiesorearlyfifties,andahot

nerdsittingatthetable.Theguydoesn’tlooktraditionallyhotatthemoment,butIcanseehispotential.
Withalittlehairgelandsomecoolerclothes,womenwouldbedroppingathisfeet.I’dkeeptheglasses,
ormaybenot.

“Thanksformeetingwithus,Stella.ThisisCourtneyandherson,Chris.Theyneedyourhelp.”
“Okay.Sure.”
“Youshouldprobablyheartheirstorybeforeyousayyes,Stella,”Mallorysays,glaringatReina.Uh-

oh.

“Maybeyou’reright,Mal.Canyoutellmewhyyou’rehere?”
“IrunacharityinAustinthatbringsmusiceducationtoterminallyillchildren.Mydaughterhadcancer,

andevenwhenshewasweak,shewantedtotryandplaythepiano.Whenwelosther,Irealizedthatthe
bestwayIcouldhonorhershortlifewasbysharingherloveofmusicwithotherchildren.Manytimeswe
focusonthedyingandnotonthelifethat’sleft.IwantedtochangethatforasmanychildrenasIcould.”

“Thatsoundsgreat.”
“Itis.Mymom’sreallyawesome.”
“Ifeelthesamewayaboutyou,Chris.Whichleadsustowhywe’rehere.Afewmonthsago,Icalledin

somefavorsandbookedthebandStorysideforourannualgala.I’msureyou’veheardthatoneoftheir
memberswasarrestedrighthereinVegas.”Weallnod,andItrytoactnormalasIgritmyteethanddig
myhandsintothearmsofmychair.“Theotherthreeyoungmenagreedtostillperform.Theyseemedlike
someniceboys,untilthatKaceonestoleChris’girlfriend.”

It’stakingeverythinginmetonotscreamandrunfromthisroom.Imightalsofaint.It’sonlybeentwo

fuckingweeksandhe’salreadymovedon.Iwanttokillhim.Howdarehepretendtoloveme?Becauseif
he’s already dating again, he was obviously pretending. And he had the nerve to accuse me of playing
games.Littleboybastard.

“Mom,”Chrissays,breakingthesilencethathaddescendedontheroom.“YouknowBrooke’sbehindit

all.”

“Who’sBrooke?”ImanagetoaskinwhatIthinkwasacalmvoice.
“She’s Tami’s best friend, supposedly, but she’s more like a worst friend. She’s jealous of Tami

becauseshe’sbeautiful,smart,andjustplainawesome.Shehateditwhenwestarteddatingandhastried
tobreakusupoverandoveragain.Whenweallwentonaschooltriplastyear,sheclimbedintomybed
whileIwassleepingandalmostgotTamitobelieveIcheatedonher.”

“Shesoundsdelightful.”
“She’sabitch,andsoaretheothergirlsintheircircle.Theguysarebastardswhoallhatemebecause

I’mricherandsmarterthanthem.PlustheyallwantTami,too.”

“Whatisshe,somesortofmagicalbeing?”
“Stella,”Reinawarnsme.
“I’mjustasking.Imean,everygirlinAustinwantstobeher,andeveryguywantsher.Includingsome

assholeboybander.”

“Kaceisn’tanasshole.He’sreallycool.He’sspentabunchoftimewiththekids,andheletsmehang

outwithhimandtheotherguysallthetime.”

Ofcoursehedid.He’sjustasaint.AndI’mthesinner.Shootmenow.
“So,what?YouwantmetogobacktoAustinwithyouandtrytomakehimjealoussoheleavesyour

girlandshecomesrunningbacktoyou?Sorry,butitwon’twork.Kacehatesmenow.”

“Youknowhim?”
“Um,yeah.Wedatedafewweeksago.”
“Youdidn’ttellusthat,Reina,”Courtneysays.
“Youaskedforastylistforyourson.Stella’sourstylist.”
Astylist.Theydidn’twantadate,theywantedastylist.Well,fuckme.“I’dlovetohelpyou,Chris.”
“You’llbemydateforthegala?”
“Whathappenedtoneedingastylist?”
“Well,Ineedthat,too.ButBrookewillknowwhoyouareifyoudatedKace,andshe’llfreak.Wayne

doesn’twanttogetwithyoubyanychance,doeshe?”

“Waynewantstogetwithanythingthat’smoving.Why?”
“HeandBrookearehookingup.Shelordsitovereveryone,thinkingshe’stheshit.”
“CallTegan,”ItellReina.
“Who’sTegan?”Chrisasks.
“Wayne’skryptonite.”
“Seriously?”
“Ohyeah.Ifshewalksintotheroom,hewon’tevenrememberthatthisBrookechickisthere.Ihavea

question,though.IfTami’swithKace,howisshenottheQueenBee?”

“She’snotreallywithhim.”
“Chris,we’vetalkedaboutthis.He’sgonewithhertotheclubseveraltimesfordinner.”
“Theydon’tholdhands,andI’veonlyeverseenhimkisshercheek.Whentheydance,it’snotclose—

heholdsherveryformally.They’rebothpretending.”

“Andyouwantherback?Sheupanddumpedyoutopretendtodatearockstar,butyou’regoingtotake

herback,justlikethat.”

“Don’tyouwantKaceback?”
“No.”
“You’relying.Isawyougrippingyourchairwhenmymommentionedhim.”
Ismileforreal,myfirstoneinalongtime.“IthinkIlikeyou,Chris.Yes,IwantKaceback,butthat’s

not an option. I’ll help you, though. I can see the hottie peeking out from your bad clothing and hair
choices.WhenI’mdonewithyou,Tamiwillbebeggingforit.”

“’It’?Ohmy,IthinkIloveyou,Stella,”Courtneysayswithalaugh.
“Calmdown,Mom.I’dnevermakeherbegformeor…or…that.”
“That’soneofthethingswe’regoingtoworkon.Youneedtobeallalphaandclaimher.Especiallyif

you’rewalkingintothatgalawithme.IalreadyknowwhatI’mwearing,andthoselittlebastardswho’ve
tormentedyouaregoingtofallatmyfeet,andthosecattybitchesaregoingtofallatyours.Thenwe’ll
walkrightoverthem.”

“You’reprettyconfident.”
“Ihavereasontobe.”
“Thisisgoingtobethemosttalkedaboutgalainourhistory.”
“Isn’tthatwhatyoucameherefor,Courtney?”
“Honestly,Ijustwantedamakeoverformysontoshowthatgirlwhatshe’smissing.Butthis,wellthis

issomuchbetter.”

“The first step is still the makeover. Let’s go down to my office, Chris, and we’ll plan out your

transformation.Anddon’tworry,Istillwantyoutobe‘you,’we’rejustgoingtoenhancethegoodlooks
Godgaveyoualittle.Andhelpyoubealittlebolder.”

Thisisgoingtobefun.Really,reallyfun.Chrisisaniceguy,andI’mnotsurethisTamichickdeserves

him.He’snotgoingtobethemeekguysheleftbehindwhenIgetdonewithhim.ImayevenletTegan
help.

***

Kace

Austinhasbeengreatforthemostpart.UntilWaynehookedupwiththatbitch,Brooke.She’sdefinitely

noTegan,andTamiisnothinglikeStella.Iguessthat’swhyI’mplayingalongwithher.Iknowthere’sno
chanceofanythinghappeningbetweenus.IjustwantthebombshellIcannolongerhave,andshewants
thenicestguyontheplanet.Whoshe’scurrentlyfuckingwith.Ireallyshouldn’tbeparticipatinginthis.I
likeChris.

