WICKEDBRIDEGAMES

ByClarissaWild

WICKEDBRIDEGAMES©2017ClarissaWild

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ClarissaWild’sBoomingCovers

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Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,placesandincidentsareeithertheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareused

fictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualevents,places,organizations,orperson,whetherlivingordead,isentirelycoincidental.Allcharactersin

thisbookareeighteenyearsofageorolder.

Lice nse Note s

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thehardworkofthisauthor.

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TableofContents

AboutWickedBrideGames

MusicPlaylist

Prologue

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

Epilogue

MorebooksbyClarissaWild

AboutClarissaWild

AboutWickedBrideGames

Fiftymilliondollarsforthreeweeksofyourlifeinthehandsofatotalstranger.Wouldyoudoit?

WhenNaomiLeefindsherselfoutofajobandoutofthemoneysheneedstopayherfather’smedical

bills,shereceivesananonymousletter,containinganoffershecan’trefuse.

MaxMarino,awealthybusinessman,wantsher,andhe’llpayanyprice.

Threeweeksofhertime,no-holds-barred,inexchangeforfiftymilliondollars.

Withnoothermeanstopayherbills,Naomihasnochoicebuttoaccept.

However,Naomiisn’ttheonlyonewhosignsthecontract.

AndMaxisn’taloneinhisdeal.

Threebrothers…

Ninegirls…

Allcompetingfortheultimateprize…marriage.

Letthegamesbegin.

WARNING:containsdisturbingcontentsomereadersmayfindoffensive.Includesscenes

involvingmultiplemen&womenbeingdirtytogether.Everyboundaryiscrossed.Readatyourown

risk.

MusicPlaylist

Thisbookwasheavilyinspiredbymusicandwasneverwrittenwithoutasongpresent.Ifyou’dlike

toexperiencethisnovelasintended,please

listentothefollowingplaylist

:

“TheDemonDance”byCliffMartinez

“AreWeHavingAParty”byCliffMartinez

“EyesOnFire”byBlueFoundation

“Scream”byGrimesft.Aristophanes

“MedievalWarfare”byGrimes

“IAmAGod”byKanyeWest

“AcidRaid”byLorn

“Technically,Missing”byTrentReznor&AtticusRoss

“Consummation”byTrentReznor&AtticusRoss

“TakeABow”byMuse

“Anne”bySantigold

“OutsideTheWar”bySantigold

“Aleph”byGesaffelstein

“SweetDreams”byEmilyBrowning

“Desire(HucciRemix)”byMegMyers

“DarkStar”byJaymesYoung

“OnlyHuman”byColdShowers

Prologue

AccompanyingSong:“TheDemonDance”byCliffMartinez

Naomi

Ninegirls.

That’showmanyarealignedinthisroom,includingme.

Ninegirlswithperfecthairandnails,theirfaceshiddenunderlayersofmakeup,theirbodiesdressed

likemannequinsfromahigh-endstore.

Ninegirlsinspectedandjudgedlikecattle.

Threemen.

That’showmanyarestandinginfrontofus.

Threemenwiththemostbeautifulfaceswearingthemostdevioussmiles.

Threeofuswillbetheirs.

Weallsignedacontract,knowingfullwellwhatitentailed.Forthreeweeks,theycandowithuswhat

theywant,whenevertheywant,andinexchange,wewillreceivefiftymilliondollars.Each.

Weallthoughtweknewwhatwewanted.

Wewerewrong.

ThesearetheWickedBrideGames.

Theultimatetesttoseeifwe’rewilling,able,and…greedyenoughtowanttheworld.

Iwantnothingmorethantowin…AndIwillwin.

Evenifitmeanscommittingcold-bloodedmurder.

PartI

Thebeginning

1.

AccompanyingSong:“Anne”bySantigold

Naomi

“I’msorry,Naomi,butwehavetoletyougo.”Thelipsofthemaninfrontofmecurlupintoashort-

livedsmile.Iclenchmydressandfighttheneedtodigmynailsintomyskin.Orhis.

“Thecompanycan’tcontinuetodobusinesswithoutmakingcuts,andunfortunately,yourpositionisno

longerrequired,whichiswhywe’vecometothisconclusion.”

“Youcan’tdothis,”Isaythroughgrittedteeth.

“Well…Ijusttoldyouweare,”hescoffslikemyretaliationinsultedhim.

Heshiftsinhisseat,hisAdam’sapplemovingupanddowninhisthroatashelooksatthesheetsof

paperinfrontofhiminsteadofatme.Damnfuckercan’tevenlookmeintheeyeashetellsmeI’m

finished.

“Ineedthisjob,”Ireiterate.

Hesighs.“Weknowyoudo.”

We.Itsoundslikehedoesn’tfeelathingwhilehesaysit.Likehe’snotarealpersonbehindthis

façade.

Iwonderwhatit’sliketobeinhisposition.Tohavethepowertoacceptanddismissonawhim

withouthavingtolookoutforyourself.Iwonderifhegoeshomeeverynightandkisseshiswifewithout

feelingremorse.Ifhesleepswell.Ifhe’llhavenightmaresofmescreamingathim.

“Butthat’snotpossible,unfortunately.I’msoverysorry.”

No,he’snot.He’sjustsayingthatsoI’llhaveempathyforhissituation.Asifhe’sthevictimfor

havingtotellmethishorriblenews.No.

“Ifyouweresorry,you’dhelpmegetadifferentjob.Withthecompanyorsomewhereelse.”

Heleansforward,holdingapeninhishand,whichheswivelsbackandforthmaniacally.Heclears

histhroatandfrowns.“I’msorry,butwecurrentlydon’tprovidesuchbenefits.TheonlythingIcandois

provideyouwithaletterofrecommendationforyournextemployee.”

“Andthat’sit?”

“Yes.You’llreceiveyourfinalcheckwithinthreedays.Icantrytospeeditup,butIcan’tpromise

anything.”

Istareathimindisbelief.“There’sgottobesomething…”

“No,sorry.Thebosshasalreadydecided.”

Theboss.Goodexcusenottotakeanyresponsibilityforthelayoffhimself,eventhoughIdoubtthe

companyreallyneedshispositioneither.Heonlybarksathisemployees,evenwhenthey’redoingtheir

jobcorrectly,sohecansitbackandwatchthemsweat.Heknowshehasthepower,andhelovesit.Ican

seeitinhiseyes.

Sometimes,IwishIhadthesamepower.I’duseittoscrewwithpeoplelikehimandmakethempay.

Hisfingersslidesomepapersmyway,butIdon’tevenlookatthemasIsnatchthemoffthedesk.Iget

upandstraightenmyskirt,puttingupafront.I’mnotabouttoletthisfuckernoticemydismay.NotifIcan

helpit.I’llkeepmydignitywithgrace.

Sowithoutlookingathim,Iturnaroundandwalkoutthedoor,hopinghebreaksthatpencilofhisand

shovesituphisass.

***

Laterthatday

Momgrabsmyhandsandrubsthem.“Yourhandsaresocold,honey.Ijustdrankacupofcoffee,so

mineareniceandwarm.”

Ismile,butthesmiledoesn’tstay.“Thanks.”

“Youlooksopale,Naomi.Areyoustilleatingokay?”

“I’mfine,Mom.”Iclearmythroat,tryingnottosoundupset.“How’sDad?”

“Oh,youknow,theusual.”

“He’snotsmokinganymore,right?Tellmeyouthrewthemaway.”

“Idid;don’tworry,”shesays.“Besides,he’snotgoinganywhere.Hecan’tevengetoutofbed

anymore,andhe’sstillcoughinguphisguts.”

Thewayshedescribesitmakesmewince.

“Ishestilltakingthemeds?Youknowyouhavetowatchhimtakethem.”

“Yeah.Ihandhimtheglassofwatermyselfeverymorningwiththem.”

“Good.”Inod.“Ifhewon’tputintheeffort,thenatleastyouwill.”

“Oh,honey…Iknowyourdadcanbea…complicatedman,buthe’sonlytryingtobelessofa

burden.”

“Whenishegoingtounderstandthathe’llneverbeaburden?”Isqueezeherhand.

“Idon’tthinkheeverwill.”Shebrieflychuckles,butitfadesawaytoo.“That’sjustthewayheis.

Neveracceptinganyhelp.Alwaysstubborn.”

“Evenwhenhe’sdying…”Imutter.

“What?”

“Oh,nothing,”Iadd,smilingitaway.

Idon’twanttomakeherfeelbad.IjustwanttoknowDad’sokay.Evenifheisn’t.Knowinghe’sstill

fightingthecanceratleastgivesmehope.

“Sohowiseverythinggoingwithyou?Stillworkinghard?”

Thequestionmakesmechokeupalittle,butIslowlymanagetoformareply.“Uh…yeah,it’sfine.”I

don’twanttotellherthetruth.Itwouldbreakheralreadyfragileheart.

Ipullawayandlookattheotherpeopleinthecoffeeshop,contemplatingwhatI’mgoingtodo.Ican’t

notdoit.Ijustcan’t.SoIreachintomypocketandpulloutanenvelope.Islideittoheracrossthetable.

“Thisisforyou.”

Withfurrowedbrows,shegrabstheenvelopeandsneaksapeekinsidethenimmediatelyflattensiton

thetable.“Oh,Naomi…”

“Takeit,”Isay.

“Ican’t.”

“Yes,youcan.It’syours.”

“Youdon’thaveto…”

“Iwantto,”Isay,lookingherdirectlyintheeye,sosheknowsI’mserious.

“Butyouneedit.”

“Notasmuchasyou,”Isay,andthat’sthetruth.

Imaybeacold-heartedbitchontheworkfloor,butIlovemyfuckingparentstodeath,andIwould

killasonofabitchforthemifIhadto.JustsoIcanseethembehappybecause,god…theydeserveit

afterraisingagirllikeme.

“You’remydaughter…”Tearswellupinhereyes.“I’msupposedtotakecareofyou.”

“Andyou’remyparents.Ihavetolookafteryoutoo.Justletmedothis.Icandowithoutit.Youneed

itmorethanIdo.”

Sheleansforwardacrossthetableandpullsmeinforahug.“Oh,Naomi…Whatdidwedoto

deserveadaughterlikeyou?”

Ismilewhilepettingherback,wonderingtheexactsamething.

AndtothinkIwasn’tevensurewhetherIshoulddothis,consideringthefactthatit’sthelastbitof

moneyIhave.

Iwouldn’tdothisforjustanyone.Familyismynumberonepriority.Anyoneelsecangofuck

themselves.ButI’dkillforfamily.

Andafterseeinghowgratefulsheis,IknowIdidtherightthing.Dadneedsmoremedicinetocope

withhisillness.ItwastheonlychoiceIcouldmake.

“Thankyou,”shewhispers.

“Don’t,”Iwhisperback.“JusttakecareofDad,okay?”

Herwarmhandtouchingmybackgivesmehope,evenifonlyforalittlewhile,asshesays,“Iwill.”

***

Minuteslater

Imakemywayhomeinmyshoddyoldcar,tryingtokeepitfromfallingapartbybrakingand

acceleratingwithease,soitdoesn’tjam.Iwishitwould’velastedlonger,butIguessthathappenswhen

youbuyathird-handcar.It’snotlikeIhadanyotherchoice,though.

Andnow,Iprobablywon’tevenbeabletofillherupwithgaseither.

Sighing,Iparkmycarandgetout,slammingthedoorasIwalktotheapartmentblock.Itsmellsof

gasolineandburnedfood,whichmakesmepullmynoseupasIenterthebuilding.Ipassafewdoors

whilebreathingthroughmymouthbecausethestenchfromtheirdrugspermeatesouttheirdoorand

throughthehallway.Asifthatwasn’tbadenough,thegirlupstairsalmostalwayshasherdooropen,

readyformentodropbywhenever,andIhavenochoicebuttowalkpastherhomebecausetheelevator

isbroken.Ijustlooktheotherwayasshe’shunguponaguy,herwholeroomsmellinglikeboozeand

sex.

ItrynottothinkaboutitasIgouptomyapartment,butwhenIclosemyowndoor,Isinktomyknees.

God,howamIsupposedtolasthereonemoreday?

Inthisfilthybuilding?

Inthisdirtyneighborhood?

I’mnowhere.

Fuckingnowhere.

Mypursedropstothefloor,pensandlip-glossrollingoutontothefloor.Inafitofrage,Ipickitup

andthrowitatthewallashardasIcan.Iscreamandslammyhandonthefloor.

“Fuck!”

Icouldscreamallday,butthatwouldonlymakemyneighborssuspicious,andthat’sthelastthingI

wantrightnow.

Ijustwantmyfuckingjob.

No,screwthat;Iwantabetterone.

Iamworthmorethanthat.Morethanthatfuckingassholesittinginthatchairhandingmethosepapers.

Iwillnotletanyonetreatmelikethateveragain.

Igetupandgrababroomfromthekitchentosweepupalltheglassshardsfromthelip-gloss.Without

complainingandwithoutmakinganynoise,Icleanitup,grabbingaclothtoridthecarpetofthepink

stains.Irubinthewaterandwipeitoffuntilit’ssqueakycleanagain.Untilyoucan’tevenseeonespeck

…notonetinycrack.

Thelightbulbflickers,butIpaynoattentiontoit.It’sbeengoingonlikethissinceforever,andIdoubt

it’llgetanybetter.Ifanything,myelectricitywillprobablybeshutoffsoon.

Adropofwaterfallsfromtheceilingontomyface.Igentlywipeitoffandgazeupatthechipped,

moldywoodaboveme.Waterisleakingfromthepipesabove.Again.

Isigh.IwishIcouldignoreit,butaftersomanyfailures,howisthatevenpossibleanymore?

Mylifeiscrumbling.Myhomeisfallingapart.Andnow,myjobisgonetoo.

Igetupandthrowtheclothinthesink.ThenIopenthedrawernexttomydoorandpulloutthepapers

tocheckthem.BecauseoftherecenttroubleswithMomandDad,I’dcompletelyforgottenaboutthis…

untilnow.

Oneweek…That’showmuchtimeIhavetopaytherentIowebeforeIamevicted.Ialreadyhaveso

muchtroublepayingthemontime.Iguesstheyfinallyhadenough.

HowamIsupposedtopaytherent?

I’mwaybehindalready.There’snowayIcanmakeupforthelossofmoneywithoutajob.

Whatnow?

Ican’tgotomyparents.TheyhaveevenlessthanIdo.Besides,theyneedeverypennyforDad’slung

cancermedicine.Ican’taskthatofthem.AndIjustgavethemeverythingIhad.There’snowayI’mever

goingtoaskforthatback.

Bitingmylip,IrealizeIhaveonlythreeoptions.

Gettingaloanisasmallpossibility,sinceIalreadyhavebadcreditduetounpaidbills.

Anewjobwithinaweekisalsohighlyunlikely,butit’sanoption.

OrIcouldjustsellsomecocainelikemyneighbordoes.Orsellmybodytoanyrandomstranger.Ibet

thatwouldmakesomedecentcashtoo.

Ballingmyfist,Ichuckthepaperawayandletitfalltothefloor,rubbingmyforehead.God,ifonlyit

wasn’tsofuckingdifficult.

Money.

Thatthingthatmakestheworldgoround.

Ineedit.Iwantit.

ButeverytimeIcomeclosetoearningmyfairshare,somebodytakesitaway.

It’snotfuckingfair.

Iwalktomybedroomandclosethecurtains,undressinginfrontofthemirror.IhatewhatIsee.Not

becauseI’mnotbeautiful—becauseIam—butbecauseofhowlittleI’veaccomplished.Withmytwenty-

eightyears,Ishouldalreadybesomewhere.Besomeone.IshouldbeanassistanttotheCEOofsome

technologycompanyoramanageratabank.Instead,I’mwastingmytimedoingtheshittyworkfor

someonewhodoesn’tevenwanttokeepmearound.

Annoyed,Iturnaroundandthrowmyselfonthebed,swearingintotheblankets.

ButasIcrawlup,IrealizeIcanonlydoonething.

Pushforward.Nevergiveup.

SoIliedownonmypillowandclosemyeyes,promisingmyselfthattomorrow’sgoingtobeagood

day.

***

AccompanyingSong:“EyesOnFire”byBlueFoundation

Max

Thenextday

Itakeasipofmyespressoandwatchthecustomersflythroughthebank.Onlywhenalong-leggedgirl

stepsintothelobbydoItakenotice.Stillholdingmycup,Iwatchherstrideacrossthetilesonherblue

heels,herhipsrockingandherlongblackhairswayingfromsidetoside.

Ilickmylipsatthesightofher,wonderingwhoshe’sheretomeet.Itcan’tbeme;Idon’thavean

appointmentscheduledrightnow,andI’monamuch-neededbreak.Still,Ican’tstoplookingather.

She’swearingatight,redskirt,andanironedblacktop.Goldenbraceletsdanglefromherwrist,

whichmakesmethinkshe’sdressingtobeseen.Iwonderifshe’sgoingtomeetsomeonehighup.Itisn’t

me,that’sforsure.Ishouldknow,becauseIownthisfreakingbank.

Ishouldfindoutmore,butmybodyrefusestostandasmygazefixatesonherass.Somethingabouther

capturesmyattention.Maybeit’sherstraightforwardpaceorthecoldlookinhereyesasshepassed

throughthedoors.

Fromadistance,Iwatchherstandinline,herhandsbrieflyskitteringthroughherhair,andfora

moment,Iwishitweremyhandshefelt.Itakeanothersipofmycoffeeandwaituntilit’sherturn.The

coloronhertannedfaceseemstodisappearslowlyasshetalkswiththewomanbehindtheglass,her

browsdrawingtogether.Shepatsherhandonthewoman’sdeskandleansforward.Theyengageina

heateddiscussion,whichonlystopswhensheturnsaroundandparadesofftowardthedooragain.

Theclosershecomes,themoreIcanseethedeterminationinhereyes—eventhoughshewasjust

scoldedandtoldoff.Iwatchherwalktowardme,myeyesunabletolookaway.Thepowersheradiates

drawsmelikenothingelse.She’smagnificent.

ExactlywhatI’mlookingfor.

I’vebeenwaitingsolongforthismoment.

Thisexcitement.Thisfeelingofelectricityrunningthroughmyveins.

She’stheone.

***

Naomi

WhenIcomehome,Ithrowmypurseonthetableandrubmyforehead,sighingoutloud.Idon’tknow

whattodoatthispointbecauseevenmyownbankwon’tgivemealoan.OfcoursenotsinceI’m

indebtedtothemtoo.ButIthoughtifItoldthemmysituation,theymighthelpmeout.Guessnot.

Igrababottleofwaterfromthefridgeandtwistthecapoff,chuggingitdownlikethere’sno

tomorrow.Afterashowlikethat,Ineedtocoolmyselfdown.MybodyalwaysheatsupwhenI’minan

argument.It’slikeitinstantlygoesintofightorflightmode.AndIdon’teverfleefromafightifIcan

preventit.

God,thehumiliation.Itwasjusttoomuch.

ThewaythatwomanacrossthecounterlookedatmeasifIwasbeneathher…Ijustwantedtopull

herunderneaththeglassandshovemynailsintohereye.

Howdareshequestionmyabilitytopaybackthismoney?DidshethinkshewasbetterthanIwas?No

onehastherighttomakemefeellikealesserhuman.I’mtoofuckingproudforthatshit.

Iputmyhalf-emptybottledownonthetableandpullthestackofmailfrommypurse.

Iquicklysiftthroughtheenvelopestoseeifit’sanythingimportant,otherthantheloomingbillsIstill

needtopay.Usually,Ichuckthemallintothedrawerandforgetaboutthem,butthemomentmyeyesseea

peculiarredenvelope,myfingersstopmoving.

Ithrowallmailasideexceptforthisoneenvelope.Strangely,it’saddressedwithonlymyfirstname,

anditdoesnothaveareturnaddress.Itearitopenandpulloutthepaperinside.Atthebottomofthenote,

ithasasignatureandthename“Max”engraved.Belowthatishisaddress.Iwonderwhothisguyisand

howheknowswhereIlive…butIfiguremaybehisletterwillgivemeaclue,soIstarttoread.

Naomi,

Iknowyouaregoingthroughsomemoneytroubles.

HowdoIknow,youmayask?

Well,Imightanswerthatquestion…afteryou’vecometoseeme.

Now,Iknowthismightseemodd.Toyou,I’mastrangerinvitingyoutocomeseemeoutofthe

blue,buttrustme,itisnot.

Ihavewhatyouneed.

Money.Lotsandlotsofit.AndIamwillingtogiveitalltoyou.

Youmusthavemanyquestions—ifIamjoking,ifthisisreal,andifso,howmuch,andwhatthe

priceis.Icouldanswerallofthem,butthatwouldmakethisveryboring,andIdon’tliketoplay

boringgames.

Instead,I’dliketoinviteyoutomeetme,andIwilltellyouallthatyouneedtoknow.

Therealquestionyoushouldbeaskingyourselfisthis,though…Howfarareyouwillingtogoto

getwhatyouwant?

Ifyouknowtheanswertothatquestion,comeandseeme.

2.

AccompanyingSong:“TheDemonDance”byCliffMartinez

Naomi

Afewdayslater

Withtheenvelopefirmlytuckedintomypocket,Iexitmybuildingandwalkdownthesidewalk,the

messageinsidestillechoingthroughmymind.Whoisthisman?Howdoesheknowme?Butmore

importantly,whyisheofferingmemoneyandwhatdoeshewantfrommeinreturn?

Allthesequestionsandnoanswersmakemeshiver.Yet…I’mintrigued.Ineedtoknowmore,evenif

itgoesagainsteveryfiberofmybeing.ThishastobeacrueljokeplayedbysomeoneIknow.Butthen

whycan’tIshaketheglimmerofhopefrommyhead?

It’sallbecauseofthatoneword.

Money.

Justthatonewordinsidethenotegotmyfullattention.

Ididn’tevenneedtherest.Justthethoughtofgettingmyhandsonitmakesmegreedy.Willing…todo

anything.

MaybeI’minsane.OrmaybeIjustlovemyfamilytodeath,andIwanttohelpthemoutasmuchasI

can.OrmaybeI’mjustaddictedtothesmellofstackedbills.

Whateverthecase,I’mabouttofindoutjusthowfarI’mwillingtogodowntherabbitholetochase

themoney.

AsIwalkdownthestreet,Ipassamaninadarksuitwho’stalkingonhisphone,butthemomenthe

seesme,hestopsforasecond.Iturnmyheadandseehimblink.Thenheturnsandwalksagain.

Frowning,Itrytoignoreit,wonderingwhatthehelljusthappened.Idon’tknowtheguy,butitlooked

likeherecognizedme.

IcrossthestreetandseeablackChevroletEquinoxparkedonthecorner,twomensittinginside

drinkingacupofcoffeeandeatingdonuts.Theylookup,butallIseearesunglassesinsteadofeyes.One

ofthemstopsdrinkingandtheotherpicksupsomethingthatlookslikeanotepadandapenandstartsto

writesomethingdown.

Imakeafaceandpassthem,tryingtoignoreit,butIcan’tshakethefeelingofbeingcreepedoutbyit.

Suddenly,someonewalksintome,andIalmostfalltotheground.“Jesus,watchwhereyou’regoing,”

Igrowl.WhenIlookup,Inoticesomethinginhisear.

“Sorry,”hesays,clearinghisthroat.“Areyouokay?”

“Uh…yeah,”Isay,andIquicklywalkpasthim,hopinghedoesn’tfollowme.

ButnomatterhowfarIwalk,Ikeeplookingovermyshoulder,wonderingifthere’saman.Amanina

suit.Amaninavan.Amanwithawire.

MyskincrawlsasInoticethecamerahangingfromthetopoftheStarbucksbuilding,andforasecond,

Iwonderifit’sfilmingmeonpurpose.ButIpushthethoughtawaybecauseit’sludicrous;everypasserby

isfilmedforhisorherownsafety.It’snormal.

Atleast,that’swhatItellmyself.

MaybeI’mjusthavinganoffday.

Adaywheneveryoneandeverythingseemssuspicious.

AdaywhenIfeellikeeveryone’souttogetme…ortogetthatmoneythatIsodesperatelywant.

Greed…itmakesyouleery.

Ihateit.

Ibreatheoutaquickbreathandstraightenmyjacketthendecidetocallacab.Betterthanwalking

aroundfeelingfollowed.

Thecabtakesmetoasky-highbuildinginthecenterofthecity,nottoofarawayfromhere.Ipaythe

driverandexitthevehicle,passingthroughtherevolvingdoorsoftheskyscraper.Themarblefloors

shimmersobrightlyIcanseemyownreflectioninthemasIlookupanddowntheimmensehallway.

Amantomyleftstepsforward.“Excuseme,miss.CanIhelpyou?”

“Yes,I’mlookingfor…”Well,shit.Ionlyhaveafirstname.

Bitingmylip,Icontemplateitforasecond.“I’msupposedtomeetsomeonehereonthefifteenthfloor.

AmannamedMax.”

“Fifteenthfloor?”Hecockshisheadandnarrowshiseyes.“Reallynow?”

“Yes.”Iclearmythroatandpulloutthenotefromtheenvelope.Ididn’twanttodothis,butheleaves

menochoice.Iwon’tbetalkeddownto.EventhoughIknowthisplaceisfortherichestamongthe

people,Iwon’tletanyonetellmeIcan’tbehere.

Themanskimsthewordsandthensmiles.“Oh…right.”Helooksupatme.“Comerightthisway,

miss.”

Heholdsouthishandandletsmewalkinfrontofhimaswefollowtheredcarpetthroughthe

hallway.Hestopsinfrontofagoldelevatorandpressesabutton.Whenthedoorsopen,hesays,“After

you.”

Iwalkpasthimandentertheelevator,swallowingasImeetmyownreflection.Itiltmyheadupand

peekatmyhoodedeyelids,swabbingawayatinyspeckofmisplacedmascarawithmypinky.Iturn

aroundasthemanwalksinsideandpressestwobuttons,promptingthedoorstoclose.

Thewaitfeelslikeaneternity,theshiftingvelocityandpressureinsidetheelevatormakingmeslightly

queasy.Whenthebellfinallyringsandthedoorsopen,Iinhaleadeepbreath.

ThemanstepsoutandsodoI,onlyforhimtopointtowardonedoor.“Thatway,ma’am.”

Ilookathim,andthenatthedoor,andItakeastep.Hestaysneartheelevator,frozeninplaceasI

makemywaydownthelonghallwaytothesingleintimidatingdoorattheend.

Becausethat’swhatthisis.

Ascaretactic.

Makingyourvisitorssubmittoyoubeforeevenmeetingthemwithabucketloadofwealthandjusta

hintofauthority.Power.ThekindthatIcrave.

NotoneseconddoIhesitatebeforeknockingonthedoor.

It’snotmystyle,andIdon’tsurrendertoanyoneoranything.Notevenfearitself.

Myhandstillhoversoverthedoor,almostreadytoknockagain,whenIhearavoiceresonatethrough

thewalls,soundinglikeanechointhedark.

“Comein.”

Itwistthedoorknobandpushopenthedoor,steppinginside.

Amanstandsbehindadeskattheedgeoftheroom;hisbackistome,andhe’sgazingouttheglass

windowsthatlinetheroom.AllIseeiswavydarkbrownhair,cutneatlyinshape,justlikehisbody.His

suitbarelyholdstogetherfromhismuscles,andforsomereason,Ican’tstopstaringathistight,round

ass.

Forasecond,there’snothingbutsilenceaswebothstandstillwithoutflinching,withoutsomuchas

anexchangeofwordsorabreathtaken.

Onlyonethingisgoingthroughmymindrightnow…Whoisthisman,andwhatwillhemakemedo

forhismoney?

***

AccompanyingSong:“EyesOnFire”byBlueFoundation

Max

Ipeerdownatthepeoplebelowus,wonderingwhatthey’rethinkingastheystrollthroughthestreets,

goingabouttheirdayasusual.Iwonderif,somewhereinthebackoftheirminds,theyeverwonderif

there’smoretothislifethanwhattheycanseeorwhattheyknow.Iftheyevenrealizehowmuchoftheir

lifeisnotreallyintheircontrol.

AwickedsmileformsonmylipsasIslidemyfingersoffthewindowpane,asilhouetteofmy

handprintslowlydisappearingfromtheglassasifitwasneverthere.Justlikethosethoughts.

IturnaroundslowlysoIcangetagoodlookatherfromtoptobottom.EventhoughI’veseenher

before,Ican’ttakemyeyesoffher.Withhertall,leanfigureandpronounced,darkeyeshidingbehind

hoodedlids,she’sasighttobehold.

Seeingsomeonelikethatalwaysfascinatesme.

Thatlookonherface…herfearlessness.Itmakesmeshiverinexcitement.

“Hello,Naomi.”

“Howdoyouknowmyname?”sheasks,hereyesnarrowing.

Ofcourse,sheimmediatelywantstoknoweverything.

Mylipscurveintoasmile;alittlevoiceinmyheadistemptedtotellherthetruth,butthedevilinside

hastakencontrol,andhewantstoplay.

Iplacemyhandsonmyofficechairandsay,“Sit.”

It’snotaquestion.

Shecocksherheadandslowlycrossesherarms.“First,tellmewhyI’mhere.”

Suchattitude.Iloveit,butshewon’tbeatmeatmyowngame.

IlickmylipsasIgazedirectlyintohersmolderingeyes.“Whyareyouhere?You’retheonlyonewho

cananswerthatquestion.Butthequestionyoureallyshouldbeaskingyourselfishowbadlydoyouwant

tohearmyoffer?”

Shesucksonherbottomlipandfrowns,butthenherlegsmoveintherightdirectiontowardthechair

infrontofme.Ipullmyownchairbackasshestandsbehindhers,andwebothsitatthesametime.Just

sittinghere,Icanalmostfeeltheelectricityzingbetweenus,teasingme.Showingmeaglimpseofwhat

liesahead…

Shedoesn’tleanforwardnordoessheleanbackasIentwinemyfingersandplacethemonthedeskin

frontofme.Idothiswithreason,justlikeanythingelseinlife;tosecuremypositionasthealphainthis

room.

Butshedoesn’tseemremotelyfazedbymyblatantdisplayofdominance.

Infact,withjusthereyes,she’sdeflectingitcompletelybylookingovermyshoulderinsteadofinto

myeyes.

Whatabrazengirl…Exactlymytype.

“Money,”Imurmur,thewordlikeagentlewhisperdisappearingintothinair.

However,thisonewordcapturesherattentionimmediately,hereyeshoninginonminelikeahawk.

“That’swhyyou’rehere,isn’tit?”Iask,smilinggently,butshestillwon’tgivemeanyemotion.Not

evenasingleflinch.“BecauseofthatnoteIsentyou.”

“Howdidyougetmyaddress?”sheasks.

Iraiseabrow.“Isthatreallywhatyouwanttoknow?Ordoyouwanttoknowhowtogetyourhands

onthislimited,one-time-onlyofferIcanmakeyou?”

Shetiltsherheadback.“WhatifIsayI’mnot?”

Imufflealaugh.“Webothknowthat’salie.Youwouldn’tbehereifyouweren’t.”

Sherepositionsherself,casuallyloungingbackinthechair.Restingherelbowonthearmrest,she

propsherchininherhand.“Dowe?”

“Iknowyoucan’tpayyourbills.Iknowyouwillloseyourapartment.Iknowyourbankwon’tgive

youaloanandthatyourfinalchanceisme.”

“How…?”shemutters.

“Thehowsarenotimportant,Naomi.It’sthewhysthatmatter.Asktherightquestion.”

Shelooksmedeadintheeyeassheasks,“Whywouldyouwanttogiveme,astranger,money?”

Inodslowly,intriguedbyherquickthinking.“Exactly.”

Herindexfingertoucheshertemple,andherskinwrinklesinthemostbeautifulwayassherubs.“You

wanttoknowwhatI’mwillingtodoforyourmoney.”

“Hmm…”Itmakesmefeelsogoodwhenshesaysitlikethat.It’sasifshecanreadmymind.It

makesmewanttograbherandfuckherpussyrightonthisverydesk.Iwonderifshecanseethattoo.

Iopenadrawerandtakeoutasmallbox,removingtheengravedpenIuseonlyforspecialoccasions

suchasthis.Igrabthepaperlyinginthedrawerbeneathitandplaceitonthedesk.Nottooclosebutnot

toofareither.Iwanttoseeherleantowardit.Iwanttoseeherachefortheanswer.Toknowwhatitis

thatIwant…soIcanseealltheemotionsfloodherface.

“Youwillreceivefiftymilliondollars.”

HereyesflickerwithacertaingreedIrecognizealltoowell.

“If?”

Islidethepaperclosertoher.“Yousignthis.”

“Whatisit?”sheasks,stillnotmovingoneinch.

Ithoughtthemereteasewouldbeenoughforhermindtowanttocrackthispuzzle,butitseemsshe’sa

lotmorestubbornthanIpresumed.

“It’sacontract.Youwillreceivefiftymilliondollarsattheendofouragreement…ifyoubecome

mine.”

Shesquints.“Yours?Explain.”

Therightsideofmylipstugintoasmile.Ican’thelpit;Ilovehersassiness.Toobaditwon’tlast.

“Mine…todowithwhateverIplease.”

“Likeasextoy.”

“Morethanthat.”

“Yourgirlfriend?”Shemakesaface,anditamusesme.

“Notjustthat.”

“Thenwhat?”Judgingbythetoneofhervoice,Icantellshe’sagitated.

“Anythingandeverything.”

Herfaceonlyhardensmore.

“Forfiftymilliondollars,youwantmetobeyoursexdoll?”

Mybrowsdrawtogether.“Sexdoll?Thatsoundssocrude.”

Shesighsandcloseshereyes,herhanddroppingtoherlapagain.

“Fiftymilliondollars.Afterthreeweeks,”Iadd,andIplacethepenonthepieceofpaperinfrontof

her.

Suddenly,shegetsupfromthechair,herfacecompletelyvoidofanyemotion.“You’vegotthewrong

girl.”

Sheturnsaroundandstartstowalkaway,notevengrantingmeonemorelook.Iknowwhatshethinks.

Thisisillegal.WhoamItoevenask?WhatamIthinking?HaveIlostmymind?Shecouldsuemeor

callthecopsforevensuggestingtheidea.

ButsheknowsjustaswellasIdothatnoonewillbelieveher.

Besides,webothknowsheneedsthis,soit’sjustamatteroftimebeforeshecomesknockingonmy

door.

Withagrinonmyfaceandthememoryofherperfectlyswayingassasitleavesthroughmydoor,Isay,

“I’llseeyoutomorrow.”

3.

AccompanyingSong:“Anne”bySantigold

Naomi

Thenextday

Drip.Drip.Drip.

Irubmytemples,tryingtoignorethesound,butitjustwon’tgoaway.

Drip.Drip.Drip.

Ishouldfindanotherjob.Ishouldaskmorebanksforloans.Ishouldaskforadelayinpayments.I

should…

Isigh.Ishoulddosomanythings,yetIalreadyknownoneofthemwillworkremotelyaswellasthe

offerIwasgivenyesterday.Butthethoughtofwhatitmeansmakesmewanttotearmyhairout.

Drip.Drip.Drip.

Still,sittinghereinmyapartmentdoingnothingdrivesmeinsane.

Istareatthenotelyingonthetableinfrontofme;thewordsbeckonme,callingtomeinadevious

way.Money.It’sallIsee.AllIneed.ButamIwillingtogivemyselftoamanIdon’tknow?AmanI’ve

onlymetonce?

Thenagain,Idoubtit’sgoingtogofurtherthanjustafuckhereandthere.Asexdolltotherichestman

intowncan’tbethatbad.OrmaybeI’vejustlostmymind.Givingawayyourbodytoamanyoudon’t

knowcanbequiterisky,toputitmildly.Butlet’sfaceit—wherethatmanlivedorworkedprovedthe

amountofmoneyhehas,andIbetthatisn’tevenonepercentofhiswealth.Themanreekedofmoney,and

itmademesohungryIcouldpracticallyeathimforlunch.Nottomentionhewashot.

Threeweeksofhimdoinganythinghewantswithme…isthatreallysuchapunishment?

Thesinglelitlightabovemeflickers,justlikemyresolution.Andwhenitfinallygoesout,Iblowout

myfinalbreathbeforeImakeupmymind.

Myhome,myjob,mylife,myfamily…it’sallfallingapartattheseams,andI’mnotlettingit

crumble.NotifIcanhelpit.Anddamnmeforwantingtomakeitbig,butIwillnotsettleforanythingless

thanwhathe’sofferingme.

Iplantmyfistonthetableandgetup,determinedtomakethischoice,evenifit’lldrownme.

Sobeit.

Atleast,I’llhavethemoneytowipemytearsaway.

***

AccompanyingSong:“TheDemonDance”byCliffMartinez

Anhourlater

Myhandhoversoverhisdoor,butbeforeIcanknock,thealreadyfamiliarvoiceboomsthroughthe

wood.“Comein.”

DidheknowIwascoming?MaybethemandownstairscalledhimtosayIwasgoingup.Ormaybe

he’sjustbeenwaitingformeallthistime.Thethoughtcreatesgoosebumpsonmyskin.It’snoteveryday

thatamanisthatdeterminedtomakemehis.Thenagain,I’maliarifIsaiditdoesn’tspookmealittle

andturnmeoninawayIcan’texplain.

It’slikeagametohim,andthatintriguesme.

SoItwistthedoorknobandstepinsidehisofficeonceagain.

Thesmilethatgreetsmeashestandsupfromhischairmakesmeshiverinplace.

“Hello,Naomi.I’msogladyoudecidedtoreturn.”

Again,thatvoicethatmakesmemelt.God,Ihateitsomuch…thatIloveit.

“Hello…”

“Oh…”Hestepsawayfromhisdeskandcomestowardme,holdingouthishand.“Howrudeofme.I

neverintroducedmyself.MaxMarino.”BeforeIknowit,he’sgrabbedmyhandandshakenit,hisfirm

gripallthatIcanfocusonasourskintouchesfortheveryfirsttime.

Whenhereleasesmyhand,Icanstillfeelhiswarmthtingleunderneathmyskin.Ashewalksbackto

hisdesk,Iquicklywipemyhandonmyskirtandfollowhim.

HisfingersbrieflyskimacrossthepaperlyingneatlyonthedeskinfrontofthechairwhereI’m

supposedtosit.“You’reheretoacceptmydeal,”hesayspromptly,notevenahintofhesitationinhis

voice.

Hecockshisheadandpeeksatmeoverhisshoulder,hisfingersslidingacrossthedeskuntilhe’s

behinditagainandfacingme.Istandwithmyheelsplantedinthecarpet,butwhenmylegsshake,I

immediatelystartwalking.

“Yes,”Ianswer,andIsitdownonthechairoppositetohim.

Thesmileonhisfaceisdevious.Telling.Likeayoungboywhojustwonagameofcatch-me-if-you-

can,eventhoughIguesshimtobesomewherenearthirty.I’dliketowipethatsmirkoffhisface,andI’m

sureIwill…afterIreceivethatfiftymilliondollars.

“Good,”hemuses,placingapeninfrontofme.“Readthroughthecontractbeforeyousign.”

Icockmyhead.“WhatmakesyouthinkI’llagreetothetermsyou’velaidout?”

“Becauseyouwantthismoneymorethananything,andyou’lldowhateverIsaytogetit.”

“WhatifI’dliketonegotiatebettertermsformyself?”

“No.ThesetermsaretheonlyonesI’lltake.”Hecrosseshisarms.“Takethedealorleaveit.Thereis

noin-between.”

Fuckhimforbeingsuchanassholeaboutit.

Grindingmyteeth,Imullitoverabit.“Howfardoesthiscontractallowyoutogo?”

“Anythingandeverywhere.Thereisnolimit.”

“Toys?Anal?DP?”

Hetapshispenonhisdesk,theleftsideofhislipsbrieflyperkingup.Butthere’snoanswer.

“Bodilyharm?”Iswallowawaythelumpinmythroat.Still,nothing.“CouldIdie?”

Hiseyesshut,andhemufflesashortlaugh.“Ifyoudied,there’dbenowayforyoutocollectyourfifty

milliondollars.”

“Convenient,”Isay,leaningback.

Heplaceshishandonthepaper.“Thisisnotjustacontractforyou.It’sacontractforbothofus.And

ifyoureadthissmalllinehere,itsaysthatImustgiveyouthefiftymilliondollarsattheendofour

agreementaspromised.”

Inarrowmyeyes.“Butthatmeansyougettodoanythingtomybody.Youcouldbreakmybonesorcut

meup.Youcouldscarmeforlifeandthenstillgivemethemoney,andourdealwouldbevalid.”

HefrownsasIcontinue.

“Youcouldevenkillmeaftergivingmethemoney.”

Ittakeshimawhiletoformulateananswer.“Isupposethat’strue…butwhere’sthefuninthat?”

Iraiseabrow.“Iwantimmunity.”Iplacemyhandjustbelowhis,stakingmyclaimsoverthecontract.

“IfItakethisdeal,Iwillgiveyoumyselfforalmostanentiremonthtodowithasyouplease,but…there

willbenopermanentchangesmadetomybody,whatsoever,whenever.”

Hesmirks,likeheknowsthatevenifheagrees,itwouldstillbeapossibilitythatI’dendupwitha

debilitationandthatI’dstillonlygetmyfiftymilliondollarsasacomfortprize.ButI’mnotfinishedyet.

“And…ifyoudonotfollowthiscontract,youwillgivemefiftypercentofthesharesthatyouhold

overyourcompany…andmyparentswillreceivetheotherfiftypercentaswellasthetotalfiftymillion

dollarsthatwaspromisedtome,shouldIdie.Justasinsuranceformywellbeing.”

Hisfrowndeepens.

“Oh,don’tbesurprised.Ofcourse,amanwithyourwealthhasacompany.Probablysomethinglikea

bank.Ormultiple.Theonlyquestionishowmuchofitdoyouactuallyown?”Now,it’smyturntosmile.

“Enough,”hesaysthroughgrittedteeth.

“Great.Thenyou’llsurelyagreeit’sonlyfair.Moneyisyourlife…soalifeforalife.”

Hislipstwitch,andheleansbackinhischair,staringatmefromadistance.“Youwanttoplayhard

…”

“IknowyouwantmemorethanIwantyou.”

“Wrong.”

“Youchosemeforareason,”Imuse.“IknowyouwantmetobelieveI’mjustsomerandomgirlto

you,butIknowI’mnot.Thereareamilliongirlsacrosstheglobewho’dwantthisjustasbadly,but

somehow,youpickedme.That’snotacoincidence.”IpressmyelbowsagainstmyboobsasIlean

forward,watchinghiseyesgodowntheslopeofmyshirt.“You.Want.Me.”

Forawhile,hejuststares.Blatantlystaresatmychest.Likehe’scountinghismoney’sworth.Likehe

alreadyownsme.

“Fine.Deal.”Heraiseshisbrows.“MysharesofthecompanyIworkforinexchangeforyourlife.

I’llmaketheamendmentinthecontractrightaway.”Heturnstofacehiscomputer,quicklytyping

somethingandprintingitouttoaddanotherpapertothestackbeneathme.

Iholdoutmyhand.“Let’sshakeonit.”

Hereluctantlygivesmehishand,hisgripevenfirmerthanbefore.Afterthat,Ipickupthepenand

readthedocumentthroughcompletely.Itstatesalltherules,whichincludesmyinabilitytosayno.Italso

saysthatmyfamilyandclosefriendswillbecontactedthroughmyownemail,statingthatI’mgoingtobe

onvacationforamonthandwon’tbebringingacellphone.Supposedly,I’mgoingofftheradartotakea

break.

Belowthat,itasksformyaccountnameandpassword.Ofcourse,hewantsaccesstothat.Theydon’t

wantmetosendsecretmessages.Ismirk,seeingthroughallofhislittleplans.

Atthebottomofthedocumentaretwonames.NaomiLee.PropertyofMarino.Thatlastlinemakes

myskincrawl.

Still,Isignatthebottom.WhileIputthefinaldotonthei,Iask,“Whendoesthecontractstart?”

Thewickedsmileonhisfacemakesmequiverinplace.“Now.”

4.

AccompanyingSong:“EyesonFire”byBlueFoundation

Max

Minuteslater…

Aswesitonoppositeendsinmylimo,Ican’ttakemyeyesoffher.Heroliveskinglistensinthesun

asitshinesthroughthewindowshe’slookingthrough.Shehasn’tlookedatmesincesheslidintothecar

withme.Iwonderifshe’supsetaboutmyproposal,ifshehasanyregrets…whethershe’spreparingfor

what’stocome.

Sheshould.

Thisisn’tjustsomeordinarydeal,butshe’llfindoutsoonenough.Thenagain…sheisn’tanordinary

womaneither.

Iadmireherfromadistance,butmyfingerscan’thelpbutreachforherface.Igentlyslidebackafew

strandsofherblackhairandtuckthembehindherear.Hereyesflashassheturnsherhead,herfacestill

completelyblank.Iwonderwhat’sgoingoninsidethatbrainofhers.Ifit’sjustasbeautifulasherbodyin

thatskirt.

Ican’twaittopeelitallaway,layerbylayer,untilnothingisleft.

Myhandcaresseshercheekgently.Shedoesn’tleanaway,eventhoughIexpectedherto,withher

feistiness.Instead,herlipstipupintoasmile.Howstrange…anddelightfullypleasant.

“Whyareyousmiling?”Iask.

“Foramanwhocandoanythingtothewomansittingnexttohim,yousuredopickanawfullysweet

gesture,”shemuses,makingmesmiletoo.

“That’sbecauseI’msavoringyouforaslongasIcanbefore—”IcutmyselfoffbeforeIsaytoomuch.

Idon’twanttoupsether.Atleast,notwhileI’minhervicinity.She’dprobablykillmeifsheknew,which

iswhyIwon’tsayaworduntilwearriveatourdestination.

“Beforewhat?”Shefrowns.

“Nothing.”Ipullmyhandbackandclearmythroat.“IgnorewhatIjustsaid.”

Hermouthtwitches,butshekeepsitshut,thankfully.AlthoughIcandefinitelyseeherthoughtsjust

fromthescowlonherface.Isnort.

“What’ssofunny?”

“LikeIsaid,nothing,”Isay,shrugging.

“Well…”Shestaresathernailsandrubsoneofthemprofusely.“Ifthisishowit’sgoingtobefor

almostanentiremonth,thenIguessthisisgoingtobeeasierthanIthought.”

Iraiseabrow.“Howso?”

Shesmirks.“Becausenottalkingisboringasfuck.”

Ilaugh.“MissLee…ifthereisanythingyoudoneedtoknowisthattheseweeksaregoingtobe

anythingbutboring.”Ileaninsoclose,Icansmellherperfume.Rosesandahintofhoney.Iclosemy

eyesandtakeawhiff.ThenIlookupatherwithhalf-masteyes,barelyabletocontainmyself.I’drather

justbiteherintheshoulderfortryingtotauntme,butIwon’t.I’llkeepitcivil…fornow.

“Iwillentertainyouthoroughly,”Imuse,asIgrabherhandandkissherpalm.Icanfeelhershiver.

RightasIliftmyheadagain,myhouseappearsinthedistance.

Ipointatthewindowandwhisperinherear,“Look.”

Sheturnsherheadandplacesherhandonthewindow.“Isthatyourhouse?”Hervoicesoundsmorelike

asoftbreath.

Islideovertoherandsmileagainstherearlobe,thetouchofherskinonmylipsmakingmewantto

nibble“That’swhereyou’llbestaying.Doyouseethefencessurroundingtheproperty?Staywithinthem,

orthecontractisnullified.”

“Okay…”

“Whatdoyouthinkofthehouse?”

“Well”—shesnorts—“it’saniceprison.”

“Oh,don’tthinkofitasaprison.Thinkofitasacastlewhereallyourdarkestfantasieswillcometo

life.”

Sheturnsherheadtowardme,unafraidofthefactthatI’msittingsoclose,soinherspace.“My

darkestfantasies…oryours?”

IgrinasIslidemyfingerdownhercheek.“We’llleavethatuptoyourimagination.”

Whenthecarcomestoastop,Iclearmythroatandslipbackintomyseatasmychauffeurexitsthe

vehicleandopensmydoorandthenhers.

Iholdoutmyarmforhertograb,whichshedoesreluctantly.“Isupposeyou’renotintothechivalrous

kind.”

“Oh,onthecontrary.I’mjustnotintoyou.”

Ouch.

“Areyousureyouwanttobehere?”IaskasIguideheralongthegravelpath.

“No.”

“Thenwhyareyou?”Itiltmyheadtotheside.

“Money.Plainandsimple.”Shesmilesbroadly,butit’safakesmile,andIcanseerightthroughit.

“Youmightwanttostartworkingforitthen…”

Sheshakesherhead.“Thatwasn’toutlinedinthecontract.I’mtobeyours.Itdidn’tspecifyhowor

whatmyresponsetoyouradvancesshouldbe.”

“Hmm…”Ismiletomyself.Clevergirl.Nomatter.Soon,she’llfindoutjusthowhardshe’llhaveto

workforme.

“Still,Ihardlybelieveyou’retellingthetruthaboutnotbeingintome,”Iaddaswewalktothefront

doorofthemansion.“IsawyoushiverwhenItouchedyou,andIknowyoufeltittoo.”

Withjustoneside-glanceandafaintblushonhercheeks,IhaveallIneedtoconfirmthetruth.

***

Naomi

Heopensthelarge,woodenfrontdoorandholdsitopenformetogoinfirst.Hiseyesareonmelike

ahawkasIgoinsideandmarvelatthemansionanditsmarblefloors,largefloor-to-ceilingwindowsand

drapes,andtheintricatetapestrieshangingfromthewall.

Isaunteraroundthehallway,peekingintothesinglebedroomontheleftwiththebeautifulredsheets

andsomekindofhottubinthecorner.“Isthismyroom?”Iask.

“No,you’llbestayinginthatoneoverthere.”Hepointsataroomabove,upthestairs.“Theone

you’relookingatismyroom.”

Ilingernearitforafewmoreseconds,wonderingwhyIcan’tstaywithhim.“Ilikeyourroom.”

“I’msureyoudo.”Fromthesoundofhisvoice,I’mguessingtheanswerisadefiniteno.

“CanIexplorethehouse?ImeanifI’msupposedtostayhereforalmostanentiremonth,thenImight

aswellmakemyselfathome,right?”Iaskwithaflatteringsmile,butit’sonlytokeepupthecharade.

