Chapter Twenty-Seven

Odette

C harles Whitlock died this morning. He showed up for his appointment alone, without final words for the press. His euthanasia went as planned, and he passed peacefully. I was notified by email.

While the news wasn’t unexpected, I still sat and made peace with it for most of the morning. The weight was heavy, but I wasn’t carrying it alone. I was thankful for the four men in my life; they gave me the comfort I needed... while keeping me excited for what the rest of the day had in store.

It’d been less than a week since I visited the Whitlock mansion. Today was graduation. At three o’clock, I’d walk with my well-earned bachelor’s degree. Truth be told, an engineering degree was useless for what the rest of my life had in store. Still, it was mine, and I was proud of myself.

My bruises had faded into a hideous yellowish-brown color, and the redness and swelling subsided. I wasn’t skilled at makeup outside of mascara, blush, and gloss, so I asked Reesia to help make me look human again. Many people would be in the stands, and I was sure a few reporters would try to interview me.

She was beyond excited to treat me like her personal doll, and I really couldn’t blame her. She always looked perfect, from her delicately blended lashes to each corkscrew curl. She knew how to beautify.

Honestly, I was excited to see her. Somewhere along the line, she became my person. I was grateful she stumbled into my life after never having someone I’d consider a best friend. She understood and related to aspects of my life that my guys tip-toed around. It was refreshing to talk to someone who could joke and make light out of a crappy situation.

“It’s criminal that they make you wear that,” I teased while gesturing to Aiden’s academic regalia...it was a hideously baggy graduation robe. They all had their respective robes, all different colors, with their own honors Cords. I admit, it was impressive, but couldn’t they make more form-fitting robes? These men were shredded—but it was impossible to tell under the atrocious outfits.

“What, does this not turn you on?” He chuckled while lifting his arms which had sleeves that hung in a witchy fashion. “It’s only once a year that we have to drag these things out of the closet,” he tried to give himself some peace. Undoubtedly, the robe would come straight off after the ceremony.

Swinging my legs over the edge of his bed where I sat, I eyed him again. “I guess the black makes your eyes pop,” I complimented. “Other than that... sexless,” I shrugged.

“Ouch.” He placed a hand over his heart and lowered his eyebrows in pseudo-hurt. “Remember you said that, Doll,” he warned with a sly grin.

It’d been relatively dry for the past few days. With my body and ego still in recovery, intimacy was at an all-time low. We still made out and fondled, but that was, unfortunately, the extent of it.

His teasing words held a dirty promise that excited me—and the dick-hungry starved monster between my legs. “Am I remembering that now or later?” I flirted, hoping we could squeeze in a round or two before we had to leave.

Aiden’s hearty laugh filled the room as he pulled the baggy sleeve over his wrist and looked at his watch. “As much as I love to take my time, I think I can make it work,” he smirked before approaching me, unzipping the robe.

For a moment, my brain glitched at his tattooed chest and abs under the ungodly robe. I silently thanked myself for asking him to try it on real quick before he actually got dressed for the ceremony.

“You know, suddenly the robe isn’t so sexless,” I gawked.

“Mhm,” he cockily dismissed. He pulled my knees apart and put himself between them. His hand snaked around the back of my neck, tilting my head up. His lips touched mine, immediately sending a rush of liquid heat between my thighs.

Just when I parted my lips for him to deepen the kiss, the front door’s opening rang through the house. “Odette!” Reesia sang.

Aiden and I both groaned in unison. So close.

“Her timing is impeccable,” Aiden rolled his eyes as he plopped down on his bed beside me.

“Yikes! You look awful—truly, Niko, how are you not ashamed to be seen in that?” We heard Reesia jab, clearly seeing Niko in his robe.

“Have I mentioned that I don’t like you?” Niko responded.

“Your girlfriend likes me,” Reesia teased. “You know, when I put gloss on her lips, I should put it on mine first, then kiss it onto hers. So if she comes down with smeared gloss, don’t be too surprised, pal—”

“Reesia!” I called, laughing and shaking my head at her antics.

“Oh, look at that! Her lips await me,” she said before running up the steps.

Sending Aiden a smile over my shoulder, I left him lying there, thinking of what could have been. I would have found his peeved expression funny, but I felt his pain.

Reesia and I met in the hall, and she rolled her eyes instantly. “Really, this is how you look after getting beat up? I hope you know you’re one of God’s favorites—life is unfair,” she teased as we entered my room.