“YouthinkingaboutStellaagain,bro?”
“No.”
“Yeah,youwere.Youshouldcallherandgiveherachancetoexplain.”
“There’snothingtoexplain,Brett.Shekeptthetruthaboutusfromme.Ican’tgetpastthat.”
“YouforgaveMomandMarv.Andtheykeptthesecretforlonger.”
“Mom sacrificed almost my whole life to make sure I was fed and clothed. She thinks I don’t know

aboutthenightsshewentwithoutfoodsoIcouldeat,butIdo.Ican’tjustturnmybackonher.Andshe’sa
package deal with Marv, now that they’re working on their relationship. I still can’t believe he can
forgive her, though. I guess being in love with someone for over twenty years makes you a little more
opentothat.”

“Butyoucanturnyourbackonthewomanyoucouldbewithforevenmorethantwentyyearsifyou

werewillingtoworkonit?Thewomanyoulove.”

“Loved.Pasttense.”
“Love.Presenttense.”
“I’mwithTaminow.”
“Bullshit.Thatgirl’ssohunguponChrisit’sawondershehasn’taccidentallystrangledherself.And

youaren’tfuckingher,that’sforsure.”

“Wayne’sfuckingherfriend.”
“So,what?We’resupposedtojusthookupwithherfriendsinashowofsolidarity?Iwouldn’ttouch

oneofthoseguyswithatenfootpole.”

Idon’tblamehim.They’reabunchofpompousassholes.Iftheyweren’tsodumb,they’dhavefigured

outbynowthatBrett’sgay.Andthenwe’dhavetokicktheirassesbecausetheywouldn’ttakeitwell.
And I wouldn’t go for anyone saying shit about my brother. Even before I knew he was my brother, I
would’vethrowndownforhim.Anyday,anywhere.IknowWaynefeelsthesame.

Beforewecantalkanyfurther,Tamicomesinlookinglikesomeonekickedherpuppy.“What’swrong,

sweetheart?”

“ImissChris.”
“Wellofcourseyoudo.He’sawesome.Ikeephopinghe’lldecideheswingsmywayandIcanhave

himformyself,”Bretttellsher.

“Hedoesn’t.Buthe’dacceptyou.”
“Healreadydoes.Wehangoutsometimes.”
“Soyouknowwhereheis?Hewon’tanswermytextsanymore.”
“You’retextinghim?ShouldIbejealous?”Iasksarcastically.
“Shutup.Youcouldcareless.”
“Actuallythat’snottrue.IlikeChris,too.Notinaplayfortheotherteamkindofway,butheispretty

cool.”

“Iknow.That’swhyImisshimsomuch.IknowBrookethinkshe’sjustanerd,butIthinkhe’shot.He

hasmuscles,andIpracticallymeltwhenhekissesme.Healwayssayssuchsweetthingstome,too.Orat
leastheusedtobeforeIstartedactingstupidandpretendingtobeintoyou.”

“Wow.Firstyou’retextingyourex,andnowyou’resayingit’sstupidtobewithme.Areyoutryingto

totallyannihilatemyego?”

“Youknowyou’rehotandcouldhaveanygirlyouwant.Istilldon’tknowwhyyou’regoingalongwith

thisforme.”

“Becausehe’stoostubborntogoafterthegirlhewants,”Bretttellsher.
“Youneveransweredmyquestion.DoyouknowwhereChrisis?”
“Yes.Idoinfactknow.Andno,I’mnottellingyou.Iwilltellyouthathe’snotcomingbackasthesame

guyhelefthereaweekago.”

“Buthe’sokay?”
“Yeah, and he’ll probably be better than okay when he gets back for the gala this weekend. So you

shouldbepreparedtobegifyouwanthimback.”

“Hewouldn’tmakemebeg.”
“TheoldChriswouldn’thave,butnewandimprovedChrismostdefinitelywill.”
“Idon’twantanewChris,Iwantmysweetboyfriendback.”
“Thenyoushouldn’thavemessedwithhimlikeyouweredoing.Allforsomebitchwhopretendstobe

yourfriendsoyou’llspendyourmoneyonher.”

“Iknow.IneedtogethimbackandstophangingoutwithBrooke.”
“Thendoit.Don’tjustsayit.I’mnotkiddingabouthimchanging.It’shappening.Hestillwantsyou,but

he’snotgoingtobeameeklittlepuppywhoplaysdeadforyouanymore.”

“Iwill.I’mgoingtotakehimbackatthegala.”
“Hisdatemighthavesomethingtosayaboutthat.”
“Hehasadate?”Who?”
“Someonewhoyou’renomatchfor.AndIsaythatassomeonewho’scometoloveyou,Tami.”
She leaves soon after that, and I look over at my brother from well, my mother, and say what I’ve

wantedtoforthelasthalfhour.“You’reprettywise.”

“YesIam.Whichiswhyyoushouldlistentome,andcallStella.”
“Forthelasttime,I’mnotcallingStella.I’mnevercallingStella.”
“Thenyou’reanevenbiggeridiotthanIthoughtyouwere,”saysavoicefrombehindme.
IturntoseeMalloryDanielsstandingwithmymom.Mom’swringingherhandstogetherandlookingon

the verge of a breakdown. Oh, hell no. We’re still working on our relationship, but I won’t let anyone
messwithher.“Whatthefuckareyoudoinghere,upsettingmymom?”

“She’snotupsettingme.I’mupsetbecausethere’ssomethingIshould’vetoldyouafewweeksago.I

was too much of a coward then, and, honestly, I’m still feeling cowardly. But I don’t want any more
secretsbetweenus.”

“Whatmorecouldyoupossiblyhavetotellme?Dowehaveatriplet?”
“I need to tell you the truth about Stella. About what I…and others did to her to make her keep my

secret.”

Theydidsomethingtoher?Shekeptsayingshecouldn’ttellme,butIthoughtshewaslying.Evenwhen

shewascollapsingandcrying,beggingmetolistentoher,Ididn’t.Isitbackdownandputmyheadinmy
hands.“Tellme.”

“MaybeBrettshouldleave,”Mallorysays.
“I’vetoldhimeverything.”
“AndItalktoStellaorherassistant,Kevin,everyday.”
“Youdo?”Iaskhim,shockedthathe’sbeendoingthat.
“Yeah.Iwantedtomakesureshewasokay,butnottoookay,sothatwhenyougotyourheadoutofyour

ass,she’dtakeyouback.Sinceourmotherstoppedcallingher,Ifeltlikesomeoneshould,andbesides,I
reallylikeher.”

“Issheokay?”
“Notevenclose.ButIwanttohearthisstory.Wecantalkabouthowshe’sdoinglater.”
I nod, and motion for my mom and Mallory to sit down. Brett moves over to sit next to me. No one

speaksforacoupleofminutes,soIcrossmyarmsandraiseaneyebrowatmymom.Shetakesadeep
breathandlooksmeintheeye.

“WhenReinatoldmethey’danalyzedthetapeChadgavethem,IknewIwasintrouble.AssoonasI

sawthepictures,Iknewwhatnightthatwas.MarvandIhadarguedabouttellingbothofyouthetruth.I
endedupwinningtheargument,by…umm…persuadinghim.Anyway,Icouldn’tletyoufindout.Iknew
you’dhateme.AndIknewStellawouldtellyou.SoIhadReinacallameetingandItoldthemallthat
MarvandIwouldholdapressconferenceandexposetheSocietyifStellatoldyou.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I ask, jumping from my seat to pace around the room. “They do good

things,Mom.Theysavepeople.”

