Page 121 of Depraved Desires

I grabbed my bag, slinging it over my shoulder and we made our way out of the bathroom and into the hallway.

Gia was wearing a black leather skirt, paired with a matching halter top and a leather jacket of her own. As usual, her dark hair was separated into two long braids that rested over her chest.

I’d used up some of the money in my savings to splurge on a gift for her, something I hope she liked. I even got stupid Rocky, Collin, and Monroe something.

When we made it to the gymnasium, the place was decorated into a winter wonderland. Fake snow blew from four large fans that were positioned near the ceiling. The bleachers had been removed and a large rug covered the floor. Two policemen stood near the entrance, giving us curt nods as we walked past them.

Gia and I exchanged surprised looks. They were probably here because of the bodies being located and Raven’s disappearance.

A bunch of family members stood with their kids, laughing and greeting them with hugs and praise.

Tables littered the back area of the gym with white cloth, snacks and drinks residing on them. A Christmas tree took up the left side of the room with a variety of gifts overflowing around it.

“Aspen,” a familiar voice called out.

My movements paused and I turned to face Rebecca. Her brown hair was pulled into a high ponytail and she smiled warmly at me. Gia gave my arm a reassuring squeeze.

“I see my mom and dad over there.” She pointed across the room to a couple with matching complexions similar to hers. Her gaze bounced back to my social worker with a hint of confusion. “I’ll give you some privacy.”

I swallowed thickly and nodded.

I waited for Gia to walk away before turning back to Rebecca. “What are you doing here?” I asked.

She shrugged. “Figured it would be nice for you to have someone here. I brought you something.” She reached into her purse and retrieved what appeared to be a photo. “Before I give this to you, I need you to promise that this stays between us. Thiscould get me fired—not only that, but I could lose my license completely.”

My heart thumped wildly within my chest. I didn’t know how a simple picture could ruin her life, but the fact she was giving me something so important that it had that power, made me nervous.

“I promise,” I assured her, not bothering to hide the confusion from my face.

Blowing out a shaky breath, she extended her arm, offering me the photo. I took it without hesitation, glancing down at the image.

A girl with blue eyes and light brown hair stared back at me, a genuine smile curling the corners of her mouth. Her olive complexion was so different from my pale one, but I knew instantly who this was.

Avery.

Flipping the photo over, I realized an address was scribbled on the back in neat handwriting—Rebecca’s handwriting.

“I-Is this what I think it is?” I asked, tears beginning to blur my vision.

“That’s where you can find your sister,” she confirmed.

I carefully put the photo in my bag and turned to face her again. “Thank you. You don’t realize how much this meant to me.”

“I might have an idea.” Sympathy flashed within her gaze, but it was gone as quickly as it had come. Her eyes widened as she stared at something behind me, looking like she’d seen a ghost.

Confusion swept over me, and I turned, coming face to face with Myles. He shot her a sinister smile, snaking his arm around my waist and pulling me close to him possessively. I released a huff of annoyance and elbowed him in the ribs, but he only tightened his grip.

“Long time, no see,Becca.”He smirked. “I see you’re still keeping tabs on my girl.”

“I am not your girl,” I retorted with an eye roll.

Rebecca glanced between the two of us with uncertainty. She was there when Connie called her to come get me. I wasn’t sure what all was said about the situation, but by the look on her face, it was probably the truth.

“Are you okay?” She asked sincerely, staring me directly in the eye.

Before I could even think of working up an answer, Myles beat me to it. “She’smorethank okay.” He grinned maliciously, dropping his hand to the hem of my short dress. His fingers brushed against my bare thigh, sending sparks flooding through me. “Isn’t that right,Dove?” His hand inched up beneath my dress and heat warmed my face.

“Quit being a dick,” I hissed, shoving his hand away from me.

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