“Of course.”
“Because of her.” A grin finally cuts across his face.
“Definitely.” My smirk is sharp.
I’d never step foot in a place like that on my own. But she’ll be there. And I’ll sit through the whole charade just to watch her blush when she catches me looking.
Chapter Four
Autumn
“The photoshoot was amazing. The club is gorgeous, so fancy and sexy.” Viviana laughs on the other side of the phone.
“Can’t wait to see them!” She chuckles. Viviana has been so supportive, kind, understanding, and protective. She kept texting me during the shoot to make sure Flynn and Kaden were behaving. I told her I barely saw Flynn. He was there to open, and then when it was done, I’m guessing he stayed in his office.
“I’ll send you some later tonight.” I’m already opening my computer, excited to work on them as soon as possible.
We say our goodbyes and end the call. I take a deep breath, but chills run down my spine.
Flynn is imposing, and the way he spoke to me today was different from the times he did at the Callaghans’ estate. There was the ghost of a smile on his face when he said he was going to the charity gala.
My phone vibrates, and I pull it out of my bag.
You are mine.– Unknown Number.
I freeze. My entire body locks up, hands shaking so hard I almost drop the phone. I can’t breathe. My heart pounds against my ribs like it wantsout. How did he find me? I was careful. I rented this place under a fake name. My phone is new. Nothing links me to my old life. How did he…
Your flower belongs to me.
Another message. My knees give out, and I collapse onto the chair. My hand clenches so hard around the phone that I hear the plastic crack.
No. No. My flower? The words crawl over my skin like something rotten. He knows. Is that what he’s after? My virginity? Is that why he kept every man away from me? Why they all ghosted me? Because he wants to be my first? Because he is sick enough to want a virgin?
My stomach twists, bile rising in my throat. I press my trembling hand to my mouth, fighting not to be sick.
Oh God. If this is what he’s after, then I will show him.
Tears sting, but I force them back, shaking my head. I can’t keep being afraid, moving from city to city, leaving pieces of myself behind. I like what I’m building here. My dream job. Viviana, who feels like a sister. My own apartment, filled with books and candles and the smell of coffee.
No. I’m not leaving again.
I wipe my palms on my jeans, though they keep sweating, and pull in a shaky breath. My heart still races, but under the fear, something harder takes root.
I’m done running.
“Is this your first time?” Audrea asks with a soft, gentle smile. I just nod. My legs are shaking so much I feel ridiculous.
“It might hurt, sting a little.”
“No problem, just do it.” I grip the fabric under me and clamp my eyes shut.
The pull comes. White heat shoots through me, and a tear leaks out, but I don’t open my eyes.
I’d seen it online, the Brazilian wax. And why not? Well, now I know why not. This hurts like hell, but I wanted it. I want to feel powerful, beautiful, smooth. Or maybe I’m just making excuses, trying to scrape together courage for tonight. If I prepare my body, maybe my mind will follow.
Another pull. “Oh my fucking hell.” I gasp, fighting the urge to kick her.
“It’s done.” She rubs something cooling into my skin. I glance down, pass my hand over my legs and centre.