“This is so pretty!” She gushed over the royal blue graduation cap and gown and the white bodycon dress I paired with it, which were displayed on my bed. “I can work with this,” she wiggled her eyebrows at me.

“Is my eye beyond help?” I asked.

She gently touched my cheek, turning my face from side to side. “I don’t think so; I brought a color-correcting pallet. You might have to have crazy wide eyes to make it look not so squinty. Let me work my magic,” she shrugged confidently.

Magic was an understatement. Besides my slightly squinted left eye, no one would ever know that under all the color correcting and foundation, blotches of my face were bruised.

It was definitely a ‘trust the process’ situation—especially when she pulled out a purple-ish color to correct the yellow tint.

Needless to say, she made me look shiny and new again! “You seriously can’t even tell!” I said in awe, still holding a mirror close to my face as I examined myself. “It just looks like I ate something sour,” I joked, gesturing to my eye.

She sighed with a delighted flip of her golden hair and fell back on my bed. “I’ve got a childhood of experience.”

“I should thank your parents,” I nodded in agreement, still admiring her work on my face. It didn’t even look caked on—which was impressive considering the layers of makeup she used.

She laughed at my sick joke before she sat up. “You should thank me with a smooch. I’m sure Niko wouldn’t mind,” she said loudly, hoping to get a rise out of him.

“Reesia! I’ve got Collin on speed dial!” Niko threatened in response.

“You’re going to give him an aneurysm one day,” I eyed her.

“If I’m lucky.”

I used the last few minutes to put on my dress, white heels, and royal blue cap and gown. It paired well with the white and gold honors Cords. It would’ve looked better if I was able to get valedictorian, which I was snubbed out of.

Despite my perfect GPA and straight A’s, I was still runner-up. Perhaps I would’ve been valedictorian if I hadn’t been distracted for the past three months.

Still, I wouldn’t change a thing. I got something far more precious than valedictorian Cords.

Reesia left after swooning about how pretty I was and how she was living vicariously through me. She wanted to get good seats for Collin, Jamie, and Vincent, who were all coming.

Tonight, we were having a get-together to celebrate Dominic and my graduation. It lessened the damper of my father passing away the same morning.

Descending the steps, I couldn’t help but snicker at my professors. Their robes swallowed them—even the colossal Dominic. Was it some unspoken rule that academic regalia had to fit everyone like a paper bag? Surprisingly, their attractiveness wasn’t overshadowed by the robes. Their handsome faces stole the show, even in the most atrocious attire ever.

“Look at you!” Niko gushed, quick to lift me by my thighs and carry me down the last few steps. “Fai ingelosire le stelle per quanto splendi,” he flirted as his sneaky hand palmed my ass.

[You make the stars jealous of how bright you shine.]

“I definitely bring up the group average,” I smiled, eyeing their robes teasingly.

Wyatt straightened his tassels. “This peak academia fashion, Baby,” he smirked. “Watch it, one more bratty comment, and I’ll start counting syllables,” he warned while pointing a finger at me.

Debating on how bad that would actually be, I contemplated it for a moment. I was a deprived woman—I’d take what I could get... but my chances of survival would be much higher if I behaved.

“There’s one right there,” Wyatt said.

I opened my mouth in confusion. “I didn’t say anything?!”

“You were thinking about it,” he deadpanned.

Was I that transparent? I opened my mouth to drop a snarky ‘whatever,’ but Dominic beat me to the punch.

“Let’s go before you really get yourself in trouble,” he chuckled while making his way to the door.

“I’ll drive you,” Niko insisted.

“There’s going to be a lot of people there—”

“My windows are tinted, and no one will see,” he assured. It was clear that he wasn’t asking.

Obliging with a slight shrug, I got into his car while the others entered their own vehicles. Chances were that the students, staff, and guests would all be too preoccupied with their own celebrations to even notice us get out of the same car. Even so, the school year was technically over...

“How are you feeling, Cari?o? This week has been a lot,” Niko asked as he began driving.

Surprisingly, I cracked a smile at his concern. “I’m okay, actually,” I answered. “I’m excited to graduate, even more excited for the party tonight, and I have absolutely no idea what the rest of my life will look like now,” I chuckled. “But I know it’ll be okay.”

His hand traced patterns on my thigh as he smiled with me. “I have an idea of what it’ll look like.”