“I know. And I’m not proud of what I’ve done. Because it wasn’t just that. Stella came to me and

beggedmetotellyou.ShesaidChadwouldeventuallytellyou,butIwouldn’tlisten.Iwashorribleto

herand,again,threatenedherwithexposure.Youdon’tknowhowbadlyIfeel.”

“NotasbadlyasIdo.OrtheotherwomenattheSociety,”Mallorysays.
“Whatthehelldidyoudotoher?”
“Weusedguilttoensurehersubmission.Atonepoint,ReinawassurethatshewasgoingtotellyousoI

flewinandaskedherifshe’dbeabletolivewithherselfifwefailedtosavepeoplejustsoshecould
holdontoarelationshipwithyou.Wehadtoprotectourselves,butsacrificingStellawasthehardestthing
I’veeverdoneinmylife.Shelovesyousomuch,Kace.”

“I hate you. I fucking hate all of you. How could you do that to her? How could I do that to her? I

should’veknown.Ishould’velistenedtoher.Whythehelldidn’tIlistentoherwhensheneededme?”

OhGod.Ihatemyselfmostofall.ThethingsIsaidtoher.Theimageofhercurledupandshakingas

shecried.AllthetimesItoldheritdidn’tmatterifshehadtokeepsomethingfromme.Thewayshemade
herselfstanduptomeattheend.

Ican’ttakeit,soIgrabthelampnexttomeandflingitacrosstheroom.Thenthevasesanddecorative

things. The chairs and end tables are next, but it’s still not enough. My mom and Mallory have left the
room—andprobablythehouse—butBrett’sstillherewithme.Iflipthecouchoverandfalltomyknees.

HekneelsbesidemeandholdsmeasIcryforwhatI’velost.WhoI’velost.Ihadthemostamazing

womanintheworld,andIgaveuponher.Onus.ShesaidI’dhavetobegifIcameback,andI’lldoit.
I’llcrawlonmyfuckinghandsandkneestoherdoorandbeg.IknowIpromisedherthatIwouldnever
beg,butthisisonepromiseIhavenoproblembreaking.

IhugBrett,andstandup.BeforeIcantellhimmyplan,WayneandBrookewalkin.“Whathappenedin

here.Didya’llhavearaveorsomething?”

“Getthefuckoutofmyhouse,bitch.”
“I’mherewithWayne.”
“Getout,”hetellsher.
“Wayne.”
“Brosbeforehos.Ifhewantsyougone,you’regone.”
“Whataboutthegala?”
“He’llgowithyoutothegala,butdon’tcomearoundbeforeorafter,”Bretttellsher.
Shestormsout,andwebothlookatBrett.Waynespeaksfirst.“WhywouldyousayI’dgowithher?”
“Becauseit’sgoingtobefunwhenyouleaveherforTegan.”
“Tegan’sgoingtothegala?Why?How?”Wayneasks.Iwannaknow,too.
“BecauseshelikesChris,whichmeansshehatesBrooke.So,she’scomingtoteachheralesson.You’ll

playalong,right?”

“Fuckyeah.I’ddoanythingTeganwantedmetodo.”
I’mconfused.“HowdoesTeganevenknowChris?”
“HeneededamakeoversoIhookedhimupwiththeFoundation.”
“YoumeanyouhookedhimupwithStella.”
“Well yeah, and I’ve seen pictures. He’s looking even hotter than you. And Kevin says she’s also

turninghimintoaconfidentalpha.HeeventoldoffMattCorrigantheotherday.”

“IsStellagoingtothegala?”
“She’shisdate.AndI’veseenwhatshe’swearing,too.You’regoingtobeonyourknees,begging,even

ifyouweren’tplanningonit.”

“IwasactuallyplanningtogetonaplanetoVegasandbegherforanotherchance.Thiswillbesomuch

better.”

“Andhe’sgoingtobedoingmorethanbeggingwhenhe’sonhisknees,”Waynesays.

“Wellyeah,butIalsooweheradate,”Itellthemwithasmile.

Chapter16

Stella

Tonight’s the night. Chris is going to unleash his inner alpha on the unsuspecting assholes in his life.

AndI’mgoingtoseeKaceafteralmostamonthapart.We’rebothreadytogointobattle.

I’vedressedhiminablacksuitthat’stailoredtohugallthemuscleshe’dbeenhiding.Theboy’sbuilt.

NotlikeMattorNate,buthe’srockingsomeawesomebiceps,pecs,andabs.Underthesuit,he’sgotona
deepblueshirtthatmakeshiseyespop.Iconvincedhimtowearnotie,andunbuttonthetoptwobuttons
ofhisshirt.Ihavehishairspikedandmessysothatitlookslikehejustrolledoutofbedafterfuckinga
womanhard.Tocompletehislook,I’vegivenhimanewpairofglasses.He’stotallyembracingthesmart
mixedwiththesexy,andTeganandKevinbothlookedliketheywantedtoclimbhimwhenwewalkedout
oftheguesthousebedroom.

I’mlookinghot,too.Icansaythatsinceit’smostlythedress.Ihadthedesigneraltertheblackdress

Kaceliked.Thelongsleevesandlengtharegone.Soit’sshortanddeliciouslysheer.Mytitslookgreat,
and it’s doing all kinds of favors for my ass. I have high heeled booties on that are shiny black with a
sheerpanelinthemiddle.Myhair’supinatwistwithalittlecascadeoverthebackofmyheadthatjust
brushesmyback.Ifhedoesn’tbegwhenheseesmeinthisdress,thenIdon’tknowwhattodo.Hehasto
beg,though.Iwon’tsettleforless.Evenifitmeanshehastobreakapromiseforthefirsttimeinhislife.
I’mworthatleastthatmuch.

WeletTeganwalkinaheadofus.ShegoesrightuptoWayneandsitsonhislap.Hewrapshisarms

aroundherandkissesherlikehewantstoeatheralive.Whichhedoes.IcantellexactlywhoBrookeis
becauseshelookslikeshemightliterallyexplode.AndwhenTeganleadsWaynetothedancefloor,she
does.

“Whatareyoudoing,Wayne?Yousaidyoudidn’twanttodance.”
“Idon’twanttodancewithyou.I’ddoanythingforTegan,though.Anything.”
“Yesyouwill,baby,”Teegsaysasshegrindsonhim.
She’slaying it onthick and we’reloving every second ofit. “Damn, Stella.I shouldn’t have enjoyed

thatasmuchasIjustdid,butitwasprettyawesome.Hedidn’tevenhesitate.”

“Kryptonite,”Iremindhimwithasmile.
Brookesitsbackdownandtriestolooklikeshedoesn’tcare.That’sourcue.WewalkinandIseeher

mouthdropopen.Tamilookslikeshemightfaint.Kacelookshappytoseeme.Heshould.

ChrisdoesexactlywhatItoldhimto.Hewalksmeovertowherethey’reallsitting.“Hey,Kace.”
“HiChris.You’relookinggood.”
“Iknow.”
Kacealmostspitsoutthebeerhejusttookasipof.Thenhe’ssmilingatme.“You’regood.”
“Youalreadyknowthat.”
“Idoindeed.”
“You look desperate in that dress,” Brooke tells me with a sneer on her face. “He doesn’t want you

anymore.DidyounotgetthememowhenhedumpedyouinVegas?”

“ButI’mnotdesperate.That’swherewediffer.Ididn’tcomehereforKace,Icameheretomakesure

youleavemyfriendChrisalone.He’sagoodguyanddoesn’tdeserveshitfromyoujustbecausehedidn’t

fitintoyouneatlittlecountryclubmold.Havesomedignityandstopbeingabitch.”