“Youcanbutdon’texpecttohavealotoffreetimeonyourhands.”Hewinks,anditmakesmelook

awayinsilence.Idon’twanthimtoseemeblush.Ihateit.Hatewhathissmiledoestome.Ihaveto

focusonwhyI’mhere.

“C’mon,”hesays,beckoningmetofollowhimupthestairs.

Iquietlytrailbehindhimaswegoupandthenintoahallwaytotheright.There,heopensadoor.

“Thisisyourroom.”

IfrownasIwalkinside,stillkeepingmyeyesonhim,asIdon’tknowwhathe’splanningtodo.

“Feelfreetocheckitout.Therearedressesinthewardrobethatyoucanwear,andmakeupinthe

vanitydrawers.However,youareexpectedtobereadywithinfifteenminutessowecanproceedwith

yourintroduction.”

“We?”Iturntofacehim.IhopeIdidn’thearthatright.

“Yes,we,”hemuses.“MybrothersandIownyounow.”

Myeyeswiden,andthetemperatureintheroomjustdroppedbyabouttwentydegrees.

“Don’tlooksosurprised,”hescoffs.

“Brothers?Younevermentioned—”

“Itisinthecontract,”heinterrupts.“Thecontractonlymentionedmylastname,whichIsharewithmy

twobrothers.”Awickedsmileformsonhisface.

Istepbackward,myhandsballingintofists.Ican’tbelievehetrickedme.EvenafterIreadthe

contracttwice.HowdidInotseethiscoming?

Thetoneofhisvoicedarkens.“Weallownyounow.”

AnuncontrollablefuryragesinsidemeasIfeeltheneedtorun.SoIdo.Irushtowardhimasheexits

andclosesthedoorbehindhim,butbeforeIcangetpast,he’salreadylockedittight.

“Youcan’tdothis!”Ismackthedoorwithaflathand.

“Actually,Ican.Yousignedacontract.Youbelongtousnow,andwewilluseyouinwaysyoucan’t

evenimagine.”Hisvoiceechoesashewalksoff,thelastaudiblethingbeinghisfootstepsastheymove

awayfromme.

Itwistthedoorknobafewtimesbutnoluck.Ofcoursenot.

Fuck.

MyheaddropsagainstthedoorasItakeinafewsharpbreaths,mypulseracing.

HowcouldIbethisstupid?

HowcouldIhavefallenintothistrapsoeasily?

ThecontractstipulatedsolittlethatIthoughtitwassomesortofgiantjoke,butitalsomeansthat

whatever’snotincludedcanhappen.Igavemyfreakingsoultohim.Willingly.

Iballmyfistsandslamthedoorafinaltime.Fuckingfiftymilliondollars.It’dbetterbeworthit.

“Um…hi?”

Whowasthat?

Iholdmybreathandturnaround.

It’sawoman,sittingonacouchatthefarendoftheroom,andshe’sstaringatme.

Alongwithsevenothergirls.

PartII

TheGames

5.

AccompanyingSong:“Aleph”byGesaffelstein

Naomi

Day1

Eightothergirlssitinthisveryroom.Eightgirlsplusme…allhandpickedforthesamewicked

scheme.

“Hi!Wannacomesayhello?”oneofthemsays.Shehasaroundfaceandshinyblondhairthatmakes

mesquint.WhenIwasyoung,Iusedtodreamofhavinghairthatcolor.Now,Iwouldn’twanttobefound

deadinaditchwiththatkindofhair.

Anotherwomanturnsaround,herlong,auburnhairswayingtothesideassheglancesatme,andthen

turnsherheadrightbackagain.“Oh…anotherone.”

Me.Anotherone.Buthowmanymore?

Onegirlturnsherheadandsmilesatme,herpearlywhitesandocean-coloredeyesimmediately

standingoutamongtherest.“Oh,hithere.”Shewavesandsmilesbriefly.

“C’mon,don’tbeshy.”Ablackwomanwithbeautifulnaturalcurlsbeckonsme.

Itakeastepforward,wonderingwherethehellI’veendedup.

Inhell,that’sright.

Ninegirls.

Didweallsignacontracttoselloursoul?

Anolive-skinnedwomanoppositeofwhereI’mstandingsays,“Comesitnexttome.”Shespeakswith

anaccentthatsoundslikeshe’sfromIndia.Shepatstheemptyspaceonthecouchbesideher.

Sheseemsthecalmestoutofallthewomen.Themosttrustworthy.SoIwalkuptoherandsitdown

rightnexttoher.Everyone’sstaringatme,andIwonderiftheyexpectmetosaysomething,eventhoughI

havenothingtotellthem.

Theywereherebeforeme.Iknowevenlessthantheydoatthispoint.

TheIndiangirlsticksoutherhandandsays,“Asya.”

“Naomi,”Ireply,shakingherhand.

Theothergirlsallintroducethemselvestoo.

ThepearlywhiteteethgirlisBritt,atwenty-one-year-oldmodelwithathinbodyandanoval-shaped

face.Theblackladywiththecurlsistwenty-five-year-oldLatisha,aprofessionaldancer.

Thenthere’sJordan,thethirty-year-oldgirlwiththeauburnhairandanaloofattitude.Sheseems

closedoff.Camillaisanotherthirty-two-year-oldblackladyintheback—shehasapixiecutwithreddye

init,andshesaysshe’sanassistanttoaCEOofacorporationthatmakessanitaryproducts.

AgirlsittinginthecornerofthecouchisHyun,atwenty-year-oldKoreangirlwhoseemsquiteshy,

andfromwhatIcantell,shedoesn’tknowmuchEnglish.Fromwhatsheexplainstous,sheworksina

coffeeshopcleaningdishes.

NexttoherisLauren,atwenty-nine-year-oldredheadinternforavideoandentertainmentcompany,

whereshehelpsuploadcontenttotheinternet.

Twenty-seven-year-oldStacey,theshinyblondhairgirl,hasthemostperfectlywell-donenailsI’ve

everseen,whichisnosurprisesincesheownsahairsalon.Finally,there’sAsya,thetwenty-four-year-

oldIndiangirlwhodoesn’tsaymuch,otherthanjusthername.

Andlastly,there’sme,thecutthroathalf-American,quarter-Vietnamese,andquarter-Japanesebitch

whosemissioninlifeistomakebig,fatstacksofcash,andthat’sit.

AnawkwardsilencefallsbetweenusasIsitbackandwaitforthemtotellmewhat’sgoingtohappen,

butnoneofthemspeakup.Ultimately,I’mforcedtostartaskingquestions,eventhoughI’drathernot.

Askingquestionsmeansyoudon’tknow,andnothingisworsethanshowingyoudon’tknow…because

it’sweakness.

Butinthiscase,Ihavenochoice.Ihavetoknowwhat’sgoingon…soIcanbeatMaxMarinoathis

owngame.

“Youallsignedacontract?”Iasktheladies.

Allofthemnod.

Ishakemyheadandsigh.

“Iknowwhatyou’regoingthrough,”Laurensays,pattingmybacklikethat’sgoingtohelp.“Wenever

expectedittobelikethis.”

“Soyouallknowwhyyou’rehere?”Ilookup,gazingintoeachoftheireyes,butallIseeisdespair.

Fear.Worry.

“Wesoldourselvestothem,”Brittsays.“Ithoughtitwasajob.ThatIcouldaddittomyresume.Boy,

wasIwrong.”Shesnorts.

“Maybeyoushould’vereadthesmallprint,”Jordansneers.

TheybothmakefacesateachotheruntilCamillasays,“Stopit,girls.Wearenotheretofight.Iknow

y’allareupset;Iamtoo,butwejustgottadealwithit.Weshouldsticktogether.”

“Iagree,”Staceychimesin.

Asyasighsoutloud.“Idon’tunderstandwhat’shappening.”Shelooksatme.“Ionlycamehere

minutesbeforeyoudid.”

“Whobroughtyouin?WasitMax?”

“Who?”Shenarrowshereyes.

“Theguywiththedarkbrownhair…”Isay,butIstopbecauseIcanseeitdoesn’tringabell.

“ShewasbroughtinbyAnthony.He’sabuffguywithlong,curlyblackhairthatwassosmooth,”

Staceysays.

Shemakesaweirdgestureintheairwithherhand,almostlikeshe’stryingtotouchhim.“He’sthe

sameguywhobroughtmein,”sheadds.“Iwasthesecondgirl.”Shealmostsoundsproudofthat

achievement.“GavemequiteashockwhenIsawJordansittingthereallbyherself.Ididn’tknowwhatto

expect.”

Jordanrubsherforeheadbutdoesn’trespond.

“Icameinthird,”Brittadds.“AndIwasbroughtinbysomeguynamedDevon.Hehadalotoftattoos,

facialhair,andloopsinhisears.Andhishairwasshavedonthesides.”Shelicksherlips.“IknewI

shouldn’thavetrustedhim.”

“Didtheycomeontoyou?”Iask.

“What?”Asya’seyeswiden.

“Imean…didtheytrytoseduceyouintosigningthecontract?”

“No.Itwaspurelybusiness.IthoughtIwasgoingtobehishairstylistorsomething,”Staceysays.

“Maxdid,”Jordanadds,andshelooksmedeadintheeyes.“ButIignoredhisadvances.”

“Hmm…sohowmanyofyouwerebroughtinbythisAnthonyguy?”Iask.

Asya,Stacey,andCamillaallraisetheirhand.

“AndwhowasbroughtinbyDevon?”

NowBritt,Latisha,andLaurenraisetheirhands.

ThatleavesJordan,Hyun,andme.SoIpointatthemandsay,“Max?”

Theybothnod.

Threegirls.Threemen.

That’snotacoincidence.

Ittellsmesomethingimportant.Ittellsmethattheyhandpickedusfortheirownpleasure.Likedolls

…Theirfavoritestoplaywith.

“Thecontract.Howlongisitfor?”Iask,wantingtoknowifwe’reallinthistogether.

“Threeweeks.”

ExactlyasIthought.

“Andtheoffer?”Ieyeeachandeveryoneofthemtoseeifthey’relying.

“Fiftymillion…”Asyawhispers.

“Same,”theothergirlsreply.

Inodinconcurrence.“Ladies,Iguesswe’veallbeenscrewed.”

“Butwhy?What’sthepointofallthis?”Laurenmutters.“Threemenandninewomen?Whatdothey

wannadowithus?”

“Well,Icanthinkofathingortwo…”Latisharaisesabrowandsniggers.Ittellsmeawholelot

abouther.

“Pleasedon’t,”Jordansays,placingherhandoverhermouth.“It’salreadymakingmesickjust

thinkingaboutit.”

“Whatishappening?”HyunsuddenlysaysinsomewhatbrokenEnglish.

Brittgetsupandsitsdownnexttoher,grabbingherhand.“Nothing’sgoingtohappentous,okay?”

“Threemenandninewomen?”Hyunrepeats.“Forfiftymilliondollars?It’snotworthit.”

Ifrown,tryingnottosayanythingeventhoughIdesperatelywantto.I’mnotsurewhetherIcantrust

thesewomen.OrifIevenshould.

We’vebeenputinthisroomtogetherforareason,I’msureofit.Andit’snotjusttogetfamiliarwith

eachothereither.Let’sjustsayIhaveafeelingtheseeightladiesandIaren’tgoingtobebestfriends

whenthisover.

“Theysaidwehadtogetreadyforsomething,”Isay.

“Yeah,Irememberthat,”Latishasays.

“Ithinkweshouldputonsomeniceclothes.Putonsomemakeup.”Staceyshrugswhentheladieslook

ather.“Imeanthat’swhywe’rehere,right?Tomakethoseboyshappy.”

“Right…”Camillasays,frowningasshegetsup.“Well,thenlet’sgettoit.Onlyonewaytofindout

whattheywantandit’sallhappeningbehindthatdoor.”

ExactlywhatI’mthinking.

EvenwhenthereareeightmoregirlsthanIanticipated,itstilldoesn’tmeanIdon’twanttogetthat

fiftymilliondollars.Theywantmeready?They’llgetmeready.

“Idon’t…wantto,”Hyunsayswithasoftvoice.“Ithoughtthiswasanotherjob…”

“Youdon’thaveto,honey,”Camillasays.“I’mnotchanging,either.TheycantakemejustthewayI

am.Takeitorleaveit.”Sheshrugsandthenpropsherselfuponherelbows,watchingeveryoneelselike

it’snooneelse’sbusiness.

NotthatIcarewhatanyoneheredoes.

ThemomentIwalkedintothisroomandsawthem,Ialreadyknewwewererivals.Otherwise,what

wouldbethepointofbringinginninegirlswhenyouonlyhavethreemen?

SoIgotothewardrobesinthebackoftheroomandpullthedoorsopen,shovingasideeverything

that’snotmytypeuntilI’vefoundtheperfectreddressthatseemstofitmetoaT.Iputitonandgotothe

mirrorsontheoppositeendoftheroom,admiringmyselfbeforesittingdownatthevanity.Ipickupa

pencilandtouchupmyeyelinerwhereneeded,andwithabrushandsomeblush,Iaddafewstrokesto

mycheeks.Ismellthreedifferentperfumesandsprayonthespiciestone.BythetimeI’mdone,thegirls

haveonlyjustputonanewdress.

IsmiletomyselfandthinkaboutallthewaysIcouldscrewthemoverandtaketheircutaswell.

Iknow…I’mfuckedinthehead.

Butwhatwouldyoudowhenyoudesperatelywantedtocureyourparent’scancer?

Lethewhocastthefirststonebewithoutsin.

AsIwatchthegirlsstruggletogetready,Ihearaclickingnoiseatthefarendoftheroom.The

entrance.

Thedoorisunlocked,andahandleispulled.

“Ladies,areyouready?”

It’savoiceIdon’trecognize,butI’mcertainI’llgettoknowitalltoowellsoonenough.

“Timetocomeoutandplay.”Thelasttwowordsmakemyskincrawl.

Thegirlsseemfrozenintime,clutchingtheirdressesandtheirbrusheswiththeirpartiallydone

makeup,butIamreadytofacethischallenge.

Istandupandwalkwithpridetowardthedoor.Imeetamanwithhairasblackasnightandlooped

ringsthroughhisears,hisbeardedfacedarkenedonlybythegrimaceonhisface.

IcockmyheadasIconfronthim,smilingviciously.“YoumustbeDevon.”

Hissmileispeculiar—andequallyasdisturbingasmineis—asheleansagainstthedoorpost.“Well,

well…Idon’trememberintroducingmyselftoyou.”

“There’snoneed,”Imuse.“IknoweverythingIneedtoknow.”

HiseyesglimmerwitharageI’veseenonlyrarelyinmen.Thekindthatremindsmeofsavagebulls

wantingtoimpaleahumanbeing.IwonderifhecanrestrainhimselfwhileIwalkpasthim,underneath

hisarms.Apparently,hecan.

Iwalkoutoftheroomandgodownstairs.IstopinthehallwayonceIspottwomenstandingnearthe

doorontheleftside.OneofthemIrecognize;theotherisnewbutfamiliarfromthedescriptionsthegirls

gaveme.Amanwithlong,curlyblackhairandlusciouslips.Iimaginehimbeingahandsomewomanizer.

HeremindsmeofAntonioBanderasinhisyoungerdays.

Toobadtheseguysdon’tjustplaybadboys…Theyembodythem.

Withoutsayingaword,Iwatchthemwithpartedlipsastheysauntertowardme,neitherofthem

utteringoneword.Isupposethey’reenjoyingmysupposedsurpriseattheirbrotherhood.I’msogoodat

fakingitIevensurprisemyself.Gag.

“Ladies,c’mon,”Devonsaystotheothergirls,whocomerunningdownthestairsonebyonelikelost

lambs.

“Lineup,”Devonyellsafterthemasheclosesthedoorandcomesdownstairstoo.

Istandatthecenterassomegirlspauseonmyleftandothersonmyright.Soon,we’relinedupand

facingthreemenwhostrollbackandforthalongtheline,spinningontheirheelstorepeatthesamething

overandoveragain.Theireyesneverleaveourbodies,andtheyfailtomakeeyecontactevenonce.

It’slikethey’rejudgingcattle.

Pricingthemeat.

Readyforslaughter.

IswallowawaythesmallamountofnervesbundledinmythroatasIstarestraightintoMax’seyes.

Forasecond,IthinkIspotafaintsmileonhisface,butthenhiseyesturncold.

“Listenup,ladies,”Maxsays.“Iknowyoumustbeconfused,soletmeexplainwhat’sgoingto

happen.”

Icanfeeltheairthickenwithangst.

Itchokesme,eventhoughitisn’tmyfearI’mfeeling.It’sthegirls’fear.

“Eachofyousignedacontractwithoneofus.Youwerepickedbecauseyouarespecial.Youare

beautiful.Youaresmart.Youareperfect.Whichisexactlywhywewantyou.Whyyounowbelongtous.

Andit’swhywechoseyouforthisgame.”

“Whatgame?”Camillainterrupts.

Anthonyliftshisfingerandplacesitonhislips,silencingherwithoutsayingasingleword.

“Ourgame.Towinit,youmustcompeteagainsteachother.Youwillearnfiftymilliondollarsifyou

winourgame.Therulesaresimple.Entertainusinwhateverwaynecessary,andyouwillwin.”

“How?”Iaskbluntly,notgivingashitwhetherI’mallowedtoaskquestions.

Maxbiteshislip.Idon’tknowwhyIseeit,butIdo.“Bydoingeverythingwedesire.Whetheritbe

servingus,massagingus—”

“Orundressingforus,”Anthonyadds.

Devongrins.“Orbeingfuckedinanyorifice.”

“What?”Jordan’sjawdrops.

“Doyoumean…”Staceymutters.

Asya,who’sstandingbesideme,grabsmyhandandsqueezesittight.Iwanttoshakeherloose,butI

knowthat’snotinmybestinterestnow.Itwouldn’tlookgood,andIwillfuckinglookgoodifIhaveto

fightthesegirlsforthesameprize.

“Yes,youheardthatright,”Maxmuses,hiseyeshoninginonmyface.“Sex.Anythinggoes.

Anywhere.Anytime.Anyfuckingthingthatwewant,youwilldoit.”

Hetakesastepintomydirection,onefootaheadoftheotherashebroadenshisshoulders,obviously

tryingtointimidateme.

“Doyouwanttogetfiftymilliondollars?Earnit.Followtherules.”Iknowhe’stalkingtoallofthe

girls,buthiseyesareonme.“Donotdefyus.Donotdenyuspleasure.Fail,andyouwillbeeliminated,

thecontractnullified.That’sall.Anyquestions?”

Eliminated.

Iwonderinwhatsense.

Staceyraisesherhand,andMaxsignalshertospeak.“Whataretherulesexactly?”

Max’swickedsmilesomehowfindsitswayintomydeviouslittleheart.“You’llfindoutsoon

enough.”

6.

AccompanyingSong:“TheDemonDance”byCliffMartinez

Max

Evening

Ninegirlsandthreemenatonedinnertable.Canyouimaginethesizeofthetable?

Exactly.

Luckily,thediningroomislargeenough.Itcouldevenfittwentymorepeopleifneeded.

I’mnothumble,andIliketobrag.IknowwhatIhave,andIknowIwasbornintowealth,butthat

doesn’tmeanIdidn’tworkmyassofftoearnwhatIhave.

Caseinpoint—Imanagedtopersuadethreeofthemostdifficultgirlssittinginfrontofusrightthis

verymomenttosignawayalltheirrightsasahumanbeinginasimplecontract.Andtheyallfellforit.

Ilookatmybrotherssittingnexttome;Devon’sgloatingoverthemeatthat’sonhisforkandentering

hismouth,Anthony’senjoyingthewinehe’ssippingslowlyashiseyeswander…justlikemine.

Ican’tstoplookingatourvictory.Ninegirlsandallofthemareapleasuretotheeye.Iwonderifthey

areasequallypleasurableonthecock.

Ilookatthegirlsandwatchoneofthempierceapeaandbringittohertremblinglips.Hyun.Shehas

suchapure,youngface;herhoodedeyeslikeblackpoolsIcoulddrownin.NotasbeautifulasNaomi’s,

though,butclose.Themomentoureyesmeet,thepeadropsfromherfork.

Ismileather,butitonlyseemstoscareher,andshelooksaway.

Iclearmythroatandputdownmyfork.“Noneedtobescared,”Isay.“Wewon’tbite.”

DevonlaughsandquicklycoversitupwithhisnapkinwhenIglareathim.

“Butyoucould,”Naomisays.“Ifyouwantedto.”

Ilookatherandsmile,wonderingifshe’llbeascourageoustospeakupafteroneofushasourway

withher.

NotthatIthinkfondlyofgivingherawaytomybrothers…eventhoughIknowIhavetoshare.She,

outofallthegirls,hasthemostpotential.Simplybecauseshedoesn’tseemimpressedbyanyofit.AndI

can’twaittoseeherresolvecrumble.

“Iwantto,”Devonaddswithoutshame,peeringatherinawaythatmakesmewanttoramhisfork

intohishand.

Thegirlsallstopeating,exceptNaomi,who’sstillenjoyingherrichtomatosoup.Icouldmakeit

creamierforher.MaybeIwilllater.

“Whatdoyouwantwithus?”Camillabravelyspeaksup.

Anthonygrinsasheplaceshiswineglassdownonthetable.“Simple.Pleasure.Commitment.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”Staceyasks.

Anthonyeyesherfromtheside.“Wealreadytoldyou.Anythingandeverythingwewant.”

“Nolimits…”Latishamumbles.

“Exactly.”Anthonywinksather,makingherblush.

“Soyouwantustobeyoursexdolls?”Brittrepeatslikeshedidn’talreadygetthememo.

“Notjustthat,”Devonsays.“There’smoretoitthanjustsex.I’dliketohavefuntoo.”

“Don’t,”Isay,eyeingDevonfromtheside.HeseemsoffendedthatIinterruptedhim,soIpointatthe

food.“We’reeating.”

“So?”

“I’dliketokeepmyappetite.Thankyou.”

Devonrollshiseyesandgrumblesbutthencontinuesgobblingdownhismeatlikesomesavage

animal.He’salwaysbeenlikethis.Boisterous.Iguessthat’snormalforsomeonewho’sonlytwenty-

three.Thenagain,Iwasneverlikethat.Atall.

“Useafork,willyou?”Ithrowhimone.

“Mindyourownbusiness,”hegrowls,noteventouchingthedamnthing.

Sometimes,Ireallywanttokillhim.ToobadFatherwouldn’tapprove.

“Sothishouse…itbelongstothethreeofyou?”Naomiasks.

Thepeculiarquestionimmediatelycapturesmyattention.Whywouldshewanttoknow?

“Yes,actually.Weliveinittogether.”

“Pityyoucouldn’taffordyourownhome.”

Ithrowdownmynapkinaswehaveastaredown.Herfaceremainsasemotionlessasitwasbefore,

withtheexceptionofonething…asmall,victorioussmile.

“IfIcanaffordtobuyyou,doyouthinkIcan’taffordmyownhome?Thisisafamilyhome.Onewe

cherish.Onethathasspecialmeaningtous.Andapurpose.Wechoosetolivehere.”

“Really?Whatpurpose?”Jordanasks,swayingherwineglasswhilelookingnotevenremotely

amused.

“Thepurposeofthesethreeweeks…istowinoneofus,”Isay.

“Putinadifferentway,”Anthonycontinues,shiftinginhisseat.“Threeofyouwillbeourbrides.”

Allforksdrop,alongwithjawsallaroundthetable.

Naomiistheonlyonewhomanagestoholdontoit,althoughherhandistremblingandshe’sstopped

chewingherfood.Iguessthatlittlebitofinformationfinallygotherattention.

“What?”Camillashouts.“Didyoujustsaybrides?Asin‘marriage’?”Shemakesquotationmarks

withherfingers.

“Yeah,”Devonsays,“youhearditright.”

“Yousignedacontract.Yougaveawayyourbody.Yoursoul.Yourrights,”Anthonymuses.

“Nuh-uh.Noway.”Shescootsherchairback.“Fuckthisshit.”

“Goingalready?”Iask,watchingasshegetsupfromherseat,clearlydistressed.

“Acontractforthreeweeks,yes,sex,maybe,butI’mnotfuckingmarryinganyofyou,”shesays.“I’m

outtahere.”

Assheturnsandstormsaway,Icallout,“Youdorealizethisstopsyoufromreceivingfiftymillion

dollars?”

Shedoesn’tanswer.Allshedoesisthrowhermiddlefingerupintheairasshewaltzesoutthedoor.

“Well,Iguessthat’ssettledthen.”Anthonypicksuphiswineglassandtakesacasualsip.

“Her,outofallthegirls…hmph,”Imutter.“Ineverfiguredshe’dbetheonetoleave.”

“Who’dyouexpectthen?”Naomisuddenlyasksoutoftheblue.

Inarrowmyeyes,eyeingherfromacrossthetable.Iknowwhyshe’sasking—whatshe’stryingtodo

—butI’mnotlettingherintomymindthateasily.

“Ithinkyoucanfigurethatoneoutforyourself.”Igiveherapoisedsmileandpickupmyforkagain.

“Let’scontinueourdinner,shallwe?”

Thegirlsalllookateachother.EventhoughI’meatingmysalad,andAnthonyisfinallyfinishinghis

steak,noneofthegirlsareeating.Theyalllooklikethey’reonthevergeofthrowingtheirforksand

knivesatus.Oroneanother.Whoknows.Ialreadyenjoythisgamewe’replaying,andwehaven’teven

startedyet.

“Butwhywouldwewanttomarryyou?Ifweallgetfiftymilliondollarsanyway,what’sthepointin

tryingtowinanyofyouover?”Laurenasksboldly.

“Well,there’stheaddedbonusofbecomingpartofthefamily,whichmeansyou’llalsoautomatically

becomeapartnerinourbusiness,”Isay.

“Aka…moremoney,”Anthonyadds.

Forsomereason,healwaysmanagestofinishmysentences.It’slikehecanreadmymind.Ormaybe

hejustwantstoone-upmebecauseI’mtwoyearsolderthanheis.Healwayshatedbeingthemiddle

child.

“Soyou’rebasicallybuyingwives,”Laurensays,laughing.“Pathetic.”

Isquint,myeyestwitchingfromannoyance.“Noneedtoberude.”

“Right…”Laurenrollshereyes.“We’retherudeones.”

“Look.Youeitherstayforthemoneyandpossiblymoreorleavewithoutany.Yourchoice,”Devon

interjects.

“Let’sallgetbacktoeatingourdinner.Wedon’twantittogetcold.”Ismiletodefusethesituation.

It’squietforawhile.Noonesaysaword,andit’ssuspicious.Iwonderifit’sbecauseofthemarriage

bomborbecauseoftheaddedbonusofhavingournameandpartofourcompanybomb.

“No,”Jordansuddenlysays,herfacerigidbutweak,likeshe’sholdingittogetherbyathinthread.

“Youjusttoldusthemostcrucialpartofthiscontract,withouttellingusinadvance,andyouexpectusto

justtakeit?”

“Justtakeit?”Imuse,swallowingabiteofmysalad.

“Thisiscrazy,”Jordansays,gazingattheothergirlstogarnersupport.“Right?”

Noneofthemspeakup.

AwickedsmileformsonmylipsasIwonderifthisisthecraziestshe’severbeen.

Itcouldgetevencrazier.

Right.

Now.

Iscootmychairbackandgetup,waltzingtowardJordan.ThegirlsleanbackasIfocusmyattention

onher.Igrabherwrists,forcinghertodropherutensils,andIpullherupfromherchair.

“He—”

Isilenceherrevoltbypushingherdownontothetableandputtingherhandsbehindherback,soshe

can’tmove.

“Whatareyoudo—”

Ishovemyhandunderherdress,crumplingitup.“Didn’tItellyounottodefyus?”Isay,andinone

go,Iyankdownherpanties.

“No,”shemumblesasIholdherdownagainstthetable.

“Yes.I.Did.”Iwatchthegirlssittingaroundthetable,gulping,staring.Ihopetheytakenotice.

“Yourbodybelongstousnow…”ImuseasIslidemyfingeralongherslit.“Soletmeshowyouwhat

thatmeans.”

“Letg—”

Ipushherfacedownontoanemptyplateandmakeherlookatthegirls.“Look!Lookathowyou’re

acting.Letthemseehowinsolentyouare.”

“Ididnothingwrong,”shesays.

“Yousignedthecontract.Doyouwantthatfiftymilliondollarsornot?”Icuphershavenpussy.Itfeels

soniceinmyhand,butallIcanfocusonisNaomisittinginchesawayfromme…Iimagineitbeingher

pussy.

God,I’masickmotherfucker.

“Doyou?”Irepeat,applyingpressuretoherclit.

Afterawhile,shespeaksupwithameekvoice.“Yes.”

“ThenyouneedtorealizethisbodyisminetousehoweverIplease.”Ibringmyfingerstomymouth

andspitonthem,rubbingitupanddownherslit.“Nowbendoverandstaydown.”

IcircleherclitasIholdherhandsdownonherback,watchingthetearsinhereyesslowlyfadeinto

oblivion,justlikeherresolve.Justonesingletearmanagestoescapeandfalltothetable,butitonlyadds

tomyexcitement.

Shestoppedfighting.Admitteddefeat.

AndIfuckinglovetoconquerandwin.

ShefiststhetablesheetasIfondleherpussyforallthegirlstosee.Sheturnsherheadandlooksatme

withdoe-likeeyes,butshedoesn’topenherlips.Notoncedoesshebegmetostop.Sheknowsshehadit

coming,andshe’sacceptingwhateverIhavetooffer.

Allforthesweet,sweetmoney.

Justassweetassheis.

ButIdon’tevenlikesweet.

Hell,I’monlydoingthistoshowthegirlswho’sboss.ParticularlyNaomi,who’sstillnotshownone

singledropoffearorpainatthesightofmetouchingthisgirl’spussy.No,theonlythingIseeinhereyes

…isthepangofjealousy.

Afterawhileoftoyingwithherpussy,Inoticeshe’sclosedhereyes,andforasecond,hertongue

dartsouttowetherlips.Wetnesscoatsmyfinger,mixingwithmysaliva.Igrin.

Twofingers…thruststraightintoherpussy.

“Tellmewhoownsyounow!”Ipulloutmyfingersaftersheheldherbreathfortoolong.

“Youdo,”shesayssoftly.

Ipumpintoheragain,asIcan’tanddon’twanttostopmyself.Mycockistwitchingfromarousal.

“Louder!”

“Youdo!”

“Why?”Igrowl.

“BecauseIwantthatfiftymilliondollars.”

“Exactly.Youknowwhatyousignedupfor.Now,showmeyou’vegotwhatittakes.”Ispankherass,

andshesquealsoutloud.

Thehorrifiedlooksonthegirls’facesonlymakemycockharder.

God,Iliveforthis.Thecontrol.Thedirty,raunchysexualdeviance.

Thisiswhywedoallofthis.

Thisisworthfiftymilliondollars.

“Howdoesitfeel?Fiftymilliondollarsbetweenyourlegs?”Ithrustevenfaster,picturingNaomi

lyinghereunderneathme,squirmingfrommyfingers.“Doyouwantit?”

“Yes,”shemurmurs.

“Thenfuckingcomeforme,”Isaywitharoughvoice,andevenrougherfingersasIfuckhertight

pussy.

Shegaspsandclutchesthetableclothevenharder,andIgrasptheopportunitytotakeafistfulofher

hairandpullherheadupsoeveryonecanseethelookofblissonherface.Icontinuetofuckherpussy

withjusttwofingersuntilsheexplodes.

Andexplodeshedoes.

All.Over.Me.

It’snotjustwetnesspoolingoutofher,runningdownherlegs,anddrippingalloverthefloor.

It’snotjustherloudmoanthatcanbeheardfromacrossthehall.

Icanfeelit…insideher…herpussyclenchingaroundmyfingers,beggingmeformore.

ButI’mnotgoingtogiveittoheryet.

Ismileandlaugh.“Now,I’veturnedeventhemostuptightgirlintoasexkitten…allforthemoney.”

Ipullmyfingersoutandbringthemtomynose,smellingthesweetaromaofsurrender…andtakea

lick.

“Delicious,”Iwhisper,andIgazespecificallyatNaomi,whoimmediatelyrepositionsherselfinher

chair,scratchingthebackofherneck.IhopethiswillinciteherenoughtoplaythegamejustthewayI

likeit.

Jordanremainsonthetable,lipsticksmudgesalloverhercheeksandthecloth,herfacedull,empty.

Completelysated.Herunmovingbodylookslikethatofaprettydollcrushedafterforcedintoaposition

it’snotusedto.

Ibrokeheralready.

Pity.

7.

AccompanyingSong:“TheDemonDance”byCliffMartinez

Naomi

Thatsamenight

Atnight,noonesleeps.

Itryto,butthegirlswhocan’tstopblabberingabouthowwrongitwaswhatMaxdidkeepwakingme

up.Howheshouldneverhavetouchedherlikethat.Howheshould’vejusttoldhertherulesfromthe

beginning.Howthereshouldhavebeenawarning.How,intheend,sheactuallyseemedtolikeit.

Wait,no.Thatlastbitwasjustmyobservation.

Igrabmypillowandshoveitagainstmyears,tryingtokeepitsilent,buttheirvoicesaretooloudto

drownout.Isighandreleasemypillow.Staringupattheceiling,Iwonderwhytheydon’tjustgoto

sleep.Hell,it’snotlikethey’regoingtothinkofsomethingusefulnow.It’sthreea.m.inthemorning.We

needsleepinordertothink…andtobebeautiful.

Becauselet’sfaceit,that’swhatthiscompetitionisallabout.Anditisacompetition.Onewherethree

not-so-luckygirlswintherighttomarryoneofthem.

I’mnotsosurehowIfeelaboutthat.

Ontheonehand,Ireally,reallywantthatfiftymilliondollars.I’ddoprettymuchanythingforit,

includingspreadingmylegswheneverMaxsnapshisfingers,eventhoughIdespisehim.

Butmarryinghim…thatmeansI’mstuckwithhimforever.

Ontheotherhand,maybethat’snotsuchabadthing.Afterall,he’sonerichmotherfucker,andifhe

andhisbrotherscandishoutfiftymilliondollarslikeit’snobigdeal,thenI’msurethere’splentymore

formetoenjoy.IfI’mmarriedtooneofthem,halfofthatwealthbecomesmine.

Mine.Allthatmoney.

IcoulddowhateverIwanted.

Buyafive-bedroommansion,getaboatwithanonboardsouschef,gotoParisonawhimjustfora

shoppingspree,andweardesignerdressesandLouboutinswheneverIwantedto.God,lifewouldbe

bliss.

ToobadI’dhavetosharethewealthwithhim.

Pity.

Thenagain,ifhe’sasgoodinbedasheshowedtonightwithJordan…thenthatmightnotbesucha

baddealafterall.Ilikeitwhenamanknowswhathewantsandtakesit.Idon’tlikeitwhenhedoesn’t

doittome.

Iturnaroundinbedandwatchthegirlsargue,spillingwineeverywhereastheypourdownanddrink

upglassafterglass,gettingwastedontheideathatthey’restuckdoingthebiddingofthreemenforthree

weeks.

Idon’tknowwhatthepointindiscussingitis.Weallsawwhathappened.Weallknowtherulesnow.

Wecandecideforourselveswhatwedonow.AndIalreadyknowI’mstaying.Itwasneveramatterofif.

It’sonlyamatterofmoney.

Jordansitsinthecornerofthecouch.Clutchingapillowagainstherstomach,she’sgonetoaplaceof

noreturn,andhereyeslookcoldanddead.Britttriestogiveheracupoftea,butshedoesn’tevenlookat

itorBritt.

“Jordan…you’vegottodrinksomething,”shesays.

Jordanjustblinks.

Brittsighs.Icanseeherfrustration,eventhoughI’mallthewayacrosstheroominmybed.

“C’mere.”SheholdsoutherarmsandinvitesJordantohugher,butJordan’sstiffasaboard.Instead,

Brittleansinandwrapsherarmsaroundherfromtheside,ignoringallthesignalsJordan’sbeengiving

her.

Shedoesn’twanttobehugged.

Shedoesn’twanttobeconsoled.

Shewantstobeleftalone…soheremotionscandieaquickdeath.

IknowbecauseI’vefeltthesamewayeverytimeIhadtobegforaloan.

“Areyouokay,honey?”Laurenasks,rubbingJordan’sleg,whoflinchesatthetouch.

“Pleasedon’t…”Jordanmumbles.

Icrawlupfromunderneathmyblanketsandgetup.“Letherbe.”

Thegirlslookatme.“Weren’tyousleeping?”Laurenasks.

“Can’t.”

“Sorry.Iknowwe’reloud,”Latishasays.

“It’sokay.Ican’tsleepanywaywithallthesethoughtsrunningthroughmymind.”That’salie,butI

gottakeepupthegoodimage.TheworstthingIcandorightnowisbeshunnedbythegirlsI’msupposed

tocompeteagainst.Iknowwe’rerivals,butthatdoesn’tmeanIhavetotreatthemasenemies.

“Idon’tunderstand,”Hyunmumbles,holdinghercupofteaclosetoherchest.“Whywouldhedo

that?”

“Youmeantouchherpussy?”Isay.Hyun’sfaceturnsred.“Don’tbeembarrassed,”Iadd.“Ijustcallit

whatitis.”

Laurenopenshermouthagain.“Sheneversaid—”

“Shedoesn’tneedtosayanything,”Iinterrupt.“Hecantakewhat’shis,anytimehewants,anywayhe

wants.Asstipulatedinthecontract,”IreplyasIsitdownbesidethem.“Look.Weallsignedacontract

givingawayallourbasichumanrights.I’dsayweshouldbehappythey’restillgivingusapropermeal

toeatandacomfortablebedtosleepin.”

“Haveyoulostyourmind?”Laurensays,scowling.“Whyshouldwebehappywithhavingourrights

takenaway?I’mnotafuckingconcubine.”

“Concubine…exactly.That’swhatwe’regoingtobenow.”

“Idon’twantto,”Asyasays.

Ilookatherandsquint.“Thenwhyareyouhere?”

Ittakesherawhiletoanswer.Sheshrugs.“Myparents…theygavemeaway.”

“Wow,wow.What?Areyousayingtheymadeyoucomehere?”Staceyasks.

Asyagazesdownatherfeet,whichisalltheinfoIneed.

“Ineverwantedthis.Ineverthoughtthey’dactuallygothroughwithit.”

Igrabherhandandsqueeze.It’stheleastIcoulddo.Idon’thavemuchempathy,butIknowhowto

holdahand,andIknowsheneedsthisrightnow.EvenifIonlydoitsotheothergirlsdon’tthinkI’ma

totalbitch;when,infact,Ireallyamjustthat.

“Meneither,”Hyunsays.“Iwantmoney.Idon’twantthis.”

“Well,thisiswhatwehave,soweneedtodealwithit.”

“How?Howintheworlddoyoudealwiththis?”LaurenpointsatJordanasanexample.

“Byshuttingoffyouremotions.”Ismileandthenturnmyfacebacktonothingness.“See?Likethis.I

doitallthetime.”

“Thatwon’tworkforme,honey,”Latishajokes.“NotthatI’llneedit.I’mperfectlyfinewithbeing

theirsexdoll.”

“Whatever,”Isay,notreallycaringaboutherreasonstostayorgo.“Thepointiseveryonecaneither

takeitorleaveit.That’swhattheysaid,andMaxhasshowntheymeanbusiness.”

“Leave?Couldwe?”Brittasks.

“Youmeanyouwanttoleaveandcancelthecontract?”Icockmyhead.“Whynot?Camilladidit.”

“Yeah,buthowdoyouknowsheactuallymanagedtogetoutandgobackhome?”Brittadds.“Howdo

youknowshewasn’t…youknow…killed.”Thatlastwordisspokeninawhisper.

Theothergirls’eyeswiden,andtheyalllookateachotherinpanic.

“Calmdown.Noone’sgettingkilled.”Atleast,notyet.

“I’msureshemadeithomealive,”Latishasays.“Idon’tthinkthosehandsomeguyscouldkilloneof

us.Theyjustwanttohavefun,that’sall.”

Jordanshakesherheadatthatcommentbutstilldoesn’tspeakup.

“Soyouthinkshegothomesafely?”Brittasks.

“Yeah,”Staceysays.“Isawherleavethehouse.Noonestoppedher.”

“Doesthatmeanwecanleave?”Hyunasks,lookingatmelikeI’mtheonetogiveheralltheanswers.

“Youcould…noone’sstoppingyou.”Ifoldmyarms.“Thequestionisdoyouwantto?”

Shebitesherlipandlooksdownatherpajamapants.Thenshesoftlyshakesherhead.“Ineedthe

money.ButI’mscared.”

“Don’tbe.We’llgetthroughthis.”Staceygrabsherhand.“Together.”

Iturnaroundandlookatthedoor,rollingmyeyesandwonderinghowI’mevergoingtolivethrough

thesethreeweekswithgirlslikethem.Gag.

Igetupandsaunterbacktobed.

“Whereareyougoing?”Staceyasks.

“Bed.”

“But…”

“Leaveorstay.Yourchoice.I’mgoingtosleep.Night.”

Andwiththat,Ituckmyselfundertheblanketsandclosemyeyes.

However,thisannoyingvoiceinmyheaddoesn’tstopwhisperingdirtylittleliesintomyears,telling

meabouthowIshouldbemad.HowIshouldenvyJordanbecauseshegothisfingersupherpussy,and

howIwishedit’dbeenmeinstead.

AndIfallasleepwiththeimageofMaxfuckingmewitheveryoneelselooking…satisfied…

knowingthatI’masfuckedupastheycome.

***

AccompanyingSong:“OutsidetheWar”bySantigold

Max

Evening

Itakeasipofmywhiskeyontherocksandstareatthecracklingfireinfrontofme.Mychairfeelslike

adamncage,holdingmebackfromwhereI’mreallysupposedtobe.Thisroomwheremybrothers

schemeandlaughastheyplayagameofpoolonthegreentableintheback.Theirnoisedistractsmefrom

mygoal.

GettingNaomitosubmitasquicklyaspossibleandmakingherpickme.

MygripontheglasstightensasIbringittomylipsandtakeanothersip.Thisdrinkistheonlything

thatrelaxesmewhenI’mstressedasfuck.Ican’thelpit;whenIhavetosharewithmybrothers,things

alwaysgettense.Wealwayswantthesamething.Someonehastolose…andthistime,itisn’tgoingto

beme.

“Soyou’vegotafavoriteyet?”AnthonyasksDevonasheshootsaballintothehole.

IttakesDevonawhiletoanswer.“No…notparticularly.”

“Ido…”Anthonymuses,playingcoy.

“Who?”Devonasks.

“Thatgirl…withtheoliveskinanddark,thineyes…”Icanseehimsmile,anditmakesmewantto

smashhisfaceinwithmyglass.

“Hyun?”Devonmakesaface.“Ineverpeggedhertobeyourtype.”

“Nah,theotherone…”

Iturnmyheadaroundthecornerandgrowl,“Stayawayfromher.”

Mybrothersbothlookmyway,butonlyDevonopenshismouth.“What’syourproblem?”

“Stay.Away.From.Her.”Ijustgivethemthelook.Thatlook.Theonewe’velearnedtorespectfrom

oneanother.Theonethatsays…I’mgoingtokillyouifyoutouchwhat’smine.

“Who?”Anthonyaskswithalowvoice.

Iturnmyheadtowardtheflamesagain,picturingNaomiastheydanceandlickthesurfaceofthe

fireplace.“Naomi.”

“Don’tyoumeanJordan?”Devon’svoicesoundsannoyed.“Youstuckyourfingersupherpussyon

dayone.”

“Idon’tcareforanyrandompussy.”Idrinkthelastsipofwhiskeyfromtheglass.“Youcanhaveher.”

“WhosaysIwanther?You’vealreadytaintedher,”Anthonysays.

“Therearesevenothergirls.Theremustbeanotheroneyoulike,”Devonsays.

“No.Oneleft,”Isnort.

“Maybeyoushouldn’thavetoldthemaboutbeingbridesthen,”Anthonyscoffs.“ThenmaybeIwould

stillhavetheoneIlikedaswell.”

“Oh,shutup.Theywould’vefoundoutanyway.AndCamillawasboundtoleaveanyway.Toomuch

ofatemper.”

“AndNaomidoesn’t?”Anthony’sfaceturnstoascowl.“She’stheworst.”

“She’simpenetrable…hermindbeautiful.”Ismileatthethoughtofwitnessinghercrumple.

“Fuckthis.”IcanhearDevonthrowingdownhiscue.“WhywouldyouclaimNaomi?Youhaven’t

eventouchedheryet.”

“BecauseIsayso.”

“That’snotenough.”Ihearhisfootstepscomingtowardme.“Iwantapieceofthatasstoo.”

IjoltupfrommyseatandthrowtheglassashardasIcanintothefire,shatteringitintoamillion

pieces.ThenIturnaroundandgrowl,“Don’tyoufuckinglayahandonher.”

“Whoa,whoa,calmdown,youtwo,”Anthonysays,standingbetweenus.

“What’syourproblem,man?Thisishowthegamesaresupposedtobeplayed.Weallgetatasteof

eachofthewomen,andthenwedecide,”Devonspits.

“MyproblemisyounotrecognizingthatIalreadystakedmyclaimlongago.”

“How?”Devonfrowns.

Ireachintomychestpocket,pulloutaheart-shapedlocketattachedtoathinwire,andshowittohim.

“Thisiswhyshe’smine.”

Devonglaresatitandthenatme,hisnostrilsflaring.

“Okay,look.”Anthonygrabshisshoulders.“Noone’ssayingsheisn’tyours.Ifyoureallywanther,

she’sallyours.But…youknowthisishowDadwantsustoplaythegame.Weallgettotryoutthegirls,

onebyone.”

Grindingmyteeth,Ilookhimdeadintheeye,knowingfullwellwhatFatherwants.“Iknowdamn

wellhowthisgame’ssupposedtobeplayed.”

“Thendoyourpart,andwe’lldoours.Besides,justbecauseI’minterestedandhaveafavorite

doesn’tmeanI’llactuallywantherforreal.It’sjustthatshe’spretty,whichyouobviouslyalreadyknow.

Look,thepointis…We’venotevenstartedyet,andyou’realreadyonedge.”Heplayfullypatsmy

shoulder.“Relaxalittle.Drinksomemorewhiskey.”Hepoursmeanewglassandshovesitintomy

hand.“Thisissupposedtobeafunmonth,notonefilledwithhate.We’rebrothers.We’resupposedto

stickupforeachother.”

“Exactly,”Devonpitchesin.

HefillstwomoreglassesandhandsonetoDevonthenholdsitupintheairandsays,“Let’smakea

toast.TotheWickedBrideGames.”

Ireluctantlyjointhetoast,wonderinghowI’mevergoingtosurvivethesethreeweekswithout

angeringmyfather…bykillingmyownbrothers.

8.

AccompanyingSong:“TheDemonDance”byCliffMartinez

Naomi

Day3

Eightgirlsaligninthehallway.

Eightgirlsinbeautifulgowns,prettyredlipstick,gorgeousblack-linedeyes,andheavymakeup.

It’sallforonepurpose.

Thesethreemenstandingbeforeusinblacksuits,tryingtoimpressuswiththeirwealth.Onlyone

thingimpressesme,andthat’stheirresolvetogetwhattheywant.It’ssomethingwehaveincommon

becauseI’llstopatnothingtobetheonegirltowinthisfoulcompetition.

Theguywiththesmooth,longblackhairandchiseledface,Anthony,pacesbackandforthbeforeus.

“Ladies,todayisthefirstdayoftherestofyourlife.”

Gag.

“Today,you’llbetestedonyourresolve.Howlowwillyougotopleaseus?”

HyunlooksdownathershoesasAnthonywalkspasther,andIcantellfromhershakingbodythat

she’sterrified.Asyaisthesame.

“Proveyourwillingness.Provehowmuchyouwantthismoneywe’reoffering.”

Hestopswhenhereachesmeandsmiles,afterlookingupanddownmybodylikeI’mforsale.

“Onyourknees.”

Allgirlssinktotheirknees,evenifittakesthemawhile.

I’mthelasttogo.

AfterAnthonyplacedhishandonmyshoulderandforcedmedown.

“Isaidonyourknees,”hehissesatme.

Inarrowmyeyesathimbutrefusetobreakeyecontactuntilhedoes,afterwhichheresumespacing.

“Now,thefirstgamebegins.”

DevonandMaxstepcloser,andbothofthemstartunbucklingtheirbelts,slippingitthroughtheholes

onebyone.

“Today,youwilleatourcum.”

Hyuninstantlyshiftsherfacetowardtheothergirls,tearsforminginhereyes.

“Youwillswallowitall.”

Now,Asyastrugglesnottotumbleforwardasshebracesherhandsonthefloor.

“Afterdinner,youwilllickupourcumagainasdessert.”Anthonyisstillpacingaroundwhilehis

brothershaveundonethebuttonsoftheirtrousers.

“Ifyourefusetodoasweask,youwillnotbefed,andyouwilldosomethingelsetopleaseus.Ifyou

refuseasecondtime,youwillnotgetabedtosleepin.Andifyourefuseafinaltime…youwillbe

gone.”

Gone.Notleaving.Gone.Thatword…Itmeanssomethingimportant.

Itmeansthatifoneofthemkeepssayingno…shemightnotbemyrivalanymore.

Italsomeanswinninghassuddenlybecomealoteasier.AllIhavetodoissayyestoeverythingthey

makemedo.Howhardcanthatbe?Onceyou’veshutoffyouremotions,nothing’sdifficultanymore.

“Pickyourgirl,”Anthonytellshisbrothers,andtheybothnod.

DevonwalksarounduntilhestumblesuponashiveringHyun.Hetapshisfeetinfrontofheruntilshe

looksupathimandbeginstocry.

“Aww,howsweet.”Devonbringshisindexfingertoherfaceandpicksupadrop.Bringinghisfinger

tohislips,hesucksitup.“Ilovethetasteoftearsinthemorning.”

“Please…”Hyunbegs.

“Pleasewhat?”hesaysashepullsdownhispantsandrevealshe’sgonecommando.Hisdickis

alreadyhalf-hard.“Pleasegivemeyourcock?Sayit,”hemuses.

