Page 22 of With This Mask

"I know what is expected of me,” Alec says coldly. The irritation in his voice clear even through the door.

“And I expect you to give Victoria some attention,” he says. And with his words, my stomach drops.

Victoria. Dammit. My stomach sinks just at the mention of her name. The entire world knows Alec Vanderholt is expected to marry her some day. Their families have been partnered in business since the dawn of time, and it’s all but an arranged marriage.

Alec may have assured me he has no interest in her, but the rest of the world seems oblivious.

“You seem to be under the delusion that Victoria and I are going to magically fall in love, when there’s never been a spark in the six years you’ve been trying to shove her down my throat,” Alec counters through what sounds like clenched teeth.

“No one said anything about love, son,” Mr. Vanderholt replies coldly.

My heart is thundering.

Alec and I said no strings attached. This is about exploration and rawness. I have no claim on him, and he has no claim on me. But the thought of Alec being with Victoria? My blood turns lava hot.

“You know what is expected of you,” Alec’s father says calmly. “Have your fun while you can, son. We all know what must be done in the Vanderholt name eventually.”

"Look, I'll be there at the gala,” Alec says sharply, trying to change the subject.

"Is it too much to expect a little enthusiasm?" Mr. Vanderholt retorts, and I can almost see the look of exasperation on his face. "This isn't just about you, Alec. It's our legacy."

"Legacy" seems to be the magic word that gets under Alec's skin, and I can't help but feel a flicker of sympathy for him. I know what it's like to have your entire future mapped out for you, but at least I chose my map. Alec, it seems, has had little choice in the matter.

"Whatever," he mutters, and I can tell he's biting back something more scathing. "What else do you want from me?"

"Actually," Mr. Vanderholt says, his tone shifting to something more casual, "I thought we could order dinner."

"Great," Alec replies tersely. "Just what I needed."

As they continue to talk, I finish dressing and cast a glance around the room, searching for an exit. I can't stay here any longer – it's only a matter of time before Alec's father discovers my presence, and that's a confrontation I'd rather avoid.

My eyes land on the window, and to my relief, there’s a sturdy looking fire escape. I tiptoe over, careful not to make a sound, and ease the window open as silently as possible.

I wince as I step out onto the roughly textured metal. My shoes are by the front door, and I pray Alec’s father didn’t notice them. But it leaves me making my escape barefoot. Talk about a walk of shame.

But as I slip away from Alec's apartment, I can't help but feel a rush of adrenaline. I just got brought to the best orgasm of my life on a rich boy’s kitchen island, and then snuck out his window.

So much for Salem Winters being the timid, innocent little girl.

chapter nine

The morning sun streams through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow over the empty desks. I'm here early for once, determined to get ahead on our project.

"Hey," says a familiar voice, pulling me from my thoughts. I look up to see Alec standing in the doorway, a pair of shoes dangling from his hand. My shoes. The ones I'd had to abandon at his apartment when sneaking out the window last night.

"Thought you might want these back." He smirks, setting them on the table beside me. "Sorry you had to play cat burglar."

"It's alright," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant. "I kind of liked it, actually."

"Really?" Alec raises an eyebrow, that knowing smirk still plastered on his face. "You're full of surprises, Winters."

"Likewise, Vanderholt." I shoot him a teasing smile. “I got thinking about it later, and I wondered, what did you do with my… gift? I realized I didn’t have it as I hid in your room.”

Alec licks his lips and smiles. “I found it laying on the floor, right beneath where I made you come all over my counter. If Dad ever saw it, he didn’t say anything.”

“You’re not serious?” I say as my face goes cold and slack.

Alec looks thrilled as he nods. “Dead serious. That was a first, having to subtly get a dildo out of view. I washed it, wrapped it all nice for you. You’ll need it for practice later.”