“Idon’thavetolistentothis.Sowhatifyoudressedhimup,anddidhishair?He’sstillthesameloser

asalways.ComeonTami,let’sgo.”

“Iwanttostayhere.WithChris.Ifhe’llhaveme.Willyou?I’msosorry.Iknowyouhaveadate,but

wouldyoupleasedancewithme,sowecantalk?”

Insteadofspeaking,hegrabsherfromthecouchandkissesthefuckoutofher.JustlikeItoldhimto.

Whentheybreakapart,hetakesherhandandlooksoveratme.“Thanksforeverything,Stella.”

“Anytime,Chris.”
“Oh my God. You poor slut. First Kace dumps you, and now nerdy Chris just left you standing here

alone.”

“It’sreallynoneofyourbusiness,butI’mgoingtorespondtoyouanyway.Yes,Kacedumpedme.And

I’mChris’sstylist,somyjobwastogethimandTamibacktogether.Butevenifthishadbeenarealdate,
I’dbehappytosendhimoffwiththegirlheloves.Oh,andthewomanwithWayne?She’smybestfriend.
I brought her here because he can’t resist her and you need to be knocked down a few million pegs.
AnythingIforgot?”

“Me,”Kevinsays,walkingupandkissingmeonthecheek,beforegoingtoBrettandkissinghimonthe

lips.Theguysinthegroupalllookliketheywanttorun.

“Ohyeah,myassistantKevinishereforBrett.Haveanicenight.”
I’veonlygoneafewstepsbeforeIfeelKace’shandonmywaistandhisbreathonmyneck.“I’mgoing

tobeg.Don’tdoubtthatforasecond.Andithasnothingtodowiththefactthatyou’rewearingmydress.
OrthatI’mabouttwosecondsfromblowingmyloadrighthereinmypantsbecauseI’mtouchingyou,”he
saysasherubsmyhip.

“Maybeyoushouldletmegoifyoucan’thandletouchingme.”
“WebothknowIcanhandleyou,love.MymomandMallorytoldmeeverything,butIshouldn’thave

neededthemto.Ishould’vebelievedyou.I’msosorrythatIdidn’t.IwasreadytogetonaplanetoVegas
untilBretttoldmeyouwerecominghere.”

“That’sallreallynice,butitdidn’tsoundlikebegging,andyou’renotonyourknees.”
Ishouldletitgo.HejustsaideverythingIwantedtohear.Buthehurtme,andIdeservehimbegging.
“That wasn’t the begging, but it is coming. And then, if you forgive me, you’ll be coming all night.

WhileI’monmykneessomemore.”

“We’llsee.”
IpullawayfromhimandgohangoutwithCourtney.Shelovesthe“new”Chris.He’sreallythesame

oldChriswithalittlemoreconfidenceandbetterclothes.Ilikedhimtoomuchtototallychangehim.

When Brooke and her little coven realize that no one’s paying any attention to them, they leave. I’m

pretty sure they won’t be back since Tami and Chris aren’t going to allow themselves to be bullied or
bossedaroundanymore.Myworkhereisdone,butI’mnotleaving.IwanttoseeKacesing.

Thetriotakesthestage,thankingeveryoneforcomingoutandsupportingsuchagreatcause.Theytalk

abouthowthey’vebeenenjoyingAustinastheygetreadytore-launchthegroup.Theytellthecrowdhow
sadtheyaretobeleaving,butknowit’stimetogetbacktotheirstageshowinVegas.Iknowthehotelhad
giventhemamonthlonghiatus,butwantedthembacktofulfilltheircontractednumberofperformances.I,
forone,amveryhappyaboutit.

“Beforewesingoursongs,Iwanttotakeitbacktothe1980sandsingasongtothewomanIlove.I

wasanidiotandwalkedawayfromher.ButIwantherback,andI’mwillingtobeg.”

Thecrowdpartsforhimashewalksuptome.Asthefirstnotesofthesongstart,hedropstohisknees

singingabouthowharditistosayhe’ssorry.Ofcourse,hechoseasongbyChicago,andnotoneofhis

ownbecausethiswasjustforme.Whenthesong’sover,hesaysthewordsIneed.“I’msosorry,Stella.I
reallyandtrulyam.Iwasthebiggestasshole,andthebiggestidiotintheworldcombinedwhenIwalked
awayfromyou.PleasegivemeanotherchancetoshowyouhowmuchIloveandneedmyBombshell.”

Ibendoverandkisshim,whileeveryonecheers.Hestandsandholdsmyhandashewalksusbackto

thestage.IstandinfrontwithTegan,Kevin,Chris,andTami.Weallsinganddanceastheyperform.Just
likethefirsttimeIwatchedhim,Igetaroseandakissbetweeneachsong.Whenthey’redone,wemingle
for a little bit, and then he sneaks us out to his car and drives to the mansion the guys bought here in
Austin.

Istopinsidethedoorandjuststareatthedestructionbeforeme.“Didyougetrobbed?”
“No.Afewdaysago,IwastoldaboutwhatotherpeopledidtomakethewomanIlovekeepasecret

fromme.Iwentalittlecrazy.”

“Youleftitlikethis,K?”
“Iwantedeveryonetoremembertonevermesswithusagain.”
“That’salittletwisted,andsomehowveryhot.”
“Areyoufeelinghorny,Bombshell?”
“Ihaven’thadyourcockinsidemeinalmostamonth.Whatdoyouthink?”
“IthinkweneedtogettomyroomsoIcangetonmykneesandtakecareofyou.”
“Let’srun.”
Weendupwalkingratherquickly,andImakesuretolockthebedroomdoorleadinghertowheremy

musicalinstrumentsareintheattachedsittingroom.Inthemiddleofthemallisaslabofgraniteontopof
someshorttablelegs.IthoughtitlookedcoolwhenIsawit,andIuseitnowasawritingsurfacewhen
I’mcomposing.It’stheperfectheight.

Iliftherupandpushherdown.“I’mgoingtotakethisdressofflater,butnotyet.Rightnowjustyour

wetpantiesarecomingoff.”

“Howdoyouknowthey’rewet?”
“We’reinthesameroomtogetherwhichmeansI’mhardenoughtobreakthingswithmycock,andyou

couldcausearivertoflow.”

“That’ssopoetic.Maybeyoushouldwriteitintoasong.”
“Youlaughnow,butyou’llbescreamingsoon,”ItellherasIgetonmyknees.
Ireachunderherdressandtearthethongfromherbody.Then,Igrabheranklesandplaceherfeeton

myshoulders,soherheelsarediggingintomyshouldersthroughmysuit.“No.”shetellsme.

“No?”Seriously?Shedoesn’twantthis?
“Takeyourjacketandshirtofffirst.”
Ikissherankles,oneatatime,andthenlowerthemdowntohangoffthetable.Idowhatshewants,and

thenputherfeetbackwheretheybelong.Leaningforward,Isuckherintomymouth,dartingmytongueout
tofindherclit.

“Kace.”
IsmileagainstherasIcontinuetodrivehercrazywithmylipsandtongue.Ibitehergently,andshe

fliesoffthetable,diggingherheelsintomehard.That’sgoingtoleavesomemarks,andIcan’twaitto
seethem.ToseewhatImadeherdotome.

“More,Kace.More.”
Shewantsmyfingers.Ifthiswasmyshow,I’dmakeherwaitalittlelonger.Buttonightisallher.She

camebackherewithme,butIknowIstillneedtoworkforit,forher.Islidethreefingersintoherand
feelhowclosesheis.Icurlmymiddlefinger,makingsuretohitherspot.

“Yes.Ohmy.God.Justlikethat.YouknowwhatIneed.”

