Page 35 of Depraved Desires

Shrugging, I folded my arms across my chest. “I’m not your enemy, Jessica. Never have been.”

She was quiet for a moment while she thought on that. Finally, she released a defeated sigh and leaned against the door. “What do I get out of it?”

A slow smile stretched across my features, knowing damn good and well that I just reeled her in. Rumor had it that Jessica and Hunter were no longer an item, and her change in appearance just confirmed that—not to mention, they haven’t been spotted together in over a month now.

“You tell me all of Hunter’s weaknesses, and in return, you get the revenge you’ve so desperately been wanting.” I smirked.

Tugging her bottom lip between her teeth, she scrunched up her nose thoughtfully. “Weaknesses in the ring?” she questioned. “I barely went to any of his fights, I wouldn’t?—”

“Not in the ring,” I confirmed. “Things that Hunter keeps private. What are his fears?”

I wasn’t sure if she even knew. They might have dated, but from where I stood, he didn’t seem to like her much. He also didn’t strike me as the kind of person who was very forthcoming with his feelings.

Sighing, she tore her gaze away from me and moved it toward the ceiling. “He’s terrified of losing his friends. They all are. Well, Myles might be a different story. He doesn’t seem to care about anything.” She scoffed with an eye roll. “He’s also scared of long-term commitment. Hunter freaks out when things begin to feel too serious. He hates snakes, he’s scared of failing school, Foster is too.” She brings her gaze back to mine, a sheen of water coating them like she’s trying her best not to break down.

I nodded, my chest feeling tight. I hated seeing women cry. Jessica might not have been a very nice person, but no one deserved to feel like this. Making mistakes was in our nature, and we were all here for a reason.

“Are you okay?” I inquired, unable to help myself.

Her expression changed into one of surprise, but she schooled her features immediately, almost making me think I had imagined it. “You don’t have to pretend to care. I’m already telling you everything you want to know.”

“I’m not pretending. It’s a simple question.”

Jessica released a sigh before shaking her head. “Well, no. But I will be,” she said with determination, a fire blazing behind her dark orbs. “I have every intention of making him pay for the hell he put me through.”

“Good.” I smiled. “So, what else do I need to know about him and his friends?”

I’d gotten quite a bit of information from Jessica, so talking to Madison didn’t seem necessary. Aspen still wasn’t speaking to me, so I was currently on the way to her place. Well, Monroe’s place. It was still weird how often I had to see him now. The dude went from hating my ass with a burning passion to cooking me dinner and inviting me into his home.

Pulling up into the driveway, I parked behind Monroe’s car. My heart stuttered within my chest as anxiety rippled through me. Aspen was a stubborn girl who never did anything she didn’t want to do. It was going to be difficult trying to talk her into hearing me out.

Sighing, I pushed those thoughts into the back of my head and unfastened my seatbelt. Stepping out onto the pavement, I made my way up to the door and knocked twice. Monroe already knew I was coming, but it still didn’t help to lessen my nerves.

When the door swung open, Monroe narrowed his eyes at me. “Get inside before someone recognizes you,” he barked.

“Your yelling isn’t helping matters,” I retorted, side-stepping him and venturing into the living room.

The door closed behind me and before I knew it, Monroe’s grip was tight around my bicep as he steered me toward the couch. I could have easily gotten out of his hold if I’d wanted to, but I didn’t come here to fight.

Sinking down onto the sofa, I lifted my head to look at him. The frustration etched into his features was evident. Aspen must have informed him of my whereabouts yesterday.

“Where’s Aspen?” I probed, raising an eyebrow.

He rolled his eyes and stepped around the coffee table, moving to sit on the couch beside me. “Are you sure you even care?” he challenged. There was a hardness to his voice as he spoke, leading me to believe that Aspen had already filled him in on what took place at the club.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

Monroe’s eyebrow arched with accusation, his lips thinning like my response wasn’t one he was looking for. “Let’s get one thing straight,” he began in a low tone. “I allow you to come over because you saved her. She seems comfortable around you for reasons I may never understand, and you’ve played a vital part in helping her heal. But if you start causing more damage than good, you can forget about it.”

Before I could process what he’d just said, her bedroom door closed, and the sound of footsteps padded across the hardwood.

Aspen entered the living-area shortly after, freezing once her eyes connected with mine. Her expression was unreadable, but by the rigidness in her posture, she was clearly on edge and not at all prepared to see me just yet.

Her long, purple hair was curled loosely and fell all around her slender frame. Dark makeup painted her eyes, giving her a seductive look, which went perfect with the dark, purple lipstick she wore. My gaze traveled down her body, taking in the revealing outfit she wore. A thin, black dress hugged her curves and halted right above her thighs. The gown glittered with eachshift she made and the only thing holding the dress together was a thin strap around her neck. It was low cut, leaving little to the imagination.

“Where are you going?” I asked, unable to help myself. My eyes drifted down her pale legs until a pair of black heels came into view.

The only time I’ve seen Aspen dress so provocatively—or wear so much makeup—was at the Halloween party. This time, she seemed to be more herself.

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