Turning towards him, I placed my elbows on the middle console. “Tell me,” I urged, blinking up at him through my lashes.

He looked down at me, and his eyes darkened despite his smile. His caramel eyes flickered from my lips to my eyes as he bit his lip. “You’re going to make me crash if you keep looking at me like that,” he warned in a rasp, still not looking at the road.

Making no change to my expression, I tilted my head in a sultry manner. “Tell me.”

He groaned, looking back at the road. With his attention off me, I snuck a glance at the tent in his pants (beneath the robe). If his hand wasn’t resting on my thigh, I would’ve sworn he turned the temperature up by ten degrees.

Slyly grazing his hand up my thigh, my legs spread further for him, allowing his hand to slip under my dress.

With a hammering heartbeat beneath his fingers, I watched him closely. His tanned skin and sharp jaw flipped my stomach, and all thoughts of graduation vanished.

“I think...” his voice was low as he pushed my panties to the side, making my breath hitch. “You’ll do amazing things.” Two fingers dipped into the growing pool of arousal before slowly—teasingly slowly—pushing them into me. “You’re going to change many people’s lives for the better,” he continued. I watched him greedily, basking in his touch and praise—I was in heaven.

My hips greedily rolled into his palm, pushing his fingers further into me. “And...?” I urged, my voice coming out as a pant.

Niko was clearly struggling to focus on the road as he continued to glance at me. “And you’ll look damn sexy doing it,” he answered.

His fingers weren’t enough—not after a week of nearly no touching. The strained bulge in his lap had my full attention as I plotted. “Can you pull over?” I asked, my intent clear to both of us.

A look of surprise spread across his features as he turned to me. “We’ll be late—”

“We’ll be quick.” I reached over and palmed him through the fabric, earning a groan from him. “Please?”

Still on the vacant road, Niko jerked the car to the side to a screeching halt. “Get on top,” he ordered. He began unzipping his robe, leaving it open on either side as he pulled his jeans down to his thighs.

Following suit, I matched his eagerness and lifted my dress up my hips, pulling my panties down my legs.

My mouth watered as his dick sprang to life, free from his boxers. It’d been a while since he’d gotten off—and it showed. His dick had a thick vein running down the middle of it, and he was practically pulsing in his hand.

“That’s right, Baby, it’s all yours,” he grabbed my thigh, pulling me over the middle and onto his lap. “You wanna ride this big cock?” He teased, his lips brushing against mine as I hovered over him.

Speechless, I nodded as he positioned the tip under me. “Yeah? You wanna get that pretty pussy off before graduation? Such a good student,” he pecked my lips. Unexpectedly, he gripped my hips and forced me down onto him. His dick plunged into me quickly and without warning.

I cried out at the ache in my groin, feeling like he was buried in my guts. “Slowly,” I begged through my teeth.

“No,” he placed another kiss on my lips. His words sent a bone-chilling shiver down my spine. He thrust up into me hard, over and over again. It was too much too soon—I was used to them starting slow, giving me time to adjust to their size. Niko clearly didn’t have the patience for that today.

His strong arms lifted my hips as if I weighed nothing, continuing to slam into me. “Hear how wet you are? Did your pussy miss being fucked like this?”

My whimpers turned to moans as I held onto the handle on the roof for support. “Mhm,” I hummed my answer.

“So desperate for cock that you’re willing to be late on graduation day with so many people in the stadium just for you ,” he slapped my ass harshly. “I don’t know if that’s worthy of a prize or punishment,” he moaned.

“Prize,” I quickly panted. “You wouldn’t punish me for getting you off, would you?” I manipulated.

A deep groan left his throat as he pulled my hips towards him, hitting a spot that made my legs shake. “Never,” he agreed with half-hooded eyes. “But for being so devilish... in public... in a time crunch...” he grilled with each thrust.

“If I weren’t so devilish , you wouldn’t be fucking me right now—you love it,” I smirked.

“God, I fucking do,” he agreed before his lips crashed onto mine. His tongue greedily tangled with mine.

My orgasm was approaching fast, and so was his. “You’re going to limp across that stage with my cum leaking out of your pussy. Everyone’s going to see what a perfect little slut you are for us.”

My eyes rolled back as a leg-shaking, mind-numbing orgasm ripped through me. Niko wasn’t far behind as his hips animalistically ground into mine, filling me with his seed. “Fuck,” he panted. “You’re squeezing every last drop,” he squinted his eyes shut and leaned back, enjoying the pulsing of my core as I came.

