Page 14 of Depraved Desires

“I would really like that, Rocky. Thank you.”

A slow smile stretched across his face, and he nodded. I couldn’t help but stare at his dimples as he grinned. This boy was the epitome of perfection. I wondered why he was at the academy. He seemed so put together, like he was kind and selfless. Then again…was anyone truly kind and selfless? The thought that this could all just be a mask weighed heavily on me.

“What about school?” I questioned. Just because I didn’t have classes, didn’t mean that he didn’t.

He shrugged. “Let me worry about that.”

The drive to whatever hotel we were going to was a lot longer than I’d expected. I couldn’t count how many times I nearly fell asleep in the car. Finally, we pulled up to a giant, white building with balconies adorning every window aside from the first floor.

Turning to look at me, he ran a hand through his shaggy, brown hair. Even through the black hoodie he was wearing, I could see his muscles flex with the movement.

“I’m going to go get checked in,” he explained. “In thirty minutes, I want you to come in after me. Lock the car and bring the keys.”

My breath caught in my throat as confusion swept through me. “You’re trusting me with your car?” I asked in astonishment.

“Is there a reason I shouldn’t?”

His question confused me even more. I came from a place where you couldn’t trust anyone around you. Why would he even risk it? We barely knew each other, and I’m sure he’s already caught on to the fact that I wasn’t very stable. Slowly, I shook my head. Even if I wasn’t sure I could trust myself.

Rocky’s mouth tilted into a smirk before he stepped out of the car and made a beeline for the hotel. My heart raced as I sank back into my seat, my gaze snagging on the keys that hung from the ignition.

It would be so easy.

I could leave here and start somewhere else. Have arealfresh start. It’s not like anything was holding me back. I’d get my GED, get a job somewhere, and then find my sister. My chest lightened at the idea. All of this would just become a bad dream—like it never happened.

Sighing, all the baggage I kept buried away filled my lungs once more. But I couldn’t. Because somethingwasholding me back.

Revenge.

When I made it to the right room, keys in hand, I rapped on the door. I wasn’t sure why he’d made me wait outside for him, but it wasn’t relevant, so asking about it wasn’t a priority. The door swung open, and I didn’t miss the surprise on his face as our gazes clashed.

“What?” I said dryly as I shouldered past him into the room.

My lips parted in shock as I took in the view. A giant king-sized bed took up the center of the room, covered in black comforter. Across the room was a dresser beneath a decent sized flat-screen TV. Then of course, the bathroom and balcony.

“Why didn’t you run?” he whispered, coming up to stand behind me. The heat from his body radiated off him, almost making me want to lean into it. But I refrained.

“I thought about it,” I admitted.

Turning to face him, I extended my arm, holding out the keys. His gaze drifted down to where they sat within my palm, and with reluctance, he took them. His jaw ticked like something was bothering him and then he ran a hand through his hair like he had when were in the car.

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

I didn’t know what he wanted me to say. It was an odd question to begin with. Almost like he wanted me to leave. “It’snot important,” I muttered, sidestepping him, and drifting over to the bed. “I’m tired.”

He released a sigh and nodded. “Okay. I need to call Monroe really quick to let him know what’s going on,” he explained. “He’s been blowing me up.”

I snorted at that. No surprise there. “I don’t know why he even cares. All I’m doing is causing more problems for him.” I took a seat on the edge of the bed, lost in my thoughts. Maybe Monroe felt obligated to help me since I was pretty much dumped in his lap.

“He’s not just going to leave you on the streets. Monroe might be an asshole, but at least he has morals.” I didn’t say anything as he pulled his phone out of his pocket and slid up on the device. Within seconds it was against his ear.

I’m sure Monroe did have morals, but if all I was doing was causing even more problems, then I didn’t want to inconvenience him. The gesture was thoughtful, but…I had other options. Maybe I could just go back to the academy like nothing happened. It would probably be a death sentence, but I’d be smarter about my decisions from here on out. Or…I could find a strip club willing to take me on. That thought wasn’t as appealing considering all the bruises and cuts still marring my skin. I just hoped their names didn’t turn into scars.

“We’re at a hotel.” Rocky’s voice cut through my thoughts, pulling me back to reality. “Because.” He huffed, growing agitated. “She didn’t want to deal with Caroline anymore tonight.”

Amusement filled me as I watched the scene unfolding before me. It was funny, and weird. Monroe was acting like my dad or some shit, and Rocky was keeping me past curfew. Not that I’d ever know what that actually felt like, but this was probably as close to it as I’d get.

“I’ll have her back Friday—” his sentence came to a halt, probably due to Monroe cutting him off. “Nothing bad is going to happen.” He sighed. “We aren’t even in town right now.”

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