Fuckyeah,Ido.Ikeepmyfingersmoving,butremovemymouth,replacingitwithmythumb.Iusemy

otherhandtospreadherlegswideonthetableasIclimboverher.I’moffmykneesforthemoment,butI
can’tdowhatsheneedswhileI’monthem.

She’sbitingherlipandwatchingmeasIplacemyhandbyhersidetoholdmyselfupalittle.Ilean

overandusemyteethtomovethefabricofherdressenoughforhernippletomakeanappearance.Ilick
it,andthensuckitintomymouththroughthesheerfabric.IgivetheotheronesimilarattentionwhenIfree
it,andIstarttofeelherclencharoundmyfingers.

Mynamefallsoutofhermouthbeforeshescreams.She’sthrashingonthetableandIcanbarelyhold

ontoherasshekeepscomingandcoming.DamnI’mgood,butI’llalsoconcedethatourtimeapartmay
havehadalittletodowithit.Justalittle.

“Youcamesohard,love.I’mgoingtodothatagain.”
I start to move my head back down, but she stops me. “Give me your cock. Now. I need to suck you

off.”

Noguyontheplanetisgoingtosaynotohavinghisdicksucked.AndI’mmostdefinitelyaguy.My

pantsareoffinsecondsandIclimboverheruntilI’mstraddlingherneck.There’snofuckingwayI’m
havinghergetonherkneesformetonight.Ormaybeever.Justnotgonnahappen.

“Youwanttobeincontrolofit,huh?”
“No.Ijustwon’tletyougetonyourkneesforme.”
“Youknowthatbysayingthat,you’remakingmewanttogetonmyknees.”
“Nottonight.”
“Ithoughtthiswasmyshow?”
“Itis.That’swhyI’mlettingyouputyourmouthonme,whenwebothknowIshouldn’tgetevenone‘o’

tonight.Idon’tdeserveit.”

“Youjustmadesurethatyoudid,”shesaysasshesucksmypiercingintothatperfectmouthofhers.
Ileanbackandletherhaveherwaywithme.ItfeelsevenbetterthanhowIrememberedit.Hermouth,

and tongue, and oh God, a little bit of teeth. I fight to not thrust into her mouth as I get closer. I almost
camewhenIwasgoingdownonhersoitdoesn’ttakelongbeforeI’myellingouthernameandfalling
forwardtograbtheedgeofthetablebehindher.

“IthinkIjustsawGod,”ItellherwhenIcanfinallyspeak.
“Didnot,”shetellsmewithaslapontheass.“Youjustexperiencedtheawesomenessofasinner.”
Imoveoffofherandpullheruptositwithme.“Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”
“Webothknowwhothesaintisinthisrelationship,andit’snotme.”
“Really?BecauseIseemtorecallyoubeingabadassspywhosaveswomenandchildren.Andhow

exactly am I saint when I just had my cock down your throat. I hate to break it to you, but pretty much
everyone on Earth is a sinner. We all sin in one way or another. Well, maybe not the Pope. He’s pretty
cool. But anyone who tells you they’re a saint is lying, and anyone who disparages you as a sinner is
condemningthemselves.”

“You’reprettywiseforayoungkid.”
“I’vebeenhangingaroundBrett.Alittlemusthaverubbedoff.”
“He’sagreatguy.”
“Yeahheis.”
“Hisbrother’snottoobad,either.”
“I’maworkinprogress.”
“Metoo.”

“I’m sorry I brought you up here for sex before we had a chance to really talk. I just needed you so

much. I missed you so much. Not just this way. I mean…I miss everything about you, not just your hot
body.”

“Idon’tbelieveIwascomplainingatallduringanypartofwhatjusttookplace.Wecantalknow,or

afteryouravishmeafewmoretimes.Aslongaswegettoit,eventually.”

“Afewtimes,huh.”
“Well,youdohavethatyummystaminathinggoingforyou.”
“Mycockjustlovesyourpussy.ButIdohavesomethingtoaskyou.Idon’twanttowait.”
“Aslongasthere’snoringinvolved,youcanaskmeanything.”
Ouch.“Youdon’twantaringfromme,Stella?”
“Notyet.We’renotreadyforthatyet.ButI’dsayyesifthat’swhatyou’regoingtoaskme.Idowantto

marryyouoneday.Wejustneedalittlemoretimetogether.”

“That’sarelief.Iwasworriedyoujustwantedmeformybody.”
“That’sjustanaddedbonus.It’syourheartandsoulIwant.”
“They’reallyours.Whichbringsmetomyquestion.TheguysandIwillprobablyhavetotourandshit

afterwerecordournextalbum.IwashopingIcouldmakeVegasmyhomebase,though.”

“Wouldyouliketomakemyhomeyour‘homebase’?”
“Yeah.Butifit’stoosoonforthat,too,Icanfindanapartmentclosebyorsomething.”
“Iwouldlovetosharemyplacewithyou.Wecanmakeitlessgirly.”
“Ohno.Yourapartmentissexy.Iloveit.”
“Atleastletmegiveyouamancave.”
“I’mnothidingoutfromyouwhenI’mthere.”
“Amusicroom?”
“Okay,thatI’llagreeto.”
“I’llhaveChloegetstartedontransformingtheguestroom.”
“Notyourdressingroom?Imean,thatroom’sbiggerandhasreallygoodacoustics.”
Shegoesstill,andIseetheemotionspassoverherface.Shock,sadness,alittleanger,andthendefeat.

“You-youcanhavethatroomifitwouldbebetterforyou.”

“Never.Iwouldnevertakethatroomfromyou.MyBombshellneedsroomforallherprettythings.I

wasjustmessingwithyou.”

“ThankGod.Imean,Iloveyou,butthatroomismyhappyplace.”
“I’vedonesomeveryhappythingstoyouinthatroom.”
“Yes,youhave.”
“I’mabouttodosomeofthemtoyouinthisroom,”ItellherasIlaydownandpullherontopofme.
“NotifIdothemtoyoufirst,”shesaysassheslidesontomycock.

Chapter17

Kace

We spent all night and most of the early morning making up for the time we lost with each other’s

bodiesthesepastweeks.Today,I’mgoingtostarttomakeupforthelosttimeofbeingromanticandin
love.Ihavetheperfectdayplannedforus.

“Areyoureadyforourdatetoday,love?”
“Date?”
“IoweyoutheperfectdatetomakeupfortheoneIruined.”
“Oh.Youdon’thavetodothat.Ithoughtwe’dgohometoday.Iwasgoingtohangoutwithmyfriends

tonight.”

I’vealreadytakencareofthoseplans,butI’mnotgoingtotellheraboutit.Whyshehasn’ttoldmeit’s

herbirthdaytodayisalittlebeyondme,though.Ialmosttoldher“happybirthday”whenImadehercome
rightaftermidnight,butIfiguredshehadareasonfornotlettingmeknow.Hopefully,she’lleithertellme
—orI’llfigureoutwhyshewon’t—beforetonight.IonlyknowbecauseBretttoldme.

“Umm…okay.IguesswecangobacktoVegasifyoudon’twanttospendthedaywithmehere.”
“That’snotit,K.OfcourseIwanttobewithyou.I’vejusthadplansfortonightforalongtime.”
“Igetit.Iwouldn’ttakeyoufromyourfriends.Howaboutifwedomostofthedate?We’retwohours

aheadhere,soifIgetyouonaplaneby7,you’llbeinVegasaround8.Isthattoolate?”

Abigsmilelightsupherfaceasshereachesovertokissme.“That’llwork.I’lltellTegantoletthe

girlsknow.I’massumingshe’shereinthehousewithWayne.”