“No.”Sheshakesherheadandcloseshereyes.

Oh,boy.

“No,what?”Devonsuddenlygrabsherhairandforcesherheadup,makinghersquealinfear.

“No!Don’t!”Herwordscomeoutinshortgasps.

Hechucksherasideasifshe’sgarbage,andshefallsheadfirsttotheground.Jordanimmediately

grabsherhandandhelpshersitup.Hyunsniffsandscramblesoffthefloorandrunsawayintotheladies’

room,lockingthedoorbehindher.

Meanwhile,Devon’swistfulgazemakesmebelievehe’sacompletelunatic,andhiswordsconfirmit.

“Shame.”

“Youchasedthefirstoneawayalready,”AnthonysnortsashelooksdownatLatisha.“I’llsettlefor

thischick.”

Chick.Ihatethatword.Likeshe’ssomesortofthinginsteadofahumanbeing.

“Noworries.Plentyofothergirlstochoosefrom.”Devongrinsashepositionshimselfinfrontof

Stacey.“AlthoughIwaskindoflookingforwardtofuckingherfacesinceshehadtheporn-starlook.”

Twofeetpauseinfrontofme.Ilookup.Max’swickedsmileistheonlythingthatcanmakemesuckin

abreath.

“Hello,Naomi…”hemutters,justlikedidbackwhenwefirstmetinhisoffice.

Ijustgazeandwatchhimpulldownhiszipperslowly,unbuttoninghispants.

“Nohelloback?”hemuses.

Icockmyheadashepullsdownhispants.He’swell-packed.TheproblemisthefactthatItake

notice.“Hello,Max.Ididn’tknowIwasallowedtospeak.”

“Youare…you’rejustnotallowedtosaynotome.”Hisfingerscurlaroundtheedgeofhisboxer

shortsandinchdownslowlyuntilthebaseofhisdickbecomesvisible…andthenpopsoutforeverygirl

intheroomtostareatinawe.

“Sodoesthismeanwecanleave?”Laurenasksboldly,andthemenmomentarilystopwhatthey’re

doingtoglareather.“Sinceyou’vepickedagirlandall,”sheadds,swallowing.

“No,”Anthonysaysbluntlyafterafewseconds.“Youwillwatchuscomeinsidethesegirls,soyou’ll

knowwhat’scomingforyoutonight.Now,payattentionanddoaswesay.Afterall,pleasingusmeans

winning.”

DevonroughlygrabsthefrontofStacey’sthroatandramshissemi-hardcockinsidewithoutwarning,

makinghergag.

Max’sfingerscurlaroundmychinasheforcesmetolookupathim.“I’mhere.”

Iblinkbutdon’trespondashebringshisbigcockclosertomyface.“Areyougoingtoshowmehow

muchyouwantme?”

Iopenmymouthanddipmytongueouttolickthetipofhiscock.Surprisingly,itdoesn’ttastethatbad.

Itakeanotherlick.

“Goodgirl.JustthewayIlikeit.”Hebiteshislipandcaressesmycheek,whichfeelsawkward.Then

hestartsmasturbating,rubbinghisdickasmytonguecontinuouslycircleshistip.

IglancesidewaysforamomentonlytowitnessAnthonyslidinghisdickintoLatisha’smouthandthen

holdinghernosetopreventherfrombreathing.Oureyesmeetinamomentofunderstandingasshetoo

handlesitlikeapro,whileIlickMax’scockfromtoptobottom.

Ifeelnothingexcepttheurgetotakehimalltheway…justsoIcanwin.

Icouldsaynotoallofthis,butIdon’twantto.Icouldwalkoutofhereatanymoment,butIdon’t.

Anddoyouknowwhy?Becausethemoneyismoreimportanttome.

Max’seyescloseasheadjustshisdickagainstmylips,rubbingitupanddowninmymouthwhilestill

jerkinghimselfoff.Itrytoprovideamplepressureandspittomakeiteasier,andwhenIfeelmyown

pussythumptothetasteofhim,Ireachbetweenmythighsandstartfondlingmyself.

Somegirlslookmyway,butIignorethem.Idon’tcarewhattheythink.

Myclitwantsattentiontoo,andthisistheonlywayIcanbeincontrol.Evenifhemaycomeinmy

mouthandmakemeswallow,myorgasmismyown.

SoIflickmynubandcircleitwithmyfingers,makingitniceandwet.ThenIdiveintomypantiesand

thrustupmypussywhiletakinghiscockfurtherintomymouth.

Hiseyesopen,andhelooksdownatmetouchingmyself,adevioussmileformingonhislips.

“Areyoutouchingyourself?”heaskswithasoftbutlowvoice.

“Yes,”Ianswerwithoutshame.

“Hmm…”Hepullsbackalittleandlickshislips.

“Isthataproblem?”Istickoutthetipofmytongueandcircleitaroundthetipofhiscock.Itbobsup

anddownasaresponse.

“No,keepdoingit.Ilikeit.”Hebringshiscockbacktomylipsandrubsthemupagainstmethen

pushesinsideagain,thistimealittlefartherthanbefore.

“Ican’twatchthis…”Asyasuddenlygetsupandrunsaway.

“Hmph,anothercoward,”Devonsneers.

“She’llgetherfilllater,”Anthonymuses.

Maxjustgrinslikeadirtymotherfucker,buthisfocusremainssolelyonme.

Stacey’sgagsandheavesmakemepeekthroughthecornerofmyeye,andIcanseetheterroronher

faceasDevonface-fucksherlikehe’sinahurry.Hethrustssofastshecanbarelykeepup,andher

makeupisamess.Thenhesmearshisdickalloverherface,spreadingherownsalivauntilshe’scovered

ingoo,onlytothrustintothebackofherthroatagainwithfullfervor.

“Isthatwhatyouwant?”Maxmurmurs,grabbingthebackofmyheadandtiltingit.“Doyouwantme

tofuckyourbrainsout?BecauseIcan…ifyouasknicely.IjustthoughtI’dgoeasyonyou,butifyou’re

notsatisfied…”

“Iam…verysatisfied,”Imuse,andIshowhimmyfingerswhicharecoveredinmyownwetness.He

bendsover,grabsmyhand,andsucksonmyfingers,moaningashepullsthemoutagain.

“Icantasteyourarousal.”Hegrinsandadds,“Makeyourselfcome.Iwanttoseeyourfaceundoneas

Icomedownyourthroat.”

Heslideshiscockdownmythroat,whichissurprisinglyeasy.I’veneverhadamanwhotastedthis

good—evenhispre-cum,whichstickstomytongue.Allitdoesismakemehornier,andforsomereason,

Idon’tfindwhatDevonandAnthonyaredoingsorepulsiveanymore.

ThewayAnthonygrabsLatisha’sneckandsqueezesituntilshecan’tbreathe,whilehiscockhisstill

deepdowninherthroat,onlymakesmerubmyselfharder.Thatkindofpoweroverahumanbeing…I

canalmosttasteit,feelitintheair,asitelectrifiesmybody.

ButthenIseeDevonslappinghiscockagainstStacey’sface,anditmakesmewanttobite.

“Lickitfaster,”Maxsays,pullingmebacktohisdomain.“Andshowmehowyoupleaseyourpussy.

I’mkeentolearn.”

Iliftmydressforhimtoseemywetpanties.

Eventhegirlswhoaren’tbeingface-fuckedlookatmeasIfingermyself.

IknowtheyprobablythinkI’mcrazy.MaybeIam.ButI’mabouttocome,andthere’snostoppingthe

forcethat’sthesethreebrothers.IjusthopeIcanhandlethemall…becauseIknowthatsoonerorlater,

they’llcomeatmeallatthesametime.Ijustknowit.They’rethatdevious.

Maxtakesafistfulofmyhairandshoveshiscockfartherinsidemythroat.“Takeitdeep,Naomi.I

wantyoutofeelhowbadlyI’vewaitedforthismoment.”

Hethrustsinandoutofmymouthuntilhisbasereachesmynose,andIcansmellhisskin.

“Fuck,”hegroans,pullingbackagainashisdickbobsinmythroat.Hegrabsmyfacewithbothhands

andforcesmetolookathim.“WhenIthrustbackintoyourmouth,youcome.Understand?”

AfterInod,heslamsbackinagainwithfullforce.Atthesoundofhisloudmoan,Icomeundone.I

shiverasmybodyconvulses,mypussyreleasinginbliss.Anexplosioninmymouthfollows,alongwitha

long,drawn-outhowlfromMax.Hiscumshootsintothebackofmymouth,andIcanfeelitrundownmy

throat.Ittasteslikethedevil’scum—sogood,sosinful.

“Swallow.Swallowitall,”hegrowls,ashepinchesmynose.Idowhathesaysandthenopenmy

mouthtoshowhimIfinisheditall.

Hesmilesatme,cuppingmychinandlettinghisfingerslideallthewayupmycheek,almostlikehe’s

caressingme.

Latisha’sgurglingmakesmelookaway.Anthony’schokingher,andhethrustsintoherthroatthen

pincheshernose.“Takeit.Takeitlikeagoodgirl,”hegrowls.

Shenodsandcloseshereyesashisballstense,andhereleaseshimselfdownherthroat.Whenhe’s

finished,hewipeshiscockalloverherface,smearingitwithcum,andhertonguedipsouttolickhim

clean.

Staceygags,anditdrawsmyattentionawayfromthem.Devongrowlsoutloud,andIseehimgrasping

herfaceandfuckingherlikeshe’ssomekindoffuckdoll.Onemomentlater,hearcheshisback,howls,

andthrustsintoherthroatafinaltime.Herfaceconvulses,andshegagsafewmoretime,closinghereyes

totakehiscum.

“Fuck,yeah,”Devonshouts.

Whenheyankshiscockout,shedropstotheground,coughingupcumandspittingitonthefloor.

Suddenly,heslamshisfootonherfaceandforceshertothefloor.“Cleanit!”

Hertonguecomesout,shaking,justlikeher,andshestartstolickthefloor.

“P-please….”shestutters.

Devonwon’teventakehisbootoffherfaceuntilshe’scleanedtheentirefloor.“Fuckinglickitall.I

don’twanttoseeadropleft.”

Hereyesarestainedwithtears,herfaceiscoveredingoo,andhermakeupisruined…justlikeher

dignity.

ButIknow,lookingupatMax,who’sblissfullyunaware,thatIneverlostmine.

Iamincontrol…Ialwayswas.

He.Wants.Me.

Icouldseeitinhiseyes,thewayhelookedatmewhenIfondledmyselfasIlickedhim.He’snoteven

lookedattheothergirlsonce,andwhenhefingeredJordan,allhecoulddowasglareatme.

I’mtheonehewants…sothatmeansIhaveallthepower.

9.

AccompanyingSong:“TheDemonDance”byCliffMartinez

Max

Evening

Duringdinner,Icanonlythinkofonething…Naomi’ssweettonguelickingmyhardcock.

God,Icanstillfeelhersoft,wetmouthwrappedaroundmyhard-onasIslideintoherthroatagainand

againuntilIshootmyloadintoher.Andshetookitallwithasmile.

Afuckingsmile.

Fantastic.

She’satoughnuttocrack,butthatonlymeansshefascinatesmemore.SheandLatishaseemlikethe

onlygirlsinforakinkynight.Theothers…well,let’sjustsaytheyneedsometimetoadjusttotheirnew

situation.

Tonight,alotmoretensionexistsinthediningroomasthegirlssitatthetableandplaywiththeirfood

withouteveneatingonebite.Iguessthewhitesaucewithpeppersthat’srichlypouredovertheirmedium-

bakedsteaksremindsthemofourcum.Theyshouldworrymoreabouttheirsoup,though.

Ormaybeit’sthefactweforcedthetwogirlswhodidn’tparticipateinourlittlegamethismorningto

putonacompletelysee-through,crystal-embeddeddressandbecomeourserversfortonight.

Yes,that’sright.OurwaitressesareHyunandAsya,andtheyareservingusinnothingbutaflimsy,

see-throughsparklingdress.

“Comein,”Anthonybarksatthegirlswhoarestillhidingbehindthedoor.

Devonactuallyhadtodragthemoutoftheroomtocomedownherebecausetheywouldn’tleavetheir

room.Nowit’slocked,andtheyhavenowheretogobuthere.It’sapitybecauseIreallydidn’twantthem

togothroughthis.Iknowthosegirlshaveittough.Theyhadastrictupbringingandcamefroma

householdwithastrongregiment,andhere…everythingtheyknowisbrokenapart.

Weplaywiththesegirlstotestthem,toseektheirlimitssowecanfindtherightbride.

Thepunishmentpartwasmybrother’sconcoction.Devon’s,tobespecific,andAnthonyagreed

becauseheheardfromourfatherthatthegirlscansometimesrevolt,andwedon’twantthattohappen.

No,thissystemworksbecauseitforcesthemtoacceptwhat’scoming.Ifnot,theygetsomethingthat’s

evenworse.

It’sthewaythingswork,andhowthey’resupposedtogo.That’sallIknow,andeventhoughIdon’t

agreewiththeseheinousrules,wemustenforcethemsoweremaintop-dogpositioninthehouse.

IwatchwithanemotionlessfaceasHyunenterstheroomforthefirsttime.Hernakedbodyisso

fragileandthinlikeshecouldfalloverwiththeslightestpush.

Sheholdsatrayinherhandsandtriestocoverhersmallchestwithit,butIcanstillseehernipples

peekoutfromunderneath.Herpussyisclean-shavenandripeforthetaking.AndeventhoughIdon’twant

her…Iknowmybrotherdoes.

Devon.

Hekeepsstaringatherwiththeseeyes…bloodshed,almost.Likeawolfwho’sfounditsprey,and

he’sreadytogorgehimselfonher.

“C’mere,”hecallsout.Hisgriponhisforktightensasshemovesclosertothetable,trembling.She

listenstohim,eventhoughshelooksmortified.Maybethepunishmentwillwork…eventhoughit’s

againstmypersonalbeliefs.

Still,Ican’thelpbutsneakaglanceeveryonceinawhile.Imeanamancanonlyignoreabeautiful,

nakedwomanforashorttime.One’sboundtolook,andthere’snoshameinfeelingattractionandfinding

aprettygirlaestheticallypleasingtolookat.

Toobadshewon’tfeelthatwayaboutherselfwhenshestrutsaroundandpassesroastedpotatoesto

allthegirlswithoutevendaringtolookatthem.

HercheeksareasredasI’veeverseen,andherlegsquakeunderherasshewalkstowardus.

“Yourp-potatoes…sir.”SheplacesoneonDevon’splate.

“Finally,youbehave,”hesayswithagrin,immediatelychoppingintohisroastedpotatolikeit’ssome

kindofanimalhehastoslaughter.

“Andwell,too,”Anthonyadds.“Maybeallthegirlsshouldlearntotalklikethat.They’dgetinto

muchlesstroublethen.”

Brittdropsherforkonherplateandstaresatus,thefuriouslookonherfaceamusing.Iwonderif

she’lldosomething.Ipreparebyholdingmyknifeandforksteadilyinbothhands.Afewsecondspass,

andshegazesdownatherplateagain.Themomentisgone.

Everyonerelaxesagain,andIwhispertoDevon,“Stopbeingsuchanasstothegirl.”

“No.Shedeservesthisfordefyingus,”hesneers.

“Focusyourattentionontheothergirlswhostillneedtogetcuminstead,”Anthonymuses.“That’s

whatIdoanyway.Keepsmesmiling.”

“CanI…”Hyunstammers.Sheclutchesherstomachandsetsdownthetray,herbodyswayingalittle.

Igrabherwristtopreventherfromfalling,butluckily,shecatchesherselfonthetable.Imaybean

asshole,butIdon’twanthertohurtherself.

“What?”Devon’smouthishalf-stuffedwithpotato.

“I…”Hyunbegins,buthergrowlingstomachinterruptsher.It’ssoloud;I’msureeveryoneinthis

roomheardit.Sheflushesevenmore.

“You’rehungry?”Devon’ssuddenlysmilinglikeanidiot.“Youcould’veeaten…ifyou’dbehaved

andstayedlikeagoodgirlthismorning.”

“Devon,doyouhavetobesuchanass?”Isay.

“Yes!”Heslamshisforkintothetablesohardthatit’sembeddedintothewood.“Thosearetherules.

Youdon’tplayaccordingtoourrules;youdon’tgetfed.Youdoitagain;youdon’tgetabed.That’show

itgoes.”

“AccordingtoDad,”Anthonyadds.

Ishushhim,hopingnooneheard.

“Hyun,”Isay,makingherlookatmeandnotDevonbecauseIknowshe’sterrifiedofhim.“After

you’redoneserving,youcaneat.”

Shenodsinsilence,bitingherlip,andthenscurriesofftograbanotherplate.

IwishIcouldgivehersomethingsooner,butmybrotherswouldprobablykillmeonthespotfor

daringtodefyourfather’srules.

“Asya,comein,”AnthonysaysasheseestheIndiangirlappearinthedoorway.

Sheslowlystrutsin,hersee-throughdressnotcoveredbyaplate,asshe’scarryingapitcherfilled

withwine.Hercurvesaremagnificenttobehold.IwishNaomiwould’vedefiedourrulessoI’dhavean

excusetoseehernakedsooner.

Ohwell,thatmomentwillcomequick,nodoubt.

Asshepasseswiththepitcher,fillingglassesonherway,Anthonysmacksherontheass,makingher

tiponhertoes.WhenIglareathim,heshrugsandsays,“What?Shehasaniceass.”

“Let’sjustcontinuewithourplan,shallwe?”Ireply.

Henodsandpicksuphiswineglass.“Atoast…toalltheladiesintheroom.Mayyouwintherightto

becomeourbrides.”

Mostofthegirlstoast,butnonedoitwithasmile.

WealldrinkinsilenceandwatchAsyaandHyunscurryawaytogetmorefoodanddrinks.Normally,

we’dhavewaiterstodothisjob,buttonight,it’stheirduty.

“Idohopeyou’reenjoyingthesoup,”Devonmuses,histonguedippingouttolickoffasingledropof

wineleftonhislips.

Naomiliftsherheadrightasshewasabouttotakeasipoffherspoon.“Yes.Ithasalotofgreat

flavors.”

“Hmm…ofcourse,itdoes,”Devonmuses.

Shit.

Icanalreadytellwherethisisgoing.

Ileanovertoputmyhandinfrontofhismouth,butI’mtoolate.

“Ithasourcuminit!”heshoutswithalaughattheend.

Allthegirlssitup,wide-eyed,anddroptheircutlery.

Ishakemyhead.Iwishedhehadn’ttoldthemyet.Iwantedtokeepitasecretuntilafterdinner,butof

course,he’stooexcitedtokeephismouthshut.Heenjoysseeingtheterrorintheireyesalittletoomuch,

andbytellingthemnowratherthanlater,itonlymakestheirresponsemoreextreme.More…dangerous.

Whichisprobablynotsomethinghethoughtof.

Brittcoughsandgags,herspoonstillfilledwithabitofsoup,eventhoughhalfifitsplashedontothe

tablewhenshedroppedit.Laurenshovesherplateoffthetable.

“Fuckyou!”sheyells.“I’mnoteatingthatdredge.”

“Youeatwhatweserveyou…endofstory,”Anthonysays.

“Thereareplentyofotherthingsyoucaneat,”Devonsayswithawickedgrinonhisface.“Butyou

won’tescapeourtaste.”

Jordanscootsherchairawayfromthetableandlooksaway,herbodyalmostreadytospringupand

run.

Meanwhile,Naomicontinuestoeathersoup.

“Doesn’titbotheryou?”BrittasksNaomi.

Shejustshrugs,whichmakesmesmilelikeamotherfucker.

Staceysuspiciouslystaresather,asifshecouldchangehermindatanymoment,eventhoughIknow

shewon’t.Naomi’sopiniononsomethingisn’tswayedthateasily.Iknowfirsthand.

“Except…”Devonsuddenlycontinues.“Ourfooddoesn’thaveanythinginit,ofcourse.Andthegirls

whoalreadygottheirfilltodayhavenormalfood.That’sourwayofbeingkind.”

“Gee…thanks,”Staceysneers,makingafaceathim.IcanswearIhearherthenmumbleasshole.

“Soyou’resayingwehavetoeatthis,butshedoesn’t?”Laurensays,pointingatStacey.

“Excuseme,doyouhaveaproblem?”Staceyliftsherbrows.

“Yeah,Ido.”Laurenpicksupabowloftomatosoupandthrowsitalloverthetable,makingtheother

girlsjumpupfromtheirseat.“Fuckthis.I’mnotfuckingeatingthis.”

“Whycan’twehavehers?”BrittaskswhilegazingwoefullyatNaomi’splate,who’sstilltryingtoeat

hersoupinpeace.

“Becausethisishowthegamegoes.Thesearetherules.”Devonpicksuphisforkandpricksapiece

ofmeatwiththeend.“Noweatorstarve.”

Laurenfoldsherarmsandsitsback.“No.”

“No?”Anthonycockshisheadather.“Excuseme;doyouwanttoenduplikethosetwo?”Hepointsat

AsyaandHyun,whoarejustcomingbackinagain.

“Ofcourse,not…”Laurensighs.

“Thenfuckingeat,”Devonsays.“I’mnotsayingitagain.”

“Whatifshedoesn’t?”Brittaskssweetly,butshe’sprobablyinquiringforherself.Naomi’sstill

watchingusalllikeahawkwithoutchimingin.

“Thenshe’llbethrowninthecellar…wherebadshithappens.Andshedoesn’twantthat,trustme,”

Devongrowls,munchingonhismeat.

It’ssilentforasecond,whilenoneofthegirlsmakesamove.

Suddenly,Laurenlungesforward.ShegrabsthecarvingknifeforthemeatandthrowsitatDevonwith

aloudscream.

IturnmyheadjustintimetoseeDevonblocktheknifewithhisplate,effectivelychangingitscourse

soittumblesbackontothetable.Themeatthatwasonhisplateflopsdownontothetable,leavingone

bigmess.

Thelookonhisfacechangestoo…intosomethingIhopedIwouldn’teverhavetoseeagain.

Heshowshisteethashevisiblygratesthemandthenstandsup,bothhandsonthetable.“You…”The

wayhelooksatLaurenmakesmebelieveit’sgoingtobeevenworsethanIthought.

“Don’t,”Anthonysays,grabbinghisarm,butDevonshoveshimawayandstampedestowardher.

“Itoldyouwhatwouldhappenifyoudidn’tlistentoourrules,”heyells,andhesnatchesherbythe

armanddragsherawayfromthetable.

“No!”Brittscreams.

“Letmego!”Laurengrowls,tryingtofighthimoff,butit’snouse.

“Youdeservewhat’scomingforyounow,”Devonsays,laughinglikeamaniac.

“Let.Her.Go,”Jordansays,slammingherfistsonthetable.

Anthonylightsacigaretteandtakesadragbeforesaying,“It’snouse,girl…WhenDevon’smadeup

hismind,there’snostoppinghim.He’sgoingtomakeherpay.”

“Whatareyougoingtodowithher?”Asyascreamsassheputsthepitcherdownonthetableand

watchesashedragsLaurenaway.

ThegrinonDevon’sfacesaysitall.“I’mgoingtohurther…andit’snotgoingtobenice.”

Oh,boy.

Thisisgonnabeugly.

10.

AccompanyingSong:“TheDemonDance”byCliffMartinez

Naomi

Day5

Attimes,IcanhearLaurenscreamforhelp.

Myskinitcheswithanxiety,andIhatetofeelthisway.Ifeelonedge.LikeI’msupposedtodo

somethingtohelpher,butnoneofuscanbecauseweallknowthey’dthrowusinthedungeoninthe

basementwithher.Instead,we’restuckwaitinginthisroomuntiltheycallusouttoplaymoregames…

UntiltheyfinallydecidetoreleaseLauren.IjustwishIcouldsomehowrigthegameandwinitquickly.

Thatway,Iwouldn’thavetowaitallthistimetofinallyknowwhathappenedtoLauren.

Noneofthegirlsknow.Noone’sbeentold.

Butallofushearhercryeverynowandthen…

Shesoundedsodifferentfromwhenshefirstcamein.Soharsh,sofulloflife.Arebel.Now,Iimagine

hercrumpledupinacorner,weepingandwishingitwouldallbeover.

Ican’tblameher.Devonseemsliketheworstofthemall.Iwouldn’twanthimtotouchmewithaten-

footpole.I’vealreadydecidedhe’snotthemanI’mgoingfor.Ifithastobeoneofthesethree,it’llbe

Max.Forsure.

Still,Ican’thelpbutwonderwhyhedidn’tstophisbrother.Hisdecisiontopullherawayfromthe

groupanddragherawayseemedrash.Irrational,maybe.AlthoughIwouldhavetoagreethatgettinga

knifetotheheadiskindofaninsult…buthehaditcoming.

IneverexpectedittobeLaurentopullthattrigger,though.Jordan?Maybe,consideringwhatshe’s

experiencedsofar.ButIalwaysthoughtLaurenwouldbeintothekinkyshit.Guessyoucanneverjudgea

bookbyitscover.

IsighandflipanotherpageinthebookI’mreading,yawningbetweenbecauseofthelackofsleepI’ve

hadsinceDevonstuckLaurensomewherepainful.Iwonderwhathe’sdoingtoher.AndIwonderif

they’llevertellus.

Probablynot,butfromthewayMaxwaslookingathisbrother,Icouldtellhedidn’tagreewith

Devon’sdecision.AndIcanusethatdissonancetomyadvantage.

“Whatareyoureading?”

IlookupfrommybookonlytostarerightintoLatisha’seyes.

Iholdthecoverupforhertosee.

“Nice…SodoyouknowwhathappenedtoLauren?”

Ifrownandputmybookdownonmylap.“WhywouldIknowmorethananyofyou?Wewereallin

thesameroom.”

“Idon’tknow.MaybeyoucaughtsomethingIdidn’t.”Sherollshereyes.“Ugh,whatever.Youdon’t

havetobesuchabitchaboutit.”

“I’mjustsimplystatingthefacts,”Isay.

“Yeah,yeah.”Shewavesherhandswhilesheturnsandwalkslikeshecan’tevenbebothered.

NotthatIcare.Ipickupmybookagainandcontinuetoread.

“Whyareyouevensittingallaloneoverthere?”Staceysuddenlyasks.

IlookupandseeherfiddlingwithHyun’shair,tryingtomakeabraid,eventhoughHyunseems

uncomfortable.

“Whynot?”Ireply,raisingabrow.

Whycan’ttheyalljustgetoutofmyhair?

“BecauseIliketoreadinsilence,”Isay.

“Oh,andwe’retoochatty…Ofcourse.”Sheflicksherfingernailsatme.“Whatever.”

“Whatever…what?”Iputmybookdownbutthistimeforreal.“Youknow;ifyou’vegotaquestion

forme,ask.Ihavenothingtohide.”

Shepursesherlipsandlooksmeupanddown.“Atdinner.TheyforcedAsyaandHyunto—”

“Pleasedon’ttalkaboutit,”Asyainterrupts,puttinghercupofteadown.“Ireallydon’twanttobe

remindedofthathumiliatingevening.”

“Well…”Staceycontinues.“Youneveroncesaidanythingtothementoobjectit.”

“Yeah…Whydidn’tyousaysomething?Wewereallpissed…exceptyou,”Jordansays.

“I’msorry.Areyouaccusingmeofsomethinghere?”Ifoldmyarmsandstandmyground.

“I’mjustsayingit’salittleconspicuousthatyouwereokaywithallofthat.”

“Iwasnotokaywithallofthat,”Isay,grindingmyteeth.“Ijustknowwhattherulesare,andIabide

bythem.That’sall.”

“Why?”Staceyasks,cockingherheadatmelikeit’sherbusinesstoknow.

Inarrowmyeyes.“Ithinkthebetterquestionis…whywouldn’tyou?”

“Becausethey’recrazy,maybe?”Jordanshouts.

“Idon’tthinkit’sthatcrazy.”Latishashrugs,butthemomentsheseesthegirls’reactiontoher

response,sheturnsaroundandshakesherhead,walkingintothebathroom.“Nevermind,”Ihearher

mumble.

“See?I’mnottheonlyonewhoknowshowtofollowtherules.”

“Butthey’reinsane,andyouknowit.It’sdangerous,”Jordansneers.

“I’vetoldyoubefore;ifyouwanttoleave,go.Noone’sforcingyoutostay.”

StaceypullsalittletoohardontherubberbandsheputinHyun’shairbecauseIcanseethecringeon

Hyun’sface.“Butthat’sjustit…HowdoyouknowCamillagothomesafely?”

“Oh,herewegoagain…”Irubmyforeheadwithmyindexfingerandthumb.Isodonothavethe

patienceforthis.

“EnoughaboutCamilla.She’sgonefromthehouse.Weneedtofocusonwho’sstillhere.Andright

now,Lauren’sinsomekindofdungeonbasementbeingtorturedwhilewesitaroundheredoingourhair

andmakeup.Don’tyouthinkthat’sdepraved?”Jordansays.

“Listen.I’mnotheretomakefriends.I’mhereforthemoney.Thatmoneytheyofferedallofus.So

unlessyou’renotwillingtogoallthewayforthatsweetassmoney,Isuggestyoustopcomplaining,”I

sneer.

“I’mnotcomplaining,”Jordansays,standinguptofaceme.“I’msayingyoujustseemalittletoo

relaxed,consideringthecircumstances.”

“Really?WhatelseamIsupposedtodothen?Sitaroundandgrowltomyselfalldaylong?”

“Girls,girls,”Brittjumpsupandgetsbetweenusbeforethingsgetoutofhand.“Let’snotfight,okay?

Wehaveitroughenoughasitis.Wedon’tneedthis.”

“Obviously,”Jordanreplies.

Ikeepmymouthshutbutmyeyesonher.I’mnotwalkingawayuntilshedoes.

Butthensomeoneknocksonthedoor.

Alleyespullawayexceptmine.NotuntilJordanfinallyturnsherheadandlooks.

“Naomi.Pleasecomeoutoftheroomalone.”

It’sMax.

IopenmymouthbutstopmyselfbeforeIrespond.

Allthegirlslookatme.

Withoutsayingaword,Iturnaroundandwalktothedoor,ignoringtheoglingthat’sgoingonbehind

myback.

***

AccompanyingSong:“EyesonFire”byBlueFoundation

Makingaslittlesoundaspossible,Iopenthedoorandstepoutoftheroom,closingitbehindme.Max

isstandinginthehallandturnsaroundtofacemewhenhehearsmyfootsteps.

Hesmilessoftly.“Comewithme.”

Heholdsouthishandasifhewantstochaperonemesomewhere.Inarrowmyeyes.“Why?”

Hecockshishead.“BecauseIwanttimealonewithyou.Now,c’mon.”Hebeckonsmetoaccepthis

hand,soIdo.

NotbecauseIwantto,butbecauseIneedtoinordertowin.

HetakesmedownstairstotheroomIadoredwhenIfirstcamehere.BeforeIknewwhatdepravity

wouldgodowninthisplace.HownaïveIwas.Justthinkingaboutitmakesmeshiver.

“Sitdown,”Maxsays,andhepointsatthebed.

Idowhathesaysasheclosesthedoorandlocksit.Thenhesitsdownnexttome,makinganindentin

thebedthatallowshimtoleanagainstmyside.

“Howareyou?”heasks.

“Whydoyoucare?”Ilookupathim.

Hefrowns,seeminglyupsetthatIasked.“Whyshouldn’tI?Ilikeyou.”

“Right.”Irollmyeyes.

“Whyisthatsohardforyoutobelieve?”

“Becauseyoukeepeightothergirlshereforyouramusement.Ohwait,it’ssevennow,isn’tit?One

ranawaybecauseshedidn’tthinkthisgamewasappropriate.Maybeshehadapoint.”

“Ormaybeyourememberthatfactbecauseyou’regladshe’sgone?Becauseitmeansyou’llhavea

greaterchancetowin?”

Isighandturnmyheadawayfromhim.Hewillnotcatchmeinalie.Iknowheseesrightthroughit,

sotheonlyoptionleftisnotansweringthatquestionatall.

Hishandissuddenlyonmyleg,slitheringupward.“Tellmeyoudon’tlikeme.”

“Idon’t,”Isaywithanindifferentvoice.

Butallhedoesisburstintolaughter.

“Youcanfoolthem,butyoucan’tfoolme.”Isupposebythem,hemeanstheothergirls.

“It’strue,”Iadd,tryingtomakeitmorebelievable.

Hislaughterstops,andhisfaceturnsdark.“No,it’snot.”

“Ihateyou,”Isay.

Hisfingerscurlaroundmythighinapossessivemanner.“Lie.”

“Whatdoyouwantmetosay?”

“Thetruth.Bebrave.”

Ishrug,tryingnottolethimgettome,evenwhenhedoes.“Ijustwantthemoneythatyouofferedme.”

“Uh-huh…”Hisfingersinchupevenfurtheruntilthey’rerightbelowmypussy.“Butyouneedto

marrymeforthat.Andformetowanttomarryyou…Ihavetopickyou.”Heleansinandwhispersin

myear,“Soyou’dbetterstartgivingmeareasontowanttomarryyou.”

Isuckinabreathashistonguewetsmyskin,drawingalinefrommyeardownmyneck.I’mtryingnot

toshudder;honestly,Iam,butthismotherfuckermakesitsohardformetoignoremybody’sresponseto

histouch.

“Admityoulikebeingtouchedbyme…MaybeI’llpickyouifyoudo,”hewhispers,pressingakiss

tomyneck.

“Fine.Ican’tdenythephysicalreactionmybodyhastoyouradvances.”Iglanceathimsideways.

“Happynow?”

Hislopsidedsmilemakesmeshakemyhead.HowamIsupposedtokeepresistinghischarmswhen

hekeepslookingatmelikethat?LikeI’mtheonlyoneoftheeightgirlshereallywantstogettoknow?

“It’sastart…”hemuses.

“Whyareyousointentonmebeingattractedtoyou?Isitthatimportant?Imeanyouhavesevenother

girlswaitinginline,dyingtogetthatfiftymillion—”

“Idon’twantthem,”heinterrupts,andhereachesforastrandofmyhairandtucksitbehindmyear.“I

wantyou.”

“Thenwhyaretheyevenhere?”

“Becausemybrothersinvitedthem.”

“No,yougotthreeintotal.”

Awickedsmileformsonhislips.“Soyoufiguredthatout…”

Fuck.

Iturnawaymygazeandclosemyeyes.Stupid.Stupid.Stupid.

“You’resmart.Ilikethat.”

“Yeahwell,youstillhavetwoothergirlsyoupicked,sowhyme?”

“Theywereneverarealoption.Noneofthemare.HowmanytimesdoyouwantmetotellyouthatI

wantyou?Butyoudohavetoworkforit.I’mnotgoingtomakeiteasy.”Heleansbackonthebedlikehe

expectsmetositontopofhimandkisshimorsomething.

“Well,thenwhyaretheyevenhere?Whydidn’tyoujustinviteme?”

“BecauseIhaveto.That’showtherulesare.”

“Whomakestherules?”Iask.

Hefrowns,looksaway,andsighs.“Someoneelse.”

“Yourfather.”Ifillitinforhimsincehedoesn’tfeelinclinedtotellme.

Hemakesaface.“Howdoyou…oh…”Itseemslikeherememberssomething.

“Ilisten…well.”Ismilesoftly.

“Youneverfailtoamazeme,”hemurmurs.

Forasecondthere,Ifeellikeitcouldalmostmakemeblush.Almost.“Thanks.”

“C’mere.”

Hebeckonsmetoliedownwithhim,butIrefuse.“No.”

“Whynot?”

“BecauseyouwantmetobeallfuckingsweetandcuddlywithyouwhenI’mnot,andIcan’t.Ineedto

knowwhythegirlsneedtobeterrorizedforthisgame.”

Hesitsup.“YoumeanwhatIdidtoJordan?”Hishandisbackonmythighthistime,butevencloserto

mypussy,upuntilthepointthatIcanfeelhimgrazemyclit.

Andfuck,doesitfeelgood.

“Icandothesametoyou…butbetter.”Histonguedipsoutagaintolickmyearlobe.“Youonlyneed

toask.”

Heplantsakissonmyneckandunderneathmyear,hislipsfindingtheirwaytomylipsuntilthey

brieflytouch.

Istanduptoavoidfeelingmypussythump.

Hesighs.“Youcan’tkeepavoidingme,Naomi…”

“Yourbrothers.TheydraggedAsyaandHyun.Theyhumiliatedthem,”Isay,changingthesubject.

“Andyoucameintheirfood.”

“That’stherules.Denyourrequest,andyougetworse.That’showitgoes.Andthecuminthefood

wasalsonecessarytogiveallgirlsequaltreatment.”

“Andyouagreewiththat?Youactuallywanttodothat?”Icringeatthethoughtofeatingfoodlaced

withtheircum.Icouldstomachhis,yes,butnottheothers.

“No,butit’snotuptome.”

“It’suptoyourfatherthen?”Ipacearoundtheroomwhilehisgazefollowsmyeverymove.

“No…mybrothers.”

“Whycan’tyouopposethem?”

Hegetsupnowtoo.“It’snotthatsimple.Theyhaveequalrightstoallthegirls.That’showit’sbeen

forages.”

“Ages?Oh…that’snewinformation,”Iscoff.Itis…I’mjustnotsureifIshouldbeshockedor

disgusted.

“Thisistradition.It’showwe’vealwaysdonethingsinourfamily,andourgenerationisnodifferent.

Wesearchforthemostqualified,smartest,mostbeautifulwomenaliveandletthemcompete.”

“Youmean…signacontractandbecomeyournakedservantwithoutrights.”

“You’renotaservant.”Hepointsatthedoor.“Andyoucanleaveatanytime.”

Icockmyhead.“Youhavethekey.”

“BecauseIdon’twantyoutoleave.”Heholdsthekeyup.“Youjusthavetosaythewords…andI’ll

openthedoorforyou.”

Itakeadeepbreathandletthingssinkinforamoment.

“Iwon’t…ifyoutellmewhathappenedtoLauren.”

Thelookonhisfacedarkens,andhislipspursetothinlines.“Youdon’twanttoaskthatquestion.

Trustme.”

Iraiseabrowandfoldmyarms.“Yes,Ido.Ifyouwantmetomarryyou,atleastletmeknowwhat

I’mgettingmyselfinto.”

Heballshisfists,hisstancesuddenlyfarmorethreatening.“Areyousure?There’snogoingback.”

Inod.

Suddenly,hegrabsmyhand,thruststhekeyintothelock,opensthedoor,anddragsmeout.Hepulls

mealongthehallwayanddownanarrowstaircaseafterwhichweendupinthecellar.

***

Accompanyingsong:“SweetDreams”byEmilyBrowning

Screamscanbeheard…muchcloserthanbefore.

IshudderatthesoundasIcomecloserandcloser,andthenwestoprightinfrontofthesingledoorat

theend.

“Lookthroughthewindow,”Maxgrowls.

Idowhathesays.

Andhewasright.

Iamnotprepared.

Lauren’sface,bleeding.

Herbodynakedinarack,herasscoveredinredbeltmarks.

AndDevon…thrustingintoherasswildly.

“Heneverasks…hedoesn’tplaynice…”Maxwhispersinmyearasheslidesasidemyhair.Goose

bumpsscatteronmyskinasIwatchthesceneahead.“He’samonster.”

“Why?”

“Youknowwhy…”

Iturnaroundtofacehim,pushingawaythetears.“Letherout.”

“Ican’t.ThisiswhatDevonwants.Whatsheoweshim.”

“Herblood?Hercries?Herbodyfuckingmarkedwithhislashes?Herassusedwhileshe’snoteven

awake?”

Maxjustswallowsandstaresmedeadintheeye.“Iknowwhathedoes.I’veseeniteveryday…

witnesseditfirsthand.Ican’tintervene.IfIdid—”

“Ifwhat?”Isnap.

“They’dkillme,”hesayscalmly.Likehe’salreadyacceptedhisfate.

“Thenfightthem,”Iyell.

Maxcoversmymouthwithhishandandpushesmeaside,awayfromthedoor.Mynostrilsflareashe

checksthewindowandthenstaresintomyeyesagain.“Don’t.Shout.Youdon’twanthimtohearyou.”

“You’reallmonsters…”Imouththroughhisfingers.

“Iamnotamonster,”hesnarls.“ButIcanbeoneifyoupushhardenough.”

“Letmego.”Itrytopushhimaway,buthe’scorneredmeagainstthewall.

“No.Notuntilyoupromisemeyouwon’ttellanyofthegirlswhatyoujustsaw.”

“WhythehellwouldInottellthem?”

Heleansin;hislipsclosetomineashelowershishandfrommymouth.“Because…youwantto

win.AndiftheyfindoutthatDevonandAnthonyaren’tasniceastheythink,they’reallgoingtowantme

instead.”Hesmirks.“Andneitherofuswantsthat,nowdowe?”

He’sthreateningme—blackmailingme—tokeepmequiet.

Imakeafaceandthenshovehimaside,passinghimquickly.“I’vehadenoughofthis.”

“Wait,”hesays,walkingafterme.

Iincreasemypace…buthedoestoo.

Soon,I’mrunningbackintothehallwaywithhimrightonmytail.“Don’tyourunawayfromme,”he

growls.

“Leavemealone,”Ishoutback.

Withinseconds,hecatchesupwithme.Hisarmsfoldaroundme,andhishandsilencesmyscream.

“Thinkyoucanoutrunthetruth?”hegrowls.“Youdon’tgettorunawayfromthis.”

“YousaidIcouldleaveanytimeIwanted,”Imumblethroughhishand.

Hepushesmeintohisroomandslamsthedoorshut,lockingitagain.“Idid…butthatoffer’soffthe

tablenow.”

“God,howconvenientforyou.”

Thetoppartofhisliprises,andhegrindshisteeth.“Youwanttoplaythisgame?Allright.”Hestalks

closer.“Youhavenoclue,doyou?”

“Aboutwhat?Thatyou’realying,manipulativebastard?Thatyouandyourbrothersliketodegrade

womenandusethemasyourpersonalfuckdolls?”

“Iamnotafuckingmonster,andIamnotmyfuckingbrothers!”Withafacefilledwithrage,hetowers

aboveme,threateningmenottomove.

“Oh…DidIsteponyourheart?Boohoo.”

Hegrabsmywristsandpullsmetohim.“Youdon’tfuckingunderstandwhat’satstakehere,butthat’s

okay.You’llfindoutsoonerorlater…ifyousurvive.”

“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”

“ItmeansIamyouronlyshotatthemoneyyou’vealwaysdreamedof…Andthatyoushouldbea

littlebitmoregratefulandwillinginsteadofangry.”

“MaybeI’mangrybecauseIsawLaurentiedupandinpain,”Ispit.

“Maybeyou’rejustupsetIshowedyouwhatyouaskedfor,andyouregretitnow.”Hespinsmeonmy

feetandforcesmywriststomyback,makingmybodyleanintohis.“AndIamnothavingit.Youasked

forthis,andIgaveyouwhatyouwanted.”

“Screwyou…”

“Happily,”hereplies.“Youknow…youmaythinkI’mjustasbadasmybrothers,butyou’rewrong.

I’mthebestyoucanget.I’mtheonlythingyoudeserve.Andyouknowwhy?Becausewe’rebothmade

outofstone.”

Heplantshislipsonmyshoulder,movingupwardalongmyneckwithhistonguedippedoutasifhe’s

savoringthetasteofmyskin.

“I’mnotyourenemy…butIwillbeifyoumakeme.”

“Everyonehereismyenemy.Everyonewhostandsinthewayofmeandthatcold-heartedcashthat

screamsformetoholditclose.”

Icanfeelhimsmirkagainstmyskin.“Ilovethewayyouthink.But…makenomistake…Iwillfuck

youifIwantto.Whenever.Wherever.EveninfrontofthegirlsifIhaveto,andIwilluseanytoolinmy

possessiontomakeyousubmit.”

Heplacespecksalongmyjawlineandthenforcesmetoturnmyheadtowardhim.“Andyouwantto

knowwhy?”

Hepauses,soIask,“Why?”

Thedevilishsmileonhisfaceconfusesme.Itmakesmewanttoslaphim…Andthenkisshim.And

thenmaybekillhimafter.“BecauseIwantyoualltomyself…”

Hishandreachesformypussy,andI’mhelplesstostophim.Helplessagainsthisadvancesonmy

body.Helpless…inmyownarousalofhimclaimingme.

Hishandfindsitswaytomypantiesunderneathmyskirt,andhepullsthelaceasidetofeelme.“I’ll

letyouinonalittlesecret.WhenIfingeredJordan,allIcouldthinkaboutwasbeinginsideyou.”

Notonebuttwofingers.

Slidingupmypussy.

“Iknowyouwerewatchingme,”hewhispers,thrustinghisfingersintomybody.“Andyouwerewet

formethen…asyouarenow.”

He’sright.

Mythighsclenchtogether,yetmyentirebodyismeltingintoapuddlejustfromhistouch.Hisvoice.

Hispresence.Everything.

“No.”IpushawayfromhimwiththelastbitofstrengthIhaveleft.

“Yes,”hesays,grinning.“Stopfightingit.”

“Thisissick.Thiswholegameissick.Fuckinggirlslikethey’reyourconcubines?”

Thevicious,lopsidedsmileonhisfacemakesmeholdmybreath.“It’stheWickedBrideGames,

honey.Getusedtoitbecauseit’sgoingtogetmuch,muchworse.”

11.

AccompanyingSong:“AcidRain”byLorn

Naomi

Thatsamenight,Lauren’sdroppedinfrontofourroom.

Wenoticedtheloudthudasherbodyhittheground,andwhenwewenttocheck,wefoundherlyingin

frontofthedoor…unconscious.

Herbodycompletelybotchedup.

Eyesred,facestainedwithblood.

JordanandAsyagaspedinshock.

Hyunevenshedatear.

Notme,though.Ialreadyknewwhatthey’ddonetoher.Still,itwasn’teasytowitnessyetagain.

Idon’tknowwhobroughtherorwhyorevenhow.

Butsomehow,IknewMaxhadsomethingtodowithit.

Wedraggedherinsideandlaidheronasoftmat,whichiswhereshe’sbeenrestingtheentiretime.

We’vebeenbusyallnighttryingtokeepherfromfading.It’smorningnow,andshe’sfinallywakingup

withagroanortwo.

Latishabringsabowloflukewarmwatertoherandpatsdownherforeheadandcheekstobrushaway

theblood.Igrabapieceofclothtowrapherscratchedarm,soit’llstopbleeding.Shegroansand

squirmsalot,soIplacemyhandonherchestandkeepherdown.

“Don’tmovesomuch;it’llonlyhurtmore,”Isay.

“Fuck…”shewhispers.

Tearsstreamdownherface.

“Getsomecoldwater.Andastraw,”ItellLatisha,whonodsandturnsaround.

“Howisshe?”Staceyasks.

“Nottoowell…butbetterthanlastnight.”Honestly,Idon’tknowbecauseI’mnotadoctor,butI

don’twanttogivehermorebadnews.Besides,LaurencanhearwhatIsay,andshe’sbeenthrough

enoughalready.Ijusthopewe’redoingtherightthing.

“Ugh…myhead,”Laurenmoans.“Whathappenedtome?”

“Youdon’tremember?You’vetakenquiteabeating,”Isay,leavingoutthenastierparts.

“No.AllIrememberisbeingdraggedawayfromthedinnertable.Andthenthatfouldungeon.”She

coughs.“Itsmelledawfulinthere.Ithink…Ithinkitwasme,”sheaddsafterawhile.

Ipatherfacewiththewetcloth.“It’sokay.”Ismile.“Youmighthavethrownupfromthepain.”

“No,itwasn’tthat…”

“Justforgetaboutit.I’msureitwasnothing.”

Shetouchesherarmandflinches.“Whydoeseverythinghurtsomuch?”

“Theybeatyouwithabelt,”Jordansays.

Idon’tremembertellingher.Canshespotthemarksthateasily?

“What?”Lauren’seyeswiden.

“Calmdown,”Ishushher.

“Hyun,helpmegetherup,”Isay.

Hyun’sstandinginthecorner,staringatuswithtearsinhereyes.Idon’tthinkshestoppedcryingonce

lastnight.

“Ican’t…”She’sshakingvigorously,somuchsothatIjustaskStaceyinstead.Idon’thavetimefor

wishy-washiness.

“Grabanarmandwe’llliftherup.”

StaceydoeswhatIaskandpullsLaurenup,whileBrittquicklyshovesthecouchclosertoprovide

backsupport.Now,she’sfinallysittingup.

“Here,drinksomething.”LatishagivestheglasstoLauren.

“Thanks…”Shecoughsagainandthentakesasipthroughthestraw.

It’squietforsometime,andLaurendrinksanddrinksuntiltheglassisempty.Hereyesareblank;

she’sstaringintonothingnesslikeshewantstodisappear.

“Whatdidtheydotome?”sheasks,specificallylookingatme.

“Idon’t…”

“Yes,youdo.”Shesuddenlygrabsmycollarandpullsmecloser.“Icanseeitinyoureyes.Theguilt.”

Anothercough,thistimewithblood,spattersallovermyface,andBrittandStaceyjumpintohelp

Laurenstayuprightandpatherdownwiththecloth.

Meanwhile,I’mjustsittinghere,baffled,tryingtokeepmycomposure.

“Getawayfromme!”Shepushesthegirlsoffher,andtheyimmediatelybackoff.

“You…you’rethereasonthishappenedtome.Ifthey’dgivenallthegirlspropersoup,maybeI

wouldn’thavehadtospillmine.”

“That’snotmy—”

“Yes,itis!Youcould’veofferedtoshare,”sheyellsrightinmyface.“Instead,youdidnothing.”She

directsherattentiontowardallthegirlsintheroom.“Allofyoudidnothingtosaveme.Nothing!”

“That’snottrue…”Iwhisper.“IpleadedwithMax;honestly,Idid.”

Sheshakesherhead,bitingherlipasshefightsthetears.

“It’snotusyoushouldbemadat.It’sthem,”Staceysayssoftly.

“Shutup.Justshutup,”Laurencriesoutthensheburstsintotears.

IdotheonlythingIcanandpullherintomyarms,holdingherclosetomybeatingheart,eventhough

it’scoldasstone.Atleastshe’llhaveahumansoultoclingto;unlikethosebrotherswhousedherlike

shewasn’tevenalive.

