Page 7 of Regressive

“Somehow I doubt that,” she says, quietly.

She may not be tested, but I know I will be. Just the sight of her cloaked in silk and lace… it would be so easy to push her against the pillows and take her right here. She wouldn’t fight me. I know that from the pink in her cheeks and the way her chest rises and falls. If she did? There’s part of me that knows why Rex did it—why he took her like that. Feeling this Little Lamb tremble beneath him?

It’s tempting. Everything about her is tempting.

I look away and catch a glimpse of the two of us in the mirror. My dark hair hangs messily across my forehead and my eyes look wild. I’m exhausted from the weekend of celebration, of fighting, but none of that is what propels me to my feet. It’s the way Imogene looks in the reflection—small and innocent. Sweet but sexy. Truly an innocent, vulnerable, little lamb.

And there’s no doubt as I walk out of the room without another word, that I’m the big bad wolf.

It’s nothard to find him. Like all other pack animals, he has a preferred hunting ground, and that’s right where I find him. There are two rows of commercial business that surround the University. The Center took up one of these spots for our recruitment office, but otherwise, The Strip, as the college kids call it, is filled with restaurants, bars and other places to hang out. That’s the first place Rex goes when he’s looking for a quick hookup—and to fulfill his recruitment quota. Two birds, one stone—and hopefully an orgasm or two.

He’s leaning against the brick wall just outside the bar towering over a cute redhead he’s been putting the hardsell on for weeks now. Anex may be a conniving bastard but he knows how to sell his way of life—Serendee and The Way. Some people are already on a journey and seeking Enlightenment and walk in off the street. But a lot of these people need coaxing—and what better salesman than a guy who looks, and acts, like Rex.

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

From the way his body is angled, his forearm resting on the wall, glass of alcohol in his fingertips, to the slight lean into the girl, the way he pushes a strand of hair off her shoulder, it’s clear he’s going in for the kill. Which is exactly why I need to stop him.

“Hey,” I call, hands shoved in the pockets of my jacket. “Rex.”

He looks up, eyes curious, but quickly shifting to annoyance. “Hey man.”

“You need to come home.”

He grins—it’s for the girl. Cocky and sure. “I’m a little busy.”

She glances over at me and does a double take. I don’t have that golden boy thing going on like Rex, but I know I’m a good-looking guy. Built. Women are drawn to me.

“I’m sure,” I reply. “But I need you back at the house.”

His hand slides down her hip. “I’m sure you can handle it,” he grins at the girl, “Katelyn and I were just going to go over some of the level one tenants, to see if she’s interested in finding out more.”

“Tenants, sure.” I roll my eyes. I walk over and insert myself between the two of them. “Katelyn,” I say, addressing her directly, “I hate to interfere, but do you think you can swing by the Center tomorrow? I’m sure someone, maybe even Rex, will be happy to discuss this further.”

“Um…” she looks between us, eyes wide and confused. “I guess so.”

“Thanks, sweetheart,” I say, giving her my own persuasive grin. “I promise, whatever, um,information, my brother was about to give you, will be readily available at the Center during business hours.”

Katelyn giggles, but walks off, engulfed by the group of students standing near the front of the bar. Once she’s gone, Rex gives me the stink eye and says, “Seriously? What the fuck dude?”

“Your mate is waiting for you at home.”

He scoffs. “Trust me, brother, she’s better off with me here than at home.” He looks wistfully toward the bar. “You realize I wasn’t really going over Serendee info, right? I was about to get my dick sucked.”

“Yeah, I’m aware, but unfortunately you’re not a single guy anymore. You have obligations. At home.”

His eyes narrow. “So, you’re worried about the Little Lamb all the sudden? Really?”

“I am when I find her stressed and worried, waiting for you to come home.”

“What the hell does she have to be stressed about?”

See that’s the thing about Rex—or being Rex. He can just exist in his own reality. Sure, he has obligation to Serendee and Anex like the rest of us, but he has a long rope. No one has ever depended on him. “She’s a fucking basket case. Totally unsure about her position, here. With you, with her dad, with her mother’s history. She has no idea where she stands, which in my opinion, is exactly how your father wants it. I don’t blame her for being nervous about it, because it feels like she’s nothing but a pawn in a game being played by you and your father.”

“If you’re so worried about her, why don’t you fuck her? I gave you permission.”

Jesus. He’ll never get it. Never. “You’re a prick, you know that?”

“And you’re overly invested in my life.”

---