“FuckifIknow.I’veonlybeenconcernedaboutthewhereaboutsofonewoman.”
“Ihaven’tbeenoutofyoursightformorethanacoupleminutessincethegala.”
“Iknow.It’sbeenperfect.”
“Yeah.Itreallyhas.”
“We should get in the shower so we make it out of here in time for breakfast at Kerby Lane.” It’s an

Austininstitution,andIknowshe’lllikeit.

“Idon’ttakethatlongtogetready,”shesays,clearlyoffended.
“Iknow,butI’mplanningtomakeyoucomeatleasttwomoretimesbeforeweleave.AndIknowhow

muchyouloveitintheshower.”

“Ido.Allthatwaterrunningoveryoursexymusclesandcock.Andyourass.Idon’ttalkaboutyourass

much,butIreallydoloveit.”

“Whythankyou.Ienjoywatchingthewaterrunoverallofyou,too.It’soneofmyfavoritethings.”
“Sowhatarewedoingouthere?”sheasks,hoppingfromthebedtoruntothebathroom.
“Vixen.That’syourthirdnickname.Vixen,”IsaywhenIwalkinandseeheralreadyunderthewater.
“Nope.Twoisenough.”
“Twoisneverenough,”ItellherasIjoinher.
Forty-fiveminuteslater,we’reinmycarheadedforthediner.Stellarestsherheadonmyshoulderand

Ikeepmyhandonherthigh.Wedon’thavealongwait,butwekeepourhandsconnected,regardless.It’s
likeneitheroneofuswantstolettheotheronego,everagain.I’mtotallyfinewiththat.

Afterwe’vethoroughlystuffedourselvesonspecialtypancakesandomelets,Idriveustoournextstop.

I park on the side of the road and lead her into the park, smiling as I look over at her. Stella looks
adorabletoday.Itoldhersheneededtowearboots,jeansandalongsleevedshirt.Shehadtwoofthe
three,buthadtoborrowoneofmybuttondowns.Iloveseeingmyplaidshirtonher.

Shehasherhairinaponytail,andIreachouttopullitlightly.“Whatwasthatfor?”
“Ialwayswanttopullyourhairwhenyouhaveitup.”
“Thenwhyhaven’tyou?”
“I’mnotreallyahairguy,soIthinkofitbutneverhaveanoverwhelmingneedtodoit.”
“EventhoughIpullyourhair?”
“Ilovewhenyoupullmyhair.ItusuallymeansI’mdrivingyouwildandyou’reabouttocome.”
“Yeah,itusuallydoes.”
“Whatdoyouthink?”IaskasIturnheraroundtoseewhereweare.
“Wow?Thisiscool.Reallycool.Whatisit?”
“GraffitiPark.Ithoughtyou’dlikeit.Wecanclimballthewaytothetop,butwehavetobecarefulto

watchforpoisonoak.That’swhyIneededyoutobecoveredup.”

“Let’sgo,”shesays,pullingmebehindher.
Stella climbs the walls like it’s nothing. I don’t know why I’m surprised, but I am. And also really

turnedon,whichismydefaultstatewhenshe’saround,butstill.Ilovethatshejustadaptstoanything.
Shecangofromdesignerclothestoanoldflannelandjeansandbejustassexyandcomfortableinboth.
WhenIfinallycatchuptoher,shekissesmehardbeforepullingoutherphoneforaselfieofuswiththe
cityinthebackground.

“Bestbi-Imeandayever.Bestdayever.”
Whywon’tshetellmeit’sherbirthday?Idon’tgetit,butIcontinuetoplayalong.Whenwegetback

downtostreetlevel,Iwalkherovertoanartistworkingonapiece.Shegaspswhensheseeswhatitis.

“Kace,youdidthis?”
“Ihiredhim,ifthat’swhatyoumean.Doyoulikeit?”
“Ifuckingloveit.OhmyGod.Canwegetapicture?”
“Yes.Wedefinitelyneedone.”
Ihandmyphonetotheartist,andhesnapsapickofusinfrontof“us.”OwenGriffinhelpedmefindthe

artist. I commissioned him to draw our caricatures inside a heart with the words “The boy and the
bombshellforever”writtenabovethem.Itcameoutgreat,andwhileIknowsomeonewillcomebyand
paintoveriteventually,IlovethatIcouldgivethistoheronherbirthday,evenifI’mnotsupposedto
know.

My next surprise is a change of clothes. I’d been told that we might get muddy, so I packed stuff for

myself and asked Tegan to bring me clothes for Stella. She’s known about all my plan. All of Stella’s
friendsknow.Theydon’tknowshehasn’ttoldmeit’sherbirthday,though.I’mnotascoolaboutitasI
wanttobe.Itactuallyhurtsalittle.Okay,alot.AndIreallyjustdon’tgetit.

***

Stella

Todayismybestbirthdayever.StartingwiththeawesomeorgasmIgotaftermidnight,andcontinuing

throughallthecoolthingsKaceplannedforussofartoday.Ican’twaittoseewhat’snext.

WejustchangedclothesandIamlovingtheoutfitTeganpackedforme.I’vegotonmyfavoriteskirt,

whichisblackandcoveredinchains.Asoftwhiteteeandoneofmyblackleatherjacketscompletethe

look. I taught her well, and she did good—except for the damn boots. Yes, she packed me rhinestone
encrustedblackcowboyboots.Theydolookcoolwiththeoutfit,butI’llnevertellherthat.

“Ofcourseshepackedyoucowboyboots.Theylookgreat,though.Youlookgreat.”
“Thanks.Sodoyou.”
He really does. He has on dark wash jeans, and an emerald green tee under a brown leather bomber

jacket.He’sthebestpartofmybirthday,eventhoughIhaven’ttoldhimthat’swhattodayis.Iwantto,but
thenhe’llfeelobligatedtobuymeapresentorchangehisplans.Iwanttojusthavefun,andnotputany
pressureonhim.He’salreadycuttingourdayshorttoflymebacktomyfriends.

“Areyoureadyforournextadventure?”
“Yes.”
Hesurprisesmebytakingmyhandandleadingmedownthestreetinsteadofintothecar.Asweturnat

thenextlight,myeyesgowide.Thereareallkindsoffunkylookingboutiquesandrestaurants.Iwantto
gointothemall.

That’sexactlywhatwedoforthenextfewhours.Igocrazyinthevintagestores,andenduphavinga

ton of things shipped back to Vegas. Kace insists on paying for everything, and since most of the
salespeoplerecognizehimandaskforautographsandpictures,IlethimbecauseIdon’twanttocausea
scenethatwillenduponYouTube.I’mgoingtopayhimback,though.Wecanfightaboutitinprivate.

We’vejusthadanamazingmealatoneofthecafes,sonowI’mreadytokeeplooking.Kacelooksathis

watch and gives me a sad smile. “We’re going to have to head back to the house for Tegan now if you
wanttomakeyourflighttime.”

“Oh.Yeah.Webettergo.”
Idon’twantto.IwanttostayherewithKace,shoppingandlaughingbeforegoinghometomakelove

allnightagain.ButImadeplans,andwhileIcould’vecanceledthem,Ididn’t.Anditwouldn’tbefairto
myfriendsifIcancelednow.Iknowit’snotfairtoKacethatI’mcuttingourmagicaldayshort.Orthathe
didn’tknowitwasmybirthday,butI’lltellhimlaterhowspecialit’sbeenforme.

Wepullintothedrivewayofhishouseandseethatonlyafewlightsareon.Kacestartstogetout,butI

havetocleartheaironsomethingfirst.“I’mpayingyouback.”

