Page 94 of Depraved Desires

“When are you enrolling in classes again?” he asked me, closing the door behind him.

“Tomorrow.”

Maybe school could give me the distraction I needed. Distance definitely would. Speaking of which…

I strolled over to Foster’s massive bed and settled in on the side he didn’t occupy when he slept. Kicking off my shoes, I nestled into the headboard, the soft cushion providing my back with a comfort I was growing to enjoy.

When the owner of this bed made no move to join me, I patted the empty spot by my side. Hesitation wove its way into his features as if he thought being near me wasn’t a smart idea. If that was the case, why the hell did he accept my plea and bring me here? He could have left me there to fend for myself. I wasn’t in danger.

“I just want to talk.” I breathed out, my nerves spiking from the weight of the conversation looming overhead.

He was acting weird as shit.

We’ve had two intimate encounters. He defended me against Collin and had even made sure I’d been okay. Today, he defended me against Collin again. Now, he was acting like I’d burn him if he got too close.

With reluctance, he moved to join me on the bed, kicking his shoes off in the process. Once he was settled, he turned his ice-blue eyes on me, curiosity swirling within them. I was used to him glaring at me, looking at me like he wanted to murder me. I was used to seeing hatred in his orbs, nothing else. He watched me expectantly, waiting for me to speak.

Initially, I knew exactly what I wanted to say. But it was a little more difficult to gather my thoughts with him sitting this close to me—something I hadn’t considered would be an obstacle before now. Blowing out a breath, I did my best to gather my racing thoughts.

“I talked to Myles when he took me to the club earlier,” I began, preparing a similar speech to the one I’d given only an hour before. “I don’t want to be tethered to you guys anymore. I want to be in control of my time and how I spend it.”

Silence stretched between us as he processed that. His expression was unreadable as usual, causing my heart rate to increase. They had so much control over me and here I was, giving Foster that control once again. All he had to do was say no and I’d probably relent. Fighting them tooth and nail never got me anywhere. I was so tired of fighting.

“What did Myles say?”

“That it was up to you guys.”

He nodded thoughtfully. Hope blossomed within my chest at the prospect of being able to live my life again without the threat of these assholes hanging over me. I’d stay out of their way this time, focus on school, and find my sister. Fuck revenge if it gave me my life back.

“This is what you truly want?” he asked, searching my face for any sign of a lie.

I reeled back, furrowing my eyebrows. “Why wouldn’t I?” It was exactly what I wanted since they put a target on my back. Who wanted to be tortured and controlled constantly?

He didn’t bother to elaborate, shrugging instead. “Fine. Once you enroll, you’ll be free to do whatever you want,” he agreed.

As much as I wanted to be thrilled, it was difficult. Especially upon remembering my conversation with Myles earlier. He made it perfectly clear that it had to be agreed upon by all of them. Or at least…the majority.

How had it come to this?

I was slowly morphing into someone I didn’t even recognize. Finding excitement in things that should have horrified me. Letting them control me when that’s the one thing I’d always loathed. The things they made me feel, whether that was emotionally or sexually. It was a relief to know that there was a potential end to all of this in sight. I’d get over this weird connection. I just wanted to move on.

“What about Hunter and Collin?” I hedged, shifting uncomfortably as their names left a bitter taste in my mouth.

He scoffed, glancing away. Almost like he couldn’t stand the sound of their names either. My gaze drifted to his mouth, eyeing the cut on his lip from his recent brawl. It made him look even more attractive.

“They lost the right to vote,” he confirmed, meeting my gaze again.

Excitement burrowed through me, and I couldn’t fight the smile from splitting my face. I’d be able to see Gia again and eat with her like old times. I’d get to sleep in a bed that didn’t have an asshole occupying the spot next to me. These were things that most people didn’t have to worry about, and it made me feel a little silly.

“So…after tomorrow, you’ll leave me alone?” I asked hopefully.

“It goes both ways, but yes.”

I wasn’t stupid enough to put myself back in this situation. I’d definitely be leaving them alone. I needed to get back to work, to fill Gia in on everything, assuming Rocky hadn’t spilled everything to Jax by now. I knew he told himsomethings. Just wasn’t sure how much.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Myles

---