Page 10 of Stolen Bride
“That’s right.” He wrenches my arm downward, releasing it violently, sending pain through my shoulder. I yelp, but I don’t shed a tear because I can’t let him see me cry. I learned a long time ago that he enjoys it too much, and I’m done giving him the pleasure.
“We’ve got to get going. Gracie’s parents are pretty strict about people coming to their house after eight,” Camille says, defusing the situation.
“Okay. Run along and have fun.” I follow my stepsister and Gracie out of the house with our bags.
Gracie gives me a stare of sympathy, but Camille rolls her eyes and says, “She knows her place, and yet she does things to get herself in trouble.” She always acts like I deserve it, too.
I don’t say a word because all I want is to go out and get wasted, forget about what my life will be.
“So, how are we getting out of your house?” I ask Gracie as she drives us away from my stepfather’s home.
“My parents aren’t home. They’re in Bali on their second honeymoon. Tonight we’re going to my brother’s club, and he’ll let me in because I’ll behave, but that means we’ll be closely watched by his men.” She gives my stepsister a warning glance, and I wonder if there’s going to be a problem.
“He’s not going to rat us out, will he?” I ask, hoping that we don’t get caught.
She scoffs. “My brother doesn’t snitch. Although, he might send us home if we get out of hand, so we have to at least behave, which means no fucking guys in the bathroom, Camille.”
I pretend that I’m not shocked about that little bit of information. I had no idea that my stepsister was having sexwith men let alone in bathrooms. “It was one time. Geez, I don’t know why your brother doesn’t like me.”
“He has rules, that’s all.” As we drive on, a realization strikes me. She’s not doing this for me at all. Camille can’t get into the club without a good reason after burning her bridge with Gracie’s brother, and now I’m the reason. We get to Gracie’s house, and she leads us up to her bedroom. “Leave everything here and change. I’ll do your makeup soon. Just let me change.” Within two hours, we’re ready to leave.
“Okay, we’re going to be on our best behavior,” she says, giving Camille a warning. She looks at me and whispers, “You can have fun.” She tosses me a wink before sliding into the back of the car with her driver taking the lead.
Anxiety fills me as we get closer to the club. I have never been out of the house other than to school and back in so many years, and definitely not to have fun. I’ve defied so many rules tonight that I know I’m gonna be punished heavily, and yet the excitement inside me grows.
The second we pull up toBody Count, the driver opens the door for us. Gracie exits first, followed by Camille, while I step out last, tugging at the hem of my short dress. Gracie grabs my hand and leads us to the front of the line. The security guard outside the club recognizes Gracie and smiles. “He’s not gonna be happy that you’re here… with her.” His gaze lands on my stepsister. But then his eyes fall to me and he adds, “But who the hell are you?”
His stare lingers too long, enjoying every inch of my figure, and that annoys Camille. “She’s engaged, jerk.”
“I don’t see a ring.” He pointedly glances at my bare fingers.
“That’s because she’s out to have one last night of fun. Keep trouble away,” Gracie warns him with a tip of her chin and an arch of brow.
He scoffs and glares right at Camille. Damn, she must have a really shitty reputation here. “You brought trouble with you. You’re lucky you are the boss’s sister.”
He lets us through, smiling at me one more time. I nervously enter the club and am bombarded with loud music that drowns out all thoughts.
Camille drags me straight to the bar, which isn’t legal, but she’s obviously not one to follow rules.
“Oh, no. Boss told me you were off limits, girl.” The woman looks at me and says, “Never seen you before.”
Her earpiece blinks and then she steps back, holding up a finger for us to give her a moment.
“Ugh, seriously. I need a drink,” Camille complains.
Immediately a man slides in between us, facing me. “Hey, beautiful. I’ll buy you whatever you want.”
“Okay,” she answers.
His eyes land on me, lingering longer and more lecherously than the doorman. “I was talking to your friend.” I’m not interested, but I am thirsty.
“If you buy her one, I need one too,” Camille says, pouting at him.
“Sure. Anything for a pretty face.” He hasn’t taken his eyes off me. Another bartender appears, and he gets us a drink quickly. The guy takes it and then slides it into my hand. “Here you go, sexy. You need to loosen up.”
I’m not sure I can do it, but Camille tells me to relax and hands me hers, telling me it’s sweeter. “Hold your nose and drink it down in one gulp.” I do, and although it tastes a bit funky, it’s not terrible. This will be my only time getting wasted, so I might as well enjoy it.
“Wow, sweetheart. Slow down or I’ll be carrying you over my shoulder tonight,” he whispers against my ear. His hot breath turns my stomach, and I want to shove him away.