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Spinning around, confusion written all over my face as I turn up my nose like there is some awful smell in the room, I look at him and ask, “What on earth are you talking about?”
Lucas shakes his head. “Stay.”
“No can do.”
“You’ll be collected,” he says cryptically, then walks off.
Just as I throw my last items in the bag, I turn to find Piper standing at my door.
“You ready?”
I nod and follow her out.
We say our goodbyes to Sailor and Wren. And I don’t see Lucas again before we drive off.
“Thanks again for this, you didn’t have to.”
“It’s easy. Though, I must say, I didn’t expect Lucas to have his claws in this deep already.”
“We aren’t…well, we don’t—”
“You don’t have to say anything. I’m pretty sure everyone in the house is talking about your sex-capades from the other night.” She chuckles. “I never figured Lucas to be a daddy type.”
“Neither did I, but he sure as shit knows what he’s doing.”
Piper laughs. “So, this is going to sound bad. And tell me to shut up if you don’t want to tell me.” She glances at me as she drives. “You were a prostitute? Sailor won’t say anything to me about it. She says it’s your business, but I really just want to know everything.”
“Yep, sure was. What do you want to know?”
“Main question…” She takes a breath and stares at me as she comes to a stop sign. “Did you enjoy it?”
“Never,” I tell her truthfully.
“So, you never…”
“Came?” She nods her head. “No. Not once. Until…”
“Lucas,” she finishes. “The men in my family have issues, no denying that at all. And it takes a lot to be with them.” She stares at me with that look only a person who wants to warn you can give. “Lucas is different, so be warned.”
“I know. That’s why I’m trying to stay away.”
“I doubt he’ll let you do that.” She chuckles. “He has you in his clutches. Lucas liked to collect things as a kid. He would collect and lock things away. I’ve heard he does it with people as well.”
“Like…collects women?” I ask, confused.
“Yes. He doesn’t rape them, if that’s what you’re worried about, but he sure does know how to push their boundaries.”
“He tied me to a bed and pushed his gun between my legs,” I tell her. “Clothed. Though, that’s not the point.”
“Hmm… maybe he’s losing his touch. I’ve heard stories where he takes a woman, then he edges her. And continues to edge her.”
“What is edging?” I ask.
“He brings a woman to the point of coming, then tears it away. And he does it repeatedly until she can’t take it anymore.”
He didn’t do that to me.
Either time.
I came both times.
And I enjoyed it.
“He’s a sadist,” I say.
“He is. It’s why people stay away.” Piper pulls onto my street and slows her car down. “Do you feel like he crossed a line when he tied you to that bed?” she asks.
“Yes.”
“But you slept with him after anyway?”
I bite my cheek, close my eyes and let out a loud sigh. “Yes.”
“Can I ask why?”
“I don’t even know, so I can’t tell you.” I shrug. “Actually, that’s a lie. The first time was because he stuck up for me. I was drinking, and for some reason it turned me on…” I pause. “The second was because he did something nice.”
“He’s collecting you ever so slowly,” she states with a tone of finality. “Do you know why they call him the viper?” she asks as we sit in the car outside my building.
“No, why?”
“Because, like a viper, he strikes, then waits until the venom hits before he collects. He is collecting you, and I’m not even sure you’re aware of it.”
“What will he do once he has me?” I ask.
She shrugs. “From what I heard…the last girl ended up dead.”
“That’s reassuring.” I balk at her words before getting out and reaching back in to grab my bag.
“I have high hopes for you. But to be safe, carry a weapon any time you’re near him.” I chuckle and thank her before heading inside.
When I get to the door, it’s unlocked. Pushing it open, I pause because what I see on the couch has my eyes flinging wide open.
“Brody? Merci?”
Both startle and pull apart at the sound of my voice.
What the actual fuck?
Kissing.
They were kissing.
I can’t…
I mean, I can’t…
“Merci, what the fuck?”
She stands and runs her hands down her dress.
“He started it.” She points to Brody, then runs out of the room.
As soon as she’s gone, Brody stands. “What? You knew I always had a crush on her.”
“Brody. She’s my age,” I reply in disbelief.
“I like them older.” He smirks. “Don’t say anything. I don’t judge you for anything, so don’t judge us on this.”
“Has this happened before?”
“No, that was the first time. But I know she’ll be hating herself about you finding out like this. You know how Merci is.” He’s right, I do know how she is, but what shocks me more is that he knows. “How was your weekend away?” Brody changes the subject. Lucky for him I’m not in the mood to argue, even if that came from left field.