“What?”
“Forallthestufftoday.Ican’tletyoupayforallofthethingsIgot.It’salotofmoney.”
“Ifuckinghavealotofmoney,Stella.Iwantedtospoilyoutoday.WhatamIgoingtodowithitifI’m

notspendingitonthepeopleIlove?”

“Thisisn’tanegotiation,Kace.I’mpaying.”
“Whatever.I’mnotinthemoodtogoinsiderightnow,sojustgodowhatyouneedto.”
“Kace.”
“Pleasejustgo,Stella.IneedafewminutestocalmdownbecauseI’mreally,reallypissedrightnow.”
“Okay.I’llbebacksoonsinceIdon’treallyhaveanythingtopack.”
Hedoesn’trespond.AndhereIthoughttodaywasmybestbirthday.NowIthinkitmaybemyworst.I

walkuptothefrontdoorandpushitopen.Allthelightsgoonasmyfriendsyell“surprise.”OhmyGod.
No.

IturnandseethetaillightsofKace’scarleavingthedriveway.Heknewitwasmybirthdayanddid

everythinghecouldtomakeitspecial,includinghavingallmyfriendsflownin.AndnowIruineditall.
Again.

“Areyouokay,Stell?Where’sKace?”Teganasksme
Iturnandputasmileonmyface.“I’mgreat,justreallysurprised.Ican’tbelieveyou’reallhere.Kace

hadtotakecareofsomething.He’llbeback.”Maybe.

“Let’sgoupstairssoyoucanputonthecooldressheboughtyou,”Mymomsaystome.“We’llbeback

soon.Well,maybenotsoon.Sojusthavefun.”

I should’ve known something was wrong when she rushed me up here. She’s barely closed Kace’s

bedroomdoorwhensheturnstomewithadeathglare.“Whatthefuckiswrongwithyou?”

“Don’tholdback,Mom”
“Justtellmewhy.”
“Whywhat?”
“Don’tplaydumb.Youdidn’ttellhimitwasyourbirthday?Evenafterhewasdoingthings,andbuying

thingsforyouallday?Andthenyousaidyouweregoingtopayforthethingsheboughtyou—foryour
birthday—andthathehadnochoiceinthematter.”

“Ididn’tknowtheywereformybirthday.”
“Becauseforsomereason,youdidn’tthinkyoushouldtellhim.”
“Ididn’twanthimtofeelobligatedtodosomethingspecialforme.”
“He would’ve done all this for you, even if it wasn’t your birthday. But it is, and he wanted it to be

specialforyou.Hewantedtoshareitwithyou.Heplannedaprettyawesomedayforyou,andboughtthe
dressyou’vebeenwantingwithoutanyoneeventellinghimyouwantedit.”

Iturntoseethedarkgreendressonthebed.OhmyGod.I’vewantedthedressformonths.Icould’ve

boughtit,butIwantedsomethingtowearitfor.Somethingspecial.

“Youdidn’ttellhim?”
“No.”
“Kevin?”
“No. When he asked me to put it out for you, along with the accessories, I told him and he was so

happy.”

“Shit.”I’vescrewedup.Really,reallyscrewedup,andIhavetofindawaytofixit.
There’saknockatthedoor,andthenhe’swalkingintheroom.“Hi.IjustwantedtograbmysuitsoI

couldchangeintheguestroom.I’llbeoutofyourwayinaminute.”

“Kace,I’msorry.”
“Noworries.It’snotlikewe’reseriousoranything.We’rejusthavingfun,right?”
No.Pleaseno.“Youaskedtomoveinwithme.”
“I’llfindsomethingelse,”hesayswithashrug.
Icanseethehurthe’stryingtohidecrosshisface,ashetriestopretendthatthisisnothing.Thatwe’re

nothing.ItkillsmethatIputthepainthere.AndthistimeIhavenoonetoblamebutmyself.

Iwalkovertohim,andholdhisfacesohe’lllookatme.“Iloveyou,KaceReynolds.Ididn’tkeepmy

birthdayfromyoutohurtyou.Ididitsoyouwouldn’tfeellikeyouhadtodosomethingforme.Butyou
dideverythingformeanyway.AllIcouldthinkaboutalldaywashowthisisthebestbirthdayI’veever
had.Startingatmidnight,andgoinguntilIgotoutofyourcar.”

“Yourfriendsarehereforyou.You’llhaveagreattime.”
“Onlyifyou’renexttome,holdingmyhandandtryingtocopafeelwithoutmymomseeingyou.”
“Ihaven’tlefttheroomyet.”
“Nothingshocksyou,remember?”
“Leavingnow.”
“Soyouwantourdatetocontinue?”
“Iwantittoneverend.Pleasegivemeanotherchance.”
“I’llgiveyouamillionchancesaslongasrealizethatthisisreal,Stella.Whatwehaveisreal.There’s

noringyet,buttherewillbeoneday.Alongwithawedding.Itcanbeinadrive-thruchapelifyoudon’t

wantabigwhiteone.Butoneday,you’llbemywife.AtleastIhopeyouwill.”

“Oh,Idefinitelywill.Andjustsoyouknow,Iwantthebiggestweddinginthehistoryoftheworld.”
“Whateveryouwant,love.Didyoufindyourpresent?”
“Thedress?Ican’tbelieveyoupickeditoutonyourown.”
“Well,Idid.It’scooltoknowyou’vebeenwantingit,though.IguessIknowyouprettywell.”
“Iguessyoudo.”
Hewalkspastme,andIseehimpickupaboxfromthebed.AbeautifulTiffanybluebox.“Ithought

you’dlikethis,too.”

Itaketheboxfromhimandopenit.MymouthfallsopenasIstareatthemostbeautifulbraceletI’ve

everseen.It’sacuffmadeupofdifferentpanels.Eachonehasadifferentpattern.Somerounddiamonds,
somesquare,andsomerectangularwithsmallrounddiamondsinrowsbetweeneachpanel.Idon’teven
wanttoknowhowmuchitcost.BecauseIreallydon’tcare.Iloveit.

“Stella?Doyoulikeit?”
“Like?Iloveit.Imorethanloveit.It’sbeautifulandamazing.”
“Yes!Iacedthebirthdaytest.”
“Test?”
“Yeah.Youknow,the‘ishereallyagoodboyfriend’birthdaytest.”
“No,Idon’tknow.Butifthereisindeedatest,youdefinitelygotanA+.”

***

Kace

Stella’sbirthdaypartywasanoverwhelmingsuccess.Herfriendsallhadagreattime.Thegirlswent

crazyoverherbracelet,whichgotmeafewglaresfromtheguys.WhatcanIsay?Iknowmywoman,and
I’llalwaysmakesureshehaswhatshewants,evenifshedoesn’tknowshewantsityet.

A couple of months ago, I was dealing with a blackmailer and a different girl in my bed every night.

NowIhaveloveinmyheartandaBombshellinmybed.Plusabrother,afather,aswellasthecoolest
futuremother-in-lawever?Yep,lifeisgoodandit’sonlygoingtogetbetter.

Epilogue

Mason

WhenItoldmyfriendLukeGriffinwhatIthoughtwasgoingonattheprivateschoolIteachat,Inever

expectedtobesittinginaconferenceroomattheCorrigan&Co.Foundation.Lukesworemetosecrecy
andtoldmeaboutaSocietythat’spartofthefoundation.Hesaidithelpswomenandchildren,likethe
foundationdoespublicly.Justinadifferentway.Sinceahighschoolprostitutionringcoversbothwomen
and children, he convinced me to come here for help. He said they’d contact the police if they find
anythingconcrete.

