[English] FEAR ME

Fear Me
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A few minutes passed but no one answered. Refusing to let my only friendship die I tried the doorknob. The door surprisingly opened so I entered, checking the living room and kitchen before moving upstairs.

“Willow?” I called out when I reached the landing. I could hear low sounds coming from her room as I moved forward. When she didn't answer I feared there was something wrong so I pushed the door open. “Willow?”

I walked in and instantly wished I hadn’t.

I could barely make out Willow on the bed covered by a large male body. Her legs were wrapped around his hips. Her head was thrown back and her eyes closed tight. She was gripping the muscular buttocks of the guy who had her pinned to the bed as her breasts rocked in rhythm with the headboard banging against the wall. Her passionate cries mixed with his lustful groans as he pounded her, forcefully. It was a wonder I couldn't make it out clearly before. Suddenly his head turned toward the door and he immediately spotted me as I stood frozen watching them.

Dash Chambers. Keiran’s best friend. His name tasted bitter on my tongue.

He continued his furious pace—never missing a beat as he watched me watch him with a smirk. Willow had yet to notice me as he continued to pleasure her so I stepped back quickly and quietly shut the door. I ran down the stairs and out the door. I couldn’t believe that I caught them like that.

So it was true…she was sleeping with the enemy.

* * *

“Hey, Charlie,” I greeted when I walked through the front doors.

“Thanks again, for covering the shift. I know it’s your birthday.”

“No, problem. Sorry I couldn’t get here faster. “

“Please tell me it was finally because of a guy?”

“Not quite…”

“Well honey, that’s not a no! Congratulations!” Charlie began jumping up and down, clapping and drawing unwanted attention.

“Can we please not do this again?”

“Forgive me for being worried about your love life when you aren’t. At this rate all I see in your future are tabby cats and bowel problems. Can you imagine what that could do to a person?”

I listened to Charlie’s rants while he followed me behind the service desk and into the employee den. I had to threaten him with bodily harm when he tried to follow me into the bathroom stall. He finally went away, muttering about clueless teenagers and I quickly changed into my uniform shirt.

I picked up this job at the gym last year after Keiran had been gone for about two months. I remember feeling as if I had lost a vital piece of my life and so I picked up a few hobbies at first but couldn’t stick to them. A few weeks later, on my way to the local burger joint, I saw an ad in the window of the local gym and applied. Charlie had taken one look at me and began bemoaning my lack of a love life. He guessed that I either didn’t appreciate men or was hung up on someone who didn’t notice me. If he only knew. I tried to explain that I was only sixteen and had the rest of my life to make a love connection, but that nearly brought him to tears.

“You poor thing. It’s worse than I thought. You’re hired. I have to help you. This is my one true purpose in life.”

And I’ve worked here ever since. It was a nice distraction and gave me a chance to save some money for college. I didn’t have a clue where I wanted to go then but as long as it was far away from him I would survive.

I clipped the headset they made us wear on my jeans, clocked in and headed out to make my rounds. There was nothing like spending a few hours inhaling the aroma of sweat and watching lonely housewives lust over the half-naked, sweaty men. The gym definitely had its perks.

Charlie was back on the floor, pretending to oversee things while discreetly checking out the men as they worked out. He was a full fledge homo***ual and proud of it. He also had the biggest heart and was a decent mentor in all things men though he called himself a failure because of my single status.

Later into my shift, I was deep into the membership accounts, sifting through accounts that were overdue and marking them for later when I smelled lemons. A satisfied smile covered my face as I looked up at the woman responsible. Mrs. Fletcher frequented the gym even at the age of sixty-eight, though she mostly walked on the treadmill and stair master. She sometimes brought me lemon cookies.

“Good afternoon, dear. I brought you some treats.” She set the paper bag on the counter and I immediately snatched them up.

“How are you Mrs. Fletcher?” I asked while stuffing a chewy goodness into my mouth and wishing for a cold glass of milk.

“Slow down before you choke. There are more in the bag,” she scolded.

“Oh, I know. I just want to eat enough before Charlie gets a whiff of them. He almost ate my whole stash last time.”

“Where is Charles? I need him to come set up the death trap for me.”

“Well hello,” a deep, silky smooth voice greeted.

We both turned to the attractive, middle-aged man that just walked in. He was also a frequent gym-goer, though I’ve never seen him actually work out. Maybe he’s here to check out the men too. I briefly wondered if Charlie would be into older men. He’d just turned thirty and this man looked to be about mid to late forties.

