Mom doesn’t look surprised at the mention of initiation, but why would she? She grew up in Prestwick. Galen’s mom, Alisha, was her best friend, and she was going out with Neo’s brother, who was also a member of The Sainthood. Mom was Neo’s childhood sweetheart, and she would have been with him when he was undergoing initiation from junior to senior level.
The truth is, Mom knows everything there is to know about The Sainthood.
Including the fact Neo is now the leader of the Prestwick branch and president of the entire national organization.
And she thinks it’s a good idea to move him in here and make him my stepfather.
Way to pick ’em, Mom.
Neo smooths a hand up and down her spine, and I shiver at the thought of his touch. I don’t know how Mom can bear him to touch her. I can’t even look at him without wanting to flay my skin from my bones.
If his touch is like his son’s, then you totally get it, my gnarly inner demon whispers in my ear, and I scowl.
Saint notices, misconstruing it as a smug grin crosses his mouth.
I flip him the bird, and his grin expands.
I’m going to enjoy wiping it off his face.
“I thought they’d be good company for Harlow.” Neo continues lying. “She must get lonely in this big old house by herself when you’re away or working late.”
Mom turns to face me. “Honey, are you okay with this?” Her nerves betray her, and I know it’s not just for me. This has her on edge too. I want to tell her I’m fine with this, because I’d rather they were here, letting this play out right under my nose, than sneaking around behind my back planning shit I can’t predict or control.
But I can’t admit any of that, so I stick to the role I’ve created for myself. “No, Mom. I’m not okay with this.” I glare at the guys before forcing my lower lip to wobble. “I didn’t know who they were,” I lie, pushing off the wall and moving toward her with fake upset on my face.
Her brow creases as she eases out of Neo’s embrace. “I don’t understand. What—”
“They’re the guys from the tape,” I blurt, cutting her off. “I fucked all of them. Except Theo although he watched, and he did jerk off on my tits.”
Saint trades looks with his father as Mom’s face pales.
Inwardly, I’m clapping my hands with glee and wondering why I never tried out for drama class because I’m definitely getting a kick out of this.
I know my little charade won’t change anything, but it will throw a wrench in the works, and I’m reacting predictably and naturally, which is most important. Neo doesn’t look ruffled in the slightest, because he knows he’ll talk her around, but I hope she gives him hell for at least a few days.
“You can’t expect me to live with them.” I pout, crossing my arms. “Not after they filmed me without my permission and shared the content online.”
“Did you know about this?” Mom asks Neo, glaring at the boys she was so warmly welcoming a few minutes ago.
“They’re teenage boys.” Neo shrugs, yanking her into his side and flattening his palm against her ass.
My mouth curls up at the corner, and I want to rip him apart every time he touches her.
Living here with all of them will be a true test of self-control and patience. It’s a test I intend to ace, so I relax my features and remind myself they are all getting what is coming to them in time. “I’m sure you remember what we got up to when we were their age?”
“So, you and my mom had group sex with other Sainthood members, and you recorded it without her permission and then shared it with the world?” I plant my hands on my hips as I challenge him.
“No, but we were like rabid bunnies, fucking any chance we got.”
Ugh. That so backfired. “You’re disgusting.”
He smirks. “We’re all adults here, and you seem sexually promiscuous, so I think we can all agree you are overreacting. My boys made you a star. You should be thanking them. I bet you have dudes lining up to pound your cunt since the footage aired.”
My nostrils flare, and anger boils my blood at his disgusting slur.
Mom pushes Neo away, hurt flaring in her eyes. “Neo,” she gasps. “That is completely inappropriate as well as being untrue. Your boys betrayed her trust, and you shouldn’t condone that behavior.” She glowers at all of them, and I silently champion her. “You owe my daughter an apology.” She prods her finger in the air, moving it around them. “All of you.”
“We’ve already explained ourselves to Harlow, Mrs. Westbrook,” Saint says, looking like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. “We weren’t aware Galen’s mom had cameras in that room, and we weren’t the ones who shared it online. We were just as upset as she was when the tape aired.”