“Thank you for coming in Mason. Luke said you think there’s a prostitution ring at your school,” the

womanheintroducedasReinasaystome.

“Yes.AndI’mprettysureit’sstudentrun.”
“Whatcluedyouin?”
“Iteachhistory,andwantedtodosomethingtoengagethestudentsalittlemore.Igavethemachanceto

writeanonymouslyaboutsomethingthat’shappenedinhistory,orwhatthey’dliketoseeinthefuture.I
gotfifteenpapersaboutwhyprostitutionshouldbelegalized.Andfourthatsaiditshouldn’t.Thosefour
talkedaboutgirlsbeingintimidatedandthreatenediftheydidn’tturntricks.”

“Icanseewhyyoumightbealarmed.”
“Istartedpayingmoreattentiontowhatwasgoingon,andIthinkIknowwhotheleaderofallthisis.

HisnameitKurt,andhisdad’soneofthewealthiestmeninthecity.I’msurehehasnoproblemfinding
clients.”

“Sinceyou’recomingtous,I’mgoingtotrustthatyou’renotinvolvedandconfirmthatKurtisindeed

thepersonincharge.”

“Howdoyouknowthat?”
“We’veactuallyhadsomeoneundercoverforoveramonth.”
“What?Who?”
“Me,Mr.Wells,”myfavoritestudentsaysasshewalksintotheroom.
Favorite because I can’t stop fantasizing about her while she sits in my class twirling her pencil as I

teach.I’vebeenbeatingmyselfupforlustingafterastudent.Butapparentlyshe’snotastudent.

“Isabelle,”Isay,soundingwaytoorelievedforevenmyownears.
“Yousoundrelievedtoseeme.”
“Iam.Imean,I…”Thisissonotgoingwell.
“OhmyGod.YouwanttobetheEzratoherAria,don’tyou?”Lukeasks,lookingatmewithasmirkon

hisface.

“Shutup,Luke.Andhowdoyouevenknowaboutthem?Youdon’tteachhighschool.”
“Olivialovesthatshow.”
“Cansomeonepleasecluemein,”Luke’smomsays.Whenhetoldmeshewaspartofallthis,Itold

himIalreadythoughthismomwascool,butnowIhadevenmorerespectforher.

“EzraandAriaarecharactersonaTVshow,PrettyLittleLiars.Hewasherteacher,andthey’reina

relationship,”Isabelletellsher.

“Sobasically,MasewantsIsa,”Luketellsher.

Iwanttodierightnow.Likeseriouslydie.AfterIkillLuke,ofcourse.
“Ididn’tcomehereforthis.I’mgladyouknowandaretakingcareofit.I’lljustbegoingnow.”
I get up and walk out of the room, stopping to lean back against the wall. Imagine my shock when

Isabellewalksintothehallafterme.“Isittrue?Doyouwantme?”

***

Isa

Ican’tbelieveIfollowedMr.Wells—Mason—outintothehallway.ButIneededtoknow.BecauseI

wanthim.Ineverunderstoodtheterm“hotforteacher”untilIwalkedintothatclassroomandsawhim.
Honestly,I’veneverbeen“hot”foranyonebefore,soI’vebeensofreakedouteverytimeIwalkintothat
classroomthatit’sawonderIcouldansweranythingwhenasked.ThankGodformysuperbrain.

“Doyouwantmetowantyou?”
“Whatkindofquestionisthat?”
“Thekindthatwon’tgetmeintotrouble.”
“I’m23,andnotinhighschool.”
“Theschooldoesn’tknowthat.”
“Sowewon’tdoanythingthere.Oranywhereelsewheresomeonecouldseeus.Ifyoudowantme,that

is.”Whoisthisboldgirl,andwherethehelldidshecomefrom?

Heleansinclose,sohismouthisonlyaboutaninchfrommine.“Yourlipsmakemecrazy.Especially

whenyoubitethebottomonewhileI’mlecturing.”

“Thenkissme.”
Hiseyeswiden,andIthinkImayhavegonetoofar.I’mnotusuallysoforward,butTeganandStella

havealwaystoldmeIneedtojustgoforit.SonowIam.

Whenhislipsmeetmine,Isilentlythankthemformakingmebold.AndthenIshutmymindoff,andjust

letmyselffeel.Heholdsthebackofmyheadashelicksatmylips.Iopenforhim,andhistonguedarts
insidemymouth.

It’sbetterthanIimagineditwouldbe.ForalltheseyearsI’vewondered,andnowIknow.Myfirstkiss

isamazing.

Acknowledgements

Asalways,abigthankyoutoDominiqueandGabiforbeingthebestdaughtersever.
HelenWilliams,JesseGordon,andAllyMurphy-Thanksagainforeverything!
GuilClaveria-ThanksfortakingmeoutshootingandteachingmealittleaboutgunssoIcantrytobe

realisticinthebooks!

AleshaClaveria-Thanksforyourfriendship,andtakingmetotheamazingplacewithmacandcheesein

abreadbowl!

TheFriendsoftheSociety-YouladiesareAWESOME!Thanksforthesupport,andforalwayswanting

thenextbook!

Toallthereaderswhopickupthebooks,Icouldn’tdothiswithoutyou!Thanksforreading!

AbouttheAuthor

CrystalPerkinshasalwaysbeenabigreader,butsheneverthoughtshewouldwriteherownbook,
untilshedid.ShelivesinLasVegas,whereyoucanfindherrunningauthoreventsandsellingbooks
atconventionswhensheisn’treading,buyingtoomanySherlockt-shirtsonlineorfindingaplaceto
putallofherPop!figurines.Amacandcheeseconnoisseur,shetravelsthecountrylookingforthe
perfect version, while attending book conventions and signings as a cover for her research. The
GriffinBrothersseriesareallInternationalBestSellers,andshe’sthankfultothereaderswhomade
thathappen!

Findherhere:

www.crystalperkinsauthor.com

facebook.com/crystalperkinsauthor

@wondermomlv

crystal@crystalperkinsauthor.com

Document Outline

Rocking a Secret
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Rocking a Secret
Other books by Crystal Perkins
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
About the Author

Wyszukiwarka

Podobne podstrony:
Uncovering His SECRET (Corrigan & Co 05) Crystal Perkins
Lessons in SECRET (Corrigan & Co 04) Crystal Perkins
Crystal Perkins (Corrigan & Co 02) Devouring Her Secret
Crystal Perkins (Corrigan & Co 01) Fielding Her Secret
CO 03 W alkeny trzewik
CO 03 W alkeny trzewik
Gifford, Lazette [Quest for the Dark Staff 03] Crystal stars [rtf]
Palmer Diana Cykl Hutton & Co 03 Władca pustyni
Fatty Coon 03 Fatty Discovers Mrs Turtle's Secret
03 Co Lubią Kobiety(bitnova info)
21.03-co bedzie na zaj, rachunkowość i finanse, Makroekonomia
14.03 - legenda co to jest, ozdoby z makaronu, konpekty świetlica, Dokumenty
po co żyję, W poszukiwaniu utraconej mocy, W poszukiwaniu utraconej mocy / 03 marzec 2008
G2 4 PW CO Rys 03 02
29 Co nowego w znieczuleniu wziewnym 2009 03 Smiechowicz K
G2 PW S CO SFW Rys 03 03
G2 4 PW CO Rys 06 03
G2 PW S CO SFW Rys 03 01
G2 PW S CO SFW Rys 03 02

więcej podobnych podstron

Rocking a SECRET (Corrigan & Co 03) Crystal Perkins

Document Outline