“I don’t think so.” I lean farther into Mason, only to realize he’s no longer standing there.When did he walk off? Why did he leave me?
“You’re all alone.” He tsks, moving to stand in front of me, his shadow blocking out the waning moonlight.
How long have I been out here?
I become faintly aware of my finger’s tingling, my tongue heavy and dry in my mouth.
The guy steps closer, his putrid breath fanning across my cheek, and I turn my face to escape the odor.
“It’s dangerous being alone.”
“I promise, you’re the least scary thing I’ve faced,” I snap, refusing to look at him. As I glance over my shoulder, I realize the party has died down to nearly no one—how cliché.
No one notices if I’m at my own party, and no one notices if I’m the last one left.
Well, not the last one, but— “Looking for help? No one’s coming; you’re all alone.” The sentiment isn’t lost on me—I’m always alone—and just once, I wish someone else would care about the fact.
He reaches out his hand, roughed skin scraping against my bicep as he squeezes, yanking me closer to him.
“Get. Off. Me,” I bite out. I finally meet his gaze. “I’ll scream.”
Instead of having the desired effect, he only smirks. “Please do. I love a good screamer.” His mouth crashes into mine, and he tries desperately to force his foul tongue between my lips.
I thrash in his hold, gasping as I try to free myself. I swing with my free hand, but he grips it too, his teeth gnashing intomy lip. I cry out in pain, stars dancing behind my eyelids. As he assaults my mouth, I become very aware of the hard ridge of his cock pressing against my stomach.
I have to get away from him.
Before I can escape, his heat disappears, and I stumble back. Opening my eyes, I’m met with the enormous shadow of my father, but instead of being grateful for it,I’m filled with dread.
“If you ever come around here again, I’ll fucking kill you. Do you hear me, you slimy bastard? Touch Valentina, and I’ll have you killed.” My father’s voice rages, and I cower, stepping backward, hoping to escape.
I’ve never been so lucky, though.
The guy races off into the night, his tail tucked between his legs, and for a split second, I wish I could run away with him. He might be the lowest kind of leech, but I’d take his abuse over my father’s disappointment any day.
The heated glare of my father scorches across my body, and I shiver beneath its intensity. “Really, Valentina?” His voice is barely a whisper, but it still cuts, far deeper than any knife could.
I run my hand up my arms, trying to brush away the goosebumps. “He was attacking me.”
“You can’t attack a slut.” My father’s gaze turns away from me, the shame in his words pungent.
My heart shatters, and I take a wobbly step toward him. “He was hurting me.”
“You hurt yourself. You’re responsible for letting every person use and abuse you. You should be ashamed.”
My mouth flops open, tears already spilling down my cheeks. I reach out, but he steps out of my grasp. “Father, I was just doing what you always told me to do.”
The back of his hand connects with my cheek before I can step out of the way, the sting burning to my toes. I stand frozen,in shock, as he turns away from me. “Don’t you fucking blame your sins on me!”
“But—I do what I have to, to help the company, the family,” I sob, my knees threatening to buckle. I run a tentative finger over my stinging cheek, the flesh already raised.
“You think anyone wants you now? You’re not a girl anymore. You’re a woman—a used up, disgrace of a woman with nothing to offer.”
I feel my throat closing, the lump there growing until my lips tingle.
My father finally faces me, rage and disgust warring on his features. “You’re a disappointment. And you’re of no use to me anymore.”
He disappears into the night, and as he retreats, I crumple to my knees. The silk of my dress tears as I hit the brick surrounding the pool.