Ipatherheadandlethercryontomynightgown.Isupposeit’stheleastIcandoafternotgivingher

whatshewantedduringdinner…afterseeinghersufferlikethat.

Maybeitismyfault,evenifonlyalittle.

Itstillhurts.BecauseIhatenotbeingperfect.

“Didtheyhither?”Brittaskssoftly.

Inod.

“Notjustthat…Iremember…bitsandpiecesofpain…onmyfaceandinmyass,”Lauren

mumbles,sniffing.

“Oh,mygod…”Brittsmacksherhandagainsthermouth,shakingherheadvehemently.

“Please,don’t,”Hyunwhispers.“Please,just…nomore.”

“ThisiswhathappenedtoLauren,”Isay.“Youcan’tdenyit.”

“Ican’thandleit,”HyunsaysinbrokenEnglish.“Ijustcan’t.Idon’tknowwhywe’restillhere.I

don’twantthis.Whodoes?Let’sjustrun.Let’sgetoutofherebeforeit’stoolate.”

“No,”Isayabruptly.

“Yeah,IgetHyun’spoint,”Jordansays.

“No,youcan’tleave.Notnow.”ItrytopointatLauren,butit’shardwhenI’mconsolinghertoo.

“Wecan.Ifwedoittogether,”Staceymumblesasshestaresintothedistance.

“No,youdon’tunderstand,”Ihiss.“They’ll.Kill.Her.”

I’mtryingtopreventLaurenfromhearing,butitfails.

“Idon’twannadie,”shemewls.

“Noonewantstodie,”Ianswer.“Andifwerun,thenLaurenislefttofendforherself.Shecan’t

walk.Shecanbarelysitup.Wecan’tcarryher.”

“Maybeifweusedablanket?”Staceysuggests.

“No.That’sridiculous.Itwon’twork.Idon’tunderstandwhyyou’reeventhinkingofthis.”Isigh.

“Youwanttoleave?Fine.Leave.ButI’mstayinghere.”

IhugLaurentightasshewrapsherarmsaroundmybodyandweepsoutherpain.

Theothergirlsjuststarewithbitterandconfusedexpressions.I’mcertainnoneofthemknowwhatto

doatthispoint,andneitherdoI.Butcontinuingisbetterthanquitting.We’vealreadygottenthisfar,right?

“Bestrong,”IwhisperinLauren’sear.“You’llmakeitthroughthis.”

“I’msofuckingangry,”shesays,andIcanfeelhermusclestenseupagainstmybody.“Ijustwantto

screamandhurtsomeone.”

“Iknow,andyou’llgetyourchancelater.Justfocusonsurvivingfornow.”

“Surviving,forwhat?Tomarryoneofthem?”sheyells.“Ihatethem.Ifuckinghatethem.Icould

nevermarryaguyIdon’tlove.”

Ishushheragainandpullherclosersoshecan’ttalkanymore.Sheneedstosaveherenergyfor

healing.Maybelater,wecangetherintheshowerandcleanherup.Butfornow,sheneedstorest.

“Whatifwecallthepolice?”Staceysays.

Irollmyeyes.“Thatwon’twork.They’llneverbelieveus.Max,Devon,andAnthonyhavethemin

theirpocket;Ijustknowit.Imeanjustlookattheirwealth.Youdon’tgetthatrichwithoutbribing

someone.”

Staceynodsslowly,frowninginannoyance.

“Besides,theyalreadytoldourfamilyandfriendswewerehereonvacation,socallingthemwon’t

workeither.”

“It’sliketheyplanneditallahead,”Latishamuses.

Forasecond,Iwishshedidn’tknowthattinyfact.

“Ican’tdothisanymore,”Hyunsuddenlysays.

Andwiththosewords,sheturnsaround,twiststhedoorhandle,andwalksout.

Iguesssometimesthepressuregetstoomuch,andthosewhoareatthebottomofthefoodchaingive

upthefight.Naturalselection.

***

AccompanyingSong:“AreWeHavingAParty”byCliffMartinez

Max

Day8

Allgirlsstandinalineinthehallagain.Allexceptthetwowhoranaway.

Pity.I’dhopedthey’dlastabitlongersotheycouldkeepmybrothersbusywhileIfocusedonNaomi,

butIguessthesegamesbecamealittletoomuchforthem.

Nomatter—plentyofgirlsstilllefttoenjoy.

Plentywhowilleventuallycrack.

IlickmylipsasIlookateachofthemintheirbeautifulgolddressesthatweaskedthemtowear.

Theirthick-linedeyesandoverdonemakeupwon’thidethenervouseyemovements.Icanspotitfrom

milesaway.They’rewaiting…waitingforuslikegoodlittledolls.Despitethefactthatbruisesstill

coverLauren,she’sstillhere,staringblanklyintospace.Exactlyassheshould.

Don’tgiveup.

EvenifonlysomybrotherscanstillpicksomeoneotherthanNaomi.

Becausebygod…thatwomanismine.

“So…areallofyoureadyforyournexttask?”Iask.

Noneofthemreply.OnlyNaomicocksherhead—likeshe’scurious,butalsolikeshe’stauntingme.

She’llgetherrewardifshekeepsthisup.

Iclearmythroat.“Oneofyouwillfollowusintothatroom.”Ipointattheroomintheback,behind

thestairs.It’stheroomwhereIsatbythefiretheothernight,andnoneofthegirlshaveseenityet.Ibet

they’rewonderingwhatthehellwillgodownthere.

Oh…ifonlytheyknew.

Smiling,IletmyeyestraveluntilIfindthefirstgirl.

“Britt.”

“What?”shestammers.

“Comewithus,”Isay,holdingoutmyhand.

“Wait.Whyaren’tyoutellinguswhat’sgoingtohappen?”Latishaasks.

Ismirk.“Areyouthateagertofindout?”

ThemomentIsaythis,sheshutshermouthagain.Ofcourse,shedoesn’thavetheballstoobject.

Noneofthemknowwhat’sgoingtohappennext,andjudgingfromthewayshe’strembling,Britt’s

terrifiedofthisveryidea.Notknowingwhatcomesnextcansometimesbeablessing…oracurse.

“I…I…”shestammers,tearswellingupinhereyesasshestepstowardme.

“No,”Naomisuddenlyinterjects.

IfrownasIwatchherstepforwardandpushBrittback.“Iwillgofirst.”

“Hmm…now,thisisinteresting,”Anthonysays,smilingfromeartoear.

Motherfucker.

“Youwanttogofirst?Whenyoudon’tevenknowwhatwillhappentoyou?”Anthonymuses.“How

braveofyou.”

“Ormaybeshejustwantstogetitoverwith,”Devonsayswithalaugh.

Idon’ttellthemwhatI’mthinking,butit’sneitherofthosetwooptions.She’sonlydoingthissoshe

canwin.Soshecanbethefirsttodowhatever’snecessarytogetherhandsonthatprize…themarriage

andthemoney.

“Thankyou,”BrittmumblestoNaomi.

Sheonlynods.Ofcourse,she’snotdoingitforBritt.Naomiisn’tempathic,eventhoughIimagineher

pretendingtobejustforthesakeofstayingaliveandkeepingthepeace.Afterall,aviciouscatfightisthe

lastthingshewantswhensheknowsshe’sthetop-rankedbitchinthehouse…andthosegirlshaveclaws

sharpasarazor.

I’veexperienceditfirsthandwithLauren.

Thestingingonmyarmsdrawsmyattention.Ipullupmysleeveslightlytocheckmyskin,whichhas

scratchmarksalloverit.ThenIrealizethatIwastalkingandthatNaomiwaslooking.

Iquicklylowermysleeveagain,butherfoxeyestellmeshe’sseenit.

WillsherealizewhatI’vedone?

AbriefsmileisallIgetbeforeshegrabsmyhandandsays,“Let’sgo.”

Ismileback.“Allright.You’llbeourfirst.”

Ileadtheway,whileDevonandAnthonyfollowusintotheroomunderneaththestairs.

ShelooksaroundtheroomasIlockthedoorbehindherandthenstandinfrontofthetablenearthe

fireplace.

Ibeckonhertocomecloser.

Shedoessowithcalculatedsteps,nottakinghereyesoffmeforevenonesecond.

Whenshereachesme,Istepaside.

“Onthetablearethreeobjects,”Iexplain.“Theyrepresentmybrothersandme.Choosingonemeans

excludingtheothers.Oneofuswillhaveyouastheirpersonalplaythingforoneday.Now…choose

wisely.”

Iwinkather,andasIpassher,Ibrieflycaressherrightshoulder.

Idon’tdoitwithoutrhymeorreason.

It’saclue.

AndIhopeshechoosesright.

MybrothersandIwalkpastherasweallstandbehindthetableandwatchhergazeattheitemsin

frontofher.Thefirstisacrop.Thesecondoneisanoose.Thelastoneisaknife.

Herfingersslidealongthetableasshestopsateachoftheitems,carefullyexaminingthem.Shestops

attheknifeandgazesatitintently.

“Don’teventhinkaboutit…it’sblunt.Andbesides…”Anthonyflasheshisholsteredgun,whichshe

onlybrieflyacknowledges,beforereturningtopacingaroundthetableagain.

Herstepsslowdownuntilshepauses.

Rightinfrontofthenoose.

Herfingersreachtowardit.Myheartmomentarilystopsbeating.

Whenshetouchesit,Anthonycallsit.

“Mine.”

Withpartedlips,sheglancesatme,butbeforeshecansayaword,Anthonyhasherbythewristand

dragsheroutoftheroom.

Igrindmyteeth,grabtheknifeoffthetable,andthrowitatthewall.“Fuck!”

“Jesus,shegotyougood,didn’tshe?”Devonmuses.

Ismackmyfistonthetable.“Dammit.Whythefuckdidshepickthewrongone?”

“Wedidn’ttellherwhichitembelongstowho.Duh.”

“Iknow!”Irunmyfingersthroughmyhair.“Butsheshould’vepickedmine!”

“Youjustdon’tliketoshare.Well,toobad,bro…thisishowitgoes.Thesearetherules.”Heshrugs.

Ishakemyheadandsighoutloud,feelingthetremorsinmyfist.“I’mgoingtokillhimifhehurtsher.”

“Whocares?”Devonthrowshisarmaroundmyshoulderandpullsmealong.“Let’sgogetthenext

girl.”

12.

AccompanyingSong:“TheDemonDance”byCliffMartinez

Naomi

Anthonyholdsmyhandasheguidesmeupthestairs.Thegirlsdownstairsallwatchmeasheleads

meawayfromthem,someofthemscrunchinguptheirfacesinfear.Theydon’tknowwhatcomesnext,but

Ido.Onebyone,they’llbepulledasideandluredintothatroomtopickanobjectthatbelongstooneof

themen.

Iwonderifoneofthemwillgetmoregirlsthantheother.Ifthey’llbecomejealousofeachother.

Ifso,thenthisisdefinitelyagoodgameforme.IpickedtherightonetotoywithMax.

Iknewhisitemwastheknife.Itwasobvious,judgingfromthewayhewaswinkingatmeandthen

touchingmyshoulder.Buttodayisnothisday.

Ialsoknewthewhipmeantpain,andsinceDevonlikedhandingitout,Ialreadyfiguredthatonewas

his.Theonlyoneleftwasthenoose…forAnthony.

IknewexactlywhoIwaspicking…andwhy.

I’mgoingtomesswithMax’smind.Justlikehedidwithmine.

Makehimcrazyjealous.MakehimthinkI’mgoingtodie.Andthen…he’llprotectmefromhis

brothersatallcost.Hell,hemightevenkillthemforme.

IclearmythroatandsmileatAnthonyashesmilesatme.He’ssochivalrous,thewayheletsmego

firstandholdsmyhandwhileheleadstheway.It’slikehewantsthistobespecial.Romantic.Ormaybe

it’sallonebigtrap.

Whenweenterhisroom,I’mamazedattheserenitythatitexudes.Awhitelinenbedsitsinthe

middle,whichrestsonadarkblockofwood.Ontheceiling,afangentlyblowscoolairdownward.

Whitesheetscoverthedarkbrownwindowpanesthatlinethewallsandletthelightinbutblocktheview

fromtheoutside.Thewallsarecream-coloredandminimalist.Totherightisabeigeleatherchairwith

metalchainsattachedtoit.

Isupposethisisn’tjustaroomwherehesleeps.

Hepullsmeintohisroomandsetsmedownonthechair,carefullyarrangingmyhandsandlegstofit

neatly.Outofnowhere,hecaressesmycheekandtucksastrandofmyhairbehindmyear.

Thenheshacklesmyfeet.

Asuddenrushoffearovercomesme,butIremainquietashewalksofftohiscabinetandplacesthe

keyontop.Heopensadrawerandpullsoutazip-tie.

“Lockyourhandstogether,”hesays.

Idowhatheasks,andheputsthezip-tiearoundmywrists,tighteningituntilIcan’tmoveanymore.

Avoicefromdownstairscallsout.“Anthony!It’stime.”It’sMax.

Anthonysmilesatmeandpressesasoftkissonmyforehead.“I’llberightback.”

Hewalksoutandclosesthedoorbehindhim,leavingmeallaloneinaroomthatfeelslikea

soundless,timelesscage.

Ilistentotherhythmofmyownheartbeatandthegaspsfrommynoseastheyincreaseinfrequency.I

wonderwhathewilldotome.Ifit’sgoingtobeasbadaswhatDevondidtoLauren.Ifit’sgoingtobe

worse.

Ittakessolongforhimtocomeback,Idon’tevenknowhowmuchtimehaspassedwhenheopensthe

dooragain,butwhenIseehisface,Iamhonesttogodhappy.HappythatI’mnotaloneanymore,even

thoughit’ssickandtwisted.Becausewhowouldwanttobealonewithaguylikehim?

Exceptwe’renotalone.Notanymore.

Britt’sholdinghishandnow.

Shelookssurprised,confusedeven,whensheseesmestrappedtothechair.

Butshedoesn’tsayawordasheguideshertothebed.“Liedownonyourback.”

Funnyhowheneveraskedeitherofustoundressfirst.

Ormaybeit’sutterlyterrifying.

Shedoeswhathesays,andheattachesherfeettoshacklesthatwereattheedgeofthebed,whichI

failedtonoticeaswecamein.Thenhegrabsanotherzip-tiefromhiscabinetandusesittosecureher

wrists,onlythistimethey’retiedtoapoleattheheadofthebed,soshecan’tmoveherbody.

Hesmirksasheleansoverherbodyandcaresseshercheekstoo,tuckingherblondhairbehindher

ears.Herpearlyblueeyesfocusonmineforasecond,andIwonderifshe’sscared.

Heslidesoffheragainandgoesbacktohiscabinet…onlytofishoutwhatlookslikearinggag.

IwatchasBrittbeginstostrugglewhilehecrawlsontopofheragainandsays,“Openyourmouth.”

“Please—”shebegs.

Heinterruptsher.“Doasyou’retold.”Hisvoiceissultry,dark…dangerous.

Reluctantly,herlipspart,andheusestheopportunitytoslidetheringgaginsideandattachittothe

backofherhead.Now,hermouthisforcedtostayopen,andwhenshetriestotalk,Icanonlyhear

gurgling.

Hegrins.“Don’ttalk.It’llonlymakeamess.”Herubssomespitoffherchinandontohercheeks.

“Don’tcloseyoureyes.”

Hegetsoffheragain,andhiseyeshoneinonme.Inafewseconds,he’stoweringinfrontofme.

“Unzipme.”

Idowhatheasks,butthezip-tiesmakeitdifficult.

“Takeoutmycock,”hecommands.

AsIflipdownhisboxershortsandhisalready-hardcockflipsout,asenseofpowerrushesthrough

me.Icouldhurthimreallybadlyrightnow…butIdon’tbecauseIplaynice.Iplaybytherules.Iplayto

win.

Withhispalmonthetopofmyhead,heforcesmetoleanin.“Makeitwet.”

Ispitonhiscockandrubitinnicely.

“That’sit…keepjerkingmeoff,”hegrowls.

Igobackandforthacrosshislength,keepinginmindthathe’sjustanotherbrotherwaitingtobe

pleased.IfonlyMaxwereheretowitnessthis.I’ddietoseethelookonhisface,thedefeat,theragehe

feltovermybetrayal.Hisprizedpossessionjerkingoffanotherguy.

“Faster,”hesays.

IfollowhiscommandtotheT,watchinghisfacetoseewhathelikes.

Afterawhile,hecloseshiseyesandstartstomoan.

Hishandreachesformyface,andhecoversmymouthandnosewithjustonehand,makingit

impossibletobreathe.

“More,”hegrowls.

Withtwohands,itdoesn’ttakelongforhisveinstopulseandhiscocktobounce.

Hishanddriftsdowntomyneck,allowingmetobreatheagain,butonlyforafewseconds…because

ashewrapshisfingersaroundmythroat,hebeginstosuffocateme.

“Keepgoing,”hemoansashisfingerstighten.

Istruggletobreathe,myhamperedbreathsoundinglikeasqueak,butIkeepjerkinghimoff.

Thepressureofhishandreleases,andIsuckinaheavybreath.OneglanceatBrittandIcantellshe’s

freakingout.

Anthonyturnshishead,bringshisfingertohislips,andshushesherwithoutsayingasingleword.

Thenhefocusesonmeagainandwrapsbothhishandsaroundmyneck.“Don’tstopwhatyou’redoing

…makemecome.”

Idowhathesays,eventhoughhishandscutoffmyairwayagain.

It’snotjustsexual.Icouldhandlethat…butthis…thisissomethingelse.Icanseeitinhiseyes.

Hegetsoffonseeingthelightsswitchoff.

Neardeathturnshimon,anditterrifiesme.

TheonlywayIcankeepgoingisbyimaginingI’mjerkingoffMax.

Mypowerdrainsthelongerhesqueezes,andthemorehedoesit,themorepowerlessIfeel.ButI

can’tgiveup.Notnow.Deliriousandall,Icontinuetojerkhimoff,evenwhenI’monthebrinkoflosing

consciousness.

Ipartmylipsinadesperateattempttoregainair.

Toregainmylife.

BeforeIpassout.

Ican’tbreathe.

“Fuck,I’mcoming,”hegroans.

Inmyhead,Maxsaysthat…AndMaxistheonewhocomesalloverme.

Asplashofwarmcumjetsontomyface.Itlandsinmymouthandallovermychestandclothes.Itjust

keepscomingandcoming,andmyhandsmoveontheirowntomilkouteverylastdrop.

Intheend,whenI’malmostgone,hereleasesme.

Airfindsitswaybackintomylungs,andIsuckitinlikenotomorrow.

God,nowondertheydidn’tstipulatesafewordsintheagreement.There’snosuchthingassafetywith

thesethreebrothers.

ItakeafewsecondstorecoverwhileAnthonysmearstheexcesscumfromhisdickonmyface.“You

lookstunningwhenyou’reoutofbreath.”Hisfingerlingersonmylip.“Onthebrinkofdestruction.So

beautiful.”

Hesmilesthatwretchedsmileagain,theonethatcouldwinheartsifIdidn’tknowwhatadevilhid

underneathhisfaçade.

ThenhewalksofftoBritt.

Shesquealsherlungsoutasheapproachesher,butit’snouse.Hecrawlsontopofherandstickshis

dickintohermouth,whichisheldopenbythebit.Shetwitchesandstrugglesunderneathhim,tryingtoget

himoff,buttonoavail.

Icanonlysithereandwatchthewholeordeal.I’mstillsuckinginairlikeit’sthefinalbreathI’lltake.

IneverrealizedjusthowmuchI’dmissbreathinguntilhetookitawayfromme.God,thatdespairIfelt.

Justthereminderofhishandswrappedtightlyaroundmyneckmakesmythroatclampupagain.

Idon’teverwanttofeelthatwayagain.

Andifhetries…sohelpmegod,Iwillkillhim.

Idon’tcarehow,butIwillmakeithappen.

Britt’sdesperateeyescatchmineinamomentofkinship,butIlookaway.Ican’tbeartowitnessthe

fearinhereyes,especiallywhenhestartschokinghertoo.Thesoundsshemakesareawful.IwishI

couldplugmyears…thatIcouldturneverythingoffandjustdisappear,evenifonlyforamoment.

Heplungesinandoutofhermouth,andIswallowawaytheslicknessofhiscumthatlingersonmy

tongue.Hekeepsgoing,smearinghiscockalloverherfaceandmouthuntilhe’shardagain.Itmakesme

wonderhowlongthiswholeordealwilllast.Ifhe’llgoonallnight.Ifhe’llcontinuefuckingmenext.

Howmanytimeswillthecyclerepeat?

OnethingIknowforsure…Iwon’ttakethisasecondtime.

Pickinghisitemwasabadidea.MaybeIshouldn’thavetriedtooutplayMax,andthenIwouldn’tbe

inthispositioninthefirstplace.ItalsoexplainswhyMaxseemedsoangrywhenAnthonywalkedoff

withmeashisprize.Perhaps,itwasn’tjustjealousy.Maybehefearedwhathisbrotherwoulddotome

likeIfearformyliferightnow.

Anthonycontinuestofuckhermouthandstrangleheruntilshefadesinandoutofconsciousness,only

torepeatitoverandoveragain.Shespitsandgurgles,hereyesteary,andherfacecoveredinsaliva.It’s

amess.

Idon’tknowhowlonghecontinueslikethat.

Minutes.Hours.

Timehasvanishedforme…maybeforallofus.

Thisroomdoessomethingtome.Tohim.Itmakesusallcrazy.

Afterawhile,I’msothirstymylipshavestartedtochap.Mybodyistrembling,butIrefusetoaskfor

help.Doingsowouldmeandrawingattentionfromhim…AndI’lldoanythingtopreventthatfrom

happening.

Suddenly,Anthonyroarsoutloudlikehedidwithme,andhethrustsintohermouthwithsuchfervor,I

canhearherchokefromthesizeofhiscock.

“Takeit!Takeitlikeagoodgirl,”hegrowls.

Thecumslipsfromhermouth,butheuseshisdicktowipeitbackinagain.

“That’sit.Now,swallowitall,”hemurmurs.

Whenhe’sdone,hesmearstheexcesscumandsalivaalloverherfaceandcrawlsoffheragain,

leavingbehindonebigmess.

“Berightback.”Hebuttonsuphispantsagainandleavesusalone.

Ittakesmeasecondtorealizethis.

We’reonourown.

I’vebeenwaitingforthismomentforhoursonend.

“Oh,god…”Brittmutters,herwholebodycoveredingoo.Sheburstsintotears.

Idon’thavetimetoconsoleher.Ihavemoreimportantthingsonmymindrightnow…likeescaping.

Somehow,Ifindtheenergytopullmyarmsupandgazeatthezip-ties.They’renottoosturdy.Perfect

foranescape.

Ibringmyarmsupandwhopthemdownhard.Mywristshitmybody,andthezip-tiesfailtohold.

Finallyreleased.

IquicklycheckmyfeettoseeifIcangetthemoutaswell.Toobadtheshacklesaremadeofsome

kindofmetal,whichcan’tbeeasilybroken.However,Idospotthekeyonthecabinetnearthedoor.I

guessheforgottotakeitwithhiminhishurry.Perfect.

“Whatareyoudoing?”BrittmumblesasIstarthoppingawaywiththechairstillattachedtomybody.

“Gettingusoutofhere,”IsayasIusealltheenergyIhavelefttohopfromonesideoftheroomtothe

other.

“But…isn’tthatagainsttherules?”

Iignoreherobviousfearofbeingcaughtbecauseit’shonestlytheleastofmyproblemsrightnow.I

needtogetthatkeybeforeAnthonycomesback.BeforehefindsoutwhatI’mtryingtodoanddecidesto

killmeonthespotfordefyinghim.

WhenI’mfinallythere,Isnatchthekeyfromthecabinetandramitintothelock,finallyfreeingmy

anklestoo.Ijumpupfromthechairandcatchmyselfonthecabinet.Mybalancesuretookahitafterthat

heavychokingsession.

IshakeitoffandrushtoBrittwiththesamekey.“Let’shopethisworks,”ImutterasIstuffitintothe

locksaroundherankles.Itclicks.“Lucky.”

Footstepsareaudiblefromdownthehallway.“He’scomingback,”shehisses.“Hurry!”

“I’mtrying!”IretortasIstruggletofreeherfromthezip-ties.Inalast-ditcheffort,Iruntothecabinet

andrummagethroughhisthingsuntilIfindacreditcard.Iuseittopryopenthesystemthatholdsthezip-

tiesaroundherwriststogether.

“Gotit,”Imumbleastheyrelease.“C’mon.”

Ihelpheroffthebed,butsheseemssodrowsyandoutofitthatshecanbarelystand.“Holdontome,”

Isay,asIputmyarmunderneathherstoprovidesupportsoshecanleanonmyshoulder.Idon’tknow

whyI’mdoingallthis.Maybeit’sbecauseIknowhowbaditfelttohavehimdothattome…Ifeelsorry

forher.HowcouldIleaveherherewhenhecouldcomebackatanymoment?

Imightbeacold-heartedbitch,butI’mnotfrozen.Yet.

Westumbletothedoor,andIpropBrittagainstthewallsoIcanopenthedoor.

However,themomentIgrabheragainandweleavetheroom,wecomefacetofacewithAnthony.

He’sholdingapitcherwithwater,andthefirstthoughtthatgoesthroughmymindisslurpingupevery

lastdrop.Thechancehe’llgiveittousnowthatwe’veescapedareveryslim,though.

“God-fucking-dammit!”Hesmashesthepitcheragainstthefloor,splinteringitintoamilliontiny

pieces.

Wesquealandruntheotherway,whileAnthonyyells,“Notsoquick!”

Herushesintothebedroomandcomesoutwithacato’ninetailsleathercropwithspikedends;

somethingI’dimagineyou’dusetotorturesomeone.Andhe’scomingstraighttowardus.

“Run!”IpushBrittforwardasAnthonycatchesupwithus.

Butshe’snotstrongenoughtowalkonherownbecauseshestumbles,andIfeellikeshe’sgoingto

fall.SoIstaywithher,determinedtogetheroutsafely,evenifitmeansgettinghurt.

Andboy…doesitfuckinghurt.

OnewhiplashtothebackandI’msquealinginpain.“You’renotgoinganywhere!”

Goneistheromanticmanwhocharmedeverygirlintosayingyes.

Goneisthesexualdeviantwhowantedtotakeourbreathsaway.

Onlythemonsterremainsnow,andhe’scomingforus.

“I’mnotdonewithyouyet!”heyells.

“Butwe’redonewithyou,”Ireply,standingmyground.

“Howdareyou?Ithoughtwewerehavingfun,”hegrowls.

“Beingchokedtodeathisnotmyideaoffun,”Ianswer.IwhisperatBritt,“Don’tlookback.Keep

walking.”

Hehitsmeagain,andthistimeitfeelslikeafirelightsrightonmyskin.Ihissfromthepain,butIstill

helpBrittdownthesteps.Iwon’tstop.NotnowthatI’vefinallygottenoutofhisgrasp.

“Whatdoyouthinkyou’redoing?Youcan’tdefyme.”

“Stopme,”Igrowlback.

Hehitsmeagain,butIcanhandlethepainnowthatIknowwhatitfeelslike.There’snowayI’m

goingbacktothatroom.Hecandragmydeadbodybackifhewantsto.

“Thesearetherules:Youstay,andIdowhatIwanttoyourbody.”

“I’mallowedtoleaveandcancelthecontractatanypointintime,”Ireply,takingmoresteps.

HefollowsBrittandme.“Areyou?Becausethenyoucankissyourfiftymilliongoodbye.”

ItakeafewsecondstoanswersoIcantakeafewmorestepswithBritttoo.“No.”

Heroarsoutloud.“Whataninsult!Youdaretoescapemyroomandbreakourrules?I’llkillyouif

youleave!”

Thewhipcracksonmybackoncemore,butthepaindoesn’tevenfazemeanymore.

“Wanttokillme?Goahead,”Isay.“Butnothing,andIreallymeannothing,isgoingtostopmefrom

gettingawayfromyou.”

“Youwanttodiealready?”There’sasmugsmileonhisface.

IpushBrittdownfurtherandsay,“Go.I’llberightthere.”

“Answerme!Areyouthateagertodie?”heyells.

“I’mnotafraidofdeath.Butyouknowwhois?You,”IsneerasItakeanotherstep.“Andyouwanna

knowwhy?Becauseifyoudaretohurtmeanymorethanyoualreadyhave…yourbrotherwillkillyou

forit.”

“What?”Hemakesaface.

“Max.Don’tyouknowhewantsmemorethananythinginthisentireworld?”Inarrowmyeyesthe

momentIseetheflickerofdoubtinhis.“Iknowhedoes.I’veseenthewayhelooksatme.How

possessiveheisoverme.”Itakeanotherstep,buthedoesn’tlashout.“Ifhefindsoutwhatyou’vedone,

he’sgoingtobemadashell.”

Iwatchhimswallow,andwhenItakeanotherstep,hedoesn’tfollowusanymore.

Iwasright.

Heisafraidofdeath…andIamallthatstandsbetweenhimandhisbrother.

Andit’sexactlywhereI’msupposedtobe.

13.

AccompanyingSong:“AreWeHavingAParty”byCliffMartinez

Naomi

Thatsamenight

AfterweescapedAnthony’sgrasp,weimmediatelywentbacktothewomen’sbedroomtorecover.I

helpedhershoweranddress,afterwhichItookashowermyself.Ididn’tdareshowerwithher,forfear

she’dseemywoundsandfeelguilty.Orworse…she’dseethemasaweakness.

Dryingoffmyskinhurt,asthelasheswerestillfreshandfeltlikecutsrunningallthewaydownmy

back.Still,Imanagedtoputonadarkbluedressthatrunsallthewaydowntomyfeet.It’snotsomething

I’dweareveryday,butwe’reinacompetition,andI’mstillinittowin.

DespitethefactthatAnthonytookabitofmypowerawayfromme,Ididn’tlosemyself,andIdon’t

intendto.NotaslongasIstillbreathe.

ItamazesmethatAnthonydidn’tcomeafterus.Iexpectedtohavetofighthimoffatthedoor,buthe

neverevenfollowedusfurther.Iwonderifhewenttohisbrothersinstead.Maybethey’retalkingabout

waystocancelthecontract…ortokillus.

IshakemydoubtsoffandwalkthehallwaytothenearestbalconyIcanfind.Ineedsomefreshair.

Themoonandthestarsintheskyareshiningbrightly,andtheyaresoclearwithoutallthecitylightsto

blockthem.It’sactuallyquitenice.IneverthoughtI’dsaythis,butIdon’tevenmissthecity.Theonly

thingImissismyfreedom…butI’llgetthatbacksoon.

Footstepsbehindmemakemyglanceovermyshoulder.

“DidIscareyou?”Maxasks,smilinglikearealgentleman,eventhoughheisn’t.

Iturnmyheadawayagain,staringatthesky.“No.”

“Hmm…”Hestandsbesideme.“YoudoknowIcantellwhenyou’relying?”

“Howdoyouknow?”Iask,gazingathimfromthecornerofmyeye.

Withhiselbows,heleansonthebalustrade.“Youalwaysdothisthingwithyoureye…ittwitches.”

“Oh…”Isuppressasmileandlookathisarms,whichstillshowtheredscratchmark.Itwasthere

sincebeforethelastgame,soitmust’vebeenfromLauren.It’stheonlyexplanation.

“YousavedLauren,didn’tyou?”Isay.

Helickshislips,buthecan’tsuppressaquicksmile.“Whatgaveyouthatidea?”

Ipointatthescratchmarks,whichhequicklyhidesunderhissleeve.“Oh,this…Ijustscrapedthe

wall.That’sall.”

“Right…”Whatalittlewhitelie.

It’squietforsometime,andIjuststareatthestars,wonderingwhatthisallmeans.

“Youknow…youhavethemostbeautifuleyesI’veeverseen,”hesays.“CanIask…what’syour

descent?”

Ismile.“I’maquarterJapanese,aquarterVietnamese,andhalfAmerican.”

Maxchuckles.“Quitethemix.”

Inod.“Yeah…”

“Stillverybeautifulifyouaskme.”

“Thanks.”Idon’twanttoblushfromhiscomment,eventhoughIdo.

Suddenly,Ifeelhisfingeronmycheek,caressingmesoftly.ItmakesmewanttoleaninwhenI

shouldn’t.Hisfingertravelsdownmynecktomyshoulders,whereheslidesmydressdownandexposes

mywounds.

Hiseyesflickerwithrage.

Ihisswhenhetouchesthelashes,andIimmediatelypullmydressbackupagain.“Please,don’t,”I

say.

“Sorry,”hesays.“Thatmusthurtalot.”

“It’sfine,”Ilie.Ofcourse,it’snotfine,butIwon’tadmitthattohim.

“Itdoesn’tlookfinetome.”

“Yeah,well,youcanthankyourbrotherforthat.”Iclearmythroat.

Maxstepscloserandgrabsmychin,forcingmetolookathim.“Hey…Iwon’tlethimhurtyou

again.”

Thewayhesaysthewords,withsuchdetermination,makesmesuckonmybottomlip.

“HowdoIknowyou’retellingthetruth?”

“Ifitwereuptome,youwould’venevergonetohisroom.Butyouchosehisobject.”Maxmakesa

fistwithhishand,andforsomereason,itgivesmepleasureknowingmychoiceupsethim…thathe

wantsmesobadlyhe’dbeangrywithhisbrotherforstealingmeaway.

Maxcockshisheadandgrabsmyarm,pullingmetowardhim.“Youdidthatonpurpose,didn’tyou?”

Iswallowbutdon’treply.

“Hmm…”Hesmirks.“Figuredyouwouldn’ttellmethetruth.YouwanttoseehowfarI’mwillingto

gotogetyou?”Heleansincloser,hislipsalmosttouchingmine.“YouthinkI’mplayingyoutobetray

you,butyou’rewrong.Iwantyoumorethananyothergirl.”

“WhyshouldIbelievethat,whenIknowyou’vebeensleepingaroundwiththeothergirls?Whowas

it?Jordan?”

Heraiseshisbrow.“Asamatteroffact,yes.AndLauren.”

Justthethoughtmakesmewanttolashout.

ButitalsomeansthatAsya,Latisha,andStaceymusthavepickedDevon’sitem.Oh,boy.

“Jealous?”Maxsneers.

Ishrug,eventhoughIam.“Idon’tcare.”

Hesquints.“Ofcourse,youdo.Whyelsewouldyouask?”

“Tomakeapoint.Theywerewithyou.Notme.Them.SowhyshouldIbelieveyoulikememore?”

Hescowlsatme.“Theychosemyobject.Ifyou’ddonethesame,you’dhavebeenoneofthem.”

Irollmyeyes.“Oh,exactly.Oneofthem.Likethat’ssomesortofprivilege.”

“Don’tyouunderstandthatI’mtheonlyoneherewhogivesashitaboutyou?”hegrowls.

Itrytoshovehimaway,buthewon’tletmego,soIslaphiminstead.

Hereleasesmefromhisgrasp,andIstepback,watchinghimwithahawk’seye.Hetoucheshisface

withhishand,hisfingersgrazinghisbeautifulskin,andit’satthismomentthatfeelsmostvulnerable.

Mostafraid.Becausewhateverhe’sgoingtodoorsaynextisn’tgood,andit’smyfault.

“I…”Istutter.

Hecomestowardme,andIstumblebackwarduntilthebalconyisrightbehindmeandthere’snoway

toflee.He’sgotmecornered,andhiseyespredictthunder,butI’mafraidIcan’thandletheelectricity.

Iclosemyeyes,expectingtheinevitable.

Instead,hegrabsmyfacewithbothhands…andhekissesme.

Hefuckingkissesme.

AndIdon’tevenfuckingpullback.

Whatthehell?

Hislipssmashintomine,andheravagesmewithoutholdingback.I’mhelplesstostopit—not

becauseIcan’t,butbecausemybodydoesn’twanthimtostop.Histonguedipsouttolickmylips,

coaxingmetoopenmymouthandlethimin.Ido,withouthesitation,andheclaimsmymouthandtongue

likeit’salwaysbelongedtohim.

I’mcompletelystunned.Icanonlystandhereandallowhimtoconquermymouth,eventhoughit

makesnosense.Ishouldhatehimforputtingmethroughallthis.Ishouldpushhimawayandfightback.

ButIdon’t…andIhatethatmorethanIhateanything.

Inamomentofclarity,mylipsunlockfromhis,andIleanaway,staringathimbecauseIcan’tbelieve

thatjusthappened.

I’mnotexactlythekissingtype…butthatwasamazing.Andwrong.Sofuckingwrong,Imight’ve

evenlikedit.

“ItoldyouIonlywantyou.It’sthetruth,”hewhispers,hisvoiceheadyandsultry.Mylipsstilltingle

fromhiskiss,andIcanfeeltheexcitementsurgingthroughmybody.Goddammit.

“Idon’tgiveadamnifyouslapme.Iprobablydeservedit.”

Igrindmyteethbutdon’trespond.Iwouldn’tknowwhattosayanyway.Apologyornoapology,heis

right…Hedeservedit.

Hegrabsmyhandandbringsittohislips,kissingthetopofmyhand.“Ican’tundoyourchoice,butI

cangiveyouwhatyouneednowthatyou’reback.”

“Back…fromhisroomyoumean,”Isaywithbitternessinmyvoice.

“Yes,”hesays,narrowinghiseyes.“ImustsayI’mimpressedyoumanagedtoescape.MayIaskhow

youdidit?”

“LikeI’lltellyouallmysecrets,”Iretort.

Hegivesmealopsidedsmile.“Isupposeyou’reright.Still,Ifinditintriguing.”

“Soyou’renotmadIdefiedyourrules?”

Heshrugs.“Ifmybrotherloses,heloses.”

Ifrown.“Aren’tyouallaboutpunishingthegirlswhodon’tlisten?”

“Yes,butyourpunishmentwastodealwithmybrotherwhenyoudidn’tpickmyitem.”There’sasmug

smileonhisface.“Itwastheknife,bytheway.Goodguess.”

Ifoldmyarms.Clearly,he’slettingmeoffthehookwhenhewouldn’tgivethesameprivilegetothe

othergirls.Idon’tknowwhethertobeupsetorproud.Hereallyhasathingforme.

“Thisisjusthowthegamegoes,”Maxexplains.“AlthoughIhavetoadmitthatseeingyouhereonthe

balconywithyourdignityintactmakesmehappy.”

“Mydignity,yes…mybody,notsomuch,”Isaywithasigh.“Ihopeforyoursakethesedon’tturn

intopermanentscars.Otherwise,youknowwhat’sgoingtohappen.”

Hislipsquirkupmomentarily.“Theaddedclausetothecontract.”Hesmiles.“Clever.Didyouincite

mybrother?”Heinchescloseragain.“Tomakehimhurtyou?Isthatyourplan?Becauseifitis,Icantell

youit’sabadplan.”

“No,ofcoursenot.”Iliftupmyheadandgazeathimfromundermylashes.“ButItoldhimhe

couldn’tstopmefromleaving.Andwhenhethreatened…well…let’sjustsaythemomentImentioned

yourname,hestoppedchasingus.”

Hiseyesnarrow,andahintofpossessivenesssparklesinhiseyes.“Youmentionedmynameandtold

himI’dkillhim.”

Soheknows…

HisbrothermusthavetoldhimthatIran,butIguessAnthonydidn’ttellhimhowhewhippedme.

“Youthinkyoucanusemeagainstmybrothers?”Maxasks;althoughitsoundsmorelikeastatement.

It’swisestnottorespondtothat,soIdon’t.Ijustlookawayatthehorizonagain.

It’squietforsometimebeforeheinterruptsthesilenceagain.“You’reasmartwoman,Naomi.”

“Thankyou.”

“Butyoushouldknownottomesswithmeormybrothers.”Helooksmedeadintheeye.“People

couldgetkilled.”

Iwonderwhohemeans.

“IsthatwhathappenedtoCamillaandHyun?”Iask.

Hemakesafaceandlaughs.“No,ofcoursenot.Whywouldwe?Theymaycomebackandrejoinour

game.”

“Right.”Isigh.“Moregirls.”

“Tellmethetruth…”Heleansagainstthebalustradelikeme.“Youdon’tliketoseemewiththeother

girls,doyou?”BeforeIcanreply,healreadyhasthatwickedsmileonhisfaceagain.“Thatmeansyou

wantmeforyourselftoo.”

Iclosemyeyesandsighoutloud.“Max…”

Heslidesmyhairasideandwhispersinmyear,“Iloveitwhenyousaymyname.Iwantyoutosayit

thefirsttimeIfuckyourbrainsout.”

Mypussyclencheswithneed.

Fuck.

“Isthatwhatyoutoldthembeforeyoufuckedthem?”Imumble.

Hemufflesalaugh.“Inevereventouchedthem.”Hesighs.“Ionlytalkedwiththegirlsandgavethem

somethingtodrink.”

“Really?”Iscoff.

“Yes,”hereiterates.“LikeIwouldbeinterestedinfuckingthemafterseeingyourunoffwithmy

brother.”Heshakeshishead.“Whydoyoualwayshavetoquestioneverything?Can’tyoujustacceptthat

Iwantyou?”

IclosemymouthandwaitacoupleofsecondsbeforeIcomeupwithareply.“Whenyoustopasking

questions…that’swhenyou’renolongeralive.”

Hechucklesandblinksafewtimes.“Iwonderthen…nowthatI’vetoldyouwhatIdidwiththegirls,

whatdidyoudowithAnthony?”

Ifrownandlookaway.“Heshackledustochairsandzip-tiedourwrists.”

“Who’swe?”

“Britt,”Isay.“Andthenheproceededtoface-fuckuswhilesuffocatingus.Onebyone.”

Max’sfacetightens,andthelookinhiseyesremindsmeoflightningstrikingdownonearth.Hishands

turnintofists,andhesmashesthemontothebalustrade.“Fuck!”

“Jesus,you’llhurtyourself.”Iquicklygrabhisarmandpullitaway.

“Nowyousuddenlycare?”hebarks,jerkinghisarmaway.

I’mbaffled.Idon’tknowhowtorespond.Partofmewantstosayofcourse,butthatwouldbreakthe

illusionofmyaloofness.Itwouldmakemevulnerable,andIhatehavinganyweakness,letaloneshowing

ittohim.

“I’msorry;thatwasrude,”hesaysafterafewseconds,andhecaressesmybackwithhishand.Too

baditonlymakesmehissfromthepain.“I’mgoingtohavetotakealookatyourwounds.”

“No.Isaidit’sfine.Ishowered.Theblood’sgone.”

Hepullsdownthebackofmygownwithease.“Youdon’twanttogetaninfection.Ohgod…”He

pausesandgazesatthemarksonmyback.“You’reright.Iamgoingtokillhim.”

Hebrieflyglancesatmebeforerushingoff.

Ifollowhimtohisbrother’sroom,wherehescreams,“Anthony.Openthedoor!”

Afewsecondslater,Anthonycasuallyopensthedoor,onlyforMaxtopunchhimintheface.

IholdmybreathasIwatchMaxjumponhisbrotherandstomphimtotheground.Hesmackshim

repeatedly,screamingathisface.

“Youfuckinghitherwithawhip!”

“Sheranaway!It’sagainstthefuckingrules!”Anthonyyells.

Hepuncheshiminthestomach,andtheyrollaroundonthefloor.Anthony’salotbiggerthanMaxis

andquicklyoverpowershim,rollingontop.

“Stopfuckinghittingme!”AnthonyalmostchokesMaxashetriestoholdhimdown.

“I’llkillyou!”Maxkickshimintheballssohardhisbrotherfallstotheground,andheproceedstohit

himagain.Ineverrealizedhowintenselysatisfyingitistowatchtwomenfightoveryou…andseethem

bleed,ofcourse.

Ijustwatchthemtumblearound,fightingliketwogrown-upkids.Idon’tfeeltheneedtointerfere.

Theybothhaditcoming,andImustsay…itdoesfeelnicetoseeAnthonywiththebruisesheso

deserves.

Suddenly,ascreamisaudiblefromthefloorbelow.

Theguysstopfightingandlookup.

Anotherscream.“Help!”

Iruntothebalustradeandgazeacross.Staceycomesoutofahallwaytotheright,lookingforus,soI

yell,“We’rehere!”

Sheturnsherattentiontome,theshockedlookonherfacemakingmeclutchthebalustrade.“What’s

wrong?”Iask.

“S-something’swrongwithAsya.Please,s-someone,help,”shecries,tearsstreamingdownherface.

Inodandturnaround,whistlingattheguyswhostopfightingeachother.“Asya’sintrouble.”

Theguysgetupimmediately,theirfacesredfromexertion,butneitherofthemcares.Aswerush

throughthehallway,followingthescreamstothewomen’sbedroom,theydon’tevenlookateachother,

andnotasinglewordisspokenbetweenthetwoofthem.They’recompletelyfocusedongettingtothe

girlsasquicklyaspossible,justlikeIam.

Staceytrailsbehindus,sniffling.WhenIopenthedoor,IfindLaurenonthecouch,clutchingherself,

whileJordan,Britt,andLatishaallhuddlenearthewindow,allextendingahand.

ToAsya.

Who’sstandinginthewindowsill,staringdownattheearthbelow.

Myeyeswidenasweallcometoascreechinghaltinthemiddleoftheroom.

Forabriefsecond,Asyaturnsherfacetousandstaresblankly.Herfaceiswhiteandpartially

coveredinblood.Herlipsparted,streamsofbloodpouringout.Thelookinhereyesremindsmeof

death.

“Please,comedown,”Latishabegs.

Jordantriestograbherhand,butAsyapullsaway,inchingclosertotheedge.

“Stop,”Maxgrowls.

Asyadoesn’tevenblinkassheopensherarmsandletsherbodyfallback.

Thesoundofscreamsasherbodytumblestothegroundshocksmetomycore.

Thud.

14.

AccompanyingSong:“AcidRain”byLorn

Naomi

Threegirlsdown,sixleft.

Thegirlshuddletogetherforsupport,theirsnifflingandwhiningdrivingmecrazymad.

Icanalreadybarelydealwithmyownmindspinningstories,nevermindthewhimpersaudibleinthe

back.

“Shesaidshewasdonewithitall,”Staceymumbles,clutchingherblanket.“Ican’tbelieveshe’s

gone.”

“Meneither,butIdounderstand,”Brittsays.“Imeanshesaidshe’dbeenthinkingaboutitforsome

time.Shetoldus.”

“Yeah,fromwhatIheard,herparentstoldhertobasicallygetmarriedordietrying,”Staceyadds.

“Whoa,”Jordanmumbles,sippinghertea.

“Yeah;nowondershewassoonedge.”

“Notjustthat,butthenshechoseDevon’sitem…andshelostitthemomentshefoundout.She

grabbedtheknifeandtriedtothrowitathim,whichfailedtohititstarget.Hedidn’ttakeittoowell.At

least,that’swhatshetoldus,”Latishasays.“Shewasthefirsttobetiedupandlashed.Icouldhearher

screamsallthewayfromdownthehall,andthatwasbeforeIknewIhadpickedhisitemtoo.”

“Yeah…gosh…therewassomuchbloodwhenhewasdonewithher.Hebarelyevenlookedatus,”

Staceysays.

Latishanods,staringintoblankspace.“Iwould’velikedtoknowwhatelsehecoulddo.Imeanwe’re

heretomarryoneofthem,sowemightaswelltrythemalloutandseewhichonefitsusthebest.Even

thoughIlikeAnthonythebest,”shesayswithagiggle.“Butit’stoosoontochoose.”

Shetalksaboutthemenlikethey’reshoesyoutryonatthestore.

Pathetic.

TheothergirlsstareatLatisha,whoquicklyaddstoherstory.“What?Imeantherearethreeofthem,

andIthinkweshouldkeepouroptionsopen.Besides,weallhaveourfavorites.”Sheraisesherbrows.

“Devononlytiedusupandusedsometoysonus,likevibratorsandcrops.”Sheshrugs.“Andhelikesto

fuckassesalot.”Sheendsitwithasmallgigglethat’sbarelynoticeable.

“Whenyou’renotprepared,yeah,”Staceysays.

Laurenshivers,probablyrememberinghowhetiedherupandusedher.

“Hewenteasyonusbecausehe’dalreadywastedhisenergyonher,”Staceysays,grabbingapillow

tohug.“I’mhappyIsurvived.Oneofuswasn’tsolucky…”

Thegirlsnodandstareoffatthewindowandthendownatthefloor.Talkslikethesearenevereasy.

Whatdoyouevensaytoeachotherafteryou’vejustwatchedsomeonekillherself?Nothingadequately

describeswhatweallwitnessed.Nothing.

I’msittinginbed,tryingtothink,butallIheararetheirvoicesastheyshoutabouthowunfairitis.

Whyshesuddenlydecidedtojump.Howshediedfornothing.Thatit’scruel.Whotheycanblameforit

all.

WhileallIcanthinkaboutishowmanymoreofuswillperishbeforetheyhavetheirway.

Isthiswhytheyofferedusthefiftymilliondollars?

Notjusttobetheirconcubines,butbecausetherewasapossibilitywecoulddie?

Goosebumpstravelupanddownmybody,andIshakethemoff.It’squietintheroom,tooquiet,and

whenIturnmyhead,Icanhearthesoundofabagzippingup.

Thebaggers…peopleMaxcalledtocleanupthemessandmakeitlikeitneverhappened.

Heexplainedthatthey’dtellherparentsshediedinafreakaccidentduringhervacationandjustwipe

awayherveryexistenceinthisplace.Andwhenthey’redone,it’llbelikesheneverevenexisted.

Ishakemyhead.Whatmoneycanbuyyoustillscaresmesometimes.NotthatIshouldbesurprised;

theymanagedtogettoallofussoeasily.It’sawondertheyevencareaboutthecontract.Theycould’ve

justkidnappedusinstead.ButIbetthat’sallpartofthegametheyplay.Afterall,where’sthefunintaking

whatyoucanalreadyhavefreely?It’smuchmorefunifitcomestoyouinstead.

Thetalkingdiesoutslowly.Asnighttimeapproaches,thegirlspushtheirbedstowardeachotherand

cometogetherforsupport.I’mtheonlyonewhodoesn’tneedtobecuddledasIfallasleep.

However,inthemiddleofthenight,whispersinmyearwakeme.