“Oh, hi Mr. Martin. What brings you in today?”

“To exercise might be the correct answer,” he countered with a small smile.

I smiled apologetically and took in his usual, well-kept appearance and dark wavy hair. He was tall with a muscular frame that wasn’t bulky and was always polite and charming. I always wondered if he was married but never asked. If he wasn’t gay then I could consider introducing him to my aunt. But if he wasn’t a Star Trek fan then you can forget it.

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He turned to smile indulgently to Mrs. Fletcher, who was staring up at him. “Hello, Mrs. Fletcher. How are you today?”

“I’m fine, thank you.” Her tone brightened further at the attention so I studied the two to gauge their familiarity. I wasn’t aware they knew each other.

“Always nice to see you.”

“You’re too kind.” She blushed and reluctantly left when Charlie, who just got done setting the treadmill, waved her over.

His attention was now directed on me and I felt the pressure of his gaze. “How are you, little lady? What’s new?”

“Fine, thank you. Nothing much,” I lightly replied, attempting casualness.

He continued to stare as if waiting for something. I shifted uncomfortably, feeling the familiar need to hide. For the past year he has come to the gym and did much of the same. He asks questions about me and about school. One time he even asked if I was dating anyone. I remember the panic I felt when I thought he was hitting on me and it must have shown because he apologized and left the gym abruptly.

He finally handed me his membership card to swipe after a few moments. “You know, we have a promotion going on if you refer a friend to the gym, you get half off next month’s membership fees. You can even use a wife or child–”

I paused at the anger that flickered in his eyes at the mention of a wife and child. I couldn’t describe it, but it wasn’t warm and fuzzy like people who have families usually get.

“I won’t be bringing anyone,” he replied in a brusque tone. It was a far cry from the charisma he usually displayed.

“I’m sorry if I offended you, I –”

“Nonsense.” His smile was forced and didn’t quite reach his eyes. “It is me who should be sorry. My wife died some years ago. I haven’t quite gotten over her death.”

I immediately felt like an ass, not only for bringing up bad memories but the thoughts I was having about him. “Then please accept my apologies Mr. Martin.” I offered a smile and handed back his card.

“I can tell you are a very special girl, Lake. Such a shame,” he stated and then walked away. My smile immediately dropped as I watched him disappear into the locker rooms.

* * *

Thirty minutes in to my shift, I was cleaning the front windows and bobbing along to the music when I felt the breeze from the outside summer air as someone walked in.

“Welcome back. We are currently running a special promotion. If you refer a friend, you get half off next month’s fees.”

“Excellent. I’m sure Keiran would be very interested to know a certain someone works here.” I heard the gruff voice of the snake who made my skin scrawl.

I quickly turned in the opposite direction to escape when his hand clamped around my upper arm. “Not so fast, mouse,” he taunted while pulling me back towards the reception desk. He freed my arm and grinned down at me. “I’d like to apply for a membership.”

Trevor handed over his I.D. with a smug look and I reluctantly accepted it, keying in his info for the application. I could fill his eyes on me as I did so. Once I finished I handed his card back and kept a wary eye on him as he tucked it back into his pocket.

“So?” he asked with a raised brow.

“So, what?”

“Does he know you work here?”

“What’s it to you?”

“Just protecting my interests.”

“You mean your ass? Because if he finds out –”

“He won’t, and you are going to keep your mouth shut,” he warned. “What do you care anyway? He already hates you.”

“Because it’s a lot more personal now and he actually has a reason to hate me. He’s already threatened me because of you,” I whispered harshly. He slashed his hand in the air impatiently.

“I don’t care. Keep your mouth closed or I’ll threaten you too.”

He stalked away, heading for the weights and I couldn’t help hoping a weight could fall and just smash his brain in. It wouldn't wake me up from this nightmare but it would definitely make me laugh. Now who’s the sadistic one? I wouldn’t tempt fate in such a way because I wouldn’t be able to live with it on my conscious. It made me once again remember the fateful day everything turned to ****.

* * *

16 months ago

“Keiran Masters took over the team! He’s officially the team captain now.”

“I heard Trevor is pissed. What do you think he will do?”

“What can he do? Keiran is too bad ass for Trevor to take on.”

