Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

Myrah

T he screen goes black and then he’s gone, and my nerves are now completely rattled. I hope he doesn’t get into trouble and get his phone taken away. I finally have a way to talk to him and see him. It almost makes it feel like he’s here with me. Then again, if he were in this room with me, he’d see me half naked and rubbing all over this teddy bear.

It’s out of control. My desire for Knox is overtaking my body. It’s like I’m possessed. Had we stayed on the phone any longer, I probably would’ve rubbed myself off on the teddy and not given it a second thought. Hearing his gruff voice, seeing his sexy face, along with feeling the plush fur against my sensitive skin was an overwhelming combination. One that was building me up quick.

My phone dings in with a text and I immediately open it, praying it’s Knox telling me he’s in the clear.

Jared: Party at my place tonight. Just a heads-up, Zig will be there. And bring that hot little friend you work with.

So, Zig’s back . I wonder what his excuse will be this time. The last time he disappeared on me it was to go take care of his “dying grandmother” whom I found out had already been dead for seven years. In the process of looking up her name so I could send her flowers, I came across Zig’s mugshot. He wasn’t taking care of anyone. He’d been arrested for vandalizing a church and apparently was too ashamed to tell me the truth.

Stupidly, I forgave him, understanding that he was worried I’d break up with him over it. It was a stupid stunt that he and his buddies pulled when he’d had too much to drink. This time, he left without a word and has been gone for three months. I’ve decided I’m done with him so I haven’t bothered wasting my time on looking up his rap sheet to see what crime he committed this time.

I may have a thing for bad boys, but Knox is right, the company you keep has the power to take you down, and I’m trying to build a name for myself in this town. A brand that people trust. If I’m dating a guy who’s known as a repeat offender, I’ll never get anyone to trust me with their business.

Besides, I promised my stepbrother I was done with Zig. Knox has listened to me cry over the guy one too many times, and he begged me to find someone worthy of my heart. He said I was too good for a jerk who didn’t have the guts to be honest with me. And I know he’s right.

But…that doesn’t mean I can’t go to a party with my friends. And when Rowan’s call comes in interrupting my thoughts, I ask her if she wants to come to the party with me tonight, letting her know that Jared, who’s smoking hot, was asking for her to be there.

“Definitely!” she agrees. “I’ll go anywhere so I don’t have to face my mom and Ryker tonight.”

“Ryker?”

“Yeah,” she grumbles, sounding irritated. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you, but apparently, my mom has a new boyfriend.”

“Another boyfriend?” I’m shocked that the woman can keep landing men, not that they’re ever any good-looking, nor do they stick around for very long, but still. Rowan’s mom is the most horrible woman I’ve ever met. She must have a golden pussy because her personality is vile. Then again, I’ve only ever seen her interact with Rowan, whom she despises. For all I know, Rhonda could be an entirely different person around the men she’s with. Just like my mother.

“Yep. Remember the two guys who were seated in my section on Thursday night?” I try to recall, but we were so busy at the restaurant nothing is coming to mind. But then it clicks.

“Oh yeah, the two older hot guys.” They both were built like drill sergeants. I’m guessing late thirties. Both looked like they were dripping in money based on the way they were dressed. And both equally gorgeous.

“Yeah, well, the older hotter one is apparently dating my mom.” Holy shit.

“Hold the freaking phone,” I practically shriek. “How is that possible? He is like way out of her league.” Seriously, I don’t get it.

“I don’t get it either,” Rowan echoes my thoughts, sounding pissed. “But a few nights ago, I had the joy of listening to them fuck all night long. Then last night he brought dinner over, and my mom threatened me before he arrived so I had no choice but to play along.”

I seriously can’t wait until Rowan graduates and moves into her dorm. She deserves to be free of the bitch. I would’ve let her move in with me, but my asshole stepfather won’t allow any friends of mine to spend the night. He thinks all the “freaks” I hang out with will steal from him. Rowan is the furthest thing from a freak but it still doesn’t matter to him.

“Then, get this,” she says. “Ryker had the nerve to act like he was my dad and practically kicked Hunter out.”

“Hunter?” What the hell is she doing hanging out with that jerk again? That guy doesn’t deserve a second of her attention.

“I know,” she sighs, shame dripping from her voice. “But I was wound up from the whole thing and needed a release.”

I get it. Here I am getting dressed up in one of my sexy little black dresses, thinking that maybe one last good fuck with Zig will cure me of my twisted illness and get me to stop perving on my stepbrother. Though, I’m not sure which poison is more toxic. Getting into bed again with my ex whom I just got over, or lusting over Knox.

“I’m not judging, girl.” After the fantasy I just played out, I’m definitely the last one to judge. “Just know that you deserve better than that rich little prick.”

The jerk has been yanking Rowan around for the last two years. Too afraid to take a girl from the wrong side of the tracks home to meet his parents. Apparently, she’s good enough to fuck but not good enough to be seen with in public. Another reason why I hate this side of town and the snooty people who live on my street. Money outweighs humanity.

“I know I deserve better. Believe me. My heart does not belong to Hunter.”

That’s news. I guess I was wrong in assuming she still had strong feelings for the jerk. Maybe she’s finally over his bullshit and is just using him the same way he’s used her all this time. For sex.

“Shoot. My break’s up, Myr. I get done at nine then just have to swing home to get changed. Do you want me to come get you?”

“Nah, I’ll drive tonight. That way if the creeper cop is out, he won’t spot your car.”

I hate that she’s got a dirty cop tailing her now. But hopefully soon, my brother’s friend will be here to protect her. Which reminds me. “Hey, Rowe. As soon as we hang up, text me that cop’s plate number.”

“Will do. See you in a bit.”

As soon as her text comes through, I shoot the number over to Knox, hoping he’ll be able to find out which dirty cop has been harassing my friend.