We both took a bit to come down from our high. “You made a mess,” I observed quietly, looking between us at his sticky crotch. His cum was seeping out of me, even with his dick fully inside me.

Taking a deep breath, I felt exhausted as I leaned back—only for the horn to make an awfully loud honk. I shrieked once, jolting back up straight.

Niko laughed at my absentminded clumsiness, shaking his head playfully. “Can I say it now?” He asked.

It took me a second to realize what I meant. I finally didn’t look like a blobfish... but I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of saying it first. “I love you more,” I smiled down at him.

A dazzling smile broke out across his face as his eyes lit up. “That’s impossible,” he said matter-of-factly. “I’d actually like it noted on the record that I fell first. Back when the other three were hesitant about their feelings, I knew you were meant to be ours,” he admitted.

“Maybe you’re just obsessed with me?” I teased.

“Entirely,” he agreed, placing another lingering kiss against my lips. “Sore?” He asked as he pulled out of me, cleaning himself and me off with clean napkins he had in the middle console.

I winced while maneuvering back to the passenger seat. “Very,” I sent him a doe-eyed look. “Did you actually try to give me a limp?” I accused.

He smirked in response before beginning to drive again.

Sure enough, that jerk gave me a limp, completely for his own sick pleasure. Truthfully, I could tough it out long enough to walk normally around the crowds, but it was uncomfortable.

I’d also be lying if it didn’t turn me on. It was like he stamped ‘Niko was here’ on me, advertised by my wonky walk.

The speeches were over, and it was almost my turn to collect my diploma and shake the dean’s hand.

Some reporters were in the crowd, but security shooed them away. Reesia, Collin, Jamie, and Vincent were also present and sat in the front row of the stands. I waved to them when my row stood to walk.

During the speeches, Dominic was given a special acknowledgment for his years of service and achievements and a warm farewell to his next career. I think he was caught off guard by this, as he cracked a rare smile in front of the entire graduating class.

He and my other professors stood in a lengthy line that wrapped around the graduating class. They were ready to shake the students’ hands and bid their farewells as we passed by with our diplomas in hand.

“Chelsea White,” the announcer called the woman in front of me for her turn to walk.

I took a deep breath, preparing to take that first last step. Unless it was from my guys, I really hated attention. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing I wasn’t valedictorian after all.

“Odette Whitlock.”

My feet moved by themselves, and I chuckled as Reesia practically screamed bloody murder for me. I only glanced at the stands once, wanting to preserve my composure. Seeing all the eyes on me was nerve-wracking, to say the least. Reesia was literally standing, jumping with her hands in the air. Jamie and Vincent let out some hoots and whistles, and Collin politely clapped with everyone else.

Just as I reached the dean, I sneakily looked past him at my professors. My heart melted at their proud smiles and looks of adoration that only I could pinpoint.

“Miss Whitlock,” the dean greeted as she reached for my hand. “We’re very proud to call you an alumni. If there’s anything you need in your future endeavors, you have the university’s full support,” she winked.

“Thank you,” I said, taking my well-earned piece of paper in a case, shaking her hand, smiling for the picture, and walking away (hiding my limp).

That was it? All the homework, stress, effort, and time for a ten-second handshake. Oddly enough, it was worth it. I wasn’t expecting anything more, but I was surprised at how easy and quick it was. My education and time at the university were officially over.

“That’s my girlfriend!” Reesia shouted as I passed by the group on my way down the line.

I blushed and subtly shook my head at her before nervously laughing. She was crazy. If the sneaky reporters in the stands were listening, the world would think I was a lesbian tomorrow.

That wouldn’t be the worst thing. Over a third of the population would leave me alone and stop trying to pursue me romantically. Maybe, just maybe, she was an evil genius.

It was then that I noticed the fierce shaking of cowbells in the crowd. Braving through my nerves, I looked up into the stands, seeing none other than Pops and Mama. They were on the very top row, standing up, ringing the cowbells, and cheering like... hilbillies. Wonderful, noisy, loveable hillbillies.

My heart swelled as I laughed and waved at Wyatt’s parents. The lump in my throat was strange—I wasn’t sad; I was overjoyed. I had no idea if Wyatt had invited them or if they’d come themselves. Knowing them, I bet the latter.

“Way to go, killer!” I heard Chester holler over the crowd.

