Page 61 of Depraved Desires

I looked at Foster, unsure of how to answer that question. My reasonings for wanting her here weren’t solid ones. Maybe he had a better one. Truthfully, I didn’t give a shit if she went back to wherever the hell she was staying. Just knowing she was alive was enough for me.

Foster released a sigh, striding over to the bedside table next to his bed, he put out his cigarette and returned to her,his expression unreadable. “Why do you want to go?” he asked, catching me off guard.

“Where do you want me to start?” she muttered. “Because I have a long ass list of reasons why I don’t want to be anywhere near you.”

He advanced on her, looming over her. His arms folded across his chest, the muscle thrumming along his jaw. “The hatred you have for me is mutual,” he replied smoothly. “I don’t like you either. But this isn’t just about me. Collin and Hunter did what was demanded of them. Frankly, I think you need to speak to Collin. He actually gave a shit about you.”

She swallowed nervously, her hands twitching at her sides. “Do I have a choice?”

“I’ll tell you what,” he began. “Come back to the academy and we’ll leave you alone. As long as you stay out of my way, I won’t hurt you.”

Her eyes darted to me before they settled back on him, unease flickering in her green eyes as she contemplated his offer. “What about Myles? He’s the reason all of this started in the first place. He isn’t just going to leave me alone.”

That was probably true.

Foster nodded thoughtfully. “Myles isn’t going to kill you. If you haven’t figured it out by now, he’s obsessed with you for whatever reason. If it’s your life that you’re worried about, don’t.”

“Why do you guys even care?”

He snorted in response. “I personally don’t give a shit. You could have stayed dead for all I cared. Plus, I think you owe it to Collin after you hurt him the way you did.”

A grimace captured her features, and her lips drew into a tight line. “Fine. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” Her gaze slid to mine, her lip curling as she took me in. I’d expected her to hate me. Not only did I lead Raven to the slaughter, but I treatedher like shit too. My emotions were all fucked up when it came to Aspen Palmer. On one hand, I wanted her. On the other, I was with Foster. Sliding her gaze back to Foster, she released a frustrated breath of air. “Can I at least shower?”

He nodded, not bothering to look in her direction as she made her way to the bathroom and closed the door behind her. With her out of the room, the tension in his shoulders eased and he ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

My mind drifted to the events that had taken place at the club. Aspen seated on Foster’s lap while he fingered her so hard until she shattered. My dick stirred to life within my pants making me ache. This girl was going to be the death of me.

“I should probably get some sleep,” I said, rising to my feet. It was already well after three in the morning, and I didn’t want to miss classes. I’ve missed way too much this school year and if I wanted a chance at graduating, then that had to stop. “Are you going to be okay? You know…with sleeping in the same bed as her.” He’s slept beside her before, wedging pillows between the two of them so she didn’t accidentally touch him in his sleep and freak him out, but I know that even then, it had been a huge leap for him.

Foster grunted in response, his gaze sliding to the bathroom door where Aspen had retreated to moments before. The faint sound of the water running echoed through the room.

“I’ll just do what I did last time.” He glanced back over at me, his expression unreadable as always. “It’s just one night,” he continued. “She’ll be Collin’s problem tomorrow.”

“Collin?” I bristled, widening my eyes. “You really think he’s in any condition to watch her after what happened earlier?”

“I don’t think she needs to be watched.” He shrugged. “Just entertained until we figure this shit out. She isn’t going to run.”

I swallowed, contemplating his words. “How do you know for sure?” I pressed. I didn’t care if she left or not. But Collin would. Myles probably would too.

“I just do. Now go get some sleep. I might need you tomorrow.”

I nodded before making my way to the door, my head a mess. It didn’t take long for me to reach my room, and when I did, I closed myself inside and sat on the edge of my bed, not bothering to turn on the light. Laying down, I peered into the darkness while my mind continued to race.

It was no secret that Aspen was beautiful. I’m sure we all saw the appeal. However, I didn’t want her. Collin was the most broken over herdisappearance. He’d actually given a shit, and for that, he was the one who should be with her. Assuming she’d ever give him the time of day again after everything that had happened. Foster couldn’t stand her, but for some reason, still couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Myles was just obsessed with owning her, and that would probably end up doing her more harm in the end.

Her pleas echoed around my skull from the night at the cliff. The sheet clung to her small figure with Raven’s blood seeping through the thin material. Her green eyes were widened in horror as tears tracked down her face, her gaze pinned on Foster who was steering her backwards to the edge of the doom that awaited her below.

I remember my heart racing in that moment. I’d been so torn between trying to save her and just letting her crash into the abyss. Myles had to hold Collin back, whispering words in his ear in an attempt to stop him from making a mistake. In reality, it wasn’t him who would have made the mistake. It was the rest of us.

The scream she let out right as she was shoved made my chest tighten. I didn’t know her well enough to like her, but thewhole situation had been fucked and even then, I knew it. Why didn’t I do something?

Sighing, I rubbed at my burning eyes with the palm of my hands. Maybe all of this was supposed to happen. At least Foster wasn’t hellbent on hurting her anymore. All she had to do was piss him off again and that would change.

A yawn tore from my throat as sleep inched its way inside me. Before I knew it, my eyes were fluttering until darkness finally encased me.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Aspen

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