As if a man would have been strong enough to save me from this hellhole.
No, I learned quickly my prince was either too drunk or too lazy to show up on his steed. Men bring nothing but disappointment and the occasional orgasm, so I transferred my time and energy to more productive studies.
Martial arts. Engines. Seeking retribution.
There’s only so much time in a day, and with booming investments thanks to my new side business, I find myself occupied from sunup to sundown. Drug dealing isn’t the most glamourous hobby for a girl to have, but it keeps the soles of my heels red and there is nothing I love more than a pair of Louboutin’s.
My darling boy waits patiently by my bedroom door. Wearing a sleek black coat and shoes the colour of rich coffee, Ronan looks nothing like the damaged beast I brought home all those years ago.
“There you are.” Cooing the words, I watch my favourite boy thump his tail against the ground. His diamond collar glitters against his dark fur, the sparkly addition perfect for my baby’s muscular neck.
All big and shiny, Ronan’s size is impressive even for a Doberman. Coming up to my hip, his snout could easily reach my chin if he stood on his hindlegs.
“I missed you, baby.” Letting out a soft whistle, I signal the command for him to leave his position by the door. His big black body bounds over to me, the excitement in his dark eyes making me smile.
He’s everything that a girl could want. Attentive, loyal, obedient and spends his time trying to please me.
Forget the prince. I’ll take the dog.
“Did you miss me too?” A tongue meets my cheek and I laugh, “Oh, I know you did. Come on, mama brought you back a special treat.”
Ronan trots happily beside me as we enter my bedroom. A chandelier hangs from the vaulted ceiling, the glass shards sparkling off the black onyx floors. Long black drapes cover thefloor-to-ceiling windows, the majestic frames sized to display Wolf Hollow in its entirety.
It’s an emotionless room, all mirrors and silver dripping with wealth and privilege that fails to be appreciated the way it deserves. My reflection shimmers as I walk past, my bloodied clothes falling to the floor as I head for the bathroom.
A dash of salt and preppy boy’s tongue gets laid to rest in Ronan’s bowl. He waits patiently for my signal, then gobbles down the piece of human flesh as easily as I ate my protein bar this morning.
My baby and I have a knack for finishing off terrible men.
The hot water melts the forest and lingering flesh off my body, the ends of my hair nearly stained pink. I scrub thoroughly, feeling fatigue for the first time tonight.
Three dead bodies. Only two by my hand.
Closing my eyes, I rest my forehead against the glass and let the steam fill my lungs. Humidity envelopes me, but not even the scorching water can chase away the chill lingering inside.
I don’t know if the other woman made it. She was still crying by the time I left, the body of her sister floating peacefully down the creek.
Death is an act of mercy. A gift to be bestowed to those who deserve it.
The only gift I could give her was a resting place that hadn’t witnessed the final moments of her disgrace.
“I wish you had been there. You could have chased down the old man for me.”
Ronan cocks his head, his ears perked towards the muffled sound of my voice. It's been years since I found him in the forbidden forest, abandoned and abused, but he's been my closest friend ever since.
As sad as that is.
“Are you still talking to that dog?”
The exasperated question has a grin spreading across my face. Turning off the stream of water, I exit the shower and head towards the Arabian princess mocking me from her throne.
“Ronan doesn’t bite back like you do.”
Coming to a stop at the foot of my bed, I tilt my head and admire the miles of brown skin spread across my queen-sized mattress. A ruby glitters from her belly button piercing, the gems decorating her body a tease for the chocolate-coloured nipples and dusty pink lips that rarely curve into a genuine smile.
“Are you calling me a bitch?” Her tone is sharp, borderline threatening.
I grin, climbing onto the bed and pressing my newly showered body against hers, “Yes. But areallypretty one.”