“Naomi…”

IturnaroundandseeMaxholdinghisfingerovermymouth.“Don’tsayaword.Justcomewithme.”

Itakehishandandlethimtakemefrommybedandoutoftheroom.Whenheshutsthedoor,thegirls

arestillfastasleep.Maxholdsmyhandfirmlyashepullsmedownstairsandintotheroomwiththered

bedsheetsagain,whereheopensanotherdoorintoaprivatebathroom.

Heturnsonthebrightlightsandbeckonsme.“C’mon.Iwon’tbite.”

Istepinsidethebathroomandlookatmyownreflectioninthemirror.Maxstandsbehindandplaces

hishandonmyshoulder,slidingasidemyhair.Atfirst,Ithinkhe’sgoingtokissme,buthecarefully

slideshisfingersintomynightgownandthethinbandsaroundmyshoulder,pullingthemdownonebyone

untilthenightgowndropstothefloor.

I’mnakedinaroomalonewithhim,andIwonderifthisisthemomenthe’lltakemeforhimself.He’s

beencravingitallthistime;Iknowit,andIcanseeitinhiseyes.Thehungerwhenheseesmynaked

body.Icanfeelitfromhisfingers,softlytrailingdownmyback.It’selectrifying.Dangerous.

“Areyougoingtotakewhat’syoursnow?”Iask.

Hegazesbackatmethroughthemirror.“Isthatwhatyouwant?”

Iswallowawaythelumpinmythroat,notknowinghowtochoosebetweentwopossibleresponses.

Oneisalie…theotheristhetruth.

Hesmirks.“It’sokay;youdon’thavetoanswer.Iwon’tmakeyoudoanythingyoudon’twantto.Yet.”

Thatlastwordspreadsgoosebumpsallovermybody.

Hepullsopenacabinettotheleftandgrabssomesortoflotion,whichhepoursintohishands.Then

hestartstomassageitontomybackslowly,carefullycrossingoverthewoundsonmyback.Ihissfrom

thepain,whichmakeshimgoevenslowerandsofter.Notawordisspokenbetweenusasherubsitinto

myskin.Thelookinoureyesspeaksvolumes.HeknowswhatIthinkofhim…buthedoesn’tcare,andI

knowhedoesn’t.

He’sherewithapurpose—agoalinmind—andthat’stotakecareofthewoundshisbrotherinflicted.

Eventhoughbruisesandcutscoverhisownface,he’ssolelyfocusedonmenow.Asifhe’stryingto

repairwhat’sbroken…tryingtokeeptogetherthetaintedpictureofperfection.

Despitethefactthatagirljustdied.

***

AccompanyingSong:“EyesOnFire”byBlueFoundation

Max

“Howcanyoulivewithyourself?”shesuddenlyasks.

Icockmyheadbutcontinuetoscrubher,thistimeabitharder.“Easy.Justshuteverythingand

everyoneout.”

“That’savoidingthetruth,”shesays.

“Thetruthissomeonedied.Ithappens.”

“Ithappens…soit’snormaltoyou?”

Istopwiththelotionandputitaway.Questionslikethesearehard,andIdon’talwayshaveananswer

tothem.“It’snevernormaltowatchagirldie.”

“Thenwhydidn’tyoudoanythingaboutit?”WhenIturnaround,she’sfacingme,stillnaked,her

nipplespeakinglikeshe’scold.She’sbeautiful,perfectionitself,andIcan’thelpbutwonderhowthey

wouldfeelinmyhandwhileIkissedheruntilmorning.

Notnow,Max.

“Icouldn’t,”Isay,lettingoutasigh.“She’dalreadymadeuphermind.”

“Youknew?”Hereyeswiden.

Iclosemyeyes.“Wetalkedaboutherparentsandhowtheywouldn’tacceptherback.Shewantedto

leavebutcouldn’t.Itoldherthere’saplacehereforher.Shesaidshedidn’twantanyofthis,andthatshe

wasgoingtoleave.That’sallIknew.”

Igotomykneesandliftuphergown,pullingthestrapsbackonheragain.Thatwayshe’smuchlessof

adistractiontomyeyes.Still,theycan’thelpbutwanderofffromtimetotime,tryingtogetanotherpeek

atherbodythat’ssoreadytobemine.

“Whydidyouletherleaveyourroomthen?”

“Becausemybrothercametome,”Iexplain.“Andhetoldmeaboutyou,soIcamelookingforyou

aftertellingthegirlstheywerefreetogo.”

“AndthenwewenttoAnthony,”shesays,frowning.

“Yes.”

Shecloseshereyesandsighs.“Someonejustjumpedoutofawindow,andyou’remassagingmyback

withlotion.”

“It’snotjustlotion;thishelpstopreventitfromgettinginfected.”

“Someonedied,”shereiterates,clearlyangry.

“Yes,indeed,andnomatterwhatIdo,Ican’tchangethatfact.Icanonlycleanupthemessthat’sleft

andgiveherapropergrave.”Iclearmythroat.“However,whatIcandoishelpthosewhoarestillalive.

Likeyou.”Iplaceahandonherarm.“Iknowit’stoughtoaccept,butIdocareaboutyou,despitewhatit

maylooklike.”

“YoucareaboutmebecauseI’mtobecomeyourwife.”

Ismile.“Yes,indeed.Makenomistake,youwillbecomemine,andwhenyouare,Iwilltakeproper

careofyou.Youwon’thavetowishforanythingbecauseyou’llhaveitall.Lifecanbegoodwithmeby

yourside.Allyouhavetodoisacceptit.”

Shejerksaway.“Ican’tbelievewe’retalkingaboutthisnow.”

Igrabherwristasshetriestowalkawayandpullherbacktome.“Stopfighting.Stopresistingme.I

knowyoufeelwhatIfeel.”

“Moneyisn’tworthdyingover…”shespits.

“No,butmarriageis.Especiallywhenitcomestomarryingthemostbeautiful,smartestwomanI’ve

evermet.”Myindexfingerbrusheshercheek,andIleanintoherear.“Ineedyoubymyside,Naomi.”

“Tobeyourwife…butyoudorealizemarriageisalsoaboutlove?”shemurmurs.

MythumblingersonherlipsasI’mremindedofthelasttimeIkissedher.Icanstillremembertheway

shetasted…likeheaven.

“Ialreadyloveeverylittlebitaboutyou.”

Shelaughsandshakesherhead.“Oh,mygod…”

“I’mserious.Iloveyourscheming.Yourdeviouslittleways.You’rejustlikeme—cunning,notafraid

tostandyourground—andIadorethat.”

IwonderifIshouldkissher.

Ifmybrotherdidwhenhehadher.

IfhetouchedherinplacesIhaveyettodiscover.DoubteatsawayatmeasIthinkofhowhe’stainted

her.Iwanttoerasehimfromhermind.Replacehismarkwithmine.AndIwillmakeithappen…no

matterthecost…nomatterhowlongittakesmetogettothatpoint.

“Whydon’tyougofortheeasygirls?Theoneswhoreallywantthis?”sheasks.

“You’relyingtoyourselfnow,”Imuse.AsIleanin,shestepsbackagainstthesink,andIcageher

withmyarms.“Youhavenoideahowvaluableyoureallyare.HowlongI’vewaitedforawomanlike

you.SomeonewhoIcannotonlymarrybutwhowillalsobemyequalandgivemesomethingnoother

womancan.”IsmilewhenIseeherblatantdeath-stare.

“Ifonlyyouknew,”Imutter.

“Knewwhat?”sheasks.

Ibitemylip.ShouldIeventellher?

IfIdo,she’llschememoreandmaybetrytooverthrowmeinmyownplan.Thenagain,ifIwanther

bymyside,maybeIshouldletherinonthedetails.

However,ifmybrothersfindout…

“Iwon’ttellasoul,”sheadds.

Narrowingmyeyes,Iwonderifthat’salieorthetruth.Thistimeit’shardtotell,butIsupposetelling

hermightmakehertrustmemore.Maybethen,she’llfinallyseethingsfrommyview.Ineedherbymy

side,andsheneedsme.Endofstory.It’stimesheknewjusthowimportantshewas.

“Wedidn’tjustbringthegirlsintofuckthem…tofindoutifoneofthemistheonewewantasa

partner…abride,”Isay,mylipssoclosetohersIcanfeelherbreathonmyskin.Ilookherdeepinthe

eyeandsweartomyselfthatIwillkissherrightthereandthen.Becausewhenshefindsout…itmaybe

ourlasttime.

“It’stofindoutwhowecouldseeourselveswithforever…andtomakeanheir.”Herpupilsdilate,

andherbreathingstops.“Ababy,Naomi.AndIwillbetheonetoimpregnateyou.”

15.

AccompanyingSong:“SweetDreams”byEmilyBrowning

Naomi

“Wait,what?”Istammerincompleteanduttershock.

Babies.

Thisisalltomakebabies?Heirs?

Suddenly,hepresseshislipstomine,takingmebysurprise.I’movertakenbythesuddenkiss,which

feelstoogood,toosurreal.Ican’tlethimgettome.Notnow.Buthewon’tstop,soIbitehislip.

Hedrawsbackandtoucheshisbloodylipwithhisfingers.“Ouch.IsthatwhatIdeserve?”

“Kissingmeaftertellingmethat?Really?”

Heseemsunapologetic.“Yes,really.Especiallyafterthat.ForallIknow,youcouldbegoneinthe

morningnowthatyouknow.Ijusthadtokissyouonelasttime…ifitis.”

Ilickmylipstotrytogetridofhistaste,butitonlymakesmerememberhowgoodofakisserheis.

Goddammit.

“Whytellme?Whynow?Andwhynottheothergirls?”

“BecauseIwantyouasmymate,”hesays,steppingcloseragain.

“Whoa,whoa…holdyourhorses…mate?”

“Yes,tomakeababy.That’swhyweneedtomarry.”

“Jesus.”Thisexplainseverything.Theneedtotestus.Allofthegamesthatinvolvefucking.It’snot

justtofindoutwhothebestsexualmatchis…it’stogetuspregnant.

“Heirstowhat?”Iaskafterafewseconds.

“Ourcompany.Ourfatherwantsustomarryandhaveakid.It’stradition.Thisishowitwentforhim,

andnow,it’showwedoit.”

“Yourfather…Youdothisallbecausehewantsyouto?”

Hisnostrilsflare.“Wehavenochoiceinthematter.”

Iblinkafewtimesandtakeinthatinformation,forcingmyselftorememberthatforlater.It’simportant

becauseitcouldmeanthathisfatherishisenemytoo…andIcanusethattomyadvantage.

“Sothat’swhywe’rehere…”

“Thiswasallplannedalongtimeago,Naomi.YouandIweremeantforeachother.”Hegrabsmy

facejustbelowmychinandpushesmeagainstthewall.“Iwantyourprettylips…yourpink,flushed

cheeks…thosebeautifuldarkeyesthathauntme…thatbodyI’ddiefor…thatmindI’dkillfor.Iwantit

all,Naomi.AndIwanttoseeitinmychild.Allofit.”

Heinchescloserandsmellsmyskinlikesomekindofanimal.“I’venevercravedawomanasmuch

asIcraveyou.Whatisitaboutyouthatmakesmesodesperate?Soneedy?”hegrowls,andhestompsthe

wallbesideme,makingmejoltupanddownbriefly.“Sofuckingviolent…”

Iknowwhatitis.It’sinfatuationbuttellinghimisnouse.Healreadyknowstheanswertohisown

question.JustlikeIdo.

“Whatareyougoingtodonow?”hemurmurs.

“Idon’tknowyet.”

“Areyougoingtoleave?”Helickshislipsandstaresatminelikehewantstoravagethemagain.

God,ifIlethim,IknowI’llbehookedforgood.

“Thanksforthelotion,”Isay,andIpushpasthimandwalkout.

“Naomi,”Maxcallsout,butIdon’tturnaround.“Don’tgo.”

Itdoesn’tsoundlikeaquestion.

Itsoundslikeacommand.

OneImightlistento…butI’llsleeponitbeforeImakemydecision.

Imakemywaybacktothewomen’sbedroomandsneakacrossthefloorasquietlyasIpossiblycan.

Latishasnoresassherollsover,probablydisturbedbymyentry.However,shedoesn’tlookuporeven

speak,soIguessshe’sstillasleep.

Iquicklygotomybedandcrawlundertheblanket,whereIcansafelythinkaboutwhatIjustlearned.

Babies.

We’reheretomarryandmakebabies.Likerealfuckingconcubines.

Wow.

Ican’tbelievethisisreal.Iwonderiftheguysdoitbecausetheywantto…orbecausetheirfather

forcedthem.Maybethecompanyisduetobetakenoverbyoneoftheguys,andhe’stryingtodecide

whichonetopick.Ifit’sthelatter,Icandefinitelyseetherealenemyhere.Itwouldexplainwhytheguys

areinsuchahurrytogetmarriedandfuckallthegirlsonthepremise.Threeweekstomakesureyouwin.

IfI’mright,thisisonemonsterofabomb.

OneI’mnotsureI’mwillingtosharewiththegirls.

Maxwouldprobablyallowmetotellthem,butdoIreallywantto,whenthere’ssomuchatstake?IfI

win—ifImarryMaxandgetpregnant—Iwillgethalfhisshareofthecompany.It’squitealot.

Still,itdoesn’texplaintherivalrybetweenthebrothers.It’sliketheyfearthey’llgetkickedoutifthey

don’twinthisgamequickenough.Liketheirfatherwilldosomethingcrazyiftheydon’tmarryandmake

anheir.

It’sapossibility.

IshouldasknexttimeItalktoMax.IfIeverdo.

Becauselet’sfaceit—I’mverytemptedtogohomeafterallthat’sgonedownlately.I’mjustnotsure

ifthemoneyisstillworthit.Doubtsarechippingawayatmyotherwiseabsoluteresolve,andIdon’tlike

itonebit.

Thegirlswillprobablyfindoutlateronanyway…it’sonlyamatteroftime.I’djustratherhaveit

laterinsteadofsooner.Theyaremycompetition,afterall.

GuessI’vedecidedthen.Nosharingfrommyside.

***

AccompanyingSong:“IAmAGod”byKanyeWest

Max

Day12,evening

Anthonysitsacrosstheroom,asfarawayfrommeashepossiblycan.Wehaven’tmadeupafterour

fistfight,andIdon’tintendforthattohappeneither.Hecrossedalinewhenheputhishandsonherand

hurther.Iwon’tforgivehim.

Still,wecan’tkeepoureyesoffeachother.Probablybecausewe’reboththinkingofwaystokilleach

other.Icantellfromthewayheflipsthepagesofhisbookandsipsfromhiswinethathiseyesareboring

aholeinmyhead.

Devonleansbackinhischairandburpsaftertakingalongsipofhisbeer.Helaughsalittlewhenhe

looksatmeandthenatAnthony.Hepicksupthecueandwalkstothepooltable,playingtheballsby

himself.

Thenhegrabsacigaretteandlightsit,blowingsmokeinmydirection.

“Youtwolookhorrible.Gotintoafight?”hemuses.

“Shutup,”Anthonymutters.

Idon’trespond.

Devongrins.“Suitsyouwell.”

“Isaidshutit,”Anthonybarks.

“What?It’snotmyproblemyoutwocan’tkeepyourdamnheadsstraight.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Imumble.

“Thatgirl’splayingyouboth,man,”hesays.“Naomi.She’stryingtogetbetweenus.Can’tyousee?”

“No,”Isay.“Anthonytriedtofuckingkillher.”

“NofuckingwayIdid,”Anthonygrowls.“Iwasteachingheralesson.Therulesaretherefora

reason.Shedefiedme,soshegotpunished.”

“Youdidn’thavetherighttotouchher!”Iyell.“She’smine!”

“Didyouforgetthisisathree-waydeal?We’reallinittogether,”Anthonymuses.

“Notwhenshehasaspecialcontractthatallowshertotakeovermyfuckingsharesofthecompanyif

shegetsanypermanentscars.”

“That’sonyouforincludingthat,notme.Notmycircus,notmymonkeys.”Anthonytakesanotherlarge

sipfromhiswineglass.

“Fuckyou,”Imutter.

Devonlaughsagain.“You’rehilarious,guys.”Hetakesaseconddragfromhiscig.“I’msofucking

gladIfoundsomegirlswhohaveexactlywhatIneedandaren’talreadyclaimedbyyouwhiners.”

Irollmyeyes.“Yeah,right…likeanyofthegirlswouldwantyouafterrealizingwhatyoulove.”

“What?Oneofthemactuallylikesthefuckingpain.”Heshrugs.“Notmyproblemyoudon’tbelieve

me.”

Inarrowmyeyes.“Who?”

“Latisha.”

“Really?”Ifrown.“Hmm…”

“Yup,she’sakinkymotherfucker.”

“Youthinkshe’sgotathingforyou,butshe’sgotathingforallofus.Shejustlovessex.That’sall,”

Anthonyretorts,lookingaway.

“Right.Whatever.Doesn’tmatter.IlikeLaurentoo.”Devonsmirksandtakesanotherdrag.“Anyway,

thepointis…justgetafuckinggrip.Getagirl.Getmarried.Getitoverwith.”

“Youforgotthelaststep…”

“Oh,right.”Devonpointsatme.“Thefuckingbaby!”

“It’snotaseasyasyouthink.”

“LikeIcare,”Devonsneers.“I’monlyinittogetDadonmyside.”

“Asifhe’deverchooseyou,”Anthonysneers.

“Fuckoff,”Devonretorts.

“Youknowhemeantwhathesaid,”Isay.“Aboutthewholeheirtothethronething…”

Bothofthemlookatmenow,likeit’ssofuckingunbelievablethatFatherwouldbespeakingthetruth.

Anthonymullsitoverafewsecondsbeforeheopenshismouth.“YouthinkDadwouldgotothat

extremetogetthebestoneofus?”

“Yes,”Ianswer.“Withoutadoubt.”

TheybothknowwhatImean.

Igetupandgotothekitchen,grabbingthreeglassesfromthecabinet.Ipoursomewhiskeyinthemand

thengrabasmalltubefrommypocket.Itakeouttwopillsanddropthemintotwooftheglasses,letting

themdissolve.Withthisdosage,it’ssuretomesswiththeirswimmers.EspeciallyifIcontinuewiththis

doseeveryday.Andtheywon’tevennoticesomething’swronguntilit’stoolate.Howconvenient.

Withasmirkonmyface,Iwalkbacktomybrothersandsettheglassesdownonthepooltable.

“Whatweallneedrightnowisadrink.”

Theyglareatmesuspiciously.

“Likeyousaid…we’rebrothers,”Isay,lookingatDevon.“Weshouldn’tfighteachother.Although,

youcanbesurethatIwilldefendmyrighttoNaomi,”IsaywhilelookingatAnthony.“C’mon.”

Theguysapproachme,andIpickupmydrinkandholditup.“TotheWickedBrideGames.”

Theybothtoastwithme,andthenwealldrinkup.

It’shard,sohard,nottosmilethiswickedsmile.

LikeIsaid…I’lldoanythingtowin.

***

AccompanyingSong:“SweetDreams”byEmilyBrowning

Middleofthenight

Iwakeupinthemiddleofthenighttosoundscomingfromthehallway.Withadrowsyhead,Igetup

andopenmydoor.Devon’sfootstepsarewhatIheardashewalksupthestairs,holdingabottleof

whiskeyinhishand.Hedrinksfromitashestumblesup,barelymanagingtostayupright.

Slippingout,IfollowhimassilentlyasIpossiblycan,makingsuretohidebehindapottedplantwhen

hegazesaround.Heseemstobeintoxicated,andIwonderifit’sbecauseofallthedrinkingoraside

effectofthedrugIgavehim.

Still,hegoesupstairstothewomen’sbedroom.Istalkbehindhimandwatchhimsneakinside.

Iwait…anditfeelsendlesslylong,makingmefeellikeIshouldgointhereandseewhathe’sdoing;

maybestophimwhilehe’satit.

Butthenhecomesoutagain…withagirlinhisarms.

Lauren.

Herbodyiscompletelylimp,herarmsandlegshangingtothesideashedragsherout.

“Whatthefuckdidyoudo?”Iwhisper-yellathim.

Hedoesn’tevenlookfazedthatIcaughthim.“Takingwhat’smine.”

IfrownasIseehimtuckawayawetclothintohispocket.“Right…”Hemust’veusedsomekindof

sedativeonher…chloroformfromthelooksofthatcloth.

“Andwhatareyougoingtodowithher?”Iaskashedragsherbodythroughthehall.

“Bringinghertomydungeon.”

Iswallowatthethoughtofthatbasementandwhathe’sdonetoit.“Butyou’rewasted,”Isay.

“So?Iwannahavesomefun,”Devonsaysashegrabsherwaistandthrowsheroverhisshoulderlike

it’snobigdeal.Thenhehaulsherdownthestairs.

“Can’titwaituntiltomorrow?”Iplead,hopinghewilllisten,butIalreadyknowhewon’t.Hehasour

father’sgenes,afterall—justlikeIdo.

“Fuckno;Iwanthernow.”

Ifollowhimashebringshertohislair.Icallitalairbecauseit’swherehehideshalftheday.He

bringsallhisgirlsdowntheresohecanuseallkindsoftoysandtoolsonthemwithoutanyonehearing

theirscreams.

Hepullshertosomechairandsetsherdownonit,proppingheruplikesomedollhewantsto

prepare.Heeventucksafewstrandsofherhairbehindherearsandbuttonsuphernightgown.

“Youlikeher,don’tyou?”Iask.

Heturnshisheadtome.“Yeah…Ilikeherthemost.”

“Soshe’stheone,huh?”

“Maybe…”Henarrowshiseyes.“What’sittoyou?”

“Oh,nothing.”Ishrug,realizingthisisexactlywhatIwanted…Formybrotherstofindsomeother

girltolatchonto.However,Idon’twanttoleavehertoherfate.“Butmaybeyoushouldwaituntilthe

nextgame.Youknow…tokeepitofficial.”

DevonjuststaresatmewiththisnastylookonhisfacelikeheknowsI’mnotsupposedtobehere.

“Fatherwouldappreciateit,”Iadd.

“Idon’tgiveadamnaboutFather.I’mtakingher,”heslurs,andhepushesmeaway.“Now,getoutand

leavemealone!”

BeforeIcandoanythingtogetheroutofhisgrasp,he’salreadylockedthedoor,andonlyhehasthe

key.

Fuck.

Ihopeshedoesn’twakeupsoon.

16.

AccompanyingSong:“TheDemonDance”byCliffMartinez

Naomi

Day14

Inthemorning,wewakeuptothesoundofsomeoneenteringourroom.

“I’mback,bitches!”

Hervoicemakesallheadsintheroomturnaround.

“Oh,mygod!”Staceysqueals.“Camilla!”

Astheothergirlsjumpoutofbedtohugandgreether,Istayputandwatchthespectaclefromafar.

“You’rereallyback?”Staceyasks.

“Yes!”Theyhigh-fiveeachother.

“Butwhy?”Jordanasks,frowning.“Imean…whywouldyouwanttoreturntothis?”

Camillapoutsherlips.“Well,Ineedmoney;that’sbasicallyit.”Icantellfromthewaysheanswers

thatitisn’tthecompletetruth.MaybeIwasn’ttheonlyonewhowasbroughtbackonpurpose.Maybeshe

wasthreatened.Itisn’tfarfetched,consideringwe’vealreadylostafewpotentialbrides.Maybethe

brothersfinallyrealizedthatthey’llneedallofthegirlswhoareleft,includingtheoneswhodon’twant

tobehere.

“Couldn’tfindajob?”Latishaasks,raisingherbrows.

“Asamatteroffact…no,”Camillasays,sighing.“Ijustcouldn’tgetoutofdebt.Afterspendingso

muchonmyeducation,Icouldn’tevenaffordmyowndamnhome.Ineededaloan,ajob,anything,butI

can’tgetworkanywherebecauseofthisdamnbadcreditfollowingmeeverystepoftheway.”

“Ihearyou,”Staceysays,nodding.“Myhairsaloncoststhousands,andI’mstillnotoutofdebt.”

I’mnoticingsomethingstrangehere.Areallthegirlsindebt?

“Soyoucameherehopingtogetbackintothegame.”Jordanfoldsherarms.

“Yes.Imean…Idofuckinghatetheidea,butIgottadosomething.Moneyisn’tgonnacomerolling

anytimesoon,andthisisbasicallytheonlyopportunityIhave.I’mscrewed.ButIneedthisasmuchas

youdo.Sojustsoyouknow…I’mreadytokickbutt.”Shelaughsandwinksplayfully,butIknowshe

meansit.

She’sasseriousasIamatwinningthisgame.That’swhyIneverfiguredshe’dbethefirsttoleave.

Thenagain,she’sstubbornascanbe.Figuredshewouldtakethemarriageplanshard.

Iwonderwhatshe’lldowhenshefindsoutthisgame’snotjustaboutbeingsomeone’swife…It’s

aboutbecomingapermanentassettooneofthesemen’slives.

Andnowthatshe’sback,thatmeansmorecompetitionforMax.

NofuckingwayI’mgoingtobeallhappyandjollyaboutthefactthatshe’sreturned.

However,thisalsomeansthatitisapossibilitytoreturn.Asin…thecontractcanbereinstated.Soif

Iwantedtoleave,Icouldsafelydosowithouthavingtoworryaboutlosingmyplacehere.

AndIknowtherewillalwaysbeaplacehereformeaslongasthesegamesarestillgoing.

Maxwantsmetoomuch.He’dneverrefuse.

IlookaroundtheroomandgathermyclothesoffthefloorwhenInoticeonegirlhasn’tgottenupfrom

herbed.

Idropmystuff,getup,andwalktoherbed,butwhenIgetthereandpullofftheblankets,there’sno

one.

Lauren’sgone.

“Guys…”Imutter.

They’restilltalkingwithCamillaabouthowshespenthertimeawayfromthegirls,andeverything

thathappenedsofarwhileshewasgone.Theydon’tevenhearme,soIscream.

“Guys!”

Now,theyturntheirheads;mostinannoyance,though,butIdon’tcare.Theyshouldknowthis.

“Lauren’smissing,”Isay,andIshowthemtheemptybed.

Theireyeswidenonebyone.“Oh,shit…”Latishasays.“Doyouthinksheleft?”

Bitingmylip,Ilookaroundherbed,butherbelongingsarestillhere.Whowoulddropeverythingthey

hadandjustleave?Noone.It’slikesheneverleft.

Andthenithits.Sheneverdid.

MyjawdropsasIrushtowardthegirls.

“What’swrong?”Brittasksme,butIignoreherasIopenthedoorandmarchdownthehallwayona

mission.

Downthestairsisthedungeon,butwhenIgetthere,Maxappearsfromadoortothesideandblocks

myway.“Youdon’twanttodothat,Naomi.”

“Getoutofmyway,”Ihiss,gettingupinhisface.

“Calm.Down.”

“Iwillnotcalmdown.Iknowyou’vegotherinthere.”

“Idon’thaveanyoneinthere,”hesays.

“Semantics.You.Yourbrothers.Idon’tcare.Now,letmethrough.”

“Whydoyoucaresomuch?Ithoughtwe’dbeenthroughthisalready,”hesays.

“BecauseIhavetoknow…Ihavetoknowwhatyou’recapableof.”

“Mybrother,”hewhispers,pointingathimself.“Notme.”

Mynostrilsflare.“Yourbrother…Devon,right?He’stheonewho’sgother.”

Maxtakesadeepbreath.“Trustme,Naomi,youdonotwanttogointhere.Takeitfromme.”

“Wrong.”Itrytoshovehimaway,buthekeepspushingback.“Iwanttoseeher.Now.”

“Youdon’tcareabouther.Youdon’tcareaboutanyofthegirlshere,”hesays.

Rightatthatmoment,theothersfollowbehindme.Thedistrustfullooksontheirfacesashesaysout

loudwhatI’vebeenthinkingallthistimecutsintomelikeaknife.

“Outofmyway!”Iyellandrammyelbowintohissidesohard,hebucksandheaves.

Igrabthechancetorushpasthimandramthedooropen,butit’slockedfromtheinside.

“Itoldyouthatyoudidn’twanttogointhere!”Maxsaysasheapproachesmefrombehind.

“Watchout!”Brittcallsoutinsupport.

Butshe’stoolate…Maxhashisarmsaroundme,forcingmetostopjerkingonthedoorhandle.

“Letmego.Letmeseeher.”

“Please…Naomi,I’mbeggingyou,stopfightingme.”

Heneverbegs.

“Why?Iwanttoknowwhathedidtoher.Iwanttoknow—”

Hislipstouchmyearashewhispers,“It’llscaryouforever.”

Myliptrembles.“Idon’tcare.”MaybeIdo.MaybeIshouldn’twanttoknow.Afterall,I’mnotafter

Devon.However,heisMax’sbrother,andtheyhaveabondthatgoesdeeperthanblood.Who’stosay

Devon’sdesireswon’tbeMax’satsomepoint?Ihavetoknowwhathappenedtoher,soIknowwhat

mighthappentomeifIstay.

“Areyousureaboutthat?”

Afterafewseconds,Islowlynod.

Heleansintothedoorandpullsaleverontherightside,whichopensasmallpeephole.“Goahead…

look.”

Iturnmyheadandwatchthegirlscowerinfear,clutchingeachother’shandsastheyfeartheworst.

SomeonehastodiscoverwhatDevondidtoLauren.Ifithastobeoneofus…it’llbeme.

SoIpressmyfaceagainstthedoorandlookthroughthehole.

WhatIseemakesmybreathhitchandmyheartstop.

Lauren’snakedbodytiedtoanironbed.Blood-soakedsheetsbeneathher.Eyeswideopen,soulless.

Herbreasts…cutwithcarefulstrokesofaknife,adelicatepatterndrawnonherskinintheshapeofa

heart.AndDevon,lurchingoverherlikeazombie,holdingherhandasheweeps.

“Oh,god…”Islapahandinfrontofmymouth.

Ican’tbelievewhatI’mseeing,eventhoughIknowit’strue.

Ishould’veseenitcoming.

“Doyouunderstandnow?”Maxwhispersinmyear,pullingmebacktorealityagain.

Ishakemyhead.“Wecan’tleaveherthere.”

“It’salreadytoolateforhernow.She’sgone.”

Iturnaroundinhisarmsandpunchhischest.“Youcould’vedonesomething!”

Maxgrabsmywristsandpinsthemagainstthedoor.“Icouldn’tdoanything.EventhoughIwantedto,

Icouldn’tdoanythingtostophimfrombeingafuckingsavage,”hegrowls.“Idon’thaveakey.He’s

lockedthedoorfromtheinside.WhydoyouthinkIwashereinthefirstplace?”

Tomakehimstop.

Tomakehimchangehismindabouttakingherforhimself.

Tomakehimkeepheralive.

“Istayedallfuckingnighttowatchoverher,tocallouttohim,buthewouldn’tstop.Hewouldn’t

fuckingstop.”Maxslamshisfistagainstthedoor.“Itoldyounottolook.”

“Idon’tregretit,”Isay.“IknowthehorrorsthatIfacenow.”

Suddenly,Ihearaloudroarfrombehindus,andIturnaroundandgazethroughthepeepholeagain…

onlytobeconfrontedwitharagingmadDevonlookingstraightbackatme.

“You…Iseeyoulookingatme.Whatdoyouwant?”hegrowls.“Can’tyouseeI’mmourning?”

“Mourning?”Imutter.“Youkilledher!”

“Ididnotkillher!”hescreamsatme,histeethstainedwithblood.Ishiveratthethoughtofwhathe

didtomakethembloodyinthefirstplace.“Ilovedher.”

“Love?Youdon’tevenknowwhatthatis.You’reamonster,”Ihiss.

HesmacksthedoorsohardIcanfeelitmove.

“Idrewmyfuckingloveintoherbody;that’showmuchIlovedher.Butshehadtogoandleaveme.”

“Whatdidyoudo,Devon?”Maxintervenes.

“Ididn’tdoshit!”Devonscreams.“Shejustsuddenlystoppedbreathing,andherbodywasmovingup

anddown,hereyesrollingback.NextthingIknow,she’sgone.Gone!”Hewailsagainlikesomekindof

animal.

Maxlooksatmeandmumbles,“Heartattack,maybe.”

Ilookawayandswallowthelumpinmythroat.

Iwonderifshescreamedsohard,shefaded.

Ifhescaredhersomuchthatshestoppedbreathing.

Ifthepainbecametoomuchtohandleandherheartjust…gaveup.

Maybeit’sbetterthatshe’sgone.Atleastshewon’thavetofeelanyofitanymore.

Withmyhandonthewall,Iwalkbackandpastthegirls,allofthemstillinshockoverwhattheyjust

heard.

“Whatnow?”Brittasks.

“Whatdowedo?”Staceysays.

“Idon’tunderstand.DevonkilledLauren?”Latishasneersasifshedoesn’tbelieveithappened.

Ireplytononeofthem.Idon’thavethestrengthnorthewill.

Thishasgonetoofar.

“Naomi.Don’tleave,”MaxsaysashestandsnexttodoortoDevon’sbasementdungeon.

“Don’tstopme,”IyellasIwalkofftogetmystuff.

“Yousureaboutthat?Ifyouleave,youmightneverbethesameagain.”Itsoundslikeawarning…or

athreat.Apartofmewantstoknowwhatitmeans,buttherestjustwantsthisalltodisappear.

“Wherewillyougo?”Hisvoiceisbitter.

Icanonlygivehimoneanswerthat’snotalie.“Home.”

PartIII

TheRevelation

17.

AccompanyingSong:“AreWeHavingAParty”byCliffMartinez

Naomi

Day15

AfterIgotallmystuffandleft,Itookacabstraighthome.Alongtheway,Ikeptstaringatthepeople

walkingaroundoutside,thinking…iftheyonlyknewwhatkindsofthingshappenallaroundthem.

SittinginthatcabfeltlikethefirsttimeIcouldbreatheagain.

LikeI’dbeenfreedofaburdenIdidn’tknowIwascarrying.

Andstill,asIsithereatmytabledrinkingacupoftea,Iwonder…whatifI’dstayed?

WouldIhavewonthegames?

WouldIhavebecomeMrs.Marinoandremainedgorgeouswhilepregnant?

WouldIhaveallthemoneyandwealthIcoulddreamofandsavemyfatherfromanillfate?

WouldIbehappy?

Ihavesomanyquestionsthatdoubtstilllingersinmymind.Insteadofansweringthemformyself,I

justshutoffmybrainandproceedtoreadthenewspaper,tryingtofindsomethingtokeepmymindbusy.

Tick.Tock…Tick……Tock.

Thetickingstops,andIlookupatmyclockhangingfromthewall.Thehandshavestoppedmoving.

Igetupfrommychairandpullitfromthewall,takingoutthebatteries.Guessthey’redead.Placing

theclockonthecouch,Iletthebatteriestumbleontothetabletoconfirm.Toomanybounces.Yup.Ihate

itwhenthingsstopworkingliketheyalwaysdoinmyhome.

Timetogotothestore.

Iquicklyputonmycoatandgoout,lockingthedoorbehindmeasImakemywaydownthehallwayof

myapartmentbuilding.Thestenchthatmeetsmefromafewroomsaheadmakesthebileriseinmythroat,

andIstopbreathingforasecondasIrushdownthestairstogetawayfromitall.

Thislife…thestench…thefilth…thebrokenthings.

Itjustgetsonmynervesandmakesmewanttoscream.

Outonthestreet,Iwalkdownthepavementwithmyheaddown,tryingtobeinvisible.Normally,Iget

catcalledallovertheplace,butnow,Ijustwanttobeleftalone.Besides,it’srainingheavily,andIdon’t

wantmyhairtogetwet.SoIpullupmyhoodieandpretendIdon’texist.

Except,whenIturnmyhead,IcanclearlyseeablackChevroletEquinoxridingsoslowitfeelslike

it’sfollowingme.

ChillsrunupanddownmyspineasIkeepmovingthroughthecrowd,tryingtoignorethisfeelingof

someonechasingme.Ishouldn’tevenbethinkingaboutthis.Ichosetoleave,anditwasmyrighttodoso.

Maxexplaineditthoroughly;wecouldleaveatanytimewithnoobligation.

Butthenwhyismystomachtwistinginknots?

IquicklyenterthenearestgrocerystoreIcanfindandshakeofftherainaswellasmyjitters.

ThecashiereyesmelikeafoxasIsearchtheracksuntilIfindwhatI’mlookingfor.Batteries.

Iplacethemonthecounterandfishoutmywallet.“I’lltakethese,please.”Thecashierfurrowshis

browsatmelikeit’soddIjustcametobuybatteries.“Andapackofcigarettes,please,”Iadd,tomakeit

moreplausible.

“Fifteendollars,please.”Hisvoiceistoneless,justlikehisface,ashegrabsthecigarettesandtakes

myfiveandtendollarbill.

Rightthen,thelittlebellabovethedoorgoesoff,almostmakingmejolt.Myheartbeatsinmythroat

asarandomguystartssiftingthroughthemagazinerack.

Shakingmyhead,Iclosemyeyesforabriefsecondandtellmyselftocalmdown.

It’sallinyourhead.

Stopbeingacrazybitch.

Ishovethetwoitemsinmypurseandsay,“Thanks,”thenIrushoutthestoreagain.

Onthefirststreettomyright,IfindablackChevroletEquinoxparked.

Istopinmytracksandgawk,butnooneisinthevehicle.Strange.

Continuingmywaybacktomyapartment,Iclutchmypurseeventighterandignoreanyonewho

crossesmypath.Itrytostayinvisible,movinglikeasnakethroughthecrowdofpeoplewalkingalongthe

samesidewalk,butwhenIhearthesoundoftiresinthedistance,Ican’tstopmyselffromglancingover

myshoulder…andwatchastheblackChevroletEquinoxdrivesinmydirectiononceagain.

Istarttorun,asfastasIcan,withonlyoneendinsight—myapartment.It’ssoclose;Icanalmostfeel

it,andwhenmyhandreachesthedoorhandle,Idon’tstopevenforamomenttolookaround.Ijustrush

insideandslamthedoorshutbehindme.

Outofair,Ihurryupthestairs,notgivingashitthatmylegsarehurtingandthatIcanbarelybreathe.I

havetogetbackhome.Home…whereit’ssafe.

WhenIgettomydoor,myhandstrembleasIfishmykeysfrommypurseandunlockthedoor,

slammingitshutafterIgetinside.

Bentover,Itakeamomenttosucktheoxygenbackintomylungs.Sweatdripsdownmyforehead,a

dropfallingtothefloor.Andatthismoment,IwonderwhatkindofpersonhaveIbecome?

Paranoid?Schizophrenic?Delusional?

Idon’tknowanymore,butIdoknowthatIamlosingmymind.

Someoneisstalkingmyeverymove.Ijustknowit.Thatcarwasn’tjusttherebyaccident.It’salways

therewhenIgooutontothestreet.It’snotacoincidence.Whoarethey,andwhatdotheywantfromme?

Maybethey’reconnectedtoMax.Ormaybethegovernmentwasontothebrothersandisnowontome

sinceI’mnowaffiliatedwiththem.Becauselet’sfaceit…thosecontractsandwhatthey’redoinginside

thathouseisnotlegal.

Regardless,thosemenoutsidecan’tfollowmeinhere.I’msafe.

Itakeadeepbreathandstraightenmyback.

Fetchingthebatteriesfrommypurse,Itakethemoutofthepackaging.Iflipovertheclockandstuff

twobatteriesinthecontainer,turningthehandsuntiltheclockisreportingtherighttimeagain.

ButasIleanintohangtheclockbackonthewall,Inoticeapeculiarlittlething.Asmall,roundcap

tuckedawayunderthebottomcorneroftheclock.Icarefullypeelawaythepieceoftapethatholdsit

thereandthenitpopsrightintomyhand.

WhenIlookatitclosely,it’snotjustarandomcap,though.

Ithasasmallantenna…andalens.

JesusfuckingChrist.

Motherfucker.

***

AccompanyingSong:“IAmAGod”byKanyeWest

Max

Isitbehindmylaptopwithmyhandonmycrotch,casuallysippingmywhiskeyontherockswiththe

other.Icarenotabouttheothergirlsinthehouse.Ineverhave.Ionlywantedtoshowthemalesson…

andgivemybrotherssomethingtoplaywithwhileIfocusedontheimportanttask.

SeducingandmakingNaomimine.

Butnowthatshe’snolongerhere,I’velostinterestinevenentertainingourguests.

Duringdinner,allIdoiseatmyfoodandleavethetable.Idon’ttalk,Idon’tvisitthem,andIdon’tgo

outatnight.IonlyeatwiththembecauseImustkeepupappearances.

ButI’dratherstayinbedalldayandnighttowatchmylaptopwhileImasturbate.Withoutknowing

I’mwatchinghereverymove,Icangetoffonjusttheimageofherstruttingaroundinherapartment.

Fordays,Iwatchedhercook,clean,dress,eat,andsleep.Anywhereandeverywhereshewent,Iwas

there.Notphysically.Notmentally.ButIwasthere.

Likeagod…influencinghereverymove.

Evennow,whenmypeoplehavefollowedheroutsideintheChevroletEquinox,theydidsoundermy

explicitinstructions.Itwasallpartoftheplan.

Sheneededtofindout.

Sheneedstoknowthetruth.

Andnow,shehas.

I’vewaitedsolongforthismoment.Thisparticularlookonherface.Thesurprise.Therealization

andhowIcanliterallyseeittakeform.Andthenthebetrayal.

It’smagnificent.Puremagic.

Justthegazeinhereyesasshestaresbackatthelensmakesmycockhard.

Isitbackandwatchherscreamatthecamerawithagrinonmyface.Isqueezemycrotchwithone

handwhileshiftingthrougheachofthecameras,makingsuretheyallrecordherimageandvoice.

“Max…Iknowyou’rewatching,”shegrowlsatthecamera.

IlickmylipsasIwatchherangerburst.

Iloveit.It’sexactlyhowIimaginedit;ragebubblingtothesurfaceandculminatinginanexplosionso

magnificent,itcouldevenbeatanorgasm.

“Iknowthisisacamera.Comeoutandfacemeinsteadofsittingbehindyourscreenlikeacoward,”

sheyells.

Mynosetwitches,andI’msogoddamninclinedtotakeheruponthatoffer.

MaybeIwill.

***

AccompanyingSong:“Scream”byGrimesft.Aristophanes

Thirtyminuteslater

Iknockonherdoorthreetimes.Shedoesn’trespond.

“It’sme,”Isaywithalowvoice.

Iknowshecanhearme.IcantellbecauseIdon’thearherwalk.She’sfocusedonthesoundofmy

voiceandtryingnottomakeanymoveherself.Shehassomenerves,callingmeouttocometoherand

thenpretendingshe’snoteventhere.

“Openthedoor,Naomi,”Isay.

Whenshestilldoesn’treply,Ishakethedoorknob.

Icanhearsomethingscreech.Probablyachair.

Afaintsmileappearsonmylips.“Iknowyou’reinthere.”

“Whydidyouinstallthosecameras?”shesuddenlyasks.

“Openthedoor,andIcantellyou.”

“No.I’mnotcrazy.”

“Thenwhydidyoutellmetocomehere?”Iask.

“Becausenow,Icanhearyoutoo.”

Ismiletomyself.“Smart.”

“Tellmewhy.”She’smuchclosertothedoornow.

“Iwillifyouletmein.”Iplacemyhandonthedoor,wonderingifshe’sdoingthesame.

“Ican’t,”shesays.“ThisistheonlyprotectionIhaveagainstyou.”

“Youdon’tneedprotectionagainstme,”Imuse.

“WhentheonlymanIthoughtIcouldtrustturnsouttohaveplantedcamerasinmyhome?Yes,Ido.”

Isigh.“Believeitornot,I’mstilltheonlymanwhowantsyousafe.”

“Proveit.”

Ifrownandpullback.“Areyousure?”

Shedoesn’tanswer,whichcanmeanonlyonething.Shedoesn’tknowwhatshewants.Well…Ican

makeitmucheasier.

“Suityourself,”Imumble.

ThenItuckmyhandintomypocket,takeoutakey,andpushitintothelockofherdoor,twistingitso

itopens.

18.

AccompanyingSong:“Scream”byGrimesft.Aristophanes

Max

“Whatthe—”

Herjaw’spracticallyonthefloor.

“Youwouldn’tchoose,soIchoseforyou,”Isaywithashrug,andItuckthekeybackintomypocket.

“Howdidyou?When?”Shestumblesbackward,clearlyconfused.Sooutofherelement.

I’veneverseenheractlikethis.It’slikeshesawaghost.

“Don’tbescared,”Isay,approachingher.“Wait,nevermind.”Igrin.

Shealmostknocksoveratablebutkeepsituprightbygrabbingit.“Youhaveakeytomyapartment.

Why?Explainyourself,”shegrowls.

“Iwill,ifyouwouldonlycalmdown,”Isay,holdingupmyhands.“Stopmovingsoerratically.

You’regoingtotearupyourapartment.”

“Myapartment?Oh,right…thiscondothatyousoconvenientlyjustbrokeinto.”

Ishakemyfingerather.“Correction.Walked.Ididn’tbreakin.Ihaveakey.”

“Inevergaveyoupermissiontoenter.”

“Butyoudowantmetoexplainmyself,soIkindlyletmyselfinafterpleadingwithyoumultipletimes.

Fair,no?”Inodatoneofthechairsatthetable.“Sit.”

“LikeI’mthatstupid.”Shekeepscirclinghercouch,avoidingmeatallcost.

“Webothknowyou’renot.I’mnotyourenemy.”

“Cameraseverywhereandyou’retellingmeyou’renotmyenemy?Laughable,”shescoffs.

Fromasmallcabinettoherleft,shemanagestograbapairofscissorsandholdsitoutlikeasword.

“Don’tcomeanywherenearme.”

Iholdupmyhands.“I’mnotgoingtoharmyou.”

“Youalreadyhave,”shesays.

“Where?”Mynosetwitchesagainfromthatclaim.“Becauseifmymindservesmewell,mybrother

wastheonewhohurtyou,notme.AndIamnotmybrother.Howmanytimesdoyouwantmetotellyou

beforeyou’llacceptthisfact?”

“Youtoywithmymind…”Shetapsherhead.

Oh…thatkindofhurt.

Ican’thelpthatitmakesmesmirkwhenshesaysthat.

“That’sbecauseIlikeyou,”Ireply.

“Funnywaytoshowsomeoneyoulikethem,”shesneers.

Imakeaface.“Naomi,please.Let’snotresorttofighting.”

“Yougivemenochoice.Whenyouwiretappedmyapartment,youcrossedaline,”shegrowls.

Itrytostepforward,butshekeepsthatpointythinginmydirectionlikeit’saweapon.

“Isaidbackoff.”

“Igetit.You’reconfused.”

“Whyaretherecameras?”sheinterrupts.

Islowlypulloffmycoatandletitdroptothefloor.“SoIcanwatchyoureverymoveandmakesure

youdon’tdoanythingstupid…likecallthepoliceorhurtyourself.”

Hereyesnarrow.“Howlong?”

“Long.Very…verylong.”Awickedsmileformsonmyfaceatthesightofhersturningwhite.

“Andtheothergirls?Aretherecamerasintheirhomestoo?”

Inod.

“Beenwatchinguslikeaperv?”shesneers,lickingherlips.“Pathetic.”

Mylipstwitch,andIcanbarelycontainmyselfasImarchtowardher.“Enough.”Igraspherwrists

andpushheragainstthewall,makingherdropthescissors.“Yes,I’vebeenwatchingyou,Naomi.”Ilean

inandsmellthefearonherskin.“I’vewatchedyoueat,sleep,dress.Shower.”Ismileandgazeather

fromunderneathmylashes.“I’veseenyouwithyourhandinyourpantiesasyoumasturbatedonthe

couch.”

“Isthissupposedtoimpressme?”shequips,andshetriestopushback,butIshoveherrightback

whereshewasagainstthewall.

“Youtoldmetocome;well,hereIam,rightwhereyouwantme.JustlikeIhaveyourightwhereI

wantyou.”

“Givingusachoiceonwhetherornottosignthecontractwasallafarce,wasn’tit?”

Inodassheslowlytakesitallin.

“Youhadusallalong.”

“Ihadyou,”Imurmur.“Istilldon’tcareabouttheothers.”

“Whymakemesignitthen?”

“Togiveyoutheillusionofcontrol…”Mypantstentagainstherhotbody.“Togiveyoutheideathat

youcouldescape,evenwhenthere’snosuchthingasyourlifeseparatefrommine.”

“Sothishasbeengoingonsince…”

“Sinceyouwereonlyagirl,”Isaywithalowvoice.

Goosebumpsscatteronmyskinjustfromtellingherthat.

“Whatabouttheothergirls?Didtheyknowallthis?”

“No,”Ireply.

“Butyoustillmadethemsignthecontract.”

“Becausewewantedthemtogiveintouswillingly.It’smorefunthatway.”Ismirk.

Shesucksinabreath.“Weweregroomed…tobeyourwives.Whyevengothroughthetroubleof

pretendingthatwehadachoice?”

“Choice,Naomi.Iwantyoutochoosemebecauseyouwantme.Iwantyoutobeg.”Withmyfeet,I

spreadherlegsandstepbetweenthem,makingherfeelmyhard-on.“Iwantyoutoacheformycock.”I

rubmyselfagainsther,makingmyselfevenharder.“IcouldtakeitallfromyouwheneverIwant.Make

yousubmittome.Butthere’snofuninthat.”Ileanbackagainandlookintohereyes.

Shevisiblyrelaxes,andIreleaseherwrists.“Youwantedthechase,”shesays.

“Exactly.”Ilickmylipsatthesightofherfuriouseyes.

“Whytellmeallthis?Whynow?”

Iraisemyshouldersandlowerthem.“Becauseitwastime.Simpleasthat.”

Shesquints.“BecauseIcaughtyou.”

“Perhaps.”Theleftsideofmylipsquirkupintoasmile.

“Thosemenoutside…weretheyyours?”

“Yes.I’msurprisedyounoticedthemearliertoo,”Isay.

“Theydidn’thideitverywell,”shequips.

“Ididn’twantthemto,”Iwhisper.“Iliketoseeyouallriledup.”

“Youmademelosemyjob,didn’tyou?”shehisses.

Iclosemyeyesandnod.“Igaveyouthatjob…andthenItookitaway.”

Sheballsherfists.“Andtherent?Allthosebillsthatstackedupandjustkeptincreasing?”