“Well, I’m glad Keiran is the captain. He’s a little scary but so much hotter and maybe we will actually make it to the Championship this year.”

I listened to the giggling girls gathered around the lockers next to me. I couldn’t help but listen considering the subject. I needed to stay alert if a quick get-a-way was needed. I sighed, when I realized this was just another Keiran Masters pep rally. Their unending rambling as they praised his good looks and popularity was making me nauseous so I tuned them out and finished storing my books in my locker. When I was done, I debated if I should risk lunch today. After Keiran had some girls toss a pot of chicken fat over my head for ****s and giggles I avoided the cafeteria even if it meant I had to starve.

“Oh gosh, he’s coming this way,” a member of the fan club giggled. My heart started pounding fast as I quickly closed my locker to get out dodge.

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“Hi Trevor,” another one giggled.

I relaxed a little and released the breath I was holding when they greeted Trevor. My relief was short lived though when Trevor bypassed the trio without responding and headed toward me with purpose. He’d never done anything to me but he was still popular and a jock, while I was too far down the food chain to think this was going to be a friendly social call.

I was apprehensive but surprisingly he didn't scare me. Only one person scared me and thankfully he wasn't in the vicinity, so I stood my ground waiting for what was to come. He stopped and scanned my face thoroughly. He probably doesn't even know my name, I thought and almost rolled my eyes.

“Lake, right?” Wait, did I say that out loud?

I continued staring without a response. Maybe I should tell him he had the wrong person since he didn't look sure of who I was. He looked over at the trio of girls who were still standing close by glaring at me when I remained silent.

“Lake Monroe?” he tried again.

“That's her,” one of the girls offered. He continued to ignore her but grabbed onto my elbow and pulled me down the hall behind him.

“Look, I need to talk to you in private. I have a proposition for you,” he said while dragging me into the library. We passed by tables and computers and then into the bookcases until we reached an alcove. I finally found my voice once he stopped and I was sure I wouldn’t trip and plant my face in the floor.

“Listen, I don’t care what he says, I don’t perform ***ual acts for money so if that's what your proposition is about you’re wasting your time. I’m sure there are plenty of girls willing to do it for free so please let me go,” I huffed out furiously.

I constantly received money and lewd notes in my locker asking for ***ual favors after Keiran spread rumors last year that he saw me giving Peter Simpson oral for money in the hallway after school and then offered to do him for twenty bucks.

“I’m not after that.”

“Oh, yeah? Then what are you after?”

“We have a mutual enemy and I know how to get rid of him.”

Chapter Seven

“Yes, Aunt Carissa, everything is fine. How is Canada?” Whatever she said, I never got to hear as I walked through the door after work. The phone was ripped out of my hands and as I was being tossed on the couch, I watched it hit the wall but thankfully it didn’t seem to break. What the –?

“You seem to be hard of hearing.”

I looked up at Keiran standing over me, expecting to find him angry but instead he was standing and talking as calmly as if he was discussing the weather. Truth be told, that scared be even more.

“I had –”

“Shut up. Why did you go to see Willow?” So he had been watching me.

I lifted my chin and looked him square in the eye. “Because she’s my best friend and thanks to you she’s my only friend but she is mine and you don’t get to take that away.”

Aside from my aunt, Willow was the most important person in my life and the only one I loved. I used to love my parents or what I could remember of them, but as long as the truth of their disappearance evaded me, I would continue to have mixed feelings. Parents abandon their kids all the time.

When he stalked toward me, I scrambled to get away but he was quicker and dragged me, kicking and screaming, to him at the other end of the couch. He sat down, pulled me into his lap, and then wrapped my legs around his waist. His arm banded around my waist and I flinched when he fisted my hair in his hand and yanked my head back. His nostrils flared and I shivered from looking into icy eyes. It's like I could feel everything he felt.

"Is that what you think you are to her? Her friend? She won't even tell you about Dash. What else does she keep from you, huh? You're not her friend...she doesn't even trust you." A sound of regret and hurt ripped from my throat.

Willow didn't trust me?

I didn't want to believe it but why else wouldn't Willow talk to me about Dash? Nothing else made sense because we’d always shared everything...or at least I thought we did.

“That’s not true.” I shook my head in denial but the bad seed he’d just planted in my head had already taken root.

