Page 5 of Forever Filthy

When my driver hands me my bags, I thank him and wave him away when he tries to carry them for me. I may be the lordess but I haven’t forgotten where I came from. I didn’t grow up getting my ass wiped for me, we were taught to stand on our own two feet. I make my way across the grass and head toward the dorms. A ball of excitement takes life inside me. I’ve always dreamed about going to college and all the experiences I would have with my brother and the guys. Growing up we would talk about college and what we would get up to, there was never a question if we would all go to the same school, it was just a given.

I push all thoughts of the past away as I drag my luggage behind me and input the code on the panel next to the door that was sent to me by the dean. At this late hour I expected everyone to be in bed but I was wrong. I smile at a few girls wholook like they are dressed for a night on the town. Happiness fills me when they smile back and wave. One even hands me a flier as I pass by. After a couple of wrong turns and a trip to the wrong floor I finally find my room. I push the door open and sigh in relief when I drop my bags. I look around the room and a pang of longing hits me right in the chest. This is what I have dreamed about for years and I gave it all up to try and protect their innocence and my soul. I drop down onto the edge of the unmade bed that I’m assuming is mine and huff in annoyance.

I should have been here!

I shake away the bitter thought and look across the room to see my roommate's side is practically untouched. There are bags and a few textbooks but nothing personal. Her bed isn’t even made and has me questioning if she is a late arrival like me or does she just not stay here? I look down at the flier in my hand and read over it. There is a campus bonfire tonight on the beach. I pull my phone out and plug the address into the GPS and smile when I see it’s only a short walk away.

You aren’t a college student, Vivian!

Sadness envelopes me, it’s Friday night. I should stay in and read over the new contracts David emailed me on the drive over. I know the expansion of the high school and opening our own college is important for all future members of the Saints but this is a college party.

“I could go for an hour?” I say aloud, nibbling on my lip while debating my options. It doesn't take much convincing, I decide to go over the contracts in the morning and enjoy my first night. I may never get another chance to experience something like this, lord knows I would never have been allowed to go if my brother and the guys were here. I was only allowed out if one or all of them were with me but not tonight. Tonight I am going solo. I mean for fuck’s sake, I own a sex club now and I’m not the same naive little girl I was a year ago. I know the world isn’t filledwith kind people. I also have my can of pepper spray in my purse so I’ll be fine.

I can’t wipethe smile from my face as my sandal-covered feet sink into the sand. My hair gets caught in the wind and smacks me in the face, some of the strands getting caught in my lip gloss but I pull them away and tuck them behind my ear. I make my way toward the crowded bonfire and can’t help but stare at the guys and girls as they dance around to the music with red solo cups in their hands. The girls look so carefree and happy, the guys seem relaxed without a worry in the world.

I envy them.

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t feel worried or stressed about the future. Unlike everyone at this party, our futures weren’t guaranteed. We had to fight, claw our way out of the corner our father’s backed us into until I took matters into my own hands.

“Hey, why the long face, beautiful?” I snap my head up and lock eyes with a guy who has one of the warmest smiles I have ever seen. I drink him in and swallow audibly. He’s shirtless and wears a pair of ripped jean shorts that hang low on his hips. When he chuckles I lift my gaze back to him. He runs a hand through his black hair and pushes it back from his forehead, his blue eyes filled with wonder as he stares down at me. “You must be new here.”

“H-how…” I clear my throat and try again. “What makes you say that?”

The sexy smirk that touches his lips has my heart rate picking up. “I would remember seeing you around campus.” I feel theblush coating my cheeks and duck my head for a moment before pulling on my big girl panties and facing him again.

“That obvious, huh?”

He shrugs. “Kind of, yeah.” Both of us laugh at that. “Can I get you a drink?” I must hesitate too long because he quickly adds. “We don’t do kegs here, all drinks are sealed and any left lying around are tossed.” His words put my worries at ease and I find myself nodding and following after him. He grabs me a wine cooler and hands it over. Sure enough, it’s sealed. He and I stand side by side as we people watch. The cheer squad run through a routine while everyone watches. I can’t put my finger on it but something about this place seems different to Hollow Hills.

“Do you go to school here…?” I don’t know his name so I let my sentence trail off. He smiles down at me and extends his hand.

“My name is Matthew but my friends and family call me Dawson.”

I cock my head to the side. “Why do they call you Dawson?”

He smiles sheepishly and rubs the back of his neck. “It’s a long story but the gist of it is, my dad wasn’t around when I was born so I demanded everyone call me by my last name so I could be closer to my old man I guess.”

I reach out and touch his forearm. “I’m sorry.”

He smiles and shakes his head. “Don’t be, my dad’s one of the greatest guys I know.”

“So, he’s around now?”

He nods. “Yeah, he has been since he found me and my mom when I was four.” I don’t know why but I get the feeling he is uncomfortable talking about his family so I change the subject.

“I’m Vivian.”

“A pretty name for a pretty girl.” For the second time tonight I blush. “Got a last name?”

I open my mouth to sayHatchettbut then realize, that is no longer my name. “Tempest. My name is Vivian Tempest.”

“Your name suits you, you definitely seem like a temptress.” I can’t help the laughter that bubbles out of me.

“Oh, that was real smooth, Romeo.” Dawson shoots me a wink.

“So, CHU, huh?” he says, changing the subject. Sorrow unfurls inside me. Dawson seems like a great guy but he’s also a stranger and would never understand the dynamics of my life.

“I’m actually just here for a meeting with the board.” His brows jump to his hairline, his eyes suddenly turn accusing and I take a step back. “Is everything okay?” I ask.

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