Page 58 of Dark, Forbidden, & Taboo

“Because I was hoping you’d be up for something.”

“Spit it out already, Rock,” I snap at him as I finally lose my patience.

He grins, “Emily agreed to go away with me for a long weekend, and even though all of this happened, I’m willing to bet anything, she still wants to go. I figure you can come with us. I’ll pay for everything, obviously. You’ll have to take a separate flight so that she doesn’t see you, we’ll get one of Dad’s maids to stay here with Angie and keep her happy, fed, and safe, andthen …” his voice trails off as he wiggles his eyebrows and I laugh despite the mood I’m in.

“And then?” I press him in an amused tone.

“We ruin her. Mentally and physically.”

“How do we do that, Rock?”

“The only way that we can, Daveigh.”

I take a deep breath and hold it, unsure of what he’s going to say next, when he smiles.

“Together.”

Lolita

Blurb

No one ever believed that I could make something of myself.

I got kicked out of my home right before my thirteenth birthday, but I made the best of things. I found a way to keep my head above water and I’ve become damn good at what I do.

Not to say that my way is the best, but I will say that it’s theonlyway.

A fair few have treated me kindly and with respect, and in return, I’ve treated them the same.

Pretty little girls can get what they want, and I haven’t failed to get what I want so far. It’s strange in a way because I never knew how far I would go to take what I want, but I want him—no; I need him.

The way a junkie craves their next fix.

The way a hunter stalks their next prey.

It’s the thrill of the chase, I suppose, and the high of getting what you want.

Someone should have warned him that pretty little girls like me aren’t all just barbie dolls and bubblegum.

Some of us harbor darker thoughts than the meanest of men.

I’ll use what I know best to get him, though.

In the end, he’ll be mine.

Just like he was always meant to be.

Chapter

One

Iblow another bubble and lick the sticky gum off my lips. I’ve been standing in front of the “help wanted” board stationed in the center of the community college campus looking for a job. I don’t go to this school, nor am I old enough to attend, but I’ve been on my own long enough to consider myself well-versed in the adult way of life.

My eyes narrow as I scan the flyers and just when I’m about to give up hope, I see it. I take a step closer and read the somewhat professionally designed sign, a smile curving the edge of my lips.

Babysitter wanted. Four weekdays and one Saturday per month. Experience preferred but will consider all. Please call the number below Monday through Friday between nine a.m. and five p.m.

I pull the first tag off the flyer, fold it up, and slip it into my pocket. I glance around to make sure no one is watching me as I pull the flyer down, crumple it into a ball, then toss it into the trashcan nearby.

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