Page 46 of Wreckin' Amethyst

What if he isn’t in here? What if Myles isn’t in any of the buses and I’m stuck in this rehab for the foreseeable future? The pampering is delightful, the food is phenomenal, but there’s an emptiness within which no amount of pillow chocolates can fill. Clenching my hands into fists, my palms feel sticky.

Holy shit, am I nervous?Although there was no need to be, since the second man to exit the vehicle is a glorious giant of muscle and sandy blond hair. Myles’ chest pushes against the white t-shirt, wearing the same as me, his eyes downcast and shoulders sagged in defeat. Butterflies burst inside my stomach, flipping my organs over themselves as the truth punches me in the gut. I’ve missed him.

Taking the seat directly opposite me, Myles thankfully doesn’t pay any attention beyond the floor by his feet. I jump up and round the refreshments table. Now I know he’s here, I can put the wheels of my masterplan into motion. Untucking the Ziplock bag of cocaine from my waistband and using my body as a shield from onlookers, I tip the contents into the provided drinking jug, giving it a quick stir. I put Ace’s money to really, really good use.

I’d brought enough crack in my handbag to taint the main water supply, but when Myles and a room of raging addicts is packaged so neatly for me, I’m not going to argue. All I needed was the right kind of distraction. Tugging my t-shirt back in place, I rejoin the group as the therapist locks the back door and pockets her keycard.

“Let’s get started, shall we? It’s lovely to see a full house today,” she smiles at me. Taking her unoccupied seat, she opens her white jacket and reveals a huge bust concealed within a black dress. What a distraction for those struggling to look away, myself included. “For those who are new or have decided to grace us with their presence today, I’m Mila.” Crossing her legs, Mila loosely shakes her heel and raises a brow cockily. Damn, I don’t want to like her. I’m about to traumatize her into early retirement.

“How about we start with a roll call? Tell us your name and what brings you here today.” Nodding a head of chocolate brown hair to her left, we’re introduced to Julian, Adaline, Sam and then there’s Ruby, having turned the chair backwards to grind her hips over the wood.

“Mmm, yeah – I’m Ruby, or Madam, depending on the situation. My father committed me here and I don’t think there’s a plan for any real rehabilitation. I just need…some fucking…friction," she bears down, dragging her crotch against the seat.

“Thanks Ruby,” Mila drawls. Her tone would suggest she’s no stranger to such antics. “Myles, you’re up next.” I sit a little straighter, my throat dry. He’s yet to look up, to assess the room around him. I wonder if he’ll even notice me within the wig and changed eye color. Inhaling deeply, Myles’ shoulders lift and fall, his dejected voice barely audible.

“Pass.”

I feel his resentment in the pit of my soul. The only reason he’s here is due to a betrayal. Myles and Carter know as well as I do, he’s not an addict. A liar perhaps, although I’m surprisingly giving him the benefit of the doubt. Seems we’ve both come far. Jo introduces herself next, announcing her soon-to-be ex-husband couldn’t handle her affair with the pool boy. I half-listen to the rest, until it’s finally my turn. My moment.

“Hey all, I’m Sasha,” my voice rings out. Myles’ head snaps upright. I watch the confusion pass through his features, the silence weighing heavily within my ears. “I’ve played many roles in my life, most of them revolving around using my body to get what I want. I’m no stranger to sexual blackmail or a stripper pole but,” I wet my lips, “I recently got this billionaire boyfriend. Turns out he thinks there’s more to me, and I’m here to prove I’m worth his devotion. Even if it turns out he’s a dirty liar and I end up destroying him, it’s about time I listened to my heart.”

“Well, thank you for your honesty,” Mila interrupts, hurrying the rest of the introductions along. Myles holds my stare, hardly blinking through his disbelief. Keeping my nerve, I will the erratic beat of my heart to slow. I’ve never put myself out there so bluntly, revealing my true cards so openly. Let’s hope Myles is worth it, or I won’t ever be doing so again.

“So, for today’s session, I was thinking we could role play a scenario,” Mila begins, causing Ruby to moan out loud.

“Fuck yes. Let’s do nurse and patient. No, teacher and student. No! fireman and burn victim!”

“I’m not participating in any of the above,” Adaline interjects, holding up a hand.

“It’s okay, no one is,” Mila reassures us all. “What I meant was, how about we try a simple conversation? Would anyone feel comfortable with a light touch on the arm, maybe a friendly hug to demonstrate not every interaction has to be a sexual one?”

“I’ll do it,” Myles shoots out of his seat, staring at me expectantly. Pushing down Sasha’s nerves and bringing Amethyst to the surface, I stand. Two strides put me in front of Myles as he meets me in the middle, my hip popped and lips pursed.

“Hi,” he mutters, possibly regretting his urge to have this conversation in front of an audience.

“Hello,” I tilt a brow. “How are you finding your stay?”

“Miserable. I don’t belong here,” Myles’ amber eyes flood with desolation. The spark is missing, his frown too easily accessible. I yearn to make him smile, hear his laugh, but I have business to take care of first.

“I know,” I whisper, clearing my throat. “But perhaps you’ve pissed off the wrong person,” I shrug. This gains a reaction.

“Perhaps I was just trying to be happy.”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t lie about burning envelopes and the crest which your father wears on his signet ring,” I prod Myles’ chest.

“Um, maybe a touch which isn’t so hostile,” Mila advises.

“It wasn’t his crest. Similar yes, but not the same. Besides, don’t be a hypocrite,” Myles scoffs. “I deserve better than that.”

“How the hell am I a hypocrite?” I slam my hand on his chest this time. Now that’s hostility.

“You’re hiding so many secrets, I doubt you know what’s real anymore.” Myles growls, his brows tightly pinched. “Tell me you would have done anything different if it were your family? You lie for a living. I did it once and have been at war with myself ever since.” We fall into silence, a battle of wills ensuing as Ruby leans over to Sam.

“I think they know each other,” she whispers loud enough for the whole room to hear. Flaring my nostrils, Myles is first to bow out and look sympathetic.

“I was going to tell you when I had more information.” Reaching up, he brushes against the t-shirt’s neckline and I’m a goner. So simple, yet desire pools in my core. The sight of him, the smell, the feel. Sasha returns with a vengeance and she’s a needy bitch. Leaning into his touch, I close my eyes. How can he feel this good? His touch ignites a spark, trailing his fingers along my jaw, cheek, to my hair line with extra care not to dislodge the wig. Even now, still protecting me and the secrets he knows I hold.

“I think this is a good time for a break,” Mila jumps up and walks between the two of us. I stagger backwards, immediately replacing the walls Myles had brought down too easily. It turns out our little display has everyone in the room gasping.Perfect. Whilst Mila pours cups and hands them out, I slip through the crowd to lean up by Myles’ ear.

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