Page 113 of Plaything

“My next move is entirely up to you, Babydoll. Say you want me,” he threatened.

The second I moved to run away, I knew that the chase would be on. I was competitive, and messing with Aiden seemed to be worth any tickles I might endure. I smirked, slowly turning my foot to bolt to the kitchen. “You want me,” I repeated his exact words.

He stood up quickly, and I ran as fast as I could to the other side of the couch as he blocked the kitchen. I was on one side of the sofa, and he was on the other. I was giggling like a crazy lady but absolutely scared to get caught. I glanced at Dominic, who was watching us with a smirk.

Aiden chuckled. “He won’t help you, brat. You’re trapped between me and a wall. Just say the words. There’s no shame in losing.”

If I could somehow get to the kitchen, Wyatt or Niko would save me; I was sure of it. “I escaped once. I think I can outrun you, Aiden. What are you, like 50?” I shot.

Collectively, Dominic, Wyatt, and Niko snickered and made an ‘oof’ sound. Aiden’s playful smirk darkened, and he stepped on the couch and jumped over it. Oh shit!

He was hot on my trail as I darted to the kitchen, my heart hammering, hoping he wouldn’t catch me. I made it to the kitchen, feeling his hand graze my arm. I shrieked, getting away by the skin of my teeth. Wyatt was the first one I saw, and he was my safety net.

“Wyatt!” I called. “Save me, save me, save me,” I begged, grabbing onto him and using his body to shield mine.

“Wyatt, move,” Aiden insisted, waving his hand once.

Wyatt wrapped his arm around me protectively. “You know I can’t do that, man.”

I smirked and stuck my tongue out at Aiden.

“You’re going to defend her?” Aiden chuckled.

Wyatt shrugged. “I’ve got a thing for damsels.”

The front door opened without warning, and we all turned in the direction of the door. “Were you expecting someone?” Aiden asked, his playful mood deteriorating.

Niko and Wyatt shook their heads.

“Hey man, sorry to drop in,” I recognized his voice after a moment of racking my mind. It was their friend, Vincent.

Aiden pushed his eyebrows together. Wyatt and I followed him out of the kitchen, curious to know why he was there.

Vincent smiled at me. “Odette, just the girl I was looking for,” he announced.

What could he possibly want from me? “You’re not here to see us?” Wyatt asked.

Vincent shook his head. “Not this time. Sorry, guys,” he chuckled. His attention turned to me, and suddenly, his expression became serious. “Do you know what the meeting this weekend is about?” he asked.

I detached myself from Wyatt’s side, deeming myself safe from Aiden for the time being. This weekend was my much dreaded ‘family dinner’ with Charles. Until this very moment, I’d assumed it would be at least an hour of scolding, shaming, and whatever other belittling comments he had about me. “What do you mean?” I asked.

Vincent shifted, leaning his hip against the couch and crossing his arms. “Charles called me, and from the few calls I’ve made, several of his high-profile business partners requested our presence at his house on Saturday. One of my colleagues said that at least two of his ex-wives are also coming,” he explained.

Crossing my arms, I pondered what that could possibly mean. “I... I don’t know. I haven’t heard anything like that. I honestly thought it was just going to be the two of us.”

“Damn. I was hoping to have an idea of what we’re walking into,” he sighed.

“I don’t know, but I know somebody who might,” I grabbed my phone and scrolled through my contacts. The chefs who cooked at my father’s house had worked there for as long as I could remember. Their son was my age. We weren’t necessarily friends, but we played together, sometimes growing up. As an adult, he planned to take over for his parents so they could retire. To prepare for that, he was almost always with them in the kitchen, where they got to hear all the newest gossip.

Putting my phone on speaker, we listened to the phone ring three times before Anthony picked up the phone. “Dotty?” he answered, probably surprised that this was the first time I’d ever called him. We haven’t spoken in several years.

“Hey Anthony, how are your parents?” I asked. They were lovely people, and I cared for them a lot. All three of them were genuine and kind.

“They’re alright. You know them, they’re not complainers. What’s up? I haven’t heard from you since you left for college.”

My eyes roamed between my professors and Vincent, who were all listening intently. “Sorry, I’ve been busy. But I’ll probably see you this Saturday. Will you be there?” I asked.

He scoffed, and his voice suddenly hushed. “Between us, I think everyone will be there.”

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