“Woo! Go, Dotty!” I faintly heard across the bleachers. My attention flicked to the voice, knowing only one person ever called me Dotty.

In the middle of the stands, Anthony and his parents stood clapping, smiling excitedly down at me. They waved enthusiastically when they saw they’d captured my attention, and I couldn’t help but cheese back at them as I waved. They drove over two hours for 10 seconds...

I’d always thought it was hard to love people—that love was scary and made-up. Looking around the crowd, I loved so many people effortlessly. Not only that, I realized how fortunate I was to have so many close friends and family .

Making my way down the long line of professors, I politely shook their hands. I took a few extra seconds with professors who’d put in some extra effort with me over the years. I completely walked past Mr. Ridley when he came up, and he seemed to understand as he couldn’t even look at me.

Finally, I got to my professors. My back was facing everyone else as I excitedly wiggled my diploma. “I’m like so smart now,” I joked in a valley girl falsetto.

Aiden was the first to reach out to shake my hand—having to play it cool, of course. “Yes, you look exceptionally smart,” he casually complimented. He reached out and touched one of my honors cords. “One for each limb,” he said in a hushed tone.

Limb? I barely had time to express my confusion before I stepped away to Dominic. “Congratulations, Darling,” he whispered in his low tone.

I grinned at his boldness, shaking his hand, surprised that he was so warm with the chill in the air. “And to you too, Sir,” I teased before stopping in front of Niko. Out of the corner of my vision, I saw Dominic crack a smile at my endearment. I knew he’d love it.

Niko clicked his tongue. “Not even a single limp for me, Miss Whitlock? I must admit, I’m disappointed,” he teased, putting on a fake formal hushed tone.

I shook my head at him and smiled as I shook his hand. “I hate you,” I lied.

“She said with a satisfied smile,” he narrated.

“Limp?” Wyatt joined in. “Is that why you were late?” He discovered, sending Niko a pointed look.

“It wasn’t my idea,” Niko whispered back defensively.

Wyatt smiled down at me. “It was a pleasure having you,” he declared loudly, gently taking my hand before shaking it.

My lips subtly parted at his bold innuendo. Dumbfounded, I just whispered his name in a gentle scolding as I continued on to the less important professors.

“Congratulations!” Anna was the first to find me in the growing crowd. She was here for her brother, but she and Henry stopped to say hi and congratulate me. “The local news has been crazy. How are you holding up?” she asked, referring to Charles’ passing.

I gave her a dismissive, closed-mouth smile. “I’m okay, but I’ll miss playing with you,” I admitted while touching her arm. I was sure I’d be too busy figuring out how to be the face of a dozen companies to play on a team.

“I thought you only played with me?” I turned to Reesia and my other friends, who approached.

Henry waved at Tristan after spotting him in the crowd. Anna awkwardly smiled at Reesia, looking slightly intimidated by Jamie, before she squeezed my hand. “Call me sometime, okay?”

I nodded and waved as they left to congratulate Tristan.

“Have you no shame?” I asked Reesia while laughing.

“None,” she sadly shook her head.

“Unfortunately, that’s true,” Jamie commented. “Congrats, Cupcake,” she smirked. “I’ve got a gift for you in my car,” she vaguely stated.

My brows lifted in surprise. A twinge of guilt hit me. Her being here was plenty; she didn’t need to give me a gift... “Oh, you didn’t—”

“Stop. I say for you very loosely,” she ordered. Her words only added to my confusion.

Reesia gently poked her husband. “Say something nice,” she instructed.

Collin eyed me for a few seconds. Just as I began to feel awkward in his silence, he spoke. “Congratulations. I’m glad they found you,” he said, and I could hear how happy he was for his friends in his calm tone. “But,”

Uh-oh.

“You should know. If they ever screw up, I promised Reesia she could have you—”

“I’ve got dibs?” Jamie gently shoved Collin’s shoulder. “Literally from day one, I said if they fuck up, I call dibs,” she defended.

Vincent stepped up, holding a finger in the air. “I don’t have any claim, but I’d also like to be put on the ‘if they fuck up’ list,” he smirked.

My eyes were wide as I blinked at them. I’d laugh, but they were completely serious. Especially Reesia, as she was shooting daggers at Jamie and Vincent.

“There is no list,” I gently told. They wouldn’t ‘fuck up’. I said I was theirs, and I meant it. “I really hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I’m pretty content with where I am,” I chuckled.