Inodagain.

“Eventherefusalofthebankstoloanmeanymoney?”

Withanunmovingface,Isay,“Allofit.”

Outofnowhere,sheliftsherhandandsmacksmeacrosstheface.Again.

Myskinglowslikehers,andIcanstillfeelherhandprintonmycheekwhenshe’sloweredherhand

again.Icontemplatestranglingherrightthereandthen.Butthatwouldbesuchafuckingwasteofasmart,

beautifulgirlwhoIwanttofucksobadly.

Ijustgoforit.

Ismashmylipsagainsthers,kissingherwithnoregret.IdoitbecauseImust.Becausesomepartof

mecan’tholdbackandneedstofixwhatwasbroken.Thenagain,IalsodoitbecauseI’masadistfucker

whojustgetsturnedonbyherrage.

Ahotflashandabloodylipfollow.Itouchmymouthagainassheshowsmeherteeth,herlippulled

up,sosexyithurts.

“Thatwon’tstopme,Naomi,”Isay.“Nothingwill.”

Igraspherwrists,pinhertothewall,andkissheragain,pushingmybodyagainstherstomakeher

feelhowmuchIwanther.Iwon’tletherrunaway.Iwon’tletherescape.NotafterIjusttoldherthe

informationshesodesperatelysought.

I’mnotoneforsharing,butifthat’swhatittakestomakehertrustme,thensobeit.

Fromthewayshekissesmeback,Icantellit’shardforhertoresisttoo.Ourmouthslockinabattle

oflustandwits,neitherofusabletoquittheother.

Herlipsaresotantalizing;Icouldlosemyselfinthem.Andasmytonguedipsouttolickherlip,she

pullsbackandsays,“I’mgonnasmackyourheadagainstthatwallsohard…”

Igrinagainstherlipsandreply,“I’dlovetoseeyoutry.”

Shegrowls,butIsilenceherwithanotherkiss.

“Youfuckingwatchedmelikeastalker…”shehissesbetweenkisses,butshedoesn’tfightback.

“IwatchedyoubecauseI’mobsessedwithyou.Fromtheverybeginning,I’vewantedyou.You’rethe

one.”

Igrabherfaceandkissherharder,butsherespondsbygrabbingmynutsandtwistingthem.Igroan.“I

leftyourfuckinghomeforareason.”

“Youleftbecauseyoucouldn’thandlethetruth.BecauseyouthinkI’mlikemybrothers.I’mnot

fuckingaskingyoutomarrythem,”Igrowl,shovingherbacktothewallwhileblockingherarms.“You’re

gonnabemywife,andIdon’tfuckingshare.”

“Yourbrotheralreadytouchedme,”shehisses,tryingtobitemyarm.

Evenifherteethsinkin,itwon’tfazeme.Thepainonlyturnsmeon.

“TrustmewhenIsayI’dliketoriphisheadoffforthat.Unfortunately,that’sthegameweplay.Butas

soonasyougetpregnant,it’llallbeover,andyou’ll…be…mine.”Iflipheraroundandplantherface

againstthewall.Grabbingafistfulofherhair,Ipullherheadbackandkissherneckfervently.

Herfingernailsscratchthewall,andsheshuddersasmylipsroamherskin.

“Ican’tevenleavethisgameifItried…canI?”shegrowls.

“Notachance.”Igrinandpressmymouthagainsthershoulder,leavingmymark.“I’mnotlettingyou

outofmysight.”

“SoI’maprisonerinmyownhome…”shemurmursasmyhandslipsbetweenherthighsandunder

herskirt.

“Isthatsuchabadthingwhenyou’rewithme?”Isay.

Shedoesn’treply;allshedoesishuffasmyfingerspullasideherpantiesandgrabherpussy.“This

pussyismine,”Igrowl.“Notmybrothers’,notyours…mine.”

IflickherclitasIpressmyselfagainstherbody,makingherfeelmycocktentingthroughmypants.

ThemoreItouchher,thelessshe’sstruggling,andherbodygrowsweakinmygrasp.Iusethe

opportunitytoyankoffmytieandthrowitaway,alongwithafewbuttons,whichspringloosefrommy

recklessbehavior.

I’vegotherpinnedagainstthewall,herpussygettingallwetasshemoans.

Iknowshewantsthis.Shedoesn’thavetosayit.Icanfeelitfromhertremblingbody.

“Youleavethemansion,thisiswhatyouget,”Igrowl.“Metellingyoueverythingjusttomakeyou

stay.”

“Youwantedmetodiscoverthosecameras?”sheretorts.

“Idon’tfuckingcare.AllIwantisforyoutofuckingfinallysubmit,”Isay.“AndI’mnotfucking

waitinganymoreuntilyoubeg.”

Igrabherandpullhertothetablebesideus.Inonefellswoop,I’vemanagedtothrowoffavaseand

afewmagazines,andtheyscatterontheground.ButIdon’tgivetwoshits.I’monlyinterestedinone

thing.

Fucking.Her.

Shescratchesthetableinanefforttopullherselfup,butIholddownherbackwiththepalmofmy

hand.

“Don’tfuckingmove,Naomi.Youknowyouwantthis,”IgrowlasIripdownmyzipperandunbutton

mypants.

First,Ishovetwofingersupherpussyandmakehergasp.That’llteachhertofightme.She’sniceand

wet,justthewayIlikeit.

Icirclearoundinside,whichmakesherkneesweakasshestartstoquakeagainstthetable.

“See?There’snouseinresisting.Sexualurgesarenatural.It’stimewegaveintothem.”

“Whataboutthegame?Yourbrothers?”shemutters.

“Screwthefuckinggame.”Ismackherass,whichmakesherjoltupanddown.“Anddon’tyou

mentionmyfuckingbrotherswhilewe’rehere.Gotit?”

Whenshedoesn’trespond,Igraspherhairandpullherheadback,makingherhissasIslapherass

again.

“Ifuckinghateyousomuch.”

Ismirk.“Likewise.”

ThenIrammycockintohertightpussy.

Shemoansoutloud,thesoundmakingmycockpulsewithexcitement.

God,Ishould’vedonethisalongtimeago.

“Fuck,you’resofuckingwet,”Igroan,slammingherbodyagainstthetableasIfuckher.

“Fuckyou,”shehisses.

“Focus,Naomi.YouknowwhatIwant.”

“Aslongasyougetwhatyouwant,right?Whataboutme?”

Imufflealaughandramintoheragain.“You’llgetyourfairshare.Don’tworry.”Icupherpussywith

myhandandstartflickingherclitagain.

“Imeantthecontract,”shesays,leaningup.“IfIcan’tescapeitanyway,thenIwantmyfucking

money.”

“You’llgetyourfuckingmoney,”Igrowl,“butfirst,you’llgetmyfuckingcock.Now,bendover.”I

pushherdownagainandthrustintoherviolently.It’slikeI’mfuckingeveryinchofrageoutofme.

“Fuck,”shemoansasIcircleherclitwithmyfingers.

Ileanoverher.“YoulikeitwhenIfuckyou,don’tyou?Admitit.Tellmeyou’vebeenyearningfor

this,”Iwhisperinherear.

“Admittingislikedefeat,andIdon’tlose,”shemurmurs.

IsmirkandlickhercheekasIfuckherraw.“Igetyourpussy,yougetmycock.AsfarasIseeit,

we’rebothwinnershere.”

“Fuckme,”shemoans.

“Harder?”Iask.

“Fuck,yes.”Hervoicesoundslikeshe’snearlythere,soIburymyselfdeepinsideherandmakeher

feelmycockpulse.

“Saymyname,Naomi.Sayit.”

“Fuckme,Max,”shemewls.

Withmyhand,Ispreadhercheeksandstickmyindexfingerupherass.Shesquealswithexcitement.

“Fuck!Whatthef—”

“Don’tpretendyoudon’tlikeit,”IsaywithagrinasIswivelaroundinherass.“Thisisjustthe

start.”

“Holyshit…”shemurmursasIpoundintoherpussyanddothesametoherasswithmyfinger.After

awhile,Iaddanotherone,whichonlymakeshermoanlouder.

“You’reafilthywhore,aren’tyou?Theneighborscanhearyou.”

“Asshole.”

“Keepcallingmenames.”Ismackherass.“Butyouknowyou’reonlymysweetwhoreandnoone

else’s.”

IfuckbothherholesuntilIfindheropenenough.ThenIspitonher,takeoutmycock,andshoveitup

herass.

Shescreamsfrombothpainandpleasure,andIusetheopportunitytograsphermouthandstickmy

fingersintoher.“Can’thandlemycock?”Igrowl.

“Fuckyou!”shegroansasIthrustintoherass,applyingmorespitasIgo.

“Makenomistake,Naomi…allyourholesaremine…includingyourass.”Ismackheragain,and

anothermoaningsquealescapeshermouth.ExactlywhatIlikewhenI’mpoundingintoher.She’ssodamn

tight,andwhenIstickmyfingersintoherpussy,Icanfeelherbodycontract.Iknowshelikesit.

“Fuck,c’mere,”Igrowl,yankingheroffthetablebyherhair.Ipushherdownandforceherheadover

mycock.“Openyourmouth.”

Whenshedoes,Iimmediatelyshovemydickinside,fuckinghermouthwithferocity.Ican’tcontrol

myselfanylonger.Herslicktonguefeelssoniceasitswivelsaroundmycock,andIcanfeelmyballs

tighten.

“Suckithard,”Igroan,stillholdingherhair.

ShedoesitsowellthatIalmostcome,butthat’snottheplan.Itakemycockoutandpullherbackup,

pushingheroverthetableagain.There,Ifondleherpussy,strokingherclituntilshemoansoutloud.

“I’mnotgonnastopfuckingyouuntilyouscreamformetomakeyoucome,”Isay,asmyfingersplay

withherclit.

“Jesus…”shemoans.“Justdoit.”

Ismackherass,whichmakesherbobupanddown.

“Beg!”

“Please…fuckingmakemecome.”

Herpleadingvoicepushesmeovertheedge,soIpullmydickoutandshoveitintoherpussyagain.

“Yes,fuckingcome,now!”

Herbodyconvulses,hermusclescontractingaroundmydick.Icanfeeleveryinchofherorgasm,and

thesheerpleasureofitmakesmycockexplode.

AloudhowlescapesmylipsasIspurtmycuminsideher,onethrustaftertheother.Thejetsofcum

justkeepcoming;itdoesn’tseemtoend.OnlyafterfourtimesoframmingmycockbackintoherdoIfeel

fullysated,fullyliberatedofmyownneeds.

Bringingmyfingersup,IsmileawickedlydelicioussmileasItasteheronmylips.

Suchsweetnessfromsuchapassionatelywildactshouldbeasin.

19.

AccompanyingSong:“Anne”Santigold

Max

IhelpNaomioffthetableandask,“How’syourback?”

“Awesome.Especiallyafterthiskindofwildsex,”sheretorts.“Whydoyouask?”

“IjustwanttomakesureyourbackishealedbeforeItakeyouback.”

Ibringherawettowelfromthebathroom.“Cleanyourselfup.”

“Thanks,”shesays,snatchingitfrommyhand.

“Andgatheryourthings.”

Shesighs.“IsupposeIhavenosayinthematter.”

Ilookaroundherroom,wonderinghowonearthshewouldchoosethishomeovermine.“No.”

“Sothecontractwasfalse?”shesays.“Youknowthat’sillegal,right?”

“It’snotfalse,andtheclauseyouaddedstillstands,”Isay,lookingatherassheputsonhighheels.

“AsIsaid,thecontractistheretomakeyoufeelsafe.Tomakeyouwanttobeinourhomeandbeours.

But…evenifyoudidwanttofightthecontractoutincourt,you’dneverwin.Ourlawyersarethebestof

thebest.They’llplayyouoffasalunatic.”

“Yourcompanyishuge,right?BecauseIknowyouandyourwholefamilyarebankers,”shesays.

Mybrowsfurrow.Idon’tevenknowwhyshebringsthisupinthefirstplace.“Howdoyouknow?”

“Youneverdeniedit,soIjustassumed.GuessI’mright,”shesayswithasmuglookonherface.

Mynostrilsflare.“Yes.Weownanempire,”Ireply.

“Thatmeansthatifyourlittlegamegetsout,it’llbetheendoftheentirebusiness.Doesn’tmatterif

yougotocourtornot.Themediawillhaveyourhead.”

“Itwon’tgetout,”Isaywithathreateningvoice,soshewon’tgetthewrongideasinherhead.“LikeI

said,we’llmakesureofthat.Ifanyofyouspills…you’dbewrittenoffasinsane.Delusional.Doyou

thinkwe’restupid?Wehaveconnectionseverywhere,andwepracticallyownthemedia,”Iscoff.

“Besides,you’dprobablybedeadbeforeyoucouldeventry.We’rewatchingyouoncamera,remember?

Weknoweverythingyoudo.”Iswallow.“Andtoansweryourquestion…Thecontractisstillverymuch

inplace.”

Sheswallows,mullingitover.“Thisgame…it’sneverbeenachoicetobeginwith.Yousetallofthis

upfromthebeginning.”

“Mepersonally?”Isay.“No.”

“Thenwho?”Shecocksherhead.

Inarrowmyeyes,andthenIgrabherbagandstartcollectingherclothesmyself.“We’lltalkaboutthat

someothertime.”

Shegrabsafewshoesandclothes,butIcanseefromthewayshe’sstealingglancesatmethatshe

can’tstopthinkingaboutit.“It’syourfather,isn’tit?Hedecideseverything.”

Hercomment,whichsoundsmorelikeastatementthanaquestion,makesmestopinmytracks.Iwish

shecouldn’tseerightthroughme.Tothisday,Iwonderhowshedoesthat.It’samazing.

“YoushouldbethankfulI’mallowingyoutobringyourbelongings.Normally,wewouldn’t.You

alreadyhaveeverythingyouneedatthemansion.”

“Normally…there’sanormal?”shescoffs.“Sothishasbeendonebefore.Interesting.Ithoughtyou

werejokingwhenyousaid‘ages,’butnow,I’mstartingtobelievethiswholeinsaneplot.”

“No…”Isigh.“Ineversaid—”

“Youdid,technically,”shesayswithasmugsmile.

Mynosetwitchesagain.ShealwaysknowsmorethanIexpect.“Youwantmetotellyouthetruth?

BecauselasttimeIdid,youtriedtorunawayfromme.”

“Agirldied.It’snotlikeitcangetanyworse,right?”sheasks.

Iignorethatblatantstab.“Myfatherhadthesamemarriagegame.”

Shestopspacking.“Withhisbrothers?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm…”Shedoesn’tsayanythingelse.Justahum.

Dammit.

Iwanttoknowwhatshe’sthinking.

NotthatIthinkit’sgoodtotellhereverything.She’stoosmart.Toosavvy.She’llstartplayinggames

withmeinstead.

“Time’sup,”Isay,andIgrabherbag,whichisstillpartiallyopen,andpullitaway.“Let’sgo.”

Igrabherbythearmandtakeherwithmeoutoftheapartment.Downstairs,thelimoisalready

waitingforus,soIthrowthebaginthetrunkandopenthedoorforhertostepinside.

“Howchivalrous,”shejests.

Ibendoverandgrabherchin,forcinghertolookatme.“Imayhavefuckedyoulikeananimal,but

thatdoesn’tmeanI’mnotstillagentlemanwhenitcomestoyou.”Ipressakissonherlips,andshe

doesn’tfightmeback.I’mthefirsttopullaway.“Andyou’restilltheonlygirlIwant.”

Sheraisesabrow.“Yousureyouhaven’tfuckedanyothergirlswhileIwasaway?Youknow…

becauseit’ssoboringwithoutme.”

Ismilewickedlyandwhisperinherear.“Ijerkedmyselfofftothecamerainfrontofyou…andyou

didn’tevenknowit.”

ThenIshutthedoorandwalktotheotherside.

AsIslidein,Itellthedrivertogoandsettlebesideher.Sheturnsherheadawayandstaresoutside,

notmovinganinchasIscootcloser.Sheseemscutofffromtheworld,lostinherownthoughts.

Evenaslightbrushacrossherarmsdoesn’tgethertolookatme.

“Areyoumadatme?”Iask.

“Yes,”shesays.

“Why?”

“BecauseIhatenothavingachoice.Youtookmyindependenceawayfromme.”

Ifrown.“Interesting…”

“What?”

“Thatyoudidn’tmentionmefuckingyou.”Ishrugwhenshelooksmyway.“Ithought,ifanything,that

wouldmakeyouangry.”

“Notatall.”Shelooksathernailsandbitesoffapiece.“Sexisjustbusinessasusual.”

Asmugsmilespreadsonmylips.“I’mgladyouseeitthatway.”Myhandfindsitswaytohers,andI

entanglemyfingersthroughhers.“ButIwillkeepkissingandfuckingyouuntilyouseeitasmorethanjust

abusinessdeal.”

“HowcouldIpossiblywhenthereareothergirlswhocouldstillwinthisgame?”

“Theystandnochanceagainstyou.”Ikissthetopofherhand.

“Theydoifyourbrotherspickmefirst,”shesays.

“Overmydeadbody.”

“Really?Youwoulddiebeforetheygottheirhandsonme?”

“That’sthegame,honey,andIplaytowin.”

“Whatifthegirlsdecidethat,inordertogettoyou,theyhavetoeliminateme?”

Imakeaface.“Thatwon’thappen.”

“Howdoyouknow?”

“BecausenoneofthemknowwhatItoldyou.”

Shenarrowshereyes.“Sononeofthemknowtheycoulddieandlosetheirmoney?”

“No,andnoneofthemweresmartenoughtomakethesamedealyoudid.”

“Hmm…”Shemullsitoverabitandthenlooksawayagain.

“Ifyouwanttoknow,theyhaven’teventhoughtofthepossibility,”Iadd.“Thegirls.Theydon’t

discusselimination.Onlyleaving.Theybarelyevenmentionedyou.”

Now,she’stheonetomakeaface.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Well,Isupposetheydidn’treallycarewhetheryouwerethereornot.Theyonlyseemedbotheredby

theirowninabilitytocometotermswithourgameandtheirroleinit.Youknow…whethertheyshould

stayorleave.”

“Right.”Shebitesherlip.“Sotheydon’tcare.”

“Ido.”Isqueezeherhand.

“Iknow;you’vetoldmemanytimes,”shereplies.“Butthefactthattheydon’tcareaboutmeatall

makesthissomucheasier.”

“Makeswhateasier?”

Shestaresatthepalmofherhandandslowlymakesafistasshespeaks.“Notthinkingofthe

consequencesofmyactionsasIwinthisgame.”

Ismirkathercommentandgloattomyselfaboutherbeingbackwhereshebelongs.With.Me.

“Youhaven’twonmeoveryet,though…”shesuddenlymuses.

Isuckonmybottomlipandfumblearoundinmypocket,wonderingifnow’sfinallytherighttimeto

showittoher.MaybeIshould.Sincewe’rebeinghonestandall.

SoItakeoutthenecklacewiththelocketandholditupforhertosee.

“What’sthat?”shemutters.“Wait.”Herfingersslipthroughthenecklace,andshetouchesthelocket.

“Irecognizethis.”

“Goon,”Imurmur.

“Thisusedtobemine.Howdidyougetthis?”Hereyesarewild,onfire.

Shetriestosnatchitawayfromme,butIpullbackjustintime.“Igotitfromyourrealparents.”

“Real…parents?”sherepeats.“Excuseme?”

“Don’tplaymelikeafool.I’vekeptaneyeonyousincewewerekids.Iknowyou’readopted,and

youknowittoo.”

“Theyarestillmyparents,”shehisses.“Justbecausethey’renotmyblooddoesn’tmeanIdon’tlove

themtodeath.”

“AndI’msurethatloveismutual,”Isay.

Shegraspsthelocketfrommyhandandlooksatitintently.“Thisusedtobemine.Irememberwearing

it.Whydoyouhavethis?”

“I’vealwayshadit.Myfathergaveittome.Saiditwastrash,butIdecidedtokeepit.”

“Howdidyourfathergetmylocket?”

Ilickmylipsandsighoutloud.“Becausehekilledyourrealparentsinordertoobtainyou.”

Sheleansbackasfarawayfrommeasshecan,staringatmelikeshe’sseenaghost.

“Killed…mybirthparents.”

“Yes,”Isay.“Myfatherchosespecifictargets.Thesmartest,brightestmarriedcoupleshecouldfind

andwaiteduntiltheyhadkids.Myfatherbelievesweshouldgetthebestofthebest.Nootherwomen

wouldbegoodenoughforus…soheoptedtostealawaythebabiesofthesecoupleswhowereperfect

inhiseyesandputtheminnewhomes.”Igazeather.“Youradoptiveparents.”

Herjawdropsslowly.“Myparentsarepartofthegame?”

“Yes,”Isay,butthenIholdupmyfingerbeforesheflipsout.“Butnotinthewayyouthink.Youknow

yourparentsweren’tabletoconceive.Myfatherdidtoo.Hefoundtheminthemedicalregistryofthe

hospitals.Theykeeparecordofcoupleswhoareunabletoconceiveforresearchpurposes.Anyway,my

fathergaveyoutotheminexchangeforadeal.”

Hereyeslowerastheinformationsinksin.“Youmadethempromisethey’dgivemetoyouwithout

complaints.”Hereyeswiden,andshefocusesonme.“TheyknowIwassold,thatI’mnowinthis

contractwithyou?Andtheyknewaboutthecameras,andthatyouandyourfamilywerekeepinganeyeon

methiswholetime?”

“Yes.”Ismashmylipstogether.

“Well,shit.”Shestaresoffintothedistance.“Areminetheonlyoneshekilled?Orweretheother

girls’parentskilledtoo?”

“No…justyours,”Isay.“Theothersallagreedtogiveuptheirchild.Someofthemdidn’tevenask

forcompensation.Onlyyourswere…difficult.Theydidn’tacceptmoney,notasingledime.Isuppose

that’swhereyougetyourstubbornnessfrom.”Iswallow.“Whenmyfatherrealizedyourrealparents

wouldnevergiveyouup,hekilledtheminstead.”Ipointatherhand.“Thatlocketyou’reholdingisthe

onlythingleftofthem.”

Shelooksdownatitandthenclutchesitharder.

It’ssilentforafewseconds,andIfindithardtodealwith.

“Saysomething,”Isay.

“WhatamIsupposedtosay?Honestly,forthefirsttimeinforever,IfeellikeIcouldcry.”

“Thencry,”Irespond.

“No.”Hernostrilsflare.“Youdidthis.Allofthis.”

“Myfatherdid.Andhisfatherwhenhestartedthisall.”

“Butyoucontinuedit.Youknew,andyouneveroncethoughtofcomingtotellme?”

“Icouldn’t.It’sforbidden.”

“Fuckforbidden.”Shethrowsthelocketatmeandlooksaway,butnotbeforeIcanclearlyseethe

tearsbeingpushedaway.

Ipickitupfromtheseatandholditclose,wonderingifitmeanssolittletoherthatshecouldjust

chuckitaway.Ormaybeitmeanssomuchtoherthatshecouldn’tbeartolookatitonesecondlonger.

“Don’tbeupset,”Isay.“I’monlytellingyouthetruth.That’swhatyouwanted,right?”

“Myparentsareliars,”shewhispers.“Theyliedtomyface…myentirelife.”

“Theydidn’tdoitbecausetheywantedto.”Igrabherhand.“Youshouldknowthat.Myfathergave

themasmallpercentageofsharesinourcompanytokeeptheirmouthsshut,andiftheydidtalk…they

wouldn’tbealivetoday.”

“Idon’tunderstand.Ithoughttheywerepoor,”shesays.“Wewerepoor.”

“Theyarebecausetheycan’ttouchthemoneyuntilyou’remarriedtooneofus,”Isay.“Myfather

addedthatasaclause.”

Herhandslipsfrommineasshecovershermouth.“Whyareyoutellingmethis?What’sinitfor

you?”

“You.You’reinit.”Ismile.

“No.”Herbrowsfurrow.“There’smoretothis.Yourfather.You’vementionedhimsomanytimes.”

Hereyesflickerwithsomething…hopeful.Mischievous.“Youneedagirltohaveababy…because

yourfatherwantstohaveanheir.Butit’snotjustthebaby.It’soneofyou,”shemurmurs.

Myheartbeatsinmythroat.

“It’snotjustus.You…yourbrothers…onlyoneofyoucanwintheultimateprize.”Herlipsquirk

intoadevioussmile.“Thecompany.”

Narrowingmyeyes,Ipushthelocketintoherhand,closeit,andlookaway.

“YounotansweringmeansI’mright,”shesays.

“AndhereIthoughtyouwereonthevergeofcrying,”Imuse.“Guesstheconnivinggirlisback.”

“Sheneverleft,”sheretorts.“Youknow,I’mstartingtothinkallofthisthatyouandyourbrothersand

yourfatheraredoingisillegal.MaybeIshouldcallthecops?”

Ilaugh.“Goodluck…they’reallinourpocket.Wecontributealotofourearningstothepolice

departments.Itkeepsusofftheirradar.”

Thelimostops,luckily,andItakeaquickbreatherasIstepout.

JesusfuckingChrist.

Fromemotionaltocold-heartedbitch,shecanswitchwiththesnapofafingerandnotgiveadamn

aboutanythingintheworldaslongasshe’stheonewinning.

Thiswomanisinsane.

IsmileasIwalktohersideofthelimotohelpherout.

LikeIsaid…aperfectfit.

20.

AccompanyingSong:“Desire”byMegMyers(HucciRemix)

Naomi

Laterthatday

“I’mback,”Isay,asIwalkintothewomen’sbedroom.

They’reallsittingonthecouchandlookupatme,butafteraquickhi,theycontinuechattingaway.

Theirlackofsurpriseatmyentrydoesn’tfazeme.

Ithrowmybagonmybedandsitdown,staringatthelocketthat’sstillinmyhand.

Ican’tbelieveMaxhadthis.Allthistime,hehadit,andhenevertoldme.

MaybehewasafraidofhowI’dreact.

IadmitIalmostfractured,foramoment…Ialmostpunchedhiminthegutandjumpedfromthe

vehicle.Almost.

However,whenIthoughtabouteverythingthathe’dtoldme,somethingclicked.WhenIrealizedhe

wasapawninthisgamejustasmuchasIwas,IknewthatIstillhadachancetogetoutontop.Toget

everythingIwantandpunishthosewho’vedonemewrong.Itseemedlikeafutiledreambefore,butnow,

itcouldbeareality.

AllIneedtodoisbeatthesewomen.

Andthat’seasy…nowthatIknowhowtoplaythisgame.

Ilookaroundandnoticethatoneofthegirlsismissing.Latisha.

“Where’sLatisha?”Iask.

“WithAnthony.Why?”

Interesting.“Oh,noreason,”Ireply.“Justwonderingwhywe’renotcomplete.”

“She’sbeenhangingaroundhimalotlately,”Brittmuses.“Ithinkshe’sgotathingforhim.”

“Yeah,butI’mnotsosureit’smutual,”Staceysays.

“Stopgossiping,”Jordansays,sighing.“It’sgivingmeaheadache.”

Ishrugandsitdownonmybedtotucksomeofmystuffbackintomynightstand.I’mnotjustsitting

hereinsteadofonthecouchbecauseIenjoythesilence…italsogivesmethetimetothinkaboutthefact

thatLatishaistheonlyonemissingfromthegroup,andthatshe’sprobablyalloverAnthonyaswespeak.

Iwonderifthey’rejusttalkingoractuallyfucking.Ifhe’salreadychosenherorjustlikestofoolaround.

Regardless,itmeansthere’slittlechancefortheothergirlstogetaholdofhim…unlesstheyget

pregnant.

Someoneknocksonthedoorandopensitrightaway.“Getready,girls.Fifteenminutes.”It’sDevon.

Iguessthenextgameisabouttostart.

Igetupandwalktothebathroomtorefreshmyself.

Stacey’sputtingredlipstickonBritt’slipswithutterprecision.“Staystill.”ShegrabsBritt’sarmand

holdsherasshemeticulouslyworksthelipsticklikeshe’spaintingonacanvas.Brittsmiles,andthey

gazeateachotherawkwardlyasIwalkbehindthemandopenthefaucettosplashsomewateronmyface.

“Alldone.”Staceysmilesasshetucksthelipstickbackintoherpocket.Thenshegrabsafewstrands

ofBritt’shairandclipsthembehindherear,takinggreatcaretomakeherasperfectasshecanbe.And

thewayBrittlooksatStaceymakesmefeellikeshe’sadmiringher.

“Youlookbeautiful,”Staceysays,asherfingerslingernearBritt’sface.

Igrabmymascaraandstartapplyingit,atwhichpointBrittglancesquicklyatmeandthenclearsher

throat.“Thanks.”Sheblushesandturns,andtheybothwalkofflikethey’reinahurry.

Ishrugandcasuallyapplymymakeup,knowingfullwellthatattheendoftheday,it’llallprobably

rundownmyface.

IlookatthewomaninthemirrorandwonderwhatI’mbecoming.IfI’mreadytofacethesethreemen

again.IfIcouldletallofthemfuckmeagainandagainuntilI’mwastedfromcum.IfIcouldkill.

BecauseIhavethoughtaboutkillingthem…

Andthegirls.

Butwhatkindofpersondoesthatmakeme?

Amonster.PreciselywhatIjudgedDevonfor.

Maybethat’swhyMaxlikesme…becauseI’mjustascunningandjustasdevilishasheandhis

brothersare.

Nowondertheywerefightingoverme.

IshutthepowderboxandgazeatmyselfoncemorebeforeIturnaroundtoputonanewdressand

finishup.

I’vealreadymademydecision.I’mstaying,andI’mplayingtowin.

Allthewomenaresittingonthecouchoronthechairsfacingeachother.Blatantlystaring.Noneof

themspeaksaword.

ButIknowwhatthey’rethinking.

Theyallknowwhythey’rehere.

What’satstake.Money.Power.Acompanysohugeitcoulddestroyentireeconomieswithone

command.

Nowthatthey’veseenthepossibilitiesandtheconsequencesofmarryingoneofthesemen,they’ve

madetheirchoice.

Noneofuswillgiveupthefight.

Andnoneofthemiswillingtolettheotherwin.

Allsixwomengooutside,andwelineupinthehallagain.

Thistime,Maxistheonlyonewhocomesuptogreetus.“Welcome,ladies.Andwelcomebackto

somewhorenewedtheircontract.”HenodsatmeandCamilla,whothenthrowsaglareatme,whichI

ignore.

“It’stimeforanothertest.Thisoneismoreaboutendurance.Howlongwillyoulast?”Aslysmile

formsonhisface.“Comejoinusinourgameofwheeloffortune.”Hepointsatthedoorsatthebeginning

ofthehallbehindusthatleadtothediningroom,andweallturnaroundtoseeDevonandAnthony

openingthem.

“Followme,”Maxsaysasheleadstheway.

Thewomentreadbehindhimobediently.I’mtheonlyonewhowalksbesidehim,notcaringwhether

thisisthewayit’ssupposedtogoornot.IknowwhatIcanexpect,butIalsoknowmyplace…andit’s

notbehindhim,ofthatI’msure.

Whenweenterthediningroom,Ihearthegirlsbehindmegasp.

I’mnotsurprised.

Thelargetwelve-persontablehasmadeaplaceforabenchthatcouldfitoneperson…andthereare

hooksandstrapsonthesideandfront.

Iswallowatthesightofthebench,butalsoatthefactthatbehinditisawoodenwheelwithpictures

ofourfacesonit.

“Oh,mygod…”Staceymumbles.

IgazeovermyshouldertoseehergraspBritt’shandinfear.

“Don’tbefrightened,”Anthonysaysashepatsthebench.“Thishereiswhereallthefunbegins.”I

wanttoripthesmileoffhisface.“Letmeexplainwhat’sgoingtohappen.Oneofuswillturnthiswheel.

Whenitlandsonthepictureofyourface,you’llbetheonetolieonthisbench.Butdon’tthinkyoucan

avoidhavingtolieherebecauseallofyouwillgetaturn.We’llcontinuethisgameuntilallofyouhave

hadyourfill.”

Helickshislipsbeforeheproceeds.“Whenyouarechosen,youwillstripdownnaked,andwewill

strapyoutothebench.ThenDevon,MaxandI…willfuckyourorifices.”

Moregaspsareaudiblefrombehindme.

“Thegoalistopleaseusuntilwecome.However,afterthreeminuteshavepassed,aclockwillgo

off,whichmeanswewillswitchpositions.”Thesmirkonhisfacemakesmewanttohurl.“Italsomeans

thatyouwillhaveonecockinyourpussy,onecockinyourmouth,andonecockinyourhand.Now…the

funpartisknowingthatoneofuswillcomeinyourpussyandoneofusinyourmouth.”

“Withoutprotection?”Jordanasks.

Devonlaughsather.“Don’tworry,love,we’reallcleanhere,andweknowallofyouaretoo.”

Idon’tthinkshewantstoknowhowtheyknow,sosheshutsupimmediately.

“Butcan’twegetpregnantthen?”Staceyasks.

“Yes.”Anthonylooksherdeadintheeyes.“That’sexactlythepoint.Theonlyquestionis…whose

babywillitbe?”Heshrugs.“Andthat’swhatmakesitsofun.”

“Thisisridiculous,”Camillasays.“Youneversaidanythingaboutababy.”

“Wesaideverythingaboutyourbodybeingoursinanywaywhatsoever…inexchangeforfifty

milliondollars.Areyousureyouwanttobehere?”Anthonyasksher.

Sheballsherfistsbutdoesn’tsayanotherword.

“Good.”Hegivesusalopsidedsmile.“Now…let’sseewho’sgoingtogofirst.”

Devongrinsashespinsthewheelandbiteshislipashelooksateachofthegirls,probably

wonderingwhichpositionhe’sgoingtofuckusfirst.Itmakesmewonderifhe’salreadyforgottenabout

Laurensoquickly.

Iwatchinsilenceasthewheelslowlycomestoastopwiththearrowpointingatmypicture.

EveryonelooksatmelikeIshouldknowwhattodo.

Maxstepsforward.“Naomi,strip.”

Iglareathimbeforereachingformyzipperatthesideofmybodyandpullingitdown.Mydresspeels

away,andIstepoutofmyheelstoridmyselfofthedress.Mybracomesoffnext,andastheclasps

unhookandthestrapsfalloffmyshoulders,Devon’stonguedipsouttoslowlylickhislipsagain.

MyfaceiscompletelyblankasitdropstothegroundwhileAnthony’spantsbegintotent.

AsIproceedtotakeoffmypanties,thegirlsbehindmelookatmewithpity.Idon’tevenhavetosee

themtofeeltheirgazelikelasersinmyback.

WhenI’mnaked,andmynipplesarehardenedfromthecold,allthreemenhavehard-ons.

Maxholdsouthishand,andItakeit.Heguidesmetothebenchandhelpsmeliedown.Onebyone,

heslidesmylegsapartandshacklesmyanklestothewood.AsIlienow,Ican’tkeepmyheadup,which

tiltsovertheedgeofthebench.

I’mopenandwide.Exactlyhowtheywantme.

Maxtowersaboveme.“Goodgirl,”hesays,gentlycaressingmycheek.

“Therestofyouwillsitdownandwatch,”Anthonymusesasheunbuttonshisshirt.“Pickaseat.”

ThegirlsscrambletofindaplacetositwhileIliehere,coldanduncomfortable,waitingforthe

ordealtostart.Itakecomfortinthefactthatoneofthemwilllieherenextandthattheywillcyclethrough

usalluntilit’sfinished.AtleastIgettogofirstandwon’tbeasloppysecond.

DevonkicksoffhisshoesasAnthonythrowshisshirtinthecorner.Meanwhile,Maxhasalreadytaken

offhistieandblueshirtanddroppedthemtothefloor.He’snowunzippinghispantsandtakingoffhis

shoes.Themomentthemenrevealtheirhard-ontothegirls,moregaspsareaudible,andwhenIlookat

Latishaandhowshe’slickingherlipsandblinkingfast,Ijustknowshe’sdyingtogonext.

MaybeIshouldrecommendher.

Ilaughtomyselfasthenownakedmenstepforwardandpositionthemselvesnearthebench.

“Doyouhaveanyquestionsbeforewestart?”Maxasks.

Iclosemyeyesandshakemyhead.“I’mreadyforwhatevercomesnext.”

“Ha-ha…cum…”Devonsnorts.

Noonethinkshe’sfunnyexcepthim.

Thenheasks,“Who’sgoingtotakeherpussyfirst?”

“Well,sinceI’malreadybetweenherlegs,”Anthonymusesasheclaimshisspot,“Iam.”

Ifeellikeapieceofmeatbarteredtothehighestbidder.Whatafuckshow.

“Fine,”Devongrowls,andhesettlesformyhandinstead.

“Now,Naomi…youdounderstandthatit’syourjobtomakeuscome?”Maxasks,andhewinksashe

looksdownatme.I’msurethatwinkmeanssomething,andIbetIknowwhat.Ithassomethingtodowith

thefactthathewantstocomeinsideme…andthatifwewanttowintogether,weneedtomakesurehe’s

theonewhocomesinsidemypussy.

Inod,preparingforwhat’stocomebybreathinginandoutslowly.

“Let’sbegin,”Maxsays,andhepressesatimerpositionedonasmalltablebehindhim.

Hisbrothersmovetowardmeandstartrubbingthemselvesuntilthey’refullyhard.Thentheyplace

theirmembersonmyskin.FirstisDevon,whograbsmyhandandwrapsitaroundhiscock.

“Strokeme,”hesays.

Idowhatheasks,butonlybecauseImust.

Anthony’sdickswivelingbackandforthacrossmypussydistractsme,andforamoment,IwonderifI

shouldsaysomethingaboutthefactthatI’llnevergetwetforhim.

Apparently,he’salreadythoughtofthatbecauseheimmediatelygrabsabottleoflubefromanother

cabinettotheleftandsmearsitalloverhiscockandme.

“Youhavesuchanicelyshavenpussy,”hemurmurs.“Makesmewannacomealloverit.”

Heslipshiscockbetweenmyfoldslikehe’spreparingit…orme.

ItrytoignorehimasIfocusonMaxwho’sbeenjerkingoffaboveme.Hehoverscloserandletsthe

tiprestonmylips.Mymouthopensinstinctively.Heslidesinsidewithease.I’msousedtohistastethat

italreadymakesmehornyjustfromhavinghimonmytongue.

Suddenly,Anthonyslamsintome,andIsuckinabreath…rightwhenMaxthrustsinhiscock.

IalmostchokeandgurglefromthefeelofhimdownmythroatasAnthonyburieshimselfintome

deeply.

Maxslapsmyleftcheek.“Focus,Naomi,”hegrowls.

IwonderwhetherhemeansonhimoronAnthony.

Idon’twantAnthonytocomeinsideme,soIhavetoavoiditatallcost.

Relaxmymusclesanddon’tclampup.LethimfuckmeallIwant,Idon’tcare.Oratleast,that’swhat

Itellmyself.

Devonsuddenlypinchesmynipple,makingmesquealagainstMax’scock.

“Keepjerkingmeoff,”Devonsays.

ItrytoworkhimaswellasIcan,asI’dloveforhimtocomeonmystomachinsteadofinmypussy.

Anythingbutthat.However,hedoesn’tseemremotelyclosetobustinghisnut.

Anthonythrustsfaster,andIfeelmypussythumpfromarousal.Fuck.Itfeelssowrong.Beingfucked

fromallthreeanglesbythreeguyswhileallthegirlsarewatching.It’slikeasexscenebutkinkier.And

I’mnotevensureIminditthatmuch.

Maxtakeshiscockandrubsmysalivaalloverhislengthbeforeslidingbackinagain.Heholdsmy

facewhilehedoesit—gently,notroughly.Idon’tevenminditthatmuch.Itkeepsmymindoffthefactthat

Anthonyisclaimingmypussyasifitbelongstohimwhenitdoesn’t.Inmyhead,Iimagineit’sadildo

goingin.TheonlyoneIcan’treplaceisDevon’scockinmyhand.

Thealarmclockgoingoffmakesmejolt,andMaxpullshiscockfrommythroat.“Damn,Iwas

enjoyingthatalittletoomuch.”Theheadofhislengthbobsupanddown,anditmakesmesmile.Fuck

me.Ishouldn’tbehappythathelikeditsomuch.

Anthonypresseshisfingerstohislipsandplacesthemonmyclit.“Thistightpussyalmostmademe

come,”hemurmursbeforewalkingaway.

Myliptwitchesasheapproachesmyface,andMaxstepsaside.Allthemenswitchplacesnow,and

Devonpositionshimselfbetweenmylegs.IclosemyeyesasAnthonylingersovermyface,thereminder

ofhimthroatfuckingmealreadymakingmegagbeforeheevenstarts.

Max’sgentlehandasheguidesmetohisdickmakesmealittlebitmorecomfortable.UntilAnthony

startsthetimer.

“Timetofuck,”Anthonymuses,andheimmediatelygrabsmyneckandslideshisdickintomymouth.

Idon’tevenhavethetimetosayanything.AllIcanfeelisadickinmythroat,makingmelosemy

breath,andadickinmyhand,stiffeningwitheachrub.IpicturefuckingMaxandMaxalone.Withmy

eyesclosed,it’smucheasiertoforgetthattheothertwoareevenhere.Inmyhead,thegirlsdon’teven

exist,andthiscontractissolelybasedonmyrelationshipwithMax.Nomatterhowrockyithasbeen,it’s

theonlyconstantinthishouse.

Devonentersmypussylikehealreadyownsit,fuckingmerawwithinseconds.He’slikeabeast

smashingagainstme,hisfingersdiggingintomylegashegoesabouthisway.

ItrytoconcentrateonthesoundofMax’smoansasItouchthebaseofhislength,hopingthetimerwill

gooffsoon.

“Lookatme,”Anthonycommands.

WhenIdon’topenmyeyes,heslapsmycheek.“Obeyme.”

Idowhatheasks,butonlybecauseIknowwhathappenswhenhegetsmad.

Thelookinhiseyesisfulloflust,anditmakesmewanttobitedown.

Aftergazingatme,hesmearsmysalivaallovermyfaceandthenforcesmyheaddown,onlytodive

inwithhiscock.Hishandslocktightlyaroundmyneck,makingitevenhardertoaccepthim.

Everydamntime,Icanbarelybreathe.It’snerve-wracking,butatthesametime,knowingthatI’m

closetoMaxcalmsmedownabit.Atleasthe’sheretowatchoverme,andIknowhe’llstopthiswhole

sceneifheonlythinksforonemomentthathisbrotherishurtingme.

Thetipofhiscockbouncesinmythroat,andIswallowtokeepmycomposure.I’mnotgoingtohavea

meltdownhereonthistable.NotnowwhenI’vealreadygottenthisfar.

“Fuckme;yourthroatissowide.HowamIsupposedtoresist?”Anthonygrowls.

“Youknowwhatyou’resupposedtodo,”Maxreplies.

“Shutup.”Anthonykeepsfuckingme,andsomehow,atthesametime,Max’sdickgrowsharderinmy

hand.Maybeit’sbecauseI’msqueezing.

“Fuck…”Anthonymoans,andhisdicktensesinmythroat.

Hisballsslapagainstmyface,thesmellbringingbackmemoriesofthattimewithBrittinhisroom.I

closemyeyesasIfeelhimthrustintomythroat,tryingtoignorethepoundinggoingoninmypussy,but

it’simpossible.Mysensesarebeingattackedfromallsides,andit’suselesstofightthearousal.

Suddenly,athickstreamofcumspurtsintothebackofmythroat,andIcoughandswallowtogetitto

godown.

“Fuck…swallowitall,”Anthonygroans,pushinginuntilhisbaserestsagainstmylips.

Igagonhiscumwhichstillseepsdown.

Thetimergoesoffinthemiddleofitall.

MaximmediatelyslidesawayfrommyhandasAnthonyslowlypullshisflaccidlengthfrommythroat,

andIgaspforair.

MaxpushesasideDevon,whowasn’tevendoneimpalingme,butisforcefullyremoved.

“Myturn,”Maxchews.

“Geez,youdon’thavetobeadickaboutit,”Devonsays.

Maxignoreshimandlooksmedirectlyintheeyeashepositionshimselfbetweenmylegsandgrabs

mythighs,almostasifhe’stellingmethathe’scomingforme.

Anthonymovestomyhand,andIbreatheasighofrelief,onlytocomefacetofacewithDevon…the

monsterwhokilledLauren.

“Don’tworry,babe.I’mgoingtogiveyoueverythingmybrotherscouldn’tgiveyou,”Devonsayswith

asmirkonhisfaceashiscocklingersnearmymouth.

“Stickoutyourtongue,”hesays.

Idowhatheasks,andthenItastemyselfonhisdick.

“Sweet,huh?Justlikeyourpussy,”hesayswithagrin.

IfIwasn’ttiedtothisbench,I’dsmackhisheadagainstit.

“Let’scontinue,”Maxsays,cockinghisheadatDevon.

“Yeah,yeah…”Devonpushesthetimer,andthemenbeginagain.

Maxslowlycirclesaroundmypussy,hisdickpulsingagainstmyskin.Ifocusonhimandhimalone,

eventhoughAnthonysettlesnearmyhandandforcesmetojerkoffhishalf-harddick.

ThemomentIfeelMaxenterme,Iamlost.Losttodesire.Losttohiscontrol.

Icanfeelitinsideme,fromthewayhefucksmetothewayhegraspsmylegsandholdsmedown.He

ownsmybody…andwebothknowit.

Withhiminsideme,IcancompletelyignoreAnthony.AndevenDevon,whoforcefullyentersmy

throatsofastIcan’tevenbreathe.Butitdoesn’tmatter.EverythingceasestoexistaslongasIcanfeel

Maxpumpinginsideme.Hisrhythmissoothing.Alwaysthesamepace.Predictable.Itpullsmethrough

theordealandevenmakesmybloodrushdown.

Histhumbcirclesmyclitashegrowls,“IwantyoutocomewhenIdo.Canyoudothatforme?”

“Yes,”ImurmurasDevonallowsmetobreathebutonlyforasecond.

“Mybrother’ssonicetoyou,isn’the?”Devonmuses,whichIignore.

“Focusonme,”Maxsays.

Ilistentohimandhismoans,histhrusts,hisgriponmybody.Izoneouttothepointofnotevengiving

ashitthatDevonisfuckingmythroatlikeamadmanwhilehegroanslikeabeast.Notevenwhenhesinks

intomeuntilthebaseandmakesmegag…andcomes.

Hisseedjetsontothebackofmytongue,andI’mforcedtoswallowashe’sstillinsideme.Thenhe

takeshiscockout,stillspurtingaway,andhecoversmyfaceandbreastswithcum.AllwhileMaxis

thrustingsofast,IfeellikeI’mabouttoexplode.Thesensationsaretoomuchformetohandle.

“Come,now!”Maxgrowls.

Itonlytakeshisvoiceformetofallapart.

Mybodyconvulses,sweetblissrushingoverme,andMax’slengththrustingintomeafinaltime,

pulsingasheejaculates.Hisgroanmakesitthatmuchraunchier,andthewayhepushesinandoutagainto

pushhisseedinonlymakesmewanttocomeagain.

I’moutofbreath,andmyred-hot,sweatybodyiscoveredinmanjuices.

JesusfuckingChrist.

Idon’tthinkI’veeverbeenfuckedthishard.

Anthonygrinsashelooksatmywet,nakedbody,andsays,“Next.”

21.

AccompanyingSong:“DarkStar”byJaymesYoung

Max

Atnight

OnceIclaimedNaomi’spussy,therewasnothinglefttofightfor.

Shewasunshackled,helpedoffthetable,andtoldtoputherclothesonagain.

Thenthewheelwasspunagain.Anothergirlwaschosen.Andsobegantheentireprocessanew.

Thistime,however,itwasdifferent.AfterNaomihadlefttheroomwithherclothesinherhand,with

allthewomenwatchingherstatureasshewalkedoffwithherpridestillintact,therewasaclearchange.

Themood…thetemperature…theair.

Itshiftedtowardsomethingmoresinister.Somethingdark.

It’sliketheycollectivelydecidedtheycouldovercomethisgame.

Justbecauseofher.

ThefirstgirltogoafterNaomiwasLatisha,whowasalltookeenongettinguponthebench.She

seemedalittletooexcited,anditbotheredme,especiallywhenshesovehementlyinsistedthatAnthony

wouldcomeinherpussy.Iguessshereallywashead-over-heelswithhim.Oratleast,withtheideaof

beingmarriedtohimandhavinghisbaby.

Somegirlsdowhateverittakestogettheonetheywant.Sheseemedlikeoneofthem,andIdidn’t

wantanythingtodowithit,soIwashappywhenherturnfinallyended,eventhoughAnthonywonthe

round.

ThenextgirlpickedwasBritt,andshewentupthebenchsoquietlyyoucouldhearapindrop.Itwas

magnificent.Andeventhoughshecried,shedidn’tutteraword.

Theonlythingthatstruckmeasoddwasthefactthatonceshewasshackled,onegirlhadherhandin

herhair.Stacey.

Sheaskedifshecouldjoinus.Ifitwouldbeallowed.Maybeshecouldbeofuse.Afterall…we

wantedtofuckallthegirlsthisday.Whywaitanddothemonebyone?

SoAnthonyinvitedherupbecausehelikedtheideaoffuckingtwobeautifulwomenatthesametime.

Buthefarmoreenjoyedtheideaofthemplayingwitheachother.

Iadmit,I’masuckerforthekinkysideoflifeattimes,andwhenIsawhertakeoffherclothesandjoin

us,Ididregainmyappetite.However,itwasbecausemybrotherinvitedherthatshewasallowedto

comeup.Iwouldneverhaveagreedonmyown.

Still,StaceypositionedherselfaboveBritt,sixty-nine.

AndAnthonyandDevonmadethemlickeachother.

Whiletheyfuckedherass.

Attimes,BrittwascommandedtolickAnthony’sballswhilehefuckedStaceyinthepussy.

Andothertimes,DevonwouldstickhisthumbandindexfingerinStacey’sassandpussywhilehe

fuckedBritt’smouth.StaceyevenlickedthecumoffBritt’spussywhenDevonwasdonewithher.Itwas

afuckingorgybeyondmyimagination.

Butstill,ImissedNaomi.

