Page 115 of Drowning in Darkness

“Again, I’m not asking for permission. I’m a grown woman who doesn’t live her life according to the terms laid down by bossy men with egos.”

He doesn’t even flinch. “No.”

James smirks while grabbing a couple of sodas from the refrigerator. He can put those straight back where they came from. The next drink I have is being served in a bar.

“They use a security company, but their firewalls are weak. I can disrupt the feed and put it on a loop,” Eleanor adds.

Girl power rocks.

“Not helping,” Hunter growls. “Go burst that giant pharmaceutical bubble and leave the parenting to me.”

“You aren’t my father,” I mutter. It hurts that this is the way he thinks of me. Our parents are trash humans for sure, which is why we cut ties with them back when they tried to sweep my rape under the rug to keep the peace within the elite circles. If I’d stayed, I might have even ended up married to one of those who stole my innocence.

“The loop is on,” Eleanor says, ignoring my brother. She leans closer to the camera. “Did you explore my parcel yet?”

My cheeks heat. “Yep, thank you.”

“And?”

Seriously, Eleanor? “Haven’t put them to the test yet.” It’s not like I haven’t thought about it, but using them feels vulnerable, especially when the man who haunts my dreams is back to being unbothered by me once more. Who is he trying to fool?

“Do you not like the ones I chose?”

“No, no. It’s not that.”

“No worries. I’ve ordered more,” she says with a huge smile, as if she’s fixed all my problems.

“Fucking hell,” James growls low enough that it’s not picked up on the video call.

“I’m confused,” Hunter says.

“And that’s the way it should remain,” I tell him. “What’s not confusing is the fact that I’m taking an evening to breathe different air, grab a drink at the bar, maybe dance.”

“No,” Hunter tries again.

“Oh, look at that. The parcel can be fast-tracked,” Eleanor says with a wink at me. “Should be there in a couple of hours. I included some beginner’s anal plugs and plenty of lube.”

“Fuck me,” James groans.

“What the ever-loving?” Hunter jumps to his feet. “I’m out.” He disappears and a door clicks shut.

“Call me if you need to talk,” Eleanor tells me with a wink before the screen goes blank.

“So, how long do you need to get ready?” I wonder.

He folds his arms and leans back against the counter. “I’m going to regret this.”

I squeak, jump off my stool, and spin in a circle. “Let’s go.”

The town’s one bar serves as their diner, serving everything from breakfast to midnight snacks. It boasts that it’s the only place to view the big games and get the best hot wings in a hundred-mile radius. There’s a small stage and a simple setup for a local band, due to start in thirty minutes.

James is like my shadow as I take everything in. It’s dark, but not grimy. Moody without being dramatic. It’s perfect.

James’s hand lands on my hip as I head for the bar. “You have two hours to let your hair down. Don’t try to lose me. The moment you’re out of my sight, I’ll have you over my shoulder, in my truck, and your ass spanked.”

I turn my head, my eyes dropping to his lips. “Is that meant to be a deterrent?”

He lifts a brow, the message clear. Fuck around and find out. Mmm. Later, maybe. For now, I want to experience these wings and bask in the company of people with different backstories, most never experiencing the darkness we’ve known.