Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

I feel both emotionally and physically drained as I walk up the steps to the Cheer house.

A few people say hi, and I give them a fake smile and a wave back. All I want to do is get inside and see my guys.

I've never felt so defeated. I'm not used to admitting that I need anyone. I've always been the one to take care of myself, always the one to hold things together. But sometimes, I can't do it.

And right now is one of those times.

The house is loud when I step inside, something I'm not used to just yet. Same with sharing a house with all these people. Right now, I miss rooming with Alex. He would hug me, offer to kick James' ass, and then he'd watch a chick flick with me.

"Rylee, I thought you were at Trevor's for supper?" Serenity asks as she comes down the stairs, Alex following behind her.

"We were totally not having sex in your room," he says with a smug as fuck grin, but it falls when his eyes meet mine. "What's wrong?" he asks, a bit of a growl in his tone.

"Nothing," I say, trying to smile, but my voice cracks and my eyes sting.

"Bullshit." Alex comes to my side. "Whose ass do I need to kick? Trevor is my bestie, but so are you. I'll kick his ass if I have to."

"No." I laugh, wiping at my eyes. "He didn't do anything."

"Then who?" Serenity asks, her voice soft. "Because clearly you're upset, and we don't like it."

"It's a long story. But Trevor didn't do anything."

"So, no ass kicking?" Alex asks, raising a brow.

"I wouldn't say that." I laugh.

"Perfect." He nods, grinning. "Tell me who and when, and I'm there."

"Thank you," I tell him, trying not to cry. God, I have amazing friends. Life might want to keep throwing me to the dogs, but at least I have some amazing people to stand by my side. "Are the guys here?" I haven't texted any of them yet, I was in too much of a daze on the way home.

"Mateo and Lennox left a little while ago, but Donny and Colt are downstairs studying."

"Thanks." We hug before I go down to the basement where the guys' rooms are.

When I get there, I find Colton explaining something to Donny. "Now do you get it?"

"I'm sorry, but were you even speaking English?" Donny groans, rolling over onto his back on the bed.

"I'm starting to think you're hopeless when it comes to math."

"Math sucks almost as hard as Lennox does with Mateo's cock."

That has me laughing. Both of them look over to me and Donny sits up quickly. "Cherry?" His eyes search mine. "What's wrong?"

Like a dam, everything breaks. I'm across the room instantly, launching myself into Donny's arms so hard that I end up tackling him to the bed. He falls backward with a grunt.

His arms wrap around me. "Rylee, what's wrong?" he asks me again, and I just start crying into his chest.

Deep heaving sobs leave me as I let out everything I've been holding back for a long time. The last time I cried this hard was at the football game.

Their panicked voices make their way through my crying as they ask what's wrong over and over.

I keep repeating that I'm fine as I continue to cry, showing them I'm anything but. I just can't get the tears to stop. Not until what feels like a lifetime has passed.

At this point, Donny has pulled me up onto the bed and is leaning back against the headboard, propped up with pillows, my body draped over his as I bury my face into his chest.

"I'm sorry," I tell them when I'm finally able to catch my breath.

"Want to tell us what's going on before we go on a rampage to find whoever hurt our girl?" Colt asks, brushing some hair away from my forehead, his eyes filled with worry.

Shifting my position, so I'm snuggled between the two of them, I sigh. "You know how I went to Trevor's place for supper, to meet his parents?"

"Yes…" Colt says slowly.

"Well, you will never believe who his step-dad is." I lean my head against Donny's shoulder.

"Who?" Donny asks. "I swear, if you say Dean Kondom, I'll lose my shit," he growls.

"Eww, God no," I scoff. "No. Not Missi's dad. Nope, just my dad."

"Wait, what?" Colt's eyes go comically wide.

"Yup. Turns out, me and Trevor are step-siblings. How fucked up is that?"

"What the fuck?!" Donny gapes at me. "You're kidding, right?"

"I wish I was," I whisper, my eyes filling with tears again. "It's one thing after another. I'm just done with everything." I bite the inside of my cheek to try and stop the next wave of tears. My head is killing me from the last ones.

"I'm so tired. I feel like shit, and I'm just done with the day."

"Shhh." Donny rubs my arm and kisses the top of my head. "We can talk about all this some more tomorrow. Sleep."

"Are you sure?"

"We're sure." Colton leans in and kisses me softly. "I'm so sorry about tonight. Do you want us to speak to Trevor?"

"No." I shake my head. "He didn't have any idea about any of this. I feel awful leaving him tonight, but I just needed time to think, you know? I hope he doesn't hate me."

"He doesn't," Colton tells me, sounding sure of his words. "He's crazy about you, just like we are. Something like this isn't going to drive him away."

