Page 30 of Cruel Titan

Alarm spreads across his face, “Hey, are you okay?”

“Yes,” I clear my throat. “Just got a little sick in the bathroom, so I’m going to head home. I’m so sorry.”

“Not as sorry as you’re about to be,” Asher says as he approaches.

“Just leave me alone,” I say through gritted teeth before looking to Connor.

“That’s not what you said while I just fucked you in the bathroom.” Asher lets out a callous laugh as Connor gives me a shocked look.

Taking a deep breath, I attempt to hold myself together. I’ve just got to get out of this room and not make a bigger mess of the night. I look to an extremely uncomfortable Connor.

“Did you need this back?” Asher pulls my thong out of his jacket pocket, dangling it on his finger, holding it out for all to see.

“Will you just get the fuck away from me?” Snatching the fabric off his finger, I look at Connor, knowing an apology won’t come anywhere close to covering it, but I have to say the words. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t worry. He knew how the night would end.” Asher lets out a sadistic laugh, nodding at Connor. “Didn’t you, buddy? But you did fuck up one part of the deal. You were supposed to keep your hands off her.”

Gasping I look between the two of them, Connor glaring at Asher. “What?”

Asher slowly turns his head in my direction. “I told you my move would be dirtier.” Asher reaches in his pants pocket, pulling out a wad of cash before tucking it in Connor’s breast pocket. “Don’t spend it all in one place.”

My mind can’t comprehend what my eyes and ears are processing. “Connor?”

Asher snickers, looking to Connor. “He wouldn’t even dance with you when I looked his way. Did you really think he would defy me and date you?”

Connor doesn’t say anything, glancing away as I realize it’s true. Connor was part of Asher’s game. “Why? When?” I choke out. “The entire time?”

Connor nods. “Money. We don’t all have rich daddies … or rich stepdaddies.” Connor looks around the room.

I’m looking at a complete stranger. It’s not the same person who had been the sweet, caring guy just wanting to be my friend. He was a pawn. A tool to use against me. A lie … just like everything else in my life.

There’re too many people around, and some are already paying attention to us, so I make my way across the room. Nathan and Candace are speaking to guests, so I’m able to grab my phone from the table and avoid seeing them as I exit the building, sending a quick text to the driver that Nathan said would bring us home when we were ready. I’m good and ready to get out of here now.

Hurrying down the stairs, I walk over to where the cars dropped us off earlier in the evening just as Asher catches up to me. His harsh grip captures my arm, spinning me around as I swing my hand up, slapping him across his face.

Brushing his free hand across his cheek, he whispers as he leans forward, “I told you that you couldn’t trust anyone.”

“I. Hate. You. Your sick, twisted mind is the problem. Not everyone else.” Jerking my arm out of his grasp, I walk down the sidewalk, not attempting to control my dress as the wind whips it around. I feel just as crazy as it looks thrashing about in the wild breeze. I spot the driver a short distance away, waiting with the door open. Rotating, I give Asher one final glower before sliding into the car, unable to feel anything but hatred. It’s my move now.

22

Asher

The bedroom door swings open, slamming against the wall with a crash. Gradually, I look to see Victoria standing in the doorway appearing more than a little pissed, but that’s not really anything new. No one in this house is happy, which was proven by the arguing that started on the ride home from the fundraiser and has continued to fill the house all day today. It’s been mostly my dad yelling while my mom says very little back to him. The only good thing is he was so plastered last night, he passed out not long after we arrived home. It was wishful thinking that he’d wake up in a better mood and not take it out on everyone around him. I have a feeling Victoria didn’t wake up in a good mood either as I watch her stomp into the room.

“How could you?” Her arms folded over her chest. “You promised.”

Sliding off the bed, I pull a T-shirt on. Avoiding everyone in the house is pointless now that the fury is standing in my room. “No. I didn’t.”

“I don’t understand why you would do that to her. How you could do it.”

“Do you hear that?” I hold my hand up to my ear like I’m trying to hear something in the distance. “It shouldn’t be that hard to figure out.”

“That’s bull. You can’t blame Mom and Dad’s toxic marriage for you being a vindictive asshole.”

No. I really can’t, but that’s the best answer I can give her. I walk out of the room, heading down to the kitchen as she follows behind, right on my heels, still biting away.

“I hope you know she’s done with you.”