AllFreeNovel
Share Us
PROLOGUE
ARIAH
“Ididn’t want to come to this stupid fucking engagement party in the first place,” I grumble to myself.
This damn thing feels so restricting, and my feet freaking hurt. Everything just feels off.
“We can sneak out the back. No one will ever know,” Shay whispers, sensing my growing frustration.
“I wish. If I leave, all the plans I’ve been working on will fall through. I need the Fraternitas to believe I’m a docile, willing participant.”
Shay snorts. “Docile? Do you know who you are? If they think for a minute you’re anything but—” She’s cut off.
“Oh look, it’s the reject,” Brittany slurs.
Someone’s hammered.
“Did you say that in the mirror to yourself?” I challenge, and her nose scrunches as she curls her lip in anger.
She takes a step forward, but Reign blocks her. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
Brittany looks momentarily stunned, but she quickly recovers. “Whatever. I’m over this whole thing. Owen sent me to find you.”
Rolling my eyes, I retort, “Right, because Owen sending you to deliver a message to me is ever going to be believable.”
“Whatever. Suit yourself. Don’t say I never tried to do you any favors.” Brittany spins, almost taking out a passing waiter and his tray of hors d'oeuvres. “Stupid bitch Sam better be happy,” I swear she mutters before skulking away.
Another twenty minutes go by, and I need out of these clothes or at least a quiet spot to have a moment to myself.
Shay’s talking with her mother, and Reign steps away to find Elias, so I slip away. I want to be alone.
Huffing, I make my way down another long-ass hallway, seeking out a room to have a moment to catch my breath.
Who the fuck wants to be at the engagement party of the men you swore cared about you?
“Fucking contract, and its goddamn rules,” I mutter as I try each door handle and find each one locked.
It was bad enough coming back and finding out that there was no mistake. Those assholes really did choose the vile cunt and strung me along so that they could crush me. Well fuck her and fuck them too!
Pausing, I rest my hand against the wall, taking off these godforsaken heels. No one should have to wear death traps. Heels, like thongs, should be considered crimes against the state, punishable by death.
I rub my aching foot and try to process the last three months since I stepped back into this bullshit town. The bullying and constant reminders I was always someone they were using. Tears build in my eyes.
Cut it the fuck out, Riah. You’re built stronger than this!
Damn the mantra today. Today, I’m not built strong. Today, I want to find a corner and crumble.
Sighing, I rest my foot back on the floor and try the last door in this wing. If this one is locked, I’m picking the motherfucker.
I test the knob and sigh in relief when I’m met with no resistance. I’m so excited that I finally found a room that I’m not aware that someone—no, someones—are in here.
My head jerks at the sound of a female moan, ready to apologize, when the sight that greets me freezes me to my spot.
I’d recognize the back of that head anywhere. Owen. His back might be to me, but his tattooed neck is unmistakable.
Samantha’s on top of him, riding him as she holds a knife to the spot where my “A” is carved in his chest.
I must let out a gasp because both their attentions turn to me.