“Isn’t it? I can see the doubt in your eyes. Did you know that he took her virginity this summer?” he said with an evil grin. “I do. I know when he did it. How he did it. And how many times he’s done it. And do you know why I know?” I shook my head as best as I could with his heavy hand controlling it. “Because I told him to do it.”

What? No, no, no. This can’t be happening. Not even Keiran could be that cruel, could he? He finally released his hold on my hair and used his hand to trace the erratic pulse beating at my throat.

“Why?” My voice was little more than a croak as I searched his eyes for a sign that he was lying or joking. He held my gaze as he brought his face closer. His lips touched my neck and begin trailing bites down my skin.

“Because it would hurt you,” he said between bites and I sucked in a breath. “He’s going to use her and make her fall for him…and then he’s going to break her heart.”

The hell he is. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because there is nothing you can do to stop what’s already done. He’s just waiting for my go ahead to complete the final act. Of course…that doesn’t need to happen…but it all depends on you.”

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I swallowed down the bile that had risen up. “You don’t need to do this. You can have me –”

“And I will.”

“So why haven’t you?” I snapped.

He ****ed his head at me curiously and bared his teeth. “Is that a challenge?” he growled, pressing up into me. I gasped at the contact from the hard-on he did nothing to conceal. “Make no mistake, there is nothing more I would rather do right now than bend you over this chair and introduce you to my **** the right way, but business first and then we ****.” I didn’t know what pissed me off more: what he said or the way my body reacted to it. “I see the look in your eyes, Monroe. You can keep up the good girl act but we both know what I will find if I touched your ***** right now.”

“The only thing I feel towards you right now is contempt…” I leaned forward until my nose was touching his. “…make no mistake about that.”

I was flat on my back before I could blink and then my jeans were being ripped off my hips. Panic took over as I grabbed onto Keiran’s wrists but he effortlessly broke out of my grip and turned the tables by pinning my wrists against the cushions with one of his. A second later, he shoved his other hand down my panties, delivering an unexpected swat to my ***** before his fingers slowly slipped inside of me. He immediately withdrew them and used his now dripping fingers to strum the little bundle of nerves until I was gasping for air. Only then did he plunge his fingers inside me once more, causing my body to bow off the couch. His grip tightened to keep me from escaping the pleasure he was forcing on me and after only a few teasing strokes of his fingers a violent tremble shook my body.

“How can it only be contempt you feel for me when all I feel is you coming on my hand? I barely touched you…”

“No.” I shook my head against his claim. He watched me quietly until the shaking subsided. Whatever just happened left me feeling weak. When he shoved away from me to sit upright, I quickly pulled my jeans back over my hips, feeling embarrassment flood my senses. I couldn’t meet his eyes but I knew he was watching me from the other end of couch.

“Now…back to business.” His blank face and callous attitude over my first ***ual experience had me choking back my ever-present tears. It was a common occurrence around him. He rolled his eyes and he pulled out his phone. “As I said when you came in—you seem to have a hard time hearing me.” He began dialing on his phone and then a video feed of an older man with long blond hair pulled back in a ponytail appeared on his screen. “You got her?”

“In my sight as we speak.”

“Good. Someone needs to see.” He crooked his finger and patted his lap with a satisfied look on his face. I reluctantly slid over but when I refused to sit in his lap he hauled me over. I wrestled with him until he placed a restraining hand around my neck and whispered low, “Move again and I’ll spank your ass.”

“You got a feisty piece there, don’t you?” the guy commented lustfully. A black look crossed over Keiran’s face as he turned back to the camera. The guy suddenly looked nervous and cleared his throat while apologizing.

The screen suddenly switched and I was looking at the glossy background of a bar. I could see the name of a well-known, five-star hotel chain plastered on the wall and then something or rather someone, caught my attention.

My aunt. Sitting at the bar with her agent.

I knew immediately what Keiran was showing me—what he was telling me. Without saying anything, Keiran ended the call and the video feed of my aunt disappeared.

“One phone call and she disappears. There are a lot of places a person can disappear. I should know. I did.”

“What do you think I’m going to do?” I cried with anger and emotion filling my voice. I was yelling by the time I spoke the last word. Fear for my aunt overshadowed my need for self-preservation.

“I don’t know. You surprise me at every turn and I have to say, I did not think you had it in you to fight me. Planting those drugs in my locker? Brilliant. The execution was sloppy as hell though, but not to worry…I’ll show you how to get back at someone properly. So here’s what you’re going to do