Niko and Aiden suddenly appeared. Niko flicked Reesia on the arm. “Back off my girl, Reese,” he warned.

“We leave her alone for two seconds, and you attack like wolves,” Aiden gently scolded.

My attention was caught abruptly as two arms wrapped around my shoulders from behind in a bear hug. I huffed out a breath in surprise at the woman’s death grip but smiled despite my bruises being tender.

“Well, don’t you look fancy,” Wyatt’s mom chimed as she released me, and I turned around to face her and Pops. She flicked a haywire lock of my hair behind my back. “Just as pretty as a peach,” she gushed in her southern swang.

Pops roughly pat my shoulder twice, “Good job, kid.” He held up the graduation pamphlet and pointed at it. “Your name’s all over this thing, smarty pants—good readin’,” he chuckled.

“Thank you for coming... and bringing the bells,” I said bashfully, jokingly gesturing at the pair in his hand.

“Ha! Ain’t those the most obnoxious thing you ever heard?” He wiggled them once, causing a few people to glance our way. “You shoulda seen how red you got. The graduation bells are our favorite family tradition. You kids always turn as red as a fire hydrant,” he nodded, proud of himself.

Aiden leaned back, peeking at Pops from behind me. “Yeah, especially when you shout ‘Get that man a beer , everybody cheers ...’ while shotgunning a beer in the front row,” he cringed. He turned to me and mumbled, “I graduated indoors.”

I about snorted, covering my mouth as I imagined the eye roll Aiden must have done.

“You loved it, don’t get your knickers in a twist, Aodhán,” Pops smirked.

Aiden’s eyes got comically wide as a faint blush spread across his nose. He was more than surprised; he was caught off guard and frazzled. His eyes shifted between the group of people as if hoping none of us heard what Pops had called him.

“Aodhán?” Jamie snickered.

“Shut the fuck up,” Aiden whispered at her through his teeth quickly.

“Oh, was I not supposed to mention that?” Pops grinned mischievously. “Sorry, bud,” he gave him a firm shoulder pat before giggling as he walked away toward Wyatt. Mama was shaking her head at her husband’s antics as she followed, saying a quick congratulations to me again as they left.

I widened my eyes. “Your name isn’t Aiden?” I finally caught on.

“It is,” Aodhán snapped, clearly hating his birth name. He shook his head at our amused expressions. “Not a word,” he warned, holding up a single finger.

I smirked, making a mental note that if I ever needed to get under Aiden’s skin—a nearly impossible task because of his mind-reading abilities—I knew just what to say.

A gentle tap on my shoulder grabbed my attention as Anthony and his parents greeted me.

“Hi, Sweetheart,” Tony’s mom hugged me. I made you this; I know it’s your favorite,” she handed me a loaf of sourdough bread in a plastic bag. She was famous for her recipe. I hadn’t had it in years since I lived at the Whitlock mansion.

“Thank you so much, Mary-Anne,” I gushed, holding the bag to my chest like it was gold—it might as well have been. “I can’t believe you drove all this way,” I smiled at the three gratefully. “It means a lot that you’re here, thank you.”

Mary-Ann gave me a sad smile in return. “When Tony said he was coming down to see you, we invited ourselves. You’ve always been like a second child to us; we wanted to make sure you’re okay on this somber day,” she ran her thumb across my hand warmly. Oh right, Charles... “But I’m glad to see you’re doing just fine,” she gestured to the group of friends behind me.

“Congrats, Odette,” Tony’s dad, Enrique, smiled. “We won’t keep you for long. If you ever need anything, we won’t be far,” he offered before they gave me another hug and left.

Tony stayed behind and gave me an awkward hug. “I’ve got something for you. It’s not a great graduation gift,” he humorlessly chuckled. “It’s actually from all of us who worked at the estate,” he pulled a blue folder from his coat.

I furrowed my brows at it and looked back up at him. “What is it?” I asked, hesitantly taking it from him.

He scratched the back of his neck. “Witnesses. Statements from us and some of the things we saw while working for Charles,” he stammered quietly. “I don’t know if you want it or will ever feel the need to use it, but if you ever want to tell the truth—”

“Sell it, Tony.”

His eyes narrowed, and his brows fell in confusion. “Huh?”

“Sell it,” I repeated. I gestured to the reporters who were being blocked by security the university had hired for the event. “Any one of them would pay an... assload for any kind of report about Charles Whitlock or myself right now,” I explained.

“It’s not mine to sell, Dotty. I couldn’t,” he gently shook his head.

“I’m giving you my permission. With the money Charles left you and what you’d get for this, move somewhere tropical. Your parents could build one of those giant outdoor kitchens that they’ve always wanted. Please, for me. Sell the story to the highest bidder.”

It was quiet between us as Tony pondered over my request. “You don’t even want to look?” He asked, beginning to open the folder.

I clamped my hand around it and shook my head. “I was there. There are much worse things he let happen that aren’t in any folder,” I mumbled. I pushed the folder toward him. “Take it,” I insisted. “You’d be doing me a favor,” I added with a smile.

With a sheepish head tilt, he nodded, taking the folder back. “If you’re sure...” He straightened his posture and took a breath, looking less serious. “I know you’re about to be busy with taking over and whatnot, but call me, okay?” He chuckled to himself, “So I can tell you all about the kitchen from our private island,” he joked.

“I’ll visit. This bread will last me an hour at most. If I don’t visit your mom, I’ll starve ,” I grinned. I gave him a small hug as he laughed. “Bye, Tony.”

“Bye, Dotty.”

“Ready to go?” Aiden asked me, watching as Tony caught up to his parents.

I nodded. The crowd of people was dwindling as everyone started to leave. I waved to our friends and gave Reesia a hug. “See you in a bit!”

“Wait—come to my car real quick,” Jamie reminded.

“Oh, right!” I turned to Aiden and Niko. “I’ll meet you at your car, okay?” I smiled.

“Don’t fall for her traps,” Aiden warned.

Jamie led me to her car, assuring me she had no traps or schemes. She stopped by the trunk of her SUV and took a breath. “I never do this without asking, but something came up the night you went to the club. We had to pull some security footage, and I saw this moment...” she shrugged as if slightly embarrassed by her words. “I froze the frame, enhanced it, and had it printed,” she said before opening the trunk.

A white sheet covered a large canvas frame. She pulled it back to reveal a black-and-white photo of the five of us at the club. It was from when we’d first walked in. I was holding Wyatt and Niko’s hands while they looked down at me. Even then, the love was more than noticeable in their gaze. Dominic stood to the side, looking straight ahead like he was ready to stare a dagger into anyone who glanced at me the wrong way. Aiden looked similar, only he was looking directly at the security camera, his brows low, and a slight smirk.

“Was this planned?” I asked, gesturing to the still frame.

Jamie looked surprised herself. “No. I don’t know how Aiden’s brain works, but it’s very him to be looking into the security camera like that. I rarely have to pull footage from the club.”

I looked down at the photo again, admiring the details of it. They were all in suits, looking exceptionally handsome. I was in my elegant hooker lingerie, showcased in sparkling diamonds on my waist and thigh. I looked gorgeous—even with the fearful, doe-eyed look.

Everyone’s personalities were captured in one perfect photo.

“I’ll burn it if you aren’t okay with it or don’t like it,” Jamie promised. “But if you do... I’d really like to put it on my wall, or you can have it,” she requested.

I couldn’t help but feel that this picture didn’t exactly fit in with her collection. None of us were naked or doing anything sexual—despite my almost naked body. “No offense, but is this your...style?” I asked in a high voice.

She laughed. “This is my favorite piece—also the most modest I’ve collected,” she admitted. “When I saw it, I knew I had to have it or at least show it to you,” she said. “This photo embodies what it’s all about, Cupcake.”

Movement caught my eye, and I saw all four of my professors walking across the lot. When our eyes locked, each gave me a charming and excited smile.

I looked back down at the photo and smiled. “You can have it.”

Jamie’s lips lifted as she tried to hide her excitement. She was definitely expecting me to say no. I loved the photo and how it captured us.

She cleared her throat. “You know, I name all my pieces,” she started. “I was thinking Heiress has a nice ring to it?” She asked.

I looked back to my guys and slowly shook my head. “No,” I disagreed. I may have been an heiress to the world and on paper, but I was never an heiress to them. I certainly wasn’t an heiress in the photo or that night, not to mention I didn’t care for the term.

As I watched them approach, Aiden’s earlier words dawned on me. I had four tassels, one to tie and bind each of my arms and legs.

Excitement rushed through me as I smiled at them before looking back down at the canvas. No, heiress wouldn’t do at all. I knew who I was and who I preferred to be with them. “ Plaything .”