Page 8 of Pike

“You’re late.”

“I had a patient that needed me.” I brush past him and walk into the house while he closes the door behind us before I drop my bag and keys onto the table. I sigh as I glance around and see he hasn’t done anything to clean up around here. His take-out boxes still litter the living room table, and his beer bottles rest not far from that. As I spin around to ask him what exactly he’s been doing, he comes up behind me. His hands land on my hips, keeping me pinned in place.

“Did you miss me at work, or did you find some other man to make you feel better?” he asks.

“I did miss you.” Lies. I didn’t miss him. In fact, the whole time I was out in the car, I couldn’t stop thinking about Pike and the way those men were talking in his room. They didn’t care if I was listening in on what they had to say.

“Are you lying? I hate when you lie to me, Feather.”

“I’m not lying. In fact, why don’t I make us some dinner?”

“I already ate. You should eat too since I have plans for you later.” The words send a chill down my spine. I don’t like hearing that. I don’t like hearing those words. I nod my head before pulling out of his arms and heading to the kitchen. Once I’m in here, I pull out some leftovers and heat them up.

There are days when I wonder what my life has become. What’s the point of all of this? Why do I stay here? I make enough to live alone, but I know I’ll never escape Blake. There’s no way. He’s too powerful and has far too many connections. So, I go along with what he wants just to make him happy.

Besides, I owe him. I owe him a lot. He found me when I was just a kid and couldn’t take care of myself after my parents died. He took me in and cared for me, paid my way through school. And he reminds me of that fact every chance he gets. I owe him.

I finish my food before blowing out a breath and putting my dishes in the sink. Then I head back to the stairs and up to our room. When I step inside, I see my clothes already laid out for me. Inside, I’m slowly dying. I don’t want to do this. I’ve never wanted to do this, but I have no other choice.

“You like it?” Blake asks as I look at the black dress that is probably two sizes too small for me.

“It looks small,” I tell him, only to get a chuckle in return.

“It’ll fit you perfectly.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. Now change,” he tells me.

“I need to shower,” I say, walking toward the bathroom. He stops me halfway there.

“No. Not tonight. You don’t have time. Just change,” he orders. I nod my head and walk back toward the bed, kicking off my shoes. Then I strip out of my work clothes until I’m standing in nothing but my bra and panties. His fingers skim a line across my ass before hooking inside the hem of my panties. He tugs them down, and I’m forced to step out of them before he lifts them and brings them to his nose.

“You fucking smell so good. Too bad tonight isn’t my night,” he says before stuffing my panties in his pocket. I bend over to pick the dress up off the bed when he moves in closer. His hands wrap around my waist, and he pulls my ass back against him and groans.

“Fuck, Feather. Maybe I should keep you all to myself tonight,” he mumbles near my ear.

“Yes,” I whisper. I don’t want to go out. I don’t want to play into his sick little games.

“Can’t. Not tonight anyway.”

“Why not? You’re the boss,” I remind him, still holding the dress in my hands.

“I can’t break the rules for you,” he tells me. I nod my head, knowing I’m not going to get anywhere with him on this, so I keep to myself. Blake eventually pulls back, and I stand up, slipping the dress over my head. I let it fall down my body and hug my curves before turning to look at him. He eyes me up and down like I’m a fucking meal, his eyes devouring me.

“You’re the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen,” he says before grabbing me by the back of the head and crushing his lips to mine. He kisses me hard before finally pulling back and smirking at me.

“This is going to be so much fun,” he tells me. It’s fun for him. It’s not fun for me. I’m the one on the receiving end of the bullshit. I’m the one who has to deal with what comes from all of this. I don’t say anything because, frankly, there’s nothing to say. I have to do this whether I want to or not.

I finish dressing and slip on some heels before spraying a little perfume on myself since he wouldn’t let me take a shower tonight.

“You ready?” he asks. I nod my head, fluffing my hair in the mirror before turning to face him. “You look gorgeous.” I smile. I know it’s all for show. I know he only tells me these things, so I’ll do what he wants.

With that, he grabs my hand and leads me out of our room and down the stairs. We’re out the door and in the car before I know it.

“Tonight is a little different,” he announces. I instantly look over at him and wonder what the hell he’s talking about. How is it different?

“What do you mean?”

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