“Harlyn, what are you doing today? Are you going to hook up with that Winston later?” I question, the wheels spinning in my head. Shrugging, she grabs our things and heads for the door. When she first told me about him, I was shocked that she would do such a thing, then impressed. Sliding into the front seat, I start the car and head for her house, “Have you let him put it in your ass yet?”
Laughing, she tries to turn the subject, her innocence like a flashing disco light compared to my darkness. The girl had been my best friend since we were kids, how her innocence survived that long around someone like me, I’d never understand. Parking in front of her house, I offer a quick wave as she climbs out with her dress. The butler taking the garment bag from her before she ever reaches the top step. Putting the car in gear, I glance down at my phone and let out a scream as I slowly creep down the driveway. The only thing that makes sense in my life is Sebastian. Lately, not even he has been a guarantee. Not since the new girl moved into the school housing. I don’t know what’s going on there, but I’ll find out and make her life hell.
By passing my own driveway, I keep going until I reach the Johnson house. The thing is obnoxious, my own house is huge, Sebastian’s is a mansion. I don’t bothering knocking as I reach the front door; I don’t even remember the last time that was considered proper for me to do, maybe before we were engaged at thirteen.
“Good morning, Ms. Quinn,” Julianna welcomes me. Giving her a warm smile, I point towards the stairs, “Is he busy?” Confusion mars her face, at a loss for words she looks around before she whispers, “He left early today. Mr. Johnson wasn’t happy after his meeting with his father. I overheard a mention of a woman’s name.”
I wait for her to continue, to explain who the woman was, when she doesn’t I pat her arm, “Thanks. I’ll wait for him then.”
Chapter Four
Sebastian
Spending the day with Katy makes me feel normal, as if she isn’t a huge factor in the grand scheme of things, but just a friend who doesn’t care what my bank account looks like. It’s nearly dark outside when I leave, the day spent catching up on our lives, and television. Giving Katy a quick peck on the cheek, I leave and head home, hoping that my father is gone on business. On the drive home, I dial Quinn’s number and wait for her to answer. When she doesn’t, I call Harlyn, “Hey Har, do you know where Quinn is?” I can hear a guy in the background, but when she hears Quinn’s name she tells him to hush. “Nope, she dropped me off hours ago. She didn’t say where she was going. Try your house, she was in a mood so I doubt she went home.”
Hanging up, I head home and see her car sitting in the driveway. I sigh in relief that she’s somewhere safe unlike in the past when she would drive to the beach in the middle of the night just to think without telling anyone. Walking into the house, I pretend not to notice the look of disgust that Julianna gives me. If she had looked at my father that way he would have fired her on the spot, I know she means well, having stepped in to be my nanny when my mother left.
Walking into my bedroom, I don’t have to search for Quinn, she’s laying on my bed wearing one of my shirts. Her green eyes watching me as I climb onto the bed next to her. “You smell like her.” She doesn’t have to say Katy’s name, the accusation in her tone alone has me feeling like shit. I’ve wanted to tell her what’s going on, yet something has held me back.
“What the fuck are you doing Sebastian?” she whispers. “You are ruining everything our families built. And for what? Some cheap ass bitch who’s only shining quality is she sucks your dick like a pro?”
“Go to hell, Penelope.” The use of her first name stings like acid. “If you would take that stick out of your ass, you would see that it’s never not been you,” I go on as if I’m not lighting us on fire. “I just found someone that my parents weren’t forcing me to love. She gets me. You… you follow orders like a puppy. If I told you that The Society deemed us not to be married, you wouldn’t even ask why. At least I know she would fight for me,” I seethe as I get off the bed.
Storming out of the room wasn’t my best idea. I can’t hear her crying, and if I know Quinn, she won’t be. At least not where someone could see her, it’s a sign of weakness in her eyes. Walking into the living room, I head for the bar holding the liquor and pour myself a glass of bourbon. It’s not my drink of choice, however, tonight I need something strong. Storming down the stairs, Quinn looks over at me before she opens the front door. I open my mouth to apologize and then close it again. She will forgive me once she finds out the truth about Katy, I hope she does at least.
“What’s wrong with the princess?” Devin questions as he walks into the room. Our looks are the only thing that are the same, my brother has a dark side, it’s tainted with the lives he’s taken for The Society. “Misunderstanding,” I offer as a response. Tipping his glass back, Devin swallows the amber liquid without issue. “Fix it,” he commands as he pours himself another glass.
Smirking, I lean back against the bookshelf, “Or what?” Shrugging, Devin smiles, “Don’t know yet, but fix it fast. Or
