Page 83 of Depraved Desires

I knew I’d probably get a lot of shit for bringing her to the cafeteria, but we both needed to get out of the room. It could be good for her, and it would show the school that she wasn’t missing. That could work in our favor.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Aspen

It felt amazing to be in my own clothes again. The tight material of my outfit hugged my figure tightly as we walked. The thin fabric rubbed against my skin, bringing forth a comfort I hadn’t experienced in quite some time. Or…so it felt like. I reveled in the way my leather jacker clung to me, radiating a warmth and pushing it through my body.

I tilted my head, looking up at the clear, cloudless sky. The sun was hot on my face, which was a nice reprieve from the blistering cold we’ve been experiencing as of late. It was still in the fifties, but at least it wasn’t bone-chilling.

Students trickled in through the doors of the cafeteria as we worked to catch up with them. My heart raced, leaving a hollow feeling in my chest. The memories worked hard against my brain, trying to force their way to the front, but I stomped them down with all my might. I’ve cried enough. Dwelling wasn’t going to bring her back. These people didn’t need to see me break down.

Collin strolled forward and pulled the door open, allowing me entry. I sucked in a sharp breath before stepping inside thenoisy building. Everything was just as I remembered it, only proving to me that time didn’t slow for anyone. It didn’t matter who was missing, or who was dead. That thought left a bitter taste in my mouth.

My gaze skirted around the tables until I found a familiar face. Gia sat at the table we used to share with Raven. Except this time, it was occupied by Jax, Rocky, and Dixie. A scowl twisted my features as I took in the dark-headed girl seated next to Rocky. Despite everything that had happened, Gia seemed…happy. If the sparkle within her brown eyes and grin placating her face was anything to go by.

“Come on,” Collin urged, placing his hand against the small of my back. My body immediately tensed from the contact. It felt odd being out in public with him like this. Wrong, even.

I allowed him to lead me to their usual table. As soon as we were in reaching distance, the three guys turned to face us. Foster’s eye was the first I caught. His brows drooped and his jaw tightened.

“Why did you bring her here?” he growled, keeping his voice low enough so that only we could hear.

Collin didn’t bother replying. Instead, he guided me to the empty spot next to the blonde who seemed to hate me with a burning passion. Even more so now that he came all over my pussy in the shower. At least I knew he wasn’t completely immune to sexual desire.

“Niceoutfit,” Myles remarked from across the table, his eyes flickering over to Collin with accusation.

Collin blew out a breath and rolled his eyes like he’d expected this. “Would you have rather me bring her naked?” he countered.

Annoyance skittered down my spine. I hated how they talked about me like I wasn’t even here—like theycontrolledme. I glanced over at Foster, my hands balling into fists within my lap.“You said it wouldn’t be like before,” I reminded him, narrowing my eyes. “I’ve been taking your shit since you kidnapped me. Do you know how many chances I’ve had to escape? I deserve to be treated like a damn person.”

His expression never changed as he stared me down. The only indication that he’d even heard me was the slight tick along his jaw as he processed my words. Disregarding me, he turned his attention to Collin once more. “Get her something to eat,” he instructed before dropping his gaze to his own meal.

A huff of exasperation fluttered past my lips. These assholes were insufferable. They were so hot and cold that it gave me whiplash.

Collin nodded before turning on his heels and making a beeline for the kitchen near the back of the room. I was thankful that Myles and Hunter sat before me, shielding me from Gia and Rocky. That was one thing I wasn’t sure I could deal with today.

“I hope you don’t like that outfit,” Myles continued in a taunting tone, bringing my attention back to him. “Because it’s getting cut from your body as soon as we get out of here.”

Rage simmered through my veins, pooling in the depths of my stomach as it brought me to the brink of an explosion. I knew him well enough now, to know that he wasn’t bluffing. I didn’t escape death’s clutches just to be thrown right back into the same situation prior to my so-called demise.

My eyebrows tugged together with determination as I came to a sudden reality. These guys have been pushing me around all over again, and for the most part, I’ve been taking it. Granted, it hasn’t been as bad as before, but how long would that last? These guys got off on torture and pain.

“She still deserves to be punished for that laxative incident,” Hunter commented, shooting a glare my way.

A laugh bubbled up from my throat, remembering how they all fought for the bathroom. I’d take whatever punishment theydolled out; it was so worth it, and I’d do it all over again given the opportunity. Foster was always so quiet and collected with his asshole persona radiating off of him. It was interesting to watch him crumble as he raced for the nearest restroom.

“Why?” I asked innocently. “I just helped cleanse your colon.” My nose scrunched as soon as the words left my mouth. Maybe that should have been reworded differently.

None of the guys seemed amused by my response. They all stared at me with hard looks that rivaled one another’s. It didn’t take long for Collin to return. He took note of the tension, glancing around the table with curiosity before he dropped down next to me. He slid my plate toward me along with a can of soda.

A meatball sub took up the majority of my plate, and fries sat off to the side. Instantly, my mouth watered. If there was one thing I missed about this damn place, it was the food. Monroe could cook, but it was nothing compared to this.

We all ate in silence—ortriedto. About a quarter into my meal, Jessica sauntered up to the table with a hand resting along her hip. Paisley and Madison occupied either side of her, their gazes pinned on me. I blew out an annoyed breath, dropping my sandwich on my plate once again, and then wiped my hands and mouth with a napkin.

“Can we help you?” Foster demanded.

Jessica turned her attention to Hunter, a sneer curling her upper lip. “I thought she was missing,” she accused. “Or was that another one of your lies?”

Foster stood abruptly, his blue eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. Jessica’s eyes widened as she stumbled back a step, fear skittering through her. “Let’s get one thing straight,” he growled, inching around the table in slow, deliberate movements. “We’ve only tolerated your whiny bullshit because of him.” He inclined his head toward Hunter for emphasis. “I’d think really fucking carefully about coming toourtable andstarting drama with us. You of all people should know what we’re capable of.”

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