Ididn’tcaretofucktheothersasmuchasIdidher.Iwasspentalready.

IadmitIpracticallygavethegirlstomybrothers.Theycouldgoonforhoursandstillhaveahard-on.

IcouldonlydothatifNaomiwasthere,butshehadalreadycompletedhertask.

Igrabmywhiskeyandstareatthefireahead,thecracklingflamesremindingmeofhowsomegirls

triedtodotheirbesttoseduceusintopickingthem.Dancingnaked.Strippingseductively.Offering

themselvesasthenextwillingvictim.

Buttheireffortsareallinvain.

Ihavemyeyesononethingalone,andnothingwillstopmefromreachingmygoal,nomatterhow

muchpussyisthrownatmyface.

***

AccompanyingSong:“AreWeHavingAParty”byCliffMartinez

Naomi

Day19

Everyone’slosingtheirmind.

It’snotme,it’sthem.

Thegirls…I’veneverseensomanyofthemcomeunhingedatthesametime.

Latisha’sbeenofferingherselftothemeneverysinglehouroftheday,practicallybeggingthemtofuck

herasshefollowsthemaroundlikeaweaklamb.Camillahasresortedtohelpingthecooksinthekitchen,

preparingherfavoritemeals,whichshekeepsservingtothemenandherselfontopofthat.

Jordan’sburiedherselfinamountainofbooks,andshedoesn’tspeak.Literally,shehasn’topenedher

mouthsincethelastgame.Honestly,Ican’tevenrememberwhathervoicesoundslike.

Andthenthere’sStaceyandBritt,who’vebeenusingoilsandointmentsandperfumetosprayand

massageeachotheruntileveryonecansmellthemfrommilesaway.They’reeventakingbathstogether,

pouringinsomuchsparklysalttheirbodiesglimmerwhentheycomeout.

Andme?Ispendhalfthetimestaringoutintonothingnessonthebalconyandwatchingthenewsonthe

television,wonderingifanyone’smissingmeyet.

Butnow,I’vesettledforreadingabookinthebath.ThegirlsarealloutwithAnthony,checkingout

hisgardenasheapparentlyalsogrowsmanyflowersinthebackyard.It’snotforme,andIcouldn’tcare

lessaboutwooinghim.I’vealreadyfoundmymatch.

Whenthewaterisuptotherightpoint,Iclosethefaucetandtakeoffmybathrobe,steppingintosoak

inthewarmwater.Iclosemyeyesforafewminutesbeforegrabbingmybookandturningaroundtoread.

IthinkIsitthereforagoodhalfhourbeforethewatercoolstolukewarm.

Suddenly,Ihearanoisefrombehindthedoor.

Twogirlsarechattingastheyentertheroom.

IthoughtIwasn’tgoingtohaveanycompanyuntilafteragoodtwohourshadpassed.That’swhat

Anthonysaidanyway,butmaybesomegirlsweretiredofhim.Icanimagine.

However,Idon’tlikenotbeingaloneinhere,soIquicklygetoutandpulltheplugonthewater.

“Idon’tunderstand.NothingIdoworks.”ItsoundslikeBritt.

“Oh,honey…it’sokay.”Stacey’scomfortingher.

Iputonmyrobeandlistentotheirconversation,leaningcloseagainstthedoor.

“Hejustdoesn’tseeminterestedinme.”

IwonderifshemeansAnthonybecauselastIrecall,hefuckedherupprettygood.

“MaxalreadyhashiseyessetonNaomi.Youknowthat.”

Myheartskipsabeat.

“Iknow…Ijustdon’tthinkIcouldsettleforanyoftheotherguys.Theyscareme.”

“Metoo.”Ihearthemhuddleuponthebed,butIdon’tknowwheretheyareorwhatthey’redoing.I

justhearthemuffledsounds.

“Youknowyoudon’thavetolikeoneofthem.Imeanweonlyhavetogetpregnant.”

“Thatonlyscaresmemore,”Brittsays,whimperingalittle.

“Oh,girl…c’mere.Iknowwhatyou’refeeling.”

“Really?”

“Yeah…Ihavethesameproblem.Idon’tlikeanyofthem.Idon’twanttobehere,butIhaveno

choice.Ihavetopayoffmyloans,andIneedthismoneymorethananything.”

Huh.Ifsheonlyknewthesebrotherswerethecauseofallhermisery.

“It’sgoingtobeokay,”Staceysays.“We’llmakeit.You’llsee.”

“Atleast,Ihaveyou…”Brittmumbles.

“Yes…youalwayshaveme.Iwillbehere,nomatterwhat.Idon’tcarewhathappens.Youandme

pullthrough,gotit?”Stacey’svoiceissoft.

Sosoft,Ican’tevenhearwhatthey’resayingnext.

SoIquietlyturnthehandleonthedoorandopenit.

Onlytofindthemkissing.

Inshock,myjawdrops,andsodoesmyhandasitslipsfromthedoor,whichswooshesopen.The

girlsnoticeme,theirlipsstillpartiallylockedastheygazemyway.

Terrorfloodstheireyes.

“Na-Naomi…”Brittmurmurs.

“Oh,god,”StaceysaysasshepullsawayfromBritt,hereyessolelyfocusedonme.“Naomi.Ididn’t

knowyouwerehere.”

“Yeah,”Isay,narrowingmyeyes.“Thisisthewomen’sbedroom.WhereelsewouldIbe?”

“Ithoughteveryonewasoutintheyard.”

Ifoldmyarms.“Ithoughtyouweretoo.”

“Wewere…foralittlewhile…butAnthonywentinside,andhetolduseveryonecoulddowhatthey

wanted.Iguesstheothergirlsstayedoutside,”Brittmumblesasshegazesdownatthebed.

“Pleasedon’tsayanything,”Staceysuddenlysays.“Please.”

Icockmyheadatthesoundofherbegging.

Ilikeit.

“Please.Iknowwhatitlookedlike,”shesays.

ItlookedlikeIfinallyuncoveredthetruth.Thosegirlsneverlikedthemen.Theyonlylikedeachother.

“Wejustneededeachotherforamoment.That’sall,”sheutters,swallowing,visiblyshaken.

Ilickmylipsandwatchthemquiverinplace,wonderingwhathappensnext.I’mnottheonetodecide.

“Yeah,pleasedon’ttelltheguys,”Brittpleads.“They’llhurtus.”

IsmashmylipstogetherandturnaroundbecauseIjustrememberedIleftmyearringsinthebathroom.

AsIwalkthroughthedoor,Staceysays,“Saysomething.”

“What’stheretosay?”Ireply,withoutlookingback.

“Youwon’ttellasoul,right?”

Idon’tanswer.Ijustgrabmyearringsandputthembackinmyears.Thegirlsarestillstaringatme,

theirhandsstilllockedtogetherlikethey’llstandtogetheragainstmeiftheyhaveto.Likethey’dbe

preparedtokill.

Ismile,butthatsmileturnsintolaughterinstead.

“What’ssofunny?”

Likeeitherofthemwouldeverberemotelycapableofsuchanact.

No.

Onlytwowomeninthishousewouldkillforthisgame,andit’sneitherofthem.

Icockmyheadandsquintasthegirlsshaketheirheads,likedeerinheadlights.Theydon’tknow

what’scoming,butIdo.

Islowlyliftmyfingeratthetopleftcornerofthisroomandpointatthecameraaimedstraightatthem.

Theirjawscomeundone.

AndIcan’thelpbutfeelinvigorated.

Now,theirchancesofwinningareasgoodasover,whichmeansmorechancesforme.It’saneator

geteatenworld,andI’matthetopofthefoodchain.

Isitwrong?Hell,yes.DoIcare?Notinmyfuckinglifetime.

***

Max

AccompanyingSong:“MedievalWarfare”byGrimes

“Oh,myfuckinggod,”Devonyells,ashescootsbackhischair,hishandsrufflingthroughhishairlike

he’sseenabadcarcrashonYouTube.

Anthonystandsnexttohim,bentoverwithhispalmsflatonthedesk,hismusclestense.

“What?”Iask,frowningastheynevernormallysitbehindthelaptop.

“Theyfuckingkissed,”Anthonygrowls.

MyeyeswidenasIstepcloser.“Whodid?”

“StaceyandBritt.”

Iapproachthemfrombehindandglanceatthescreenovertheirshoulders.Theguysarere-watching

thesceneoverandoveragain,butallIcanlookatisNaomiwhocasuallypointsatthecameralikeshe’s

alwaysknowntheywerethere.Andthewickedsmileonherfacethatfollows.

“Fuck,wecan’tletthemfuckinggetawaywiththat,”Devongrowlsashepusheshimselfup.“I’m

gonnaget‘em.”

“Why?”Iturnashegoestothedoor.“Whatdoyouwanttodoaboutit?”

“Theyfuckingloveeachother?Notonmywatch.”

“Waitforme,”Anthonysaysasherushesafterhim.

Ifollowthetwooutthedoorandupthestairs.Theclosertheyget,thebiggertheirsteps,andIcan

almostfeeltheragedrippingoffthem.Devonisconsumedbyit.Ijustknowit.Seeingthosetwogirlskiss

sethimoff.

“Devon,don’t,”Isay,ashejerksthedooropenandslamsitagainstthewall.

“Ifyou’renotonmyside,stayoutofit!”hescreamsinmyface.

Thegirlsinsidetheroomlookup,terrified,astheynoticeusenter.

“Youtwo!”DevonscreamsatStaceyandBritt,whojumpupfromthebed.“C’mere.NOW!”

Brittshakesherhead,tearsrunningdownhercheek,andStaceyblatantlysays,“No.”

Fuck.

Sheshouldn’thave.

Allittakesisoneword.Onefuckingwordformybrothertosnap.Anditjusthappened.Thatclick…

itwasvisible;Icouldseeitinhiseyes.

“Youthinkyoucankisseachotherinmyhouseandgetawaywithit?Huh?”hescreamsatthem.“You

thinkIwouldn’tnoticethatyouloveeachothermorethanyouloveus?”

“Stop,”IyellasIgrabDevonbythearmsandtrytoholdhimback.

“Fuck,no,”Anthonysays,andhejerksmyarmaway.“Thosegirlsdeservepunishment.Rememberthe

fuckingrules,”hegrowls.

BeforeIknowit,Devon’salreadyupinthegirl’sfaces.

Fromthesideofhispantsemergesagun.

Bang.

That’sallittakes.

Oneshot.

Staceyisgone.

Aredholeinherforehead.Herbodysinkstothefloor.Aloudscreamensues.

Inshock,IstareatmybrotherandBritt,who’sgoingballistic,andNaomiwhostandsatthebackwith

herhandoverhermouth.

“Devon!”Iscream.

“Wetoldyouwewantedfulldevotion.Loveonlyus,nooneelse.Butyoufailed.Andyouknowwhat?

Yousobtoofuckingmuch,”DevongrowlsatBritt.

Asfastasmylegscantakeme,Irushtohim.

Butnotbeforehe’sreachedintohisotherpocket,fishedoutaknife,andslitherthroat.

Bloodpourslikeafountainfromherneck,anditmakesmestopinmytracksandsinktomyknees.

Toolate.

Withmyhandsonmyknees,palmsup,Iwatchmybrothertuckhisknifebackintohispocketandpush

hertotheground.

Somanygaspscomingfromherdyingbody,itmakesmewanttochoke.

Inthedistance,Naomistillstandsfrozen,buthereyesglazewithtearsandunspokenwordsasshe

staresdirectlyintomyeyes.

Anthonycasuallywalkspastme,rippingawhitesheetoffStacey’sbed,andcoversthebodieswithit

…Rightbeforetherestofthegirlsruninandcometoascreechinghaltinfrontofthedoor,probably

alarmedfromthegunshotandscream.

Theirsilenceremindsmeofthedeafeningsoundofmurder.

PartIV

TheCulmination

22.

AccompanyingSong:“AreWeHavingAParty”byCliffMartinez

Naomi

Day20

Fourbridesleft.

We’rerunningthin.

I’mnotsureifIshouldbeelatedordamnshocked.Imeanthewaytheywentwasn’texactlygentle.I

watchedthebloodgushoutofthosegirlslikewaterfalls.Andalltheguysdidwasjustwatch.Noneof

themhelped.

We’reallsadisticfucks.

JustwatchingDevonkillthemlikeit’snobigdeal.

Sometimes,IwonderifIevenhaveaheart.

IfIdo,itmustbepitchblackinthere.

Camilla,Latisha,Jordan,andIwatchedinsilenceasthebaggerscametotakeStaceyandBrittaway.

Thebedswerestrippedandalltheirbelongingsremoved.Theyevencleanedthecarpetsuntilthestains

weregone.IfIdidn’tknowanybetter,it’sliketheyneverevenexisted.

Wesitinthewomen’sbedroom,staringeachotherdownlikehawks.Themenhaven’tshowntheir

facessinceyesterday,andIbetit’sbecausethey’reeitherafraid,ortheyhavetokeeptheirtemperin

checksotheydon’tkillmoreofus.Ormaybeit’sbothofthose.Afterall…theyneedus.AndIthink

Devonforgotaboutthatfact.

“Howcouldthishappen?”Jordanmuttersoutofnowhere.

“Easy.Weweren’tpayingattention,”Camillasays.

“Shewas,”Latishasays,narrowinghereyesatme.“Whydidn’tyoustophim?”

“Stopwho?”Isay.

“Devon.”

Isnort.“LikeIcouldtakeagunandaknifefromhishand.”

“Imeanwhenhecamein.Youcould’vepreventedthat.”

“Itwasalreadytoolate,”Ianswer.“BythetimeIshowedthegirlsthecamera,themenwerealready

burstingin.”

“Right…”Shemakesafaceandtakesadeepbreath.“Yetyoujuststoodtherewithagapingmouthas

theylaidthere,dying.”

“Excuseme?”Icockmyhead.

Isshetryingtopinitonme?Getthegirlstohateme?

“Latisha…”Camillasighs.

“No,sheneedstohearthis.”Latisha’sfingerscurlaroundthechair.“It’sbecauseofherthatthey’re

nowdead.”

“What?Theywerekissing.Ididn’thaveanythingtodowiththat,”Iretort.“Ifanything,theyshould’ve

knownthatwaswhathappenswhenyoudon’tpayattentiontotherules.”

“Rules?Therulesneverstatedyoucouldn’tkisseachother,”shegrowls.

“Therulesstatedthatweweretherefortheguys.Weareattheirdisposal.Wearetheirpets.Weare

theirlovers.Theydonotwantusfeelinganyemotionswhatsoeverunlessit’sforthem.”Ileanin,my

fingersdiggingintomychair.“That’swhytheydied.Becausetheywereintimatewitheachotherwithout

themenpresent.Withoutitbeingfortheguys.”

“Inanycase,we’rewithfournow,andtherearethreemen.Littlechoiceleft,”Jordanchimesin.“If

theykeepgoingatthisrate,therewon’tbeanyleft.”

“Well…it’snotliketheycan’tfindothergirlstomaketheirbrides,”Camillasays.

It’squietforsometimeaseveryonerealizestheycouldjustaswellkillusalloff.

ButI’mnotworried.Maxwantsmetoomuch.He’sinfatuatedwithme.He’dneverlettheguyshurt

me.Never.

Atleast,notmorethantheyalreadyhave.

“Theywon’t,right?”Latishasays.“Imean…I’mnotgoingtogiveupthateasily.I’llfollowevery

damnruleifIhaveto,butI’mnotleavingthishouseuntilI’vewon.”Shelaughsitoffasifit’snobig

deal.“I’mgonnabemarried.”

“Thequestioniswhosewifewillyoube?”Camillareplies,cockingherhead.

“Anthony’s,ofcourse,”Latishasays,almostspittingvenomasshespeaks.“He’smine.”

Thelookinhereyesmakeseveryonestareatherforamoment.

“Ifheproposestome,thatis,”shesuddenlyadds.Latishashrugs,andtheconversationgrowsquiet.

Notsoonafter,we’reallcalledoutofourroombutnotforagame.Afewdaysago,weallwenttothe

doctortohaveourbloodtakenandtested,andnow,they’vecomebackwiththeresults.Anthonyherdsus

totheroomthathasthepooltableinit,whereMaxandDevonsitonthecouch.Devonstaresathishands

thatrestinhislapwhileMaxisbusywiththemail.Maxopenstheletterthatcontainstheinformationand

lickshisfingertoturnthepagesaround.

“Resultsarein,”hesays.

Anthonysitsdowninachairtotheleftandcasuallypourshimselfascotch.

“Iknowyou’reprobablywonderingwhywemadeyoudoabloodtest,”Maxsays.

Jordannodssoftly.

“It’sbecausewewannaknowifyou’repregnantornot,”Anthonymuses,takingasip.“Obviously,if

youare,that’sgreat.Ifyou’renot…well,thenwegottakeeponfuckingyouuntilyouare.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Itmeans,”Maxintervenes,“thatwewantbabies.”

“Likewetoldyoubefore,”Devonadds.“Wecandoanythingwewanttoyourbodiesaslongasthe

contractlasts.”

“Andyouwantheirs…”Jordanmutters,hershouldersslumping.

“Exactly.”Anthonywinks,anditmakesthehairsonthebackofmyneckstandup.

“Anyway,let’scontinue.”Maxclearshisthroat.“Camilla…”Hebrieflyglancesather.“Not

pregnant.”

Shebitesherlipandchewsontheinsideofhercheekasshefoldsherarms,notevencaringto

respond.

“Latisha…notpregnant,”Maxcontinues.

“Dammit…”Latishamumbles.

“Naomi…notpregnant.”Thewayhepronounceseachsyllableaslowashecanmakesmewantto

grabthevaseinthecornerandsmashittobits.

Whenhereachestheendofthepage,hiseyeswanderoffforasecond,andheturnsthepageafew

times,checkingifwhatheseesiscorrect.Butthenheopenshismouth.“Jordan.Pregnant.”

Istareatherandsodotheothers.Noonespeaksaword.Excepther.

“What?”shemumbles.

“Wait,whoseisit?”DevontriestosnagthepaperfromMax’shand,buthewon’tlethim.Everyone’s

eyesareonMaxnow,andthesecondsthatpassfeellikeages.

Hepurseshislipsandfrowns,almostlikehe’sconfused.“It’sAnthony’s.”

Everyone’sjawdropsandAnthony’seyeswiden.Jordanshakesherhead,mumbling,“No…”

Anthonyjumpsupfromhisseatwithavictorypose.“Fuck,yeah!”

Hewalksovertoherandgrabsherbythewaist,twirlingheraroundinhisarmlikeshe’ssuddenly

becomehisfavorite.“That’smygirl!”

“Wait…”shemumbles.“No…”

“Yes,Jordan.”Hegrabsherchinandforceshertolookathim.“I’vegottenyoupregnant.You’remine

now.”

Hesmasheshislipsontohers,kissingher,eventhoughshetriestopushhimaway.

“Jesus,calmdown,willya…”Devonmuses.“Takeittoanotherroom.Idon’twanttoseeyoutwo

getiton.I’veseenenoughdickforawhile.”

JordanfinallymanagestopushAnthonyaway,butnotbeforehe’sstolenanotherkiss.Hiseyesarestill

onherlikeatigerwho’sfinallyfoundhismate.AndI’mhorrified.Utterlyfuckinghorrified.Because

now,there’sonelessbachelor…andstill,threegirlswhoarepotentialthreats.

Iswallowawaymyprideandsay,“Okay.Arewedonehere?”

“Yes.Thatwasall,”Maxreplies.

Iturnaroundandleave.Idon’tcarewhethertheymakemorebabiesorwhetherAnthonyproclaimsher

ashischosenbride.Ijustwanttobealone.

CamillaandLatishafollowsuit,butnotbeforeLatishathrowsatempertantrum.

“Youweresupposedtopickme!”sheyells.“Me!Iwantedtobetheonetogiveyoueverything.”She

crieslikeababyasshestormsaroundandleaves.

Luckily,shedoesn’tfollowusintothewomen’sbedroom.Idon’tknowwhereshegoes,butaslongas

she’snothere,I’mhappy.Ican’tdealwithhercrazyassrightnow.

Isitdownonmybedandgrabmypurse,checkingmyselfinthemirror.I’mafreakingmess.

“Well…thatwentgreat,”Camillasays,throwingherselfonthecouch.

“Ireallydon’tfeelliketalkingrightnow,”Isay.

“Well,excuseme.”Shesighs.

“It’snotyou,it’sme,”Isay,smilingather.Shereturnsapettysmile,whichonlymakesmesmile

harder.

“Don’ttakemeasafool,Naomi.Iknowwhat’sgoingonhere.”

“Idon’tthinkyou’reafool,Camilla,”Ireply.“Tellmewhat’sgoingon.”

“Fourgirlsleft…twobachelors.Someone’sgoingtoendupwiththatmotherfuckerwhokilled

Lauren,anditisn’tgoingtobeme.”

Isupposethat’saveiledthreat,soIdon’trespond.

“Andyouknow…thosemenaren’tjustseekingbridesandmakingbabies,”shesays.“They’re

makingheirs.Andthatcanonlymeanonething…someone’sgonnatakeoverthecompany.”

“So?”

Shefrowns.“Itmeansonlyoneofthemcanwin.Thosebrothers…onlyoneofthemwillbein

charge.Theycan’tallthreebeincharge.Itdoesn’tworklikethat.”

“Hmm…interesting,”Imuse,pretendingthatIdidn’talreadyknowthat.

“AndIthinkIalreadyknowwhoit’sgoingtobe…”

“Really?Andwho’sthat?”

“Well,itisn’tAnthony,”shesays,slammingherlipstogetherlikeshewantstosaymorebutdoesn’t.

Sheknowsdamnwellit’sinformationshecouldusetoheradvantage.Clevergirl.

“Youcansaywhatyouwant,butJordanispregnant,”Isay.“Sothey’regonnawin.”

“I’mnotsosure.HowdoweknowMaxwasspeakingthetruth?Forallweknow,hecouldbelyingto

ourfacestomakehisownmove.”Sheeyesmelikesheknowshe’sintomeandnooneelse.

Ishrug.“Whatever.We’llfindoutsoonenough.”

“Iguessyou’reright,”shemuses,likeshe’snotatallonedge,eventhoughIknowsheis.Icantell

fromherrigidposture.

“Whydidyoucomeback?”Iask.

Shesighs.“Idon’tevenknow,tobehonest.”

“Yeah,youdo,”Ireply.

Shethrowsapiercingglareatme.

“Money,”Isaysoftly.“And…becausetheytoldyouyouhadnootherchoice.”

“Howdoyouknow?”shefrowns.

“Theydidthesamethingtome…”Icockmyhead.“Whatelsedoyouknow?”

“ThatIwasthreatened?They’dkillmeunlessIcamebackhere?WhatelseamIsupposedtoknow

thatyoudon’t?”

Interesting.

Ipursemylipsandmullitover.

“Butyouknowyoucan’twinthiseither…areyouafraidthey’llkillyouafterward?”

Shejuststareswithoutgivingmeahintofemotion.

“No?”Iask.“Ordoyouthinkyoucanstillwinoneoftheirhearts?”

“Idon’tneedtogiveyouanexplanation,”shehisses.“YouthinkI’monlyhereformyself,thatI’mlike

you,butI’mnot.Icareaboutthegirlsinhere.Iworryaboutthem.Idon’twanttoseethemhurt.”

“Youcareaboutthem?”Iscoff.“Nowonderyouleft.”

“Thesemenareinsane.Iftheyeventhreatenedtokillme,whatwouldtheydotothem?ThegirlswhoI

leftbehind?Iftheyweresmart,theywould’vepackedtheirbagsandranwithme!”sheyells.

“Whydoyoucareaboutthem?Youbarelyknowthem.”

“I’mnotamonster!”Hereyesfillwithtears.“Icareaboutpeople.Idon’tneedtoknowanyoneto

careaboutthem.”

“Right…”Isigh.“Buttheystayedbecauseofthemoney,”Ireply.“Andyouknowthat.”

Sheshrugsitofflikeit’sthetruth.Likeshe’djumpinfrontofatrainforthesewomen.Ican’tbelieve

thatsimplybecauseIdon’tfeelthesameway.Butshe’salwaysstruckmeasthemotherhentype.

It’squietforsometimebeforeshebreaksthesilence.

“AllIknowisthatsomeoneispregnant.Andthatsomeoneisn’tyou,”shesays,throwingmeanother

glare.

Justthatsingleword…pregnant…canmakethehairsonthebackofmyneckstandup.Why?

Becauseshe’sright.Itisn’tme…whenitshouldhavebeen.

Webothknowthisconversationhasended,soIgetupfromthebedandclearmythroat.“I’mgoingto

takeastroll.”

“Havefun,”sheanswers,andsheimmediatelygetsuptomakesomecoffee.

Iwalkthroughthedoorandtakeafewbreaths,shakingmyheadatthethoughtthatAnthonywouldtake

thecompanyforhimselfandruinmyplans.

Idon’tgooutside.IgostraighttoMax’sroom.

23.

AccompanyingSong:“OnlyHuman”byColdShowers

Max

Shestormsintomyroomandslamsthedoorshutbehindherthenstartstopacearound.

“Whatanicesurprise…”Imurmur.

“Shutup,”shemutters.

“Hellotoyoutoo.”Isitdownonmybedandleanback,watchingherbodymovefluidlythroughmy

roomlikeafirespreadingfast.

Shelooksatmethroughthecornerofhereye.“DidyouthreatenCamillatocomeback?”

“Mybrotherdid,”Ianswer.

“AndHyun?”

“No.”

“Don’tlietome,”shehisses,clearlyupset.

“I’mnot.Theydon’tlikeher,andneitherdoI.”

“Yourbrotherhadathingforher.Irememberthat,”shesays,stillpacing.

“They’renotinterestedanymore.Theyalreadyhadtheirfavorites.”

“ThenwhyCamilla?”shewhisper-yells.

“Becauseshewasn’tweak,andmybrotherwantedanotheroption.That’sall.”

“Weak?Sothat’swhatthisisabout,”shemumbles,almostlikeshe’stalkingtoherself.

“Areyoujustgoingtopacearoundmyroomorareyougoingtositdown?”Ipatthebed.

Shebrieflyglancesatmebutdoesn’ttakemeuponmyoffer.“Suityourself,”Isay,shrugging.“Iknow

you’renotheretotalkaboutHyun.OrCamilla.Idoknowwhyyou’rereallyhere.”

Shestopsinhertracks.

“Thepregnancytest,”Isay.

Hereyesareonmelikeahawkasshelicksherlips,hernostrilsflaring.“Isittrue?Isshereally

pregnantwithhisbaby?”

“Yes.”

Thenewshitmeashardasitdidher.

Iadmititwasarroganttoassumemyplanwouldworkwithoutfault.Iwasabitcarelessinmyeffort

todrugmybrothers.MaybeIdidn’tgivethemtherightconsistency.Ormaybehisspermwasjustso

goddamnthick,justlikehishead.

“Goddammit…”Naomirubsherforehead.

“Areyoujealous?”Ijest.

“Fuckyes,I’mjealous.Iwanttowin,”sheretorts,andIloveherhonesty.“Tellmesheisn’tpregnant.

Tellmeit’sallalie.”

“It’snot.WhydoyouthinkI’mlying?”

“You’dhaveeveryreasontodoso…”

“True,”Isay,nodding.“ButIwasn’tlying.”

Shenarrowshereyesatme.“Whynot?”

“Theywould’vefoundoutanyway,regardlessofwhetherornotItoldthetruthwhenIreadthatpaper

outloud.Mybrotherswould’vesnatcheditrightoutofmyhandifIliedandsaiditwasyouwhowas

pregnant.”

Shebreathesoutahardbreaththroughhermouthandpursesherlips.“YouknowaswellasIdothat

thiscouldbeagamechanger.”

“Yes…”Ientwinemyhandsandstareatthem.

Shestaresmedown.“Ifsheistrulypregnantandmanagestoactuallygivebirth,hewillwinthe

company.Correct?”

Icockmyheadandmullitoverforasecond.Ihatesayingthetruthoutloudlikethat.Itgiveshertoo

muchammunition.However,sheseemstohavefiguredeverythingoutalready,sodenyingthetruthissilly

andwon’tgetmeanywherewithher.

SoInodslowly.

“Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?”sheasks,herfingersslidingalongmycabinet,restingbrieflyatop

aletter-openerbeforeshecontinuesherstride.

AlopsidedsmileformsonmylipsasIsquintandsay,“Areyousuggestingsomething,Naomi?”

Sheraisesherbrowsinnocently.“I’mnotsuggestinganything.”

“Iknowwhatyou’rethinking.Butisthatreallyanoption?”Itapmyfingersagainsteachother.

“Youtellme,”shemuses.

“I’lltellyouwhatIthink.Ithinkmybrotherisgoingtokeepherlockedinhisroomandguardher

twenty-four-seven.You’reaskingthewrongquestion.Therealquestioniswhatareyougoingtodoabout

it?”Mytonguedipsouttolickmylips.

Mywordsstrikeachordwithherbecauseshetakesonestepbackandpicksuptheletter-opener.

Holdingitlooselyinherhand,shetreadstowardme,herredgowntrailingbehindheraselegantlyasshe

is.Quietlymenacing…dangerouslyseductive.Perfectforme.

Ilookupasshestopsinfrontofmeandcrawlsontopofme,herkneesbesidemybody,forcingmeto

liedown.Sheshowsmetheblade,holdingitclosetomythroat.

“Icouldkillyourightnow,”shewhispers.“Forruiningmylife.”

Themetalstrokesmyneck,softlygrazingmyskin,andIfeelawarmdropletrunningdown.

“Youcould,”Imurmurintoherear.“Oryoucouldspreadyourlegsandletmefuckyou.”

Shechucklesnearmyear,lickingtherim.“AndwhywouldIdothat?”

Hertonguedragsallthewaydownmyneck,suckingupthelittledropletofbloodshecreated.My

bodyinstinctivelybuckstomeethers,mycockalreadyhardfromheraggressiveadvances.

Myfingersfindtheirwayunderhergown,andIslideasideherpantiestotouchherpussy.

“Becausethat’swhatyoureallywant.Youwanttowin,”Isay,pullinghersoclosethebladealmost

piercesmyskin.“Youneedthis.Me.Ababy.”Iliftmyhead,eventhoughtheletter-openerisstillinmy

way,butshemovesbackwithme,notallowingherselftocutmeagain.“Youdon’twanttokillme.You

likeme…youlovewhatIdotoyou.YouenjoythissadisticgameasmuchasIdo.”Iflickherclit,and

herlipstrembleasshefeelsmetakecontrol.“You’reheretofuck.Solet’sfuck.”

Theletter-openerdropsfromherhandasmyfingersentanglewithhers,andherlipssmashontomine.

Iimmediatelyrollheroverandpinherwristsaboveherhead,kissingherwithfervor.Shecameintomy

roomwithapurpose.Agoal.AndI’mallaboutlettingherwin.

“Onlyonewayyoucanwin,Naomi…andthat’stohavemyfuckingbaby.”

“Onlyifsheloseshers,”shemuttersbetweenkisses.

“It’llfuckinghappen,trustme.Iknowmyfuckingbrother.”Ishoveherdressup,squeezingherass

tight.“Nowshutupandletmefuckyourbrainsout.”

Growlinglikeafuckingbear,Ileanupandyankmybeltoutoftheloops.“Takeoffyourgown.”

Shecomplies,pullingitoffsensually,eventhoughI’mdoinganythingbutgoingslowonhertoday.

“Turnaround,”Isaywithadarkvoice,andshedoesexactlythat.“Wristsonyourback.”

Itiethebeltaroundherarmsandmakesureit’stightenoughsoshecan’tescape.

“ThinkI’mgoingtorun?”shemuses.

“No.Ijustdon’twantyoutomovewhileIfuckyourbodyraw,”Isaywithasmirk.

ThenIpushherdown,herheadfloppingontomybed.Myfingerscurlaroundherpantiesnearher

pussy,andItearthemoffattheseam.

“Thosewereexpensive,”shesays.

“I’llbuyyouthreehundredmore,”Igrowl.“Now,spreadyourlegssoIcangiveyouwhatyoucame

for.”

“WhatIcamefor?”sheretorts.

Iripdownmyzipperandunbuttonmypants,andasmyhard-onflipsoutofmyboxershorts,Isay,

“Mycock.”

Ipositionmyselfbehindherandfondleherpussy,whichisalreadywetasfuck.“Horny?”Imuse.

“Fuckyou…”shespits.

“You’reonlysayingthatbecauseyouhatethatyouloveitsomuch.”Ismackherass,whichmakesher

squeal.“That’sit.Makethosesounds.Itonlygetsmegoing.”

Istickmyfingerintoherpussyandthenanother,swirlingaroundinsideher.Shemoansoutloud,her

bodytensingandrelaxingagainandagain.

“Don’tresisttheneed,Naomi,”Isay.

Ipulloutmyfingersandbringthemtohermouth.“Tasteyourself.”

Whenshepartsherlips,Islidemyfingersontohertongue,makinghertasteherself.Andrightwhen

shedoes,Ishovemycockintoher.Hermoanmakesmegreedy,selfish,andIthrustinandoutofher

withoutholdingback.

“That’sit.Letmefuckthatpussylikeitneedstobefucked,”Igrowl,holdingeachsideofherasslike

they’rehandles.Ismackheragainforalittleextraoompf,therednessthatfollowsspikingmyarousal.

“You’reanass,”shehisses.

“Iknow…andyouknowwhatelse?I’mgoingtofuckyourstoo.”

IgrinwhenIpullbackoutagainandseeherlipspartandhereyeswiden.Istepoffthebed,openthe

drawer,andtakeoutthelubeIhadstashedthere.Gettingbackonthebed,Isquishitoutaboveherass,

rubbingitin.

“Whatareyoudoing?Thatwon’tmakemepregnant,”shesays.

“Itwon’t,butI’mnotcominginyourass.I’mjustclaimingmyterritory,”Isaywithalopsidedgrinas

Iwatchherfacecontort.

“Ineversaid—”

Mycockgoingintoherassholeinterruptsherwords.

God,Ilovethatsoundshemakes.Thegaspthatjustkeepsongiving.Justlikeherbody.

“Fuck,you’resofuckingtight,”Isay,smackingherassagainasIplungeintoher.Igrabthebelt

wrappedaroundherwristsandholditasareinsoIcanfuckherharder.

“Sometimes,Ireallywanttokillyou,”shehuffs.

Ilaugh.“I’mgoingtobedoingthisalotwhenyou’remywifesogetfuckingusedtoit,”Igrowl,andI

stuffmyfingerintoherpussy.“Youbelongtome,andyouknowit.”

“Damnyouandyourfuckingcock,”shegrowls.

Itonlymakesmethrustharder.“Thisfuckingcockisgoingtomakeyoucome,sobehappy.”

Withmyindexfingerandthumb,Icircleherclitandrubitbetweenmyfingers,makingherknees

weak.“See?Admitit.Youlikebeingmine.”Whenshedoesn’tsayaword,Ismackherassandgrowl.

“Sayit.”

“Yes,Ilikeit!”shescreams,herbodybouncingupanddownfrommythrusting.

Igrinandlickmylips,feelingvictoriousinmymissiontoconquerher.“Finally.”

***

Naomi

Hetwistsmybodyintoknots,andIlikeit.

HefucksmelikeI’mablow-updoll,andIlikeit.

Heclaimscontrollikesomeanimal,andIlikeit.

Goddammit,Ilikeeverything.AndIhateit.

IhatethatIlikehimsomuchIcouldn’tevenkillhimwhenIhadthechance.

Idon’tfuckingwantto.TheonlythingIwantisforhimtofuckmybrainsout,justlikehesaid.

Sowhenhetwirlsmyclitandramshiscockintomyass,allIcandoismoanandsigh,eventhoughI

can’tdoathingtostopit.I’mpowerlessagainsthim,andIhatebeingfuckingpowerless…butwithhim,

it’safuckingdrug.

Aturn-onsopowerful,itmakesmewanttobeg.

“Fuck,”Imutterintothesheets,feelingheadyfromhistouch.

“Alreadythere?”hemuses.“Don’tcomeyet.”Hepullsoutofmeandslapsmyassafinaltime,which

makesmerollover.Ican’thelpit;myhandsaretiedtomyback.There’snothingIcando.Nothing,and

it’ssofuckingintoxicating,I’mcompletelywetforhim.

Hepullsmylegupandlaysitagainsthisshoulder,scissoringme,hisdickattheentrancetomypussy.

Ashepushesin,hegrabsmybreastandsqueezes.

“Mine.Allfuckingmine.”Hethrustsandthrustssohard,Icanbarelybreathe.

Withhisfingers,hetwistsmynipple.“Sayyou’refuckingmine!”hegrowls.

“I’myours,”Ireply,andeventhoughIdespisemyselfforsayingit,it’sthetruth.

“Damnright,you’remine.”Hesoundslikeananimal,thewayhegrufflyspeaksandgroansashe

slamsintome.“I’mgoingtofillyouuptothebrimwithmycum.Youreadyforit?”

“Yes,”Imoan,ashisfingersmovefrommybreasttomyclit,whereherubsmetothepointthatI’m

abouttocome.

“Fuck…”Iwhisper.

“Yes.Come,Naomi.Letmeseehowreadythisbodyistoreceivemycum.”

Ashefondlesme,thetipofhislengthgrazesmyG-spot,andIexplode.All.Over.Him.Icanfeelit,

andIgaspforairasmybodytremblesbeneathhim.

“Fuck,yes,”hegrowls.

FourmorethrustsandIfeelhimrelease,cumjettingintome,againandagain.Itjustkeepscoming,

likeawarmstream,fillingmecompletely.Andhekeepsthrusting;notwantingtospillanyofit,he

continuestopushitfartherintome.

Whenhe’sdone,hepullsoutandslowlylowersmyleg.Afteruntyingme,hegrabsmyfaceandpulls

meupintoaseatedposition.Stilltoweringaboveme,heholdsmycheek,andsays,“You’renotjustmine

becauseIcanfuckyou,Naomi.You’reminebecauseIsayyou’remine”—hetapsmychest—“inhere.

Yourheartbelongstome,andyouknowit.Don’tyoudaredenyit.”

Heleansinandpressesasoftkisstomylips,sealingthedeal.“We’retoogoodtogethernottobe,”he

whispers,kissingmydoubtsaway.“Youandmetogether.Awickedlytwistedcouplenoonewillbeable

tostandupto.”

Atthispoint,thereislittletonopointinfightingitanylonger.Myattractiontohimistoostrong.Too

powerfultoignore.AndIactuallywanthimtokissme,ascrazyasitsounds.

Onlyonethingpullsmefromhisembrace.

Apiercingscream…andthenaloudthud.

24.

AccompanyingSong:“Consummation”byTrentReznor&AtticusRoss

Naomi

Ijoltupandoutofbed,quicklythrowingonabathrobethathangsfromMax’scloset,andthenIrush

outthedoor.However,beforeIcantakethreemoresteps,Icometoascreechinghalt.

Infrontofmeisabody.

Half-nakedandfacedownonthecold,hardfloor.

LimbstwistedinwaysIneverthoughtpossible.

Bloodpouringfromhernoseandlips.

Jordan.

Iscreamandruntowardher,kneelingnearherbody.Touchingherbodyfeelsliketouchingpudding;

blubbery.Herbonesaren’tjustbroken…they’recompletelyshattered.She’swasted.

Iplacemyfingeronhernecktoinspectforapulse.It’sbarelythere.

“Jordan?Fuck,saysomething,”Iwhisper,tryingtomakesenseofthis.

Herblood-stainedlipsmove,hereyesfocusingonmeasifshemeanstotellmesomething,butthe

wordsdon’tcomeout.Allshedoesisgazeaway…andup,towardthebalustrade.

IfollowhergazeandfindCamillalungedoverthebalustradenearAnthony’sroom,staringatusin

shock,hereyesteary.“Jordan!”shescreams.

Herfaceisnotjustredfromshock.Shehasacutonhernose,bloodseepingfromthewound,anda

definitebruisearoundhereye.

Suddenly,Anthonyapproachesherfromtheleft,lookingdownatthebodynexttome…Hiseyes

widenasherealizeswhathappened.“Jordan?No!”hegrowls.

ThenhelooksatCamilla,whoseeshimtooandturnstofacehim.

“You…”Outofnowhere,Anthonypullsoutagun.

Withinonesecond,he’sshotCamilla.

Point-blank.

Deadbetweentheeyes.

Iscreamandcrawlawayfromthebloodpoolingunderneathme.Thebathrobeisalreadysoakedinit.

“Whatthefuckhappened?”Maxyellsashecomesoutwearingonlyapairofsweatpants.Thenhe

spotsJordan’sbody.“Fuck,no.”

“Idon’tknowwhathappened,”Isay,sniffing,tryingtowipeawaytheblood,andIsmearitonthe

tiles.“ShewasalreadyonthefloorwhenIcameoutoftheroom.”

Hequicklychecksherpulse.“She’sgone.”

Ifrownandfeelheragain.There’snothingleft.Withherlastbreath,shetriedtoshowmewhat

happened,butIstilldon’tunderstand.

“Youkilledmybaby!”AnthonyscreamsatCamilla’sbody,stompingonherwithhisfeet.“Youkilled

myfuckingbaby,andnow,Ikilledyou!”heyells,stillholdingthegunouttoher.“Mybaby.Mywife.

Gone!”

“Anthony!”MaxrunsoffandupthestairswhileIstaywiththebody.“Areyoufuckinginsane?”

“Yousawwhathappened!”Anthonyspitsback,hisfacered,slatheredwithtears.“Shepushedher

over!”

“Youdon’tknowthat.Noneofuswereheretoseeit,”Maxsaysasheapproacheshim,holdinghis

handuptostopAnthonyfromdoingsomethinghe’llregret.“Maybeshejumped.”

“NO!”Anthonyscreams,solouditpiercesmyears.“Shewouldneverdothattomybaby.”

Ican’tgoupthere.Ican’twitnesshowthesetwomenbickeroverdeadcorpses.

Ican’tcomprehendhowhejustmurderedagirlwithoutevenknowingwhathappened.Withouteven

beingtheretowitnessthewholeordeal.

ButthenIspotsomethingpeculiarfromthecornerofmyeye.

Ahanddisappearingbehindadoorleadingtoabathroomupstairs.

IcrawluptomyfeetandbackawayfromthebleedingbodythatwasonceJordan.Withoutthinking,I

goupthestairs,myearsstillringingfromthesoundofJordan’sscream.Myhandleavesabloodyprinton

therailingasItakethelaststepupandintothehallway.Tentativelyturningthehandle,Itakeabreathand

trytofocus,eventhoughthevoicesinmyheadtellmenottogoin.

Idoitanyway.

Thebathroomisbarelylit.Icantellthisbathroomishardlyused.Therearespidersinthetopcorners,

cobwebseverywhere,andacertainsmellhangingthroughtheroom.Thestenchofstagnantwater…

mixedwitholdsoap.

Ipushopenthecreakingdoorandseesomethingmovebehindthecurtaininthebackoftheroom.I

walktowardit,shiveringfromthesuddenrushofcoldsweepingoverme.MyfingerstrembleasIclutch

thecurtainandslowlypullitback.

There,infrontofasinkinthecorneroftheroom,standsLatisha.

Thewaterisrunning,andshe’shumminganeerietune.

Idon’tsayawordasIapproachherandpeekatherfromthesidetoseeherwashingherhands.

Forasecond,IthinkIspotadropofblood.

“Iknowyou’rewatchingme,”Latishasayswithasoft,outspokenvoice.

“I’mnottryingtohide,”Ireply,standingmyground.

Sheturnsthehandleofthefaucet.“I’msogladyou’reherenow.”Thensheturnsaround.Onherface

tooisthebeginningofabruise.“Youmakeitsomucheasier.”

Imakeaface.“Youkilledher,didn’tyou?”

Herfacetightens,andshecocksherhead.“Killedwho?”

“Youknowwho,”Isaywithoutemotion.

Afainthintofasmileappearsonherface.“Oh…youmeanJordan.”

“Youforcedhertojump,butthenhowdidyougetthebloodonyourhand?”Imutter.

Sheclutchesthesinkandstaresatme,bemused.“Goon.”

“Thebruiseonyourfaceindicatesafight.Camillawastheretoo.ShesawyoupushJordan.Youtwo

hadafightaboutit.”

Sheturnsherheadtotheotherside,hersmilegrowingbiggereverysecond.“Ilovehowsmartyouare

…howyouseeevery,littledetail.”

“Sheknewwhatyouweredoing,andshetriedtostopyou.That’swhyyoubothhavethebruises.

That’swhyshehasthecutonherface,andyou’rebleeding.”

“Suchapity,”shemurmurs,takingastepinmydirection.

Iswallowawaythelumpinmythroat.“Butyouthreatenedtokillhertoo.That’swhyshelost.”

Latishamakesagunsymbolwithherhand,pressesitagainsthertemple,andsays,“Boom.”

Mynosetwitches.“Yousetherup,soAnthonywouldkillher.Twobirdswithonestone.”Ifrown.

“Whyher?WhyJordan?”

Sheshrugs.“Ijustwantedhim.That’sall.”

“Anthony?ThisisaboutAnthony?”

“Ofcourse,it’saboutAnthony.It’salwaysbeenabouthim,”shesays,laughingalittlelikeit’s

supposedtomakesense.“Iadorehim.Iworshiphim.Andheneedstomarryme.”Sheputsherhandin

herpocketandfishesoutaknife.“Andifyouhadn’tfollowedme,itwould’veturnedoutnicelyforyou.”

Istepbackassheapproachesme,holdingouttheknifeinathreateningposition.

“Youcould’velivedhappilyeverafterwithMax,Naomi.Allyouhadtodowasignorewhatyou’d

seen.”

“Iwould’veknown,regardless,”Ireply.

“Butatleastyou’dstillbealive.”Shegrins.“Now,yougivemenochoicebuttokillyoutoo.”

“They’llknowyoudidit,”Isay,walkingincirclesasshefollowsmearound.

“I’llplaythevictim.Sayyouattackedme,andIdefendedmyself.”

“They’llneverbelieveyou,”Ihiss.

“Doesn’tmatter.There’dbeonlyoneofusleft.They’llbetheonesfightingoverme,nottheotherway

around.”

“Theydidn’tpickyou.Noneofthemdid.”

Hersmiledisappearsinstantly.“Shutup.”

Shelashesout,theknifeinchesawayfrommystomach.Ilungeback,avoidingitnarrowly.

Shekeepsslashingaway,tryingtocutmewithit,notevenstoppingforasecondtotalk.Theonlyway

Ihaveofavoidingherisbyblockingtheattackwithaclosetdoor.Assheramstheknifeintothewood,I

usetheopportunitytoslamitintohersohardthatitknocksheraway,aswellastheknife.

Shecomesatmeinfullforce,givingmeoneblowtotheface.ButIquicklyrecuperatetopunchherin

theface,makingherheadtiltback.ThenIgrabherbythehair,twistingitandpullingitsohardshe

squeals.Iramherfacedownonthesink,makingherbleed.Atoothfallstothefloor.

Herscreamsfillmewithexcitement.Aneedsothrillingitsetsmeonfire.Aneedtoinflictpain.

However,shesnatchesametalbottleofliquidsoapandsmashesitagainstmyfacesohardthatIlose

mybalanceandsliponthewetfloor.ButasIfalltotheground,sheimmediatelycomesatme.Shewraps

herfingersaroundmythroat,chokingme.

“Youfuckingbitch…youalmostruinedmyplan.”

Myeyesfeellikethey’reabouttopopfrommyhead;that’showhardshesqueezesthelifeoutofme.I

trytofightheroff,clawingmywayoutofhergrasp,butit’snouse.Myeyesskitteracrosstheroomtotry

tofindsomethingtouse,andIspotsomethingshinyonthefloorsoclosetomeIcanalmostreachit.

Theknife.

She’ssuffocatingmetothepointIcan’tevenspeak.Withmylastbitofenergy,Ipickuptheknifethat

shedropped,andIjamitintoherstomach.

Shereleasesme,andItakealong,hardgaspasshesinkstothefloorbesideme.

Butthefightisn’toveryet.

Ipulltheknifefromherbodyandramitbetweenherribs.

AndthenIdoitagain.

Andagain.

Andagain.

Allwhilehereyesaresearchingforawayout.

Pleadingformetostop.

HerlipsformingO’sasthesoundsofdeathescapehermouth.

ButIdon’tstop.

Notuntileveryinchofherskinispunctured.Untilherbodyisnothingbutholeswithfilling.

UntilIcanseetherealizationinhereyesthatshelosesandIwin.

Untilmybodyiscoveredinherbloodthatsprayedoutlikeafountainofrevenge.

Revengeforthegirlsshekilled.

Ormaybeafountainofragethatfinallyspilledover.

Becausedamn…thisfuryflowingthroughmyveinsispowerful.

Oncehereyeshaveturnedgray,Istandupandpatdownmydress.Iwalktothesinkandsettheknife

down,lookingatmyblood-paintedskinwithpride.

Idon’tevenwanttowashitoff.

Clearingmythroat,Ithrowmyhairbackovermyshoulderandwalkoverhercorpse,stridingoutthe

door.

25.

AccompanyingSong:“Scream”byGrimesft.Aristophanes

Max

IhavetophysicallydragmybrotherawayfromCamillabeforehefinallystopssmashingher.Her

bodyiscompletelyobliteratedandunrecognizabletothepointofitlookingmorelikeasackofbonesand

bloodthanahumanbeing.

“Letgoofme!”Anthonyscreamsinmyface.“Fuckinghell.AllbecauseIwenttogetaglassofwater

forher.Andnowshe’sfuckingdead!”

Ifinallymanagetosnatchthegunfromhishand,andIthrowitoverthebalustrade.

“Whatthefuckhappenedhere?”Devonyellsfromdownbelow.“Jesus.”

Ilookovertherailingandseehimpickupthearmofthelifelessbodyonthefloor.

“Don’tfuckingtouchher!”Anthonysays,stickinguphismiddlefingerathisbrother.

“Whynot?She’sdeadanyway,”Devonmuses,droppingherfloppyhandlikeastone.

Ishakemyheadandclosemyeyes.

ButwhenIopenthemagain,IspotNaomiwalkingoutofthebathroominthehallwayupahead…

coveredinblood.

Myeyeswiden,andIimmediatelyruntowardher.ButthenIhearmybrother’srampagingscream.

