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Landon nodded along. “I think that’s great, babe. Anything you want.”

Brandon sat back and raised an eyebrow. “Sure, I’d be open to that. Might as well get into the Halloween spirit.” He looked straight at me right as a huge burst of pleasure sparked through me. My eyes nearly rolled back into my head. I bit my lip extra hard, and reached out to grab my cup of water.

Bad idea. I almost choked on the liquid going down my throat as the vibrator worked its magic.

Alice grinned and clapped her hands together. “Great! I think we could all use some fun.” She side-eyed me. “What do you think, Starla? Do you think you’ll be feeling well enough for it?”

I nodded. “Yes, of course.” I rushed the words out, near stuttering while the vibrator rubbed against my g-spot continuously.

Alice just smiled her lopsided smile, proud that I was joining their group plans. Brandon glowered across the table. His eyes scraped up and down my face, mouth, body. Did he see the heat pooling in my cheeks? Did he know I was already soaking through the thin fabric of my panties?

No, he didn’t see. He never did.

Under the table, I shoved my thighs together hard, grinding the toy deeper, trying to punish myself with pleasure. My vision blurred.

Fuck, it was so strong. Malakar had my insides in a vice. Maybe he could see the way I squirmed against the booth, the way my fingers trembled around a fry.

The pleasure built behind my ribs. Hot, dizzying. Every second was a new burn. It hurt, but I wanted it to hurt. I wanted to be impaled on the sensation, like maybe suffering enough right here in public was proof I was still alive.

Brandon eyed me. “You look like you’re gonna pass out.”

The toy went up a notch. My clit pulsed, throbbing with need. I ached to touch it. Maybe I could? The whole table kept talking, but the pressure was too much. Discreetly, I dropped the napkin into my lap and hunched forward. My hand snaked underneath the napkin and up the skirt. I glanced around to be sure I was safe.

Nobody was looking at all.

My finger found my clit and I rubbed it as delicately as I could without being noticed. It felt too good. The vibrator and my finger on my clit overwhelmed me. My thighs quivered again.

The pleasure built and built, all the pain and shame and want, until there was nothing left but craving. I rubbed faster, pleasuring my aching cunt.

My breath came out uneven for a moment, and then everything exploded. The vibrator worked its magic as my orgasm rammed into me. Every single cell in my body wanted to give into the feeling, but I fought against it and forced my face to be blank, and my body still.

The orgasm came then faded, but the vibrator kept going, wringing out every last drop of pleasure. I pulled my hand out and wiped my wetness on the napkin.

Across the room, I could’ve sworn I saw Malakar very briefly. He was watching. Could he sense my orgasm?

The vibrator turned off, and the pleasure vanished completely. Reality rushed back.

Chapter 37

Haunting Me

Starla

I couldn’t misbehave at this haunted house and maze. Brandon made it clear what happened when I fucked up. I could still feel the sting of his hand on my skin after dinner this past week.

“You embarrassed me, Starla. All you do is embarrass me!” His hand slapped my cheek. He pushed me down onto the couch and straddled me. His hand came down again, and again.

“I’m sorry! Please, stop, I’ll be good!” I cried out. I wished Malakar would come in and save me. But he couldn’t see me now, there weren’t any windows with a good angle where we were.

“You’re sorry? I doubt it. Now, how about you shut your fucking mouth. Maybe if you actually learned to listen, I wouldn’t have to do this to you.”

I had to pile on loads of makeup to cover up the marks on my face. I stared at my hands, then at my face, and wondered how many layers it would take before I vanished completely. Once I was done, he nodded in approval, and we were out the door.

We drove in silence. The world outside was washed in orange and purple. Leaves plastered against the windows, wind moaning around the car. Halloween. Monsters everywhere. But then again, monsters were a part of my life in every month, not just October.

When we pulled in, I saw them already waiting. Landon’s face, half hidden by a hoodie. Alice, hugging herself tight, eyes darting around the parking lot. They waved.

We bought tickets. They stamped our hands with skeleton ink. “Ready to get scared?” Landon said. His laugh spiked the air.