"I hope not," I say sleepily as I snuggle into Donny's arms.

"Wanna watch a movie?" Colt asks.

"If I say yes, will you be offended if I fall asleep halfway through?" I ask, smiling.

He chuckles. "Not at all."

"Then yes, I'd love to."

Rylee passed out within twenty minutes of the movie starting. Colt didn't bother to stay and finish it. He gave her another kiss, then rolled off the bed and went to his room. That was two hours ago, and I can't get my mind to stop racing.

Trevor is her step-brother? Shit, I don't know whether to be shocked or turned on. I mean, step-sibling porn can be hot.

I wonder if he will let me watch them. Maybe we can role-play. Fuck, no, now is not the time to be thinking about this.

My Cherry was really upset, and all I want to do is continue to snuggle her until she feels better.

Maybe I can get up early enough and grab her a coffee and pastry for when she wakes up. Food always makes me smile.

I carefully roll us until I have the blanket covering us and Rylee is my little spoon. I love having her sleep on my chest, but this is more comfortable.

Rylee sighs in her sleep, and I hold her closer to me, breathing in her shampoo. I've missed her, and if I had any say in it, she would never sleep in her new room.

My bed is where she belongs. She keeps the demons away, and I haven't had a good night's sleep in weeks.

My eyes grow heavy and I don't fight the exhaustion.

"Donny, babe, I really have to pee," an angel whispers into my ear before kissing my lips.

"Mmm," I groan, opening my eyes.

Rylee smiles at me and wiggles. She's somehow turned herself into a pretzel. I'd laugh if she wasn't wincing.

"What are you doing?" I mumble and she sighs, pressing on my arm again, trying to move away.

"Donny, I have to pee. I promise, I'll come back," she pleads, and my half awake brain finally clicks.

Releasing her, she dives off the bed and runs to the bathroom in the hall.

Rubbing my eyes, I groan, stretching my limbs, and then take advantage of her getting up.

Falling asleep in shorts is not comfortable. Kicking them to the floor, I sigh. Rylee returns and takes off her clothes before reaching onto the floor, grabbing one of my shirts, and slipping it over her head.

"Damn, Cherry, I love when you wear my clothes," I groan as my dick wakes up.

Rylee laughs and climbs back under the covers with me.

"You okay?" I ask after she flops around on the mattress for the third time with a huff.

"No," she says, facing me. "I can't stop thinking of how much of a clusterfuck my life is. I know I shouldn't be surprised that I'm now dealing with more drama, but I'd started to think that maybe things were on the up."

Lifting my arm, I use my fingers to push her messy hair off her face. It's dark in my room, but even covered in shadows, she's still the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.

"Things are getting better, Rylee. You're here with us now, and I know your dad is a persona non grata at the moment, but you and Trev are adults," I whisper, then gently kiss her.

Sighing, she moves back, placing her hand on my cheek.

"I know. It's just a lot, but right now, I don't want to think about it. You have me alone in your bed for the first time…"

"Say no more, Ma'am," I joke, then kiss her harder, rolling her onto her back until I'm on top.

Rylee spreads her delicious thighs for me and I groan against her sweet lips. She tastes like cherries, and all mine.

Gazing down at her, I wink, then reach for the hem of my shirt and pull it over her head. She may look sexy as hell in my clothes, but Rylee naked is so much better.

Tossing it to the ground, I give her a smile then lean down to kiss and lick her jaw, neck, collarbone, and finally, her perky nipples.

"God, you're perfect," I mumble to them as I smother my face inside her cleavage.

Rylee laughs and I smile, turning to lick and nibble on one, while pinching and playing with the other.

"Donny," she moans, trying to squirm, but I'm not ready for this to be over yet.

Reaching her hand down, she palms my cock through my boxers and I grunt.

"Naughty, Cherry," I scold, looking up at her. "Behave or I'll stop. This is just for you, baby," I tell her before I lick between her breasts, down to her bellybutton, as I inch my way closer to the honey pot.

She smells incredible, and I just want to stay here, in my happy place.

"Donny," she whines, moving again, and I laugh. Leaning closer to her core, I spread her with my fingers and lick her from her ass to her clit, moaning at her taste.

"Mm, so good," I groan, grabbing her hips so she can wrap her legs around my neck. Her toned thighs squeeze my head as if she's trying to make it explode, and I'm loving it.

I'm rock hard, and if I start to hump the bed, I'll never tell.

Eating my girl the way she deserves has to be one of my favorite midnight snacks, and I think I'll need another portion tomorrow night, and the next…

"Donny, fuck…" Rylee moans, and I know she's close.