“Max?Naomi?You…”

Beforehecanreachher,Iwrapmyarmsaroundherandholdherclosetome,protectingherfromhim

ashecomeschargingather.

“Ifyoulayevenonefuckingfingeronher,I’llputabulletinyourhead,”Igrowl.

Hisnostrilsflareashishandsturntofists.“Whatdidyoudo?”

Shegentlypointsatthebathroom,insinuatingwelook.

Mybrothersmashesthedooropen,andIlookthroughitashebargesinandstaresatLatisha’sbody.

“ShepushedJordanovertherailing,”Naomisays.

“Howthefuckdoweknowyou’respeakingthetruth?”Anthonygrowls.“Forallweknow,you

could’vekilledherandthenLatisha.”

“Shewaswithmetheentirenight,”Isay,lookingherintheeyestoconfirm.“SheevenfoundJordan

lyingonthefloor.Nowaycouldshehaverunupstairs,pushedherdown,andthenranbackdownstairs

againtopretendsheneverknewwhathappened,allinthespanoftwentyseconds.Becausethat’show

longittookmetoputonthesesweatpantsandwalkoutmyroomtoseeJordan’sbodylyingonthefloor.”

Isigh.“Sono,theansweristhatNaomididn’tdoanything.ItwasLatisha.”

“Who’snowconvenientlydead,”Devonmuses.

“Shutup,”Igrowlathim.“Wherewereyouallthistimeanyway?”

“Listeningtomusicwiththeheadphones,”hereplies.

“Idon’tfuckingcare,”Anthonyspits.“Latisha’sdeadtoonow.”

“Yes,andwe’llworryaboutallthatlater.”IturnaroundwithNaomiinmyarms,determinedtokeep

atleasthersafe.

“Whataboutmygirl?Mybaby?”Anthonysays,butluckily,hestaysputasIgobackdownwithher.

“We’llfigureitoutlater.First,Igottacleanherup.”

IquicklybringNaomidownstairsandintomybedroomthenIlockthedoor.Igrabherhandandpull

herwithmetotheshower,whichIturnon.ThenIdrapethestainedbathrobeoffherbloodybodyand

makehergetunderthespray.

Shedoesn’tmoveorsayaword,andIwonderifshe’ssilentbecausesheknowsanythingshesays

nowwilleitherincriminateherorjeopardizehersafetyinthisbuilding.

SoIsmileandsay,“You’resafenow.”

“No,”shequietlywhispersback.“They’llcomeforme.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Iask.

Sheturnsaroundandfacesthewallwithoutresponding.Thewaterrunsdownherbackinrivulets,

washingawaythebloodasifitwasneverthere.Sherubsherfaceandlooksupattheshowerhead,

openinghermouthtoletitallin.AndIjuststandthereandwatchherdoit.I’mnotjustacreeper.Notjust

awatcher.I’manadmirer.

Aworshipper…ofherstrengthandbeauty.

Herfearlessness.

Andthedangerouslyintoxicatinglookhiddenintheeyesofamurderer.

Iloveitall.

“Iknowyoukilledher.There’snoneedtohideit.”

“I’mnothidinganything,”shereplies.“Look.”Sheholdsherhandstogetherandformsapoolof

water,whichquicklyturnsrichlyred.“That’sLatisha…goingdownthedrain.”

“Whydidyoudoit?”Iask,goosebumpsscatteringacrossmyback.

“Sheattackedmefirst.”

“Okay,Igetthat.Whathappened?”

“Ifoundhercleaningoffthebloodfromherhandsaftershe’dmurderedJordanandattackedCamilla

forwitnessingthewholething.”

Ifrown.“Howdoyouknowshe—”

“Camillahadacutonhernoseandbruises.Latishacarriedaknife,andshehadbruisestoo.”

Inod,comingtotermswiththeinformation.

Itmakessense.I’vealwaysknownLatishahadacrushonmybrother.Onthevideofootage,Icould

seeherstalkinghisroomallthetime,andinhersleep,she’dcallouthisname.Butthatshe’dactually

commitmurderjusttowinaplacebesideAnthonysurprisesme.

“Ineveractuallythoughtshe’ddoit,”Isay.

“What?”Naomi’sbrowsdrawtogether.“Youthought…”Herlipspartandherfaceturnsdark.“You

knewshe’ddothis.”

Icockmyheadandsmile,notwantingtogiveheranymotivationtohateme.I’vealreadydonethat

enough.

“No.”Sheshakesherheadslowly.“Yougavehertheidea,didn’tyou?”

Iputupmyhands.“Hey,now…I’mnotthatmorbid.Although…”Iscratchmychin.“Shedidtellme

thatshelovedhimsomuch,she’ddoanythingtogethim.AndItoldherthatIwasn’tgoingtostandinher

way.Iguessshetookitasasignofapproval.”

Slowlybutsurely,Naomistartstolaugh.Andnotjustsoftly.Loud.Likeshe’sgoneinsane.

“Thisisso…fucking…funny.”

“Whatis?”Iask.

“Shewassosetonwinningthatshewentandkilledallofmyopponents,includingherself.”

Mylipquirksupintoanawkwardsmile.“Iguessyoucouldsaythat.”

“Ha…soironic.”

Sheturnsofftheshowerandlooksatme.“I’mcleannow.”Iturn,andshewalkspastmelikeit’snota

bigdeal,grabbingatoweltowrapherselfwith.

AsIwalkafterher,someonebangsonmydoorandjerksthehandle.“Openup,Max.”

It’sAnthony.

Naomistandsupafterhearingthesound,andshestaresintentlyatthedoor.

HeslamshisfistontothewoodsohardIcanseethedoormove.“Letusin.”

“No.Thisismyroom,”Isay.

“Weneedtotalk,”Devonchimesin.

Iguessit’stwoagainstonenow.

Naomitakesastepcloser,soshe’snexttome.“Whatdoyouwant?”

“Youkilledher.”

“So?Shewasattackingme.Itwasself-defense.”Shefoldsherarms.

“Youcan’tkeepherinthereforever,”Devonsays.

“Idon’tcare,”Isay.“Wecanoutlastyou.”That’sabluff,butIhopehecan’tseethroughit.

“Doyouwantmetobustthisdoorin?BecauseIwill,dammit,”Anthonygrowls,smashinghimself

againstthehardframe.

RightbeforeAnthonycandoitagain,Ipushthekeyintothelockandturnit,openingthedoorashe

driveshimselfinlikeabull,fallingoverandsmashinghisheadagainstmyfloor.

“Fuck!”

“That’swhatyougetfortryingtobreakin,”Imuse.

“Fuckyou,”hesays,crawlingup.

Devoncasuallystrollsinside.“Wejustwannatalk.That’sall.”

“Talk.Aboutwhat?”

HecirclesNaomi.“Abouthowyou’retheonlybrideleft.”

“She’snotonthemarket,”Ihiss.

Anthonypatshislegsandarmsandsays,“Alltheotherbridesaredeadorgone.Isaysheis.”

Devonsuddenlygrabsherarm.“Isaywetakeherintothegameroomandtoywithheruntilweknow

whotheclearwinneris.Youknow.Thepregnancystuffandall.Wedon’thavemuchmoretime.”

“Letgoofme.”Naomitriestojerkaway,buthewon’tlether.

WhenIstepintointervene,mybrotherblocksmyway.“Youknowtherules,Max.”

“Fucktherules.Youknowshe’smine.Weallcommittedtoonegirl.Naomiismine.”

“Shewas…untilshekilledtheremainingoption,”Devonmuses,shrugging.“Nowlet’sstartthis

game,shallwe?”

“Fuckyou,”Naomisays,andshespitsinhisface.

Hewipesitoffandsmearsitonherface.Thenhesmacksher.

“Youdon’twanttofuckingdothis,”Igrowl,andIglareatmybrothers.“Trustme.”

“Mybrideandbabyaredead.Hisbrideisdead.Oneofusneedstowin,andI’mnotgivingupthat

easily,”Anthonysays.

“Evenwhenyourloverjustdied?”Ireply.

“Eventhen…Therulesaretherules,”Devonsaysasifheknowseverything.

Fuckers.

“I’mnotgoingtoletthisgowithoutafight,”headds.“Solet’sjustgetthisoverwith.”

IgiveonelookatNaomiandnod.

SheimmediatelyramsherelbowintoDevon’sstomach,causinghimtobuckandheaveandallowing

hertoescape.Sherunsoutthedoor,whileAnthonylooksoverhisshoulderatthecommotionandyells,

“Fuck!Comeback!”

Mybrothersraceafterher,andIfollowbehindthem.Naomirushesupthestairsinherthintowelthat

barelycoversherbodyasshetriestoescapetheirgrasp.Iquicklypickupthegunfromthefloorandrun

upthestairsafterthem.They’realreadywayaheadinthehallways,andIcanhearthemrunincirclesup

anddownthestaircases,inandoutofroomswithtwodoors.Ourhouseislikeamaze,andIknowshe

realizesthis.Whensheaskedifshecouldexploreit,Ialreadyknewshewasgoingtomemorizeevery

nookandcrannytoformapossibleescapeplan,shouldsheeverneedone.

Likenow.

Whenmybrothersarehuntingherlikepredatorshuntprey.

AsIfinallymanagetocatchuptothem,DevonreachesforNaomi’sfootandpullsherdown,making

herfalldownafewflightofstairs.

“Lethergorightnow,orIsweartogodIwillfuckingkillyou!”Iscreamathim.

Shemanagestokickhiminthefaceandclambersbacktoherfeet,runningfurtheruptotheattic.

Anthonyshovesmeandrunsafterher,butIwon’tletmyselfbecaughtoffguard.

AsDevontriestogetupwithoutevenlookingatme,withoutevenacknowledgingthefactthatshe’s

mine,Irushtowardhimandtrytocuthimoff.

Igrabhimbythecollarandpullhimback,buthelauncheshisfistinmystomachinresponse.Icough

andheavethenreturnbysmashinghisheadintomyknee.Wefightandstruggleforpower,allwhile

Naomiisintrouble.Ican’tletthiscontinue.

Soinalast-ditcheffort,Ipointthegunathim.

Hetriestopushmyarmaway,andIshootmultipletimesatthewall,bulletsricochetingeverywhere.

Oneofthemevenhitshiminthethigh.Hehowlsandgrabshisleg,stilltryingtofendmeoff.

Toolate.

Withmyguntohistemple,Ipullthetrigger.

Oneshotisallittakestobringhimdown.

Anditdoesn’tevenfazeme.

26.

AccompanyingSong:“Scream”byGrimesft.Aristophanes

Max

Iproceedwithmychase,jumpingoverthestepsmybrother’sbodyoccupies,andIslamopenthedoor

totheattic.OnthefloorliesNaomi’stowel,andwhenIlooktomyright,Anthony’sgotherpinnedtothe

wall.

Shestrugglesashetightlygripsherthroat,chokingher,whilehegrabshernakedpussywithhisother

hand.

“Youtooktheopportunitytowinthisgamefromme.Sonow,I’lltakewhatIwantfromyou,”he

growls.

“Overmydeadfuckingbody,”IgrowlasIwalkuptohimwithmygunpointedstraightathistemple.

“Die.”

Click.

However,thedamngundoesn’tfuckinggooff.

It’sfuckingempty.

“Fuck.”

Mybrotherlaughs.ThenhereleasesNaomifromhisgraspandgrabsmyface,smashingmeintothe

wall.Igroaninpainasheslamshiskneeintomystomachandthensmacksmeintothewallagain.But

betweenhismassivehits,Imanagetoturnaroundandduckandtacklehim,makinghimtumbletothe

floor.

There,Isitontopofhimandpunchhimrepeatedlyintheface.However,hequicklyoverpowersme,

rollingovermeinanefforttosqueezethefuckinglifeoutofme.

“Now,you’llfeelwhatallthoseothergirlshavefelt,”Anthonygrowls,ashewrapshishandsaround

mythroatandstartstochokeme.

“Tellme,howdoesitfeel,Max?”heaskswithadeviousgrinonhisface.

Fromthecornerofmyeye,IspotNaomigrabbingavasefromoneofthedustycabinets,andsheruns

towardus,smashingthevaseonhishead.

Hefallstothefloor,releasingme,andItaketheopportunitytogetontopofhimagain.Ireachintomy

pocketandtakeouttheonlythingIhave.Mykeys.

AndIramthemintohischestashardasIcan.

Againandagain.

TheterrorofhisscreamsgoesthroughmarrowandboneasIplungethecold,hardmetalintohisheart,

andIdon’tevenfuckingcare.Ijustwantthismotherfuckertodie.

SoIstabhiminhisneck,stoppinghimfromutteringanotherword.

Bloodspraysoutonallsides.Idon’tknowhowmanytimesIstabhim.Fifteentimes,maybe.Enough

tocreateapoolofbloodunderhim.

MyhandsarecoveredbythetimeNaomisays,“Youcanstopnow.”Shestandsbesideme,naked,her

feetcoveredinmybrother’sblood.OnlyafterhearinghervoicedoIletgoofthebloodykeys.Thesound

ofthemdroppingtothefloorisdeafening.

Irolloffhimandletmybodydroptothefloor.Staringattheceilingaboveme,Iburstoutintostupid

laughter.Finally,it’sover.Iwin.

“It’sdone,Naomi,”Iwhisper.“Ikilledthem.”

Naomileansoverme,cockingherheadasshegazesatmewithapeculiarlookinhereyes.Asmile

spreadsonherlips,andshegoestoherkneesinfrontofme.Shehoversoverme,grippingmycollar,and

whispers,“Whatnow?”

“Now”—Iletmyfingerbrushhercheeks,leavingaredstripeinitsplace—“youbecomeminefor

good.”

Hersmilegrows,andshepressesherlipstomine.Igreedilyacceptherkiss,evenwhenI’mlyingina

poolofmybrother’sblood.

Icanfeelitseepingintomyhair,drippingdownmyfingers,butstill,Iletmyhandroamfreelyacross

herbody.Igrabherhairandkissherdeeply,firmlytoassertmydominance.I’mthefuckingman,andshe

isthewomanIfuckingkilledfor.Noonewilltakeherfromme,andIwilltakehernow.

Mycockgrowswiththeexcitementofherbeautifulbodylyingontopofme,andherprettyface

smilingbackatmeafterhavingbeenthroughhell.SoIkissherharderandpushheragainstme,squeezing

herassbecauseitandeverythingelseaboutherbelongtome.

Ourbreathsarehotwitharousal,andherhandreachesdownbetweenmylegs,herfingersaroundmy

waistband.Shetugsdownmysweatpantsandpullsmydickout.I’msohardforhershemoansoutloudat

thefeelofme,andwhenIfeelhowfuckingwetsheisforme,Ithrustinimmediately.Shemoansoutloud

assheundulatesontopofme,fuckingmehard.

Neitherofuscaresaboutthetwodeadbodies,nordowecarethatwe’recoveredinblood.AndifI’m

reallyhonest,itonlymakesthissicklyhot.

ShefucksmesohardIfeellikeI’madildothatshe’sriding,butIloveitallthesame.Shesitsup,and

Itaketheopportunitytosqueezehertitsandtwisthernipples.However,sheimmediatelygrabsmywrists

andpinsthemtothefloor.Theanimalisticsoundscomingfromhermouth,thegrowling,tellme

something.Ittellsmethisisn’tjustfuckingfortherelease.Itisn’tjustfuckingforthepleasure.It’sfucking

forpower.

Andthemomentshesoftenshergrip,Iclutchherarmsandrollheroverwithforce.Shegrowlsand

triestobiteme,butIretaliatewithaswiftthrustintoherpussy.MycockforcesherintosilenceasIstare

intohereyesandcommandhertodomypleasing.

WhenIsmashmylipsontohers,shebites,butIlickupthebloodwithasmirk.ThenIleanupandgrab

herbythechin,makingherlookatmeasIslamintoher.Mybrother’sbloodissmudgedacrossherface

andtits,andIlovehowfuckingprimalitlooks.Howfuckinghornyitmakesme.

Herhandsaretryingtograspmetorollmeoveragainandgetherontop,butI’mnotlettingherget

close.Instead,Ipinhertothefloorandfuckherevenharder.Sheopensherlegsevenfartherandmoans

whenItakehernipplebetweenmyteethandtug.

IknowshelikeswhatIdo…butshecan’thelpalwaystryingtobeatthetop.

It’swhatwedo.

Whoweare.

Fighters.

Winners.

Conquerors.

Andineachother,we’vefoundourmatch.

Herhandreachesbetweenherlegs,andshefuriouslystartsmasturbatingasIfuckherpussyraw.She’s

sotightandwetthatIlosecontrol,andIclosemyeyesforjustasecondtoenjoythesensations.

Onlytofindmerollingaroundagainandhavingherendupontopofme.Sheslamsmedownonthe

floorandholdsmyhanddownharderassheswivelsaroundonmycock.Shebringsherblood-soaked

fingertomymouthandmakesmesuckonit.Oneofmyhandsisfree,andIuseittoflickherclit,making

hermoanoutloud.

Afewsecondslater,hereyesrollintothebackofherhead,andIcanfeelhermusclestightenall

aroundme.Wetnesscoatsmycock,andIcomeundone.

Howling,Icomeinsideher,myseedpulsingdeepintoherpussy,justlikeitshould.

Sheholdsmyhandinplaceoverherclit,asiftosignifythatitbelongsthere.Thatshe’snotonlymine,

butthatI’malsohers.

Breathingheavily,sheslowlyfallsdownontopofme,mycockstillinsideher.Sherestsherheadon

mychest,andIlistentoherbreathsasshelistenstomyheart.Ipetherhair,whichisstillslickfrom

bloodandsweat,andIwonderifthisisthebestsexI’vehadinmyentirelife.

“Isitovernow?”shemutterssuddenly.

Ismileassheliftsherheadwithacuriouslookonherface.“Yes,itis…andyouwon.”

27.

AccompanyingSong:“Technically,Missing”byTrentReznor&AtticusRoss

Naomi

Aweeklater

Iholdmymom’shandasIhandherthelastenvelope.

“Oh,honey…”shemurmurs.“Youdon’thavetodothis.”

“Openit,”Isay.

Shepartsherlips.“Butyouhaven’teventoldmewhereyou’vebeenyet.Howyourvacationwas.”

“Doesn’tmatter,”Isay.“Justopenit.”

ShesighsanddoeswhatIaskandthenherjawdropswhensheseesthenumbersonthecheck.“F-fifty

million…”shestutters.“Ican’ttakethis.”

Isqueezeherhand.“IwantyoutousethismoneytopayoffyourdebtsandDad’smedicalbills.

And”—Ipausetoslowlyunravelmyhandfromhers—“thisisthelasttimeyou’llreceivemoneyfrom

me.”

“Thankyou.Idon’tknowwhattosay,”shesays,tearswellingupinhereyes.

Icockmyhead.“Well,youcanstartbyapologizing.”

Shefrowns.“Whatdoyoumean?”

Ileanback.“Iwasn’tonvacation,andIthinkyouknowthis.”

Sheshakesherhead,butIplaceafingeronmylipstosilenceher.

“IknowI’madopted,but…”HereyeswidenwhenIsaythesewords.“Ialsoknowyoureceivedme

fromamaninexchangeforadeal.”

“Nao—”

“Shh,”Iinterrupt.“It’stoolatetodenyit.Iknowthetruthnow.”Ileaninandgraspbothherhands,

pinningthemtothetable.“Whatyoudidwaswrong,andyouknowthat.”

Shelicksherlipsandsucksonthebottomonebutdoesn’trespond.

“Butyoucandotherightthingnow,”Isay.

Herfaceturnsdark,andhereyesfillwithguilt.“Iknowwhatwedid,andIalwaysregrettedit.We

just…wewantedababygirlsobadly;we’ddoanythingforit.Ididn’tknowwhatthatmanneededyou

for.Tellmehedidn’thurtyou,”shepleads.

“Hedidn’t.Butwhat’sbeendonecan’tbeundone.Youmadesureofthat.”

Sheswallows.“I’msorry,Naomi.Ireallyam.Andyourdadistoo.Wecannevermakeituptoyou.”

Atearrollsdownhercheek.“Butweloveyou.Wereallydo,withallourheart.”

Inarrowmyeyes.“Proveittome.”

“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?I’lldoanything,”shemutters.

“Anything?”Iask.

Withouthesitation,shesays,“Anything.”

Ismileatthatadmission.It’spreciselywhatIwanted.ExactlywhatIneededfromher.Herfulland

utterattention.

Andfinally…someretribution.

***

Afewweekslater

“Honey…”Icalloutfromthebathroom.“Howmuchdidyourbrothersactuallyowninthe

company?”

“What,youmeanshares?Idon’tknow…sameasme,Isuppose,”hecallsback.

“Andhowmuchisthat?”Iask.

“Pfft…seventeenpercent.MaybeDevon’swassixteen.Idon’tknow.”

Ispitoutmytoothpasteandlookatmyteethinthemirror.Theyseemevenshinierthannormal.“What

happenedtothoseshares?Theymust’vebeentransferredtosomeoneelse,right?Theywouldn’tjust

disappear.”

Ittakeshimawhiletoanswer.“No…myfathergavethemtomebecauseI’mtheonlyoneleft.”

“Interesting.Soyouownlikefiftypercentofthecompanythen?”

“Yes.Fatherjustdoesn’tlikehavingsharesoutsidethecompany.”

“Hmm…”Ireply,notsayingmuchelse.

“Whydoyouwanttoknow?”

“Oh,noreason.Justcurious,”Imuse.ThenIgrabthehomepregnancytestingkitandtakeoutthestick.

Isitonthetoiletandpeeontheabsorbentend,afterwhichIflushandholditupabovethesink,

waitinguntiltheresultsarein.Ihuminagreementattheresults.

Howsurprising.Not.

Thepiecesofthepuzzlearecomingtogether.It’sallfallingintoplace.

Iwalkoutofthebathroomandintoourmasterbedroom,whichhasnowbeencompletelyrenovated,

alongwithalltheotherroomsinthemansion.Icouldn’tstandseeingthesamefurniturethatDevon,

Anthony,andtheeightothergirlshadused.Itjustdidn’tfeelright.Sowithasmidgeofpaint,alittlebitof

retouching,andmostlynewchairs,tables,curtains,andbeds,alltheroomshavebeentransformedintoa

beautiful,lavishhome.AfterMaxhadcalledthebaggersandtheyhadcleanedupallthemess,ofcourse.

Theyevenhelpedhimcreatefakestoriesaboutthedeathsofallthegirls,attributingittovacationhorrors

suchasbadweatherandfreakaccidents.Andforhisbrothers,ofcourse.Theyhadanunfortunatefalling

outthatresultedinonekillingtheotherthencommittingsuicidewithagun.Iwonderwhathisfatherwill

say.I’mnotsurewhichversionofthestorywe’lltellhim.

Regardless,wenowlivewithoutworries,withouthavingtocareabouttheirfamilies.Andwehavea

specialguestroom,agamingroom,andevenanewlybuiltrelaxingspa.

That’swhathappenswhenyou’rethesoon-to-be-wifeofanheirtoabillion-dollarcompany,which

dealswithmorebillionsofdollars.Yougetwhateveryouaskfor.Noquestionsasked.

Sonow,Istandinthemiddleoftheroominfrontofourking-sizebed,onwhichMaxiscomfortably

readingabook,andIslowlyslideoffmyrobe.

“Oh…”Maxraiseshiseyesabovehisbook.“What’sthis?”

Ismileandturnmybodyaround,touchingmystomach.“Doyounoticeanything?”

Hiseyeswiden,andawickedsmilespreadsacrosshislips.“Areyoupregnant?”

Inod.

Hethrowshisbookdownontothebedandimmediatelyjumpsoffandcomestowardme.Hegrabsthe

backofmyheadandkissesmestraightonthelips.“Congratulations.”

“Tothebothofus,”Imurmur.

Hesmilesandkissesmeagain.“Iloveyousomuch…”

It’sthefirsttimehe’ssaidittomelikethat.Idon’treallyknowhowtorespond.“Loveyoutoo,”Isay

awkwardly.I’mnotsure,butitfeelslikethefirsttimeI’mgenuineandhonestaboutmyownemotions.

“Ababy,”hemutters,touchingmybelly.“Isitreallythere?”

Ishowhimthestick.“That’swhatitsays.”

“Wow.”Hegrins.“Finally.”

“So…”Iplacemyhandsonhisshouldersandpushhimdown.“Youknowwhattodonow.”

Hefrowns.“Howso?”

Inarrowmyeyes.“YouknowwhatIwant.”

There’saglimmerinhiseyes,andafterafewseconds,hedropstoonekneeandgrabsmyhand.

“NaomiLee…willyouofficiallybemybridenow?”

“Where’smyring?”Imuse.

“Iwillgetyouonetomorrow.Withdiamonds,”headdsasifthatwillmakemehappier.

Ismile,gentlysqueezinghishand.“Allright.”

“Isthatayes?”

“Yes.Ofcourse,Iwillmarryyou,MaxMarino.”

Hecomesupandkissesmeonthelipsagain.“Mrs.NaomiMarino.”Hegrins.“Howdoesitsound?”

“Brilliant,”Ireply.

“BettergetusedtoitbecauseI’mnotlettingyougo.Notafterthisnews.”Heplaceshishandonmy

bellyandsmiles.Isupposeawayofassertingdominanceoversomething,orsomeone,thathasn’teven

beenborn.

Ireturnthesmile,butit’snotoneofhappiness.

It’soneofimminentvictory.

Mrs.NaomiLeeMarino.Thelastbrideleftstanding.

28.

AccompanyingSong:“Technically,Missing”byTrentReznor&AtticusRoss

Naomi

Afewdayslater

AsIleavemyownapartmentforthelasttime,myfingertravelsalongthecabinet,andIwipeawaythe

dustthat’scollected.Suchasillything,tobeattachedtoabrokenplacelikethis.Toevenremotelyfeel

sadaboutleavingandneverreturning.Isupposeit’smostlythefactthatthisiswhereIfirstrealizedwhat

wastrulyhappeninginmylife.ThemagnitudeofthechoicesImadeinmylifeandthosethatothersmade

shapedmyveryexistence.

That…andthefactthatthisstackofpapersI’mholdinginmyhandistheonlythingIhaveleftofmy

oldlifemakesmefeellikeI’msteppingintoawholenewone.Awholenewme.LikeI’vetransformed

andputonanewskin.

Ifonlymypastselfknewwhatwascoming.I’dhaveneverbeensadaboutmylonely,poorlife.Nota

singleday.

***

AsIwalkintothelivingroomofthemansion,IseeMaxsittingonthecouch,watchingtelevision

whilelookingoversomenoteshisfathersenthim.Iclosethedoorsandchecktoseeifanyoneelseis

here.Whenthecoastisclear,Iwalkuptohimandwrapmyarmsaroundhimtohughimfrombehind.

MaxMarino,husbandofNaomiLeeMarino.

WemarriedonawhiminCityHall.Noparty.Noguests.Nofuss.Justthetwoofus.Well,andthat

babygrowinginsideme,ofcourse.

“Hey…”Maxsays,kissingmyarmashecontinuestolookoverhispapers.

“Thosearefromyourfather?”It’smoreofastatementthanaquestion,butIalreadyknow.Whatelse

coulditbe?

“Yeah,companythings.”

“Right.”Inod,notreallycaring.“Didyousendallthestaffhomefortoday?”

“Notyet.Donna’sstilluponthesecondfloor,cleaningthebathrooms.Why?”

“Oh…youknow…”Isnigger.

“Well,shetoldmeshe’swearingearbudstolistentosomemusicwhileshecleans,so…ifyouwant

todosomething,nobodywillhear.”

“Good,”Imuse,andIstepawayfromhim.

Ididn’taskbecauseIwanttodosomething.Atleastnotthesomethinghe’sthinkingof.Myideasof

doingsomethingareentirelydifferentandmuchmorepoignant.

IreachintomypocketandtakeoutaknifethatI’vebeencarryingaroundallday,preparingforthis

moment.

“Turnaround,”Isay,andwhenhedoes,hedropshispapersandhisjawtoo.

“Whatareyoudoing?”hegrowls.

Theknifeispointedatmybelly.

“Claimingmyendofthedeal,”Isaywithoutevenasliverofemotion.

“Putthatdown,”hesays,holdinguphishandslikehecandosomethingaboutitwhenI’mclearlyin

control.

“No.”

“Listentome,”hesays,gettingupfromthecouch.“Youdon’twanttodothat.”

“I’lldoitifyoudon’tshutup,”Isay.“Now.Sit.Down.”Ipointatthechairbesideme,rightbehind

thesmalltable.

HedoeswhatIask,slowlystridingtowardit,hiseyeszoomedinontheknife.

“Don’tdoanythingstupid,”Isay,clutchingtheknife.

“Whyareyoudoingthis?”heasks.“That’sourbaby,Naomi.Ours.”

“Exactly.”

“Whywouldyouwanttohurtourbaby?”heasks.

“Idon’t,andIwon’t,”Isay.

“If…”headds.

Obviously,heknowsthere’salwaysanif.

Ipulloutthepapersfrommyotherpocketandplacethemonthetableinfrontofhim,thenIstepback

tomakesurehe’soutofreachoftheknife.

“Yousignedthis.Isignedthis.Thisisourcontract,”hesays.

“Exactly…andinit,itstatesthatyouwillgivemefiftypercentofyoursharesandgivemyparentsthe

otherhalf.”

“Bullshit,”hegrowls,slamminghisfistonthetable.“Thatpartwasonlyviableifyoureceived—”

“Permanentdamage.”Icockmyheadandthentouchmybellywhenhestillhasn’tfigureditout.

“Ababy,”hemutters.“Permanentdamage?”

“Oh,Max…didn’tyourealize?That’swhathappenstoawoman’sbodywhenshegetspregnant.It

changes.Anditneverturnsbackthewayitusedtobe.”

Hisnostrilsflare.“Yousetmeup.”

Ashisposturestrengthens,Ipushtheknifefurtherintomybelly,almostpuncturingmyskin.“Don’t.

Move.”

“Youthreatenourbaby,puthislifeandyoursatstake…forwhat?”

“Fiftypercentofyourshares.Andmyparentsgettheotherhalf.That’sit.”

“You’restrippingmeofallmyshares,”hesays.

“Thinkofitasadowry,”Imuse,smilinglikethecrazymotherfuckerIam.“Now…Ifyoucangrab

thepaperonthebottom,please.”

HedoeswhatIaskandpullsitoutfromunderthecontract.It’sacompletelynewone.Onethat

relinquisheshimofallhisshares.“Signit,”Isay.

Hethrowsmeonelast,angryglancebeforepickingupthepenonthetableandslowlypenninghis

signature.

“Whatwillyoudowithit,huh?It’sjustmoney.Icouldgiveyoutheworld,anythingyouwant.Why

areyoustillunhappy?”

“IjustwantwhatIwant,Max.Takeitorleaveit.”

Rightbeforehewritesthefinalletter,hesays,“WhatifIsayno?”

“Thenyouloseyourchildandwife…justlikeyourbrother.Andwhenthathappens,Idoubtyou’llbe

abletosaveyourselffromthesamefatehemet.”

Hemakesafistwithhisfreehand,buttheotheronesignsthefinalletter,finalizingthedeal.

“Good.Nowgrabyourphoneandcalltheonewho’sinchargeoftheshares.Tellhimtogive

everythingtomeandshowmeproofofthetransaction.”Ipointattheknife.“Then,andonlythen,will

yourbaby…andI…besafe.”

Iwaitbesidehimashemakesthecallandfinishesthedeal.Onceheputsdownthephone,hesays,

“It’sdone.”Thesoundofdefeatinhisvoicemakesmesigh.“Hesentyouacopyofownershipvia

email.”

Inodandslowlybackawayfromhim.

However,Maxchargestowardme,grabsmyarmbeforeIcanevenattempttostrike,andforcesmeto

droptheknife.Heshovesmeagainstthewall,mywristspinnedunderhisstronghands.

“Why?”hesaysthroughgrittedteeth.“Whydidyouhavetodothis?”

“Youknowwhy…”Ihiss.

“Power?Isthatallyouwant?Willanythingevermakeyouhappyenough?”

Mylipsperkup.“Thisjustmight.”

Hisforeheadleansagainstmineinafuriousbattleofwits.“Ijustgaveawaymyentireinheritance.My

rightstomyfather’scompany.Allforababyyouwishedtokill.”Heplaceshishandonmybellyand

squeezesalittle.“I’dratherdiewithyouthanletthathappen.”

Ishakemyheadandsmile.“AndyouhonestlythinkIwouldkillher,”Imuse.

Hefrowns,grindinghisteeth,whispering,“Itwasabluff?”

Iblinkacoupleoftimesandlookhimdirectlyintheeyes.“Doyouknowme,MaxMarino?”

Hisnostrilsflare.“Ishould’veknown…”

“Yes,youshould’ve,”Isay.

“You’vebeenplanningthisforweeks,”hemutters.“Themomentyouwerepregnant,youknewyou

weregoingtodothis.That’swhyyouaskedallthosequestionsabouttheshares.”

“Longer,”Isay.

“Fromthebeginning?”HenarrowshiseyeswhenInod.Heshakeshishead.“Ican’tbelieveit.”

“What?Thatyou’vefinallymetyourmatch?”

Hegrabsmychinandholdsmeinplace.“Thatmyownwifewouldsetmeup.”

Ismirk.“YousaidifImarriedyou,IcouldhaveanythingIwanted.ThisiswhatIwanted.”

Heplantshishandsbesidemeonthewall,trappingmebetweenhisarms.“Thecompany?”

“Power…”Imurmur,seductivelylookingupintohiseyes.“Sweet…delicious…power.”

“Power.Nothingbeatsthefeelingofhavingit,andyoujusttookitallawayfromme,”hewhispers,

inchingcloser.

“Iamstillyourwife,Max,”Isaywithahushedvoice.“Mysharesareyourshares.”

“Butyoujustwantedthemtobeinyourhands,notmine.”

“Exactly,”Imuse,glancingathimashislipsdrawcloser.

“Fuckme,”hemurmurs,hislipshoveringsoclosetomineIcanalmosttastethem.“You’reonecrazy

woman.”

“Andyou’reinlovewithher,”Imuse.“Sowhatdoesthatmakeyou?”

“Insane.”Helickshislips,andthenhekissesme,nibblingmylipuntilhedrawsblood.Thetaste

entersmymouth,andIlaugh,kissinghimback.Iknowhe’llneverleaveme.Hecan’t.Iownedhisheart,

andnow,Iownhisempiretoo.

“You’reafuckingvixen,”hegrowls,hishandsdisappearingundermyshirt.“Butyourilemeupso

muchthatitmakesmewanttofuckyou.”

“Doit.”Ihiss.“Fuckme.ShowmehowmuchI’myours.”

Hishandsroamfreelyacrossmybreasts,andwhenhefindsmynipples,hetwiststhemuntilIsqueal.

“Youwanttobepunishedsobadly?”hemuses.“C’monthen.”Hesuddenlyspinsmearound,pulls

downmyyogapants,andtearsdownhiszipper.“I’llshowyouhowinsaneIcanget.”

Iknowwhat’scomingnext…andIloveeveryfuckingsecondofit.

Epilogue

AccompanyingSong:“TakeABow”byMuse

Naomi

Amonthlater

Ilookatthelettermymomsentmeandsmilebeforecrumplingitupandthrowingitintothefire.Itake

theitemshesentmefromtheenvelopeandtuckitintomypocketbeforeMaxcanseeit.ThenIgrabthe

paperlyingonthecoffeetableinfrontofmeandreadoveritagain,gloatingoverthefactthatitmentions

mynameunderMarino’scompany.

“Areyoucoming?”

IturnmyheadtoseeMaxwalkingtowardme.

“Ofcourse,”Ireply,tuckingthepaperintothepocketofmycoat.

LikeIcouldeverforgetwherewe’regoingtoday.Forthefirsttimeever,I’mmeetinghisfather.

Finally.

Igetupfromtheseatandbuttonmycoat.Walkingpastthepooltable,Ibrieflytouchthegreenfabric

andsmiletomyselfasIrealizethatit’sallminenow.

“Let’sgo,”Maxsaysasheescortsmeoutthedoor.

Thedrivefeelsagonizinglyslowandlong,butinmyheart,Iknowit’swortheverydamnsecond.With

myhandrestingonmybelly,Itellmylittleoneinmyheadthathewillbeoneofthemostpowerfulkidsin

theworld.

“Yourfather,”IsayasIturnmyheadtowardMax.“Doyoutwogetalong?”

Hemakesaface.“Isthisaseriousquestion?”

“Deadserious.”Ifrown.“Behonest.”

“Ihatehisfuckingguts,”hesays,whichmakesmechuckle.“Butheismyfather,”headds.

“Whydoyouhatehimsomuch?”

“Ithinkthatshouldbeclearbynow…shouldn’tit?”hesayswithasmirkonhisface.

“Right.”Inod,andthenIstareoutthewindowagain.

Funnilyenough,whenwe’refinallyatourdestination,it’sthebuildingoppositeofwhereIfirstmet

Max.

Isquintathim,andhelaughslikeheknowsexactlywhatI’mthinkingashegetsoutofthecarand

walkstomysidetoletmeoutlikethechivalrousmanheis.Itakehishand,andhetakesmeinside,into

analmostidenticalcompanybuilding—onlythisoneismuch,muchlarger.Enormouseven,andthereare

somanyfloorstogazeupat,somanypeoplebustlingaround,thatit’simpossibletoguesshowmany

workhere.Iguessyoudon’tgetbillionsofdollarsoutofnowhere.

“Goodday,sir.”Amangreetsus.Heescortsustothegold-coloredelevatorwithredcarpetingand

letsusinside,pressingthebuttonforus.Theluxuryofitallfeelssogoodaswegoupandup…andup.It

neverseemstocometoastop.

Minutespassbeforethedoorsfinallyopen,andthemannodsatustostepout.“Thankyou,”Maxsays.

“Mypleasure,”themanreplies,andhegoesbackdownwiththeelevatoragain,leavingusalone.

Again,onlyonedoorisattheendofthehallway.Itakeadeepbreathandstartwalking.WithMaxby

myside,Ifeelconfident,butwiththisbabyinsideme,Ifeelinvincible.

Withmyheadheldhigh,Istridetowardthedoor,andIdon’tevenknockbeforeentering.

Inaroom,attheendofalongtable,sitsafatmanwithawhite,scruffybeard,smokingathickcigar.

Helooksupfromunderneathhissmallglassesandsetsdownthedocumentshewasreading.“How

niceofyoutoknock.”Heputshiscigardown,andthelittleredboxcarryingmoreofthemdrawsmy

attention.

Ismilewickedly.“Howniceofyoutofinallyinviteyourdaughter-in-lawforafirsttimemeet-up.”

HeraisesonebrowandstaresatMax,whojustshrugs,notcaringaboutanyofit.

“Well,Imustsay,Ineverexpectedthisonetowin,”hemutters,clearinghisthroat.“Outofallthegirls

youcould’vepicked—”

“We’vebeenthroughthisalready,Father.Idon’twantyouropinion,”Maxinterrupts.

“Soyou’rethegirlhewants,huh?”Hisfatherchangespositionsinhisblackleatherchairandleans

backonthearmrest,inspectingmeasifhehasasayinit.“Welcometothefamily.”Hisvoiceisdeepand

ugly,justlikehisface.

“Thanks,”Isneer.

“Notverygrateful,isshe?”hisfathersaystoMax,completelyignoringmypresence.

“Excuseme?”Isay,foldingmyarms.“Youhaven’tevenintroducedyourselfyet.MynameisNaomi

LeeMarino.”

HisfatherfrownsandglaresatMaxforabriefamountoftime.“Alreadymarried,huh?”

“Father,”Maxgrowls.

Heholdsuphishand.“Don’tworry.Igetit.I’vebeenyoungtooonce.”Nowhedirectshisattention

towardme.“NolanMarino.Suchapleasuretomeetyou,daughter-in-law.”Thelastwordscomeoutina

condescendingtone.

“Now…Max,let’sgettotherealreasonwhyyou’rehere,shallwe?”hesays,scootinghischairback

tostandup.Heplaceshishandsonthelongtable.“Tellmewhathappenedtothem.”

“Theyalleitherdiedorleft.”

“I’mnottalkingaboutthegirls.”Hewaveshishand.“Icouldn’tcarelesswhathappenedtothem.”

Theirwholeexistencewavedaway…justlikethat.

“Howcouldyousaythat?Youjustthrewtheirlivesawaylikeitwasnothing,”Igrowl.

“Iwasn’ttheonewhokilledthemorletthemgo,”hesayssourly.“Notthatthat’simportant.Onlyone

wassupposedtobeleft,andthat’sexactlywhathappened.”

“Youintendedforallofthemtogoaway?Whataboutthefiftymilliondollarspromisedtothem?”

“Oh,honey…youdidn’tthinkI’dactuallypayfiftymilliontoallofthegirls?”Hechuckles.“I

would’vekilledthemmyselfifpushcametoshove.”

IlookatMax.“Yousaidwe’dstillgetthemoney.”

“Theydidn’tstayfortheentirethreeweeks,didthey?”Hisfather’slipsquirkupintoadevilishsmile.

“Sothecontractdoesn’tevenstand.”

Grindingmyteeth,IthinkofhowsmartIwasforincludingaclausetosafeguardmyfiftymillion.

Themanpurseshisfatlips.“Now…tellmewhathappenedtoyourbrothers.”

“Wekilledthem,”Isay.

Bothoftheireyesareonmenow,andIcanseetherageinhiseyesbubblinguptothesurface.Itfeels

likegettingashotofheroine…sofuckinggood.

“Theyalmostkilledusfirst,”Maxadds,tosoftentheblow.

Hisfather’shandballsintoafist.“Why?”

Healreadyknewtheyweredead.Wehadalreadytoldhim,butheneverrespondedtoourletter.

“Becausealltheothergirlshaddiedandonlyshewasleft.Theywantedher,butshewasalready

mine.”

Heflopsbackdowninhischairandsighs,rubbinghisforehead.“Soyoujustdecidedtokillthem?”

“Itwaseitherthemorus,”Maxsays.“AndIdon’tregretit.Notevenforonesecond.”

“Soyouwon,”hisfathermutters,andthenheslowlyburstsoutintolaughter.“Thatisjustamazing.”

MaxandIgiveeachotherstrangelooks.NowIunderstandwherealltheinsanityinthebrotherscame

from.Hisfatherisevenworse.

“Youwon,againstallodds.”HisfatherpointsatMaxasifit’ssomesortofsurprise.“Iputmybetson

Anthony,butyouplayedthegamesowell.God…”Hegrinsandbiteshisknuckles.

“You’renotevenalittleupsetthatyoursonsdied?”Iask.

“Iknewitwascoming,”hesays,withashrug.“It’stheonlywaythegamecanend.”

Isuckinabreath.“Onlyonecanwin…sothat’swhatthatmeans.”

“Whatelsecoulditmean?DoyouthinkI’dletallofthemfuckersrunmycompany?No,they’dmakea

mess.”Heslamshishandonthetable.“Mygrandfatherhadtobendoverbackwardinordertosavethis

companyfromthebankruptcycausedbyhisnegligentbrothers.Doyouthinkitwaseasyforhim?No,but

hedidwhathehadtodo,andheknewtherewasnowayforthreementobetheheadofanempirewithout

ruiningit,sohekilledthem.Andthenhetaughtmyfather,andhedidthesame,andsoitgoesonandon.”

Hisrantmakesmesuckinabreath.

“Don’tactsogoddamnuptight,likeyoudon’tknowwhatkindofpowerwe’redealingwithhere,”he

growls.“Thiscompanyistoogreattofall.There’sareasonacountryonlyhasoneking.Thisisno

different.Thiscompanyneedsastronghandtorule.One.Notthree.”

“Haveyoualwaysbeenthisinsane?”Iblatantlyask.

HelooksatmeasifI’mjokingandthenproceedstolaugh.“Ofcoursenot.Myfatherdidthiswithmy

brothersandme,andnow,Ididitwithallofyou.It’showthingsworkinthiscompany.”

IlookatMax,whosays,“It’strue.Myuncleshavebeendeadforalongtime.”

“Toobadmywifediedtoo.”Hisfatherleansbackinhischairwithhisarmsfoldedbehindhishead.

“Althoughmaybethat’sbecauseIwasabitroughonher.”

Iballmyfists,mynailsdiggingintomyhand.“You’reamonster.”

“Why?BecauseIonlywantwhat’sbest?BecauseIgiveonlythewinnerwhathedeserves?”Heslams

hisfistdownonthetableagain.“Letmetellyouthis,lady.Youhavenofuckingcluewhatittakestoruna

companythishuge.Thispowerful.Ittakesmorethanjusthandlingmoney.Ittakescunningskill.Ittakesa

smartmind.”Hetapshisfingersonthetable.“And…ittakesaruthlessperson.Someonewhoisn’t

afraidtoweedouttheunnecessaryanddealwithit.”

“Youmeansomeonelikeyou,”Igrowl.“Someonewhokilledparentstogettheirchildren,givingthem

tostrangersandbribingthemtokeepquiet.”

HiseyesnarrowonceIsaythosewords.

“Yeah,that’sright.Iknow.Iknoweverydirtylittlelieyou’vetold,everyfilthythingyou’vedone.”

“Oh,yes…Ididwhatwasnecessarytogettherightgirlsformyboys.Andyou…areperfect.”Ashe

staresatmynakedlegsunderneathmyskirt,hegrinslikehealreadyownsme.Motherfucker.

“Butallthatdoesn’tmatter,”hesayswithavoicethatmakesmyskincrawl.“Youbelongtoourfamily

now,andnowthatthegameisfinallyover,youcansettle.Haveafamily.Ireadintheletterthatyouwere

pregnant.Congratulations.Exactlyaswewant.”Hisfathersmilesgleefully.“Youcanhappilygrowold

together,havemorekids,andwhenthetimecomes,theycanstartthegameagainanddecidewho

becomesthenextheirtothecompany.Butfornow,let’sgettobusiness.Afterall,withhisbrothersgone,

Maxnowownshalfthecompany,andwhenIdie,itwillallgotohim.”

ForthefirsttimesinceIcamehere,Ismile,andIwalktowardtheman,pullthepaperfrommypocket,

andslamitonthetable.“Wrong.”Ipointatthenameatthetop.“Seethis?Iamtheownerofyour

companynow.”

Ipointatthenumbers,eachindividualshareofthebrothers,whichnowbelongtome,alongwiththe

onepercentmyparentsownedforkeepingquietaboutme…Thatpercentageofsharestheycouldn’teven

touchuntilIwasmarriedtooneofthebrothers...Theexactsamesharesofwhichtheownershipwas

transferredtomeasafinalrequestfrommeforalltheyearstheyliedtomyface.

Themanlaughsandscoffs,“Ridiculous…”Buthestopstalkingthemomenthereadsit.“Wha—”

“Iholdallthepower…andthisgameendsnow.”Withmyotherhand,IpullthegunI’dbeen

concealingthisentiretimeandshoothiminthehead,point-blank.

Hisfacedropstothetable,smudgingthepaperwithhisbloodasIgrinwickedly.

Behindme,IcanhearMaxsucktheairintohislungsasheclutchesthetable.“Youkilledhim…”His

voicefaltersalittle.

“Iguessthere’sonethingyourcamerascan’tdo…andthat’slookinginsidemyhead,”Imuse.I’ve

wantedtodothisforsolong.Iturntofacehimandsay,“Areyouangry?”

Heswallows,pausingtotakeafewbreaths;thelookinhiseyesisuncertainbutrelieved.“No.But…

fuck.”

“Youknowwhyhehadtogo.”Icleanthegunwithmyshirt,meticulouslybrushingallthenooksand

crannies.

“Becauseheputyouinthegame,”Maxsays.

“Youdidn’tthinkI’djusttakethefiftymilliondollarsandbehappywithit,didyou?”Imuse.

“Howdoyouplantogetawaywiththis?”heasks.

“Simple.”Ishovethefatbodyoffthechair,anditdropstothefloorlikeasackofpotatoes.“Wemake

itlooklikeasuicide.”

Maxrubshisforehead,staringatthesceneinfrontofhim.“JesusChrist.”

“Takeapicture.Getyourbaggerstocleanhimup.Writeitoffasamangonecrazyduetolosinghis

sons.Easy.”Ismileandshrug.ThenIplacetheguninhisfather’shandandputhisfingeronthetrigger.

“Sowhatnow?”hemutters.

Icockmyhead.“Whatnow?Well…we’restillhusbandandwife,andwehaveababycomingsoon.”

Maxshakeshisheadslowly.“Areyougoingtokillmetoonowthatyou’vegotthecompanyunder

yourthumb?”

HenevertakeshiseyesoffmeasIgrabtheblackleatherchair,pullitback,andsitdownonit.Istare

himdownandsaywithasultryvoice,“Iwon’tkillyou.Youcanbewithmenow.”Igrabacigarfromthe

redboxandlightoneup.Onetinywhiffwon’thurt.

Withadeviousgrinonmyface,Iadd,“But…onlyundermyterms.Myrule.”

ThenIspreadmylegs,exposingmynakedpussy.

Ialwayslikedgoingcommando.

Cockingmyhead,IwatchMaxgravitatetowardmeanddroptohisknees.

Asheburieshisfacebetweenmylegs,Iclosemyeyesandletmyheaddropback,enjoyingthetaste

ofvictory.Heknowswhat’sneeded,what’srequired,andwithhisfuturerestinginmylap,there’sonly

onethinghecando.

Submit.

###

ThankyousomuchforreadingWICKEDBRIDEGAMES!Itrulyhopeyouenjoyedit.Ifyou

did,pleaseleaveareviewandletothersknow!

CLICKHERETOPREORDERDIRTYWIFEGAMES

AnewstandalonedarksuspenseaboutHyun!

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AboutClarissaWild

ClarissaWildisaNewYorkTimes&USATodayBestsellingauthor,bestknownforthedark

RomancenovelMr.X.HernovelsincludetheFierceSeries,theDeliriousSeries,theStalkerDuology,

Twenty-One(21),UltimateSin,Viktor,BadTeacher,andRUIN.Sheisalsoawriterofvariouserotic

romances.Sheisanavidreaderandwriterofsexystoriesabouthotmenandfeistywomen.Herother

lovesincludeherfurrycatfriendandlearningaboutdifferentcultures.Inherfreetimesheenjoys

watchingallsortsofmovies,readingtonsofbooksandcookingherfavoritemeals.

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