Page 20 of Beautiful Delusions

"I didn't think you cared," I admit quietly, my voice small and fragile in the darkness. It's a confession I never thought I'dmake, but as Ezra's fingers gently curl around my chin, forcing me to meet his intense gaze, I can't hold back any longer. The passing headlights slice through the shadows, casting a flickering dance of light and dark across Ezra's face. For a moment, I see a hint of vulnerability in his eyes, a fleeting glimpse of the boy who hides behind the mask of the bully.

"Listen to me, Sophia," he commands softly, the rough edge in his voice betraying his own uncertainty. "We care more than you can possibly know. But you have to understand how dangerous this world can be. You're quickly becoming too important for us to lose."

His words leave me reeling, caught off guard by the underlying tenderness in his tone. I, too, can no longer deny the feelings that have been growing inside me, the tendrils of affection and desire that have slowly wrapped themselves into something unmovable.

“In the club, you told me not to do something again. What was it?” I plead with my eyes, striking while Ezra is finally opening up. His fingers withdraw from my chin, the inevitable pull of his affection closing off.

“Don’t scare us like that again.” Ezra's expression softens, the anger in his eyes giving way to something far more tender–and infinitely more terrifying. He doesn't say anything else, but his silence speaks louder than his words ever could. In that moment, I realize that despite my best efforts, I'm already bound to him and his brothers. And as much as the thought terrifies me, there's a part of me that can't help but crave the safety and security they offer. Ezra dips his head, his lips on the corner of my mouth. I shift my head, our noses brushing as the door across the cab flies open.

“Give her to me,” Lucas throws himself into the middle seat, his expression closed. Kyan drops in a moment later, closing us inside. Ezra doesn’t hesitate, tossing me into Lucas’ lap as ifwe weren’t in the midst of an intense conversation. Lucas is far more forthcoming with his thoughts and feelings.

“Fuck, Beautiful. "Are you okay?" Lucas whispers in my ear, void of his usual playfulness. “Tell me those bastards didn’t hurt you. Tell me they didn’t…touch you,” he rasps desperately.

“I-I’m fine, Lucas,” I choke out, the words tasting like ash on my tongue. In truth, I'm far from okay, but admitting defeat isn’t in my nature. I’ll decompress later. His hands brush my thighs, a mix of deeper shades blooming across his knuckles. I shudder. Lucas buries his face in my neck. The warmth of his breath against my skin sends shivers down my spine. No more words are exchanged as Kyan orders the driver to take us home.

Home. Safety. The concept feels foreign to me, but at this moment, I crave it more than ever before. As we drive through the city streets, the lights reflect off the limousine's windows. My head spins, the alcohol still heavy in my system, and I struggle to make sense of my conflicting emotions.

“Lucas,” I whisper, my voice shaky. “What happens now?” He pulls back slightly, his green eyes searching mine.

“Being ours doesn’t mean you’re a prisoner. Just give us a heads-up where you’re going next time, yeah?” Despite myself, I smile and duck my head. Nodding, his arms wind around my body. Kyan leans over to press a kiss to my forehead.

“Let’s get you back to your dorm. I’m sure you’ll want some time to-”

“No!” I jolt upright and say a little too harshly. All sets of eyes land on me, including the driver’s in the rearview mirror. “I…um, can I stay at the Manor tonight? I’m pretty sure my roommate is still stealing from me.” The arms around my waist tighten. It’s probably the alcohol making me see things, but I’m certain the boys all shift closer. It’s Ezra’s approving grunt which untenses my shoulders.

“We'll protect you, Sophia. Always,” he grumbles.

His words settle in my heart like a comforting blanket, and I realize that the contract sitting in my backpack back at the dorm doesn't feel like a manacle anymore. Instead, it feels like a vow of protection–one that I suddenly crave with every fiber of my being.

“Is this seat taken?” I nudge Letty, gesturing to her side. The lecture hall isn’t half-filled yet, considering I’mearly. Finally, at last, I’m awake and caffeinated enough to be early for class. Let that be an omen for the rest of today.

“Oh hey! No, not at all. Come sit,” Letty moves her backpack. I settle, pulling out the foldable table from between the seats and positioning it in front of me. “I haven’t seen you since Karlo’s; I was starting to worry something had happened.” I smile easily, not commenting on the fact that was days ago and she wasonly just ‘starting’ to worry. I could have been dead in a ditch somewhere.

Instead, I continue setting up my notepad and textbook. Everyone else present is typing on a laptop, but I prefer good old-fashioned paper and highlighters. It helps organize my mind. Letty tosses her brunette braid over her shoulder and presses me further. “Have you been sick?”

“Erm,” my cheeks flush. How can I casually announce I’ve not left Thorn Manor for the past few days? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve probably studied longer and harder than anyone in this room, between countless orgasms and several naps. I have to admit, it’s been glorious, even if we’re still on a one-at-time regime. Letty’s large eyes blink, still waiting for my answer. “Not physically. I just needed a few mental health days. You know how it is.” Her smile grows as she eases back into her seat.

“Oh, absolutely–you have to look after yourself first. Not everyone is comfortable taking those days when needed, so good for you.” Letty smiles kindly, and I decide she’s a good friend to keep around, even if she’s a little air-headed.

That’s not fair, Jazzie jumps into the seat in front of me and twists back. Her black hair shifts over the backrest, the silver highlights catching the light.Some people haven’t been through what you have. Just because she doesn’t understand how your mind works, doesn’t make her an airhead.

I hold my hands up in defeat and nod, answering in my mind.Okay, okay. You’re right. Jazzie turns around to face the front of the lecture hall, while Letty side-eyes me. I suppose out of the two of us, I’m the one who would seem a few marbles sort of a netted pouch.

“At least you’re doing better than Becca,” Letty quickly whispers.

“Why, what happened to Becca?” I ask, my interest piqued. Other students quickly rush down the aisles, dropping into seatsas Mrs. Patrick enters the hall. Letty leans into me, covering her mouth with her fluffy pen.

“Apparently, she was kicked out of her dorm without any notice and told to find her own lodgings. She can’t afford to stay nearby so she’s dropped out.” My jaw hits the ground. That can’t be anything to do with me. Surely, it’s nothing to do with me. Mrs. Patrick commands everyone’s attention as my mind wanders. Again.

I need to speak to the boys. They’ve been more distracted lately, what with the sports rally quickly coming around. I swallow thickly. This will be the first full school event where I have to sit and pretend I’m not screwing the star players.

No matter how many times Jazzie has told me to, I’ve refused to ask the brothers what will happen when they decide it's time to publicly claim me. In fact, I’ve avoided discussing the whole ‘pet’ situation at all costs. If I say it, if I accept it out loud, it’ll become real. It’ll change the casual routine I’m settling into. Sustenance, study, sex, sleep. Complete bliss, until I need to leave the house and re-enter the real world.

Hence why I sought out Letty, figuring I’d get answers another way. I wait until Mrs. Patrick begins reading a segment of Shakespeare, letting herself get carried away, before leaning into Letty’s side.

“Can I ask you something?” I whisper. Letty nods, keeping her eyes forward. “This whole Pet thing with the Thorn Brothers. I just…I don’t understand why three men like them would want to share one woman. Surely there are so many girls throwing themselves at their feet?”

“It goes back to their orphanage days,” Letty replies, keeping her voice low. “From what I understand, they were constantly running away, and there was a time all three would need to share a single meal or swap around who would get to wear a jacket that day. For nostalgia, I suppose, they just like to share, and thisis their last chance to do so.” My gut coils into a ball, my heart tugging heavily in my chest.

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