I shove two fingers between her folds and into her pussy as I continue to lick all the juices and cream from her, enjoying my treat.

"Please, please, please," she pants, and I'm right there with her. My cock is weeping, begging for me to fuck my girl, but not tonight.

Crooking my fingers inside her, I nibble on her clit and moan as she gushes along my lips and chin.

My cock jerks in my boxers and I groan, panting and licking her pussy until it's clean.

My girl is too delicious to waste a drop.

When we both come down, I'm a sticky mess and Rylee is yawning. Stretching her arms over her head, she sighs.

Crawling back up to her lips, I give her a quick kiss, then roll off the bed. I need a shower.

"Get some sleep, I'll be right back," I tell her and she yawns again.

Moving out into the hall, I flick the light on, then look back at my Cherry. She's already asleep, cuddling my pillow, and I can't help but puff up my chest with pride.

She's had a fucked up night, and I did that. I made her happy. Just like she's always there for me, I was able to do the same.

Feeling on top of the world, I whistle all the way to the shower.

I didn't wake up early enough to surprise Rylee with coffee and donuts. In fact, she was the one to surprise me.

Waking up with her lips wrapped around my cock was amazing, and I've been on cloud nine ever since.

I walk my girl to class, giving her a quick kiss at the door, then turn to head to my building.

My chest may still be puffed up, and I have an extra pep in my step this morning. Rylee is the one for me, and now that she's back, I'm going to stay glued to her perky ass.

Walking into Business 101, I take my usual seat in the front. Professor Kingsley enters from a side door and walks to the podium.

She flashes me a smile and I give her a smirk. She's always been flirty, but it doesn't matter now. Rylee owns my dick and heart.

No one else will ever compare.

"Mr. Baros, it's great to have you back this semester. Are you ready for a titillating lesson?" she coos, emphasizing the word tit as she leans over so I can see her red lace push-up bra.

I keep my eyes on hers and she pouts. "Yes, well, you are the best in the business," I joke, trying not to show how uncomfortable she's made me.

I've never gotten predator vibes from her before, but my chest is becoming tight, and I'm beginning to sweat.

"Well, just know that I'm always here for you. Day. Night. Morning…" She gives me a wolfish smile and I feel like I may be sick.

Grabbing my bag, I stand and race up the stairs, ignoring as she calls my name. Reaching the fresh air, I take in some deep breaths and head back to the Cheer house.

I know she didn't really do anything to me, and I probably shouldn't have arrived at her class twenty minutes early, but she brought back memories that I never wanted to think about again.

"Are you ready for your lesson, boy?" he shouts, stomping down the creaky wooden steps into the basement.

I curl up into a tiny ball, hoping and praying that he will change his mind and leave me alone.

The strong odor from his unwashed body and cigarettes overwhelms me, and I can feel the bile rush up my throat.

Swallowing it down, I whimper. The last time I got sick, he beat me and I wasn't allowed anything to eat or drink for days.

"Donny, are you okay?" Serenity asks me as I storm into the house and stumble down the stairs.

My flesh is clammy and I just need my safe space. I need Rylee.

I must have said that out loud, because she pulls out her phone and calls someone.

"I don't know. He doesn't look good. Yeah, okay," I hear her say as she follows me down to the apartment.

I walk in a daze, trying to fight the voices in my head. Moving into the bathroom, I climb into the shower and turn the water on.

That's where she finds me.

"Donny, hey, it's okay," she says, turning the water off and wrapping a towel around me. "You're freezing. Come on. Let's get you out of those clothes." I let her move me like some mannequin.

Once changed, she pulls me onto the bed and wraps us tightly in a blanket cocoon. My body begins to warm and his voice fades.

"Cherry?" I croak, coming back to the present.

"Hey, there you are," she mumbles, giving me a sad smile. Her eyes are red, and I can tell she's been crying.

Sighing, I pull her closer to me, rubbing her back. "Don't cry for me, baby. I'm okay. Just had an anxiety attack."

Pulling away from me, she shakes her head and gives me a stern look. "That was not a simple anxiety attack, Donny. You were mumbling, ‘please, no, not again.'"

My eyes widen and my lips part. Fuck, I know I need to tell her, and I will, but right now I'm too raw. My monsters are trying to break out of the closet, and I need to keep them locked up just a little while longer.

"I love you, Rylee, but this… I just need more time. But you being here… holding me… It helps," I whisper, showing her a little of my vulnerability.

"Okay," she says, kissing my nose and making me smile.

"Never leave me, Rylee Moore," I mumble as my eyelids become heavy. "Just stay," I whisper as my body gives up the fight and sleep claims me.

I just hope my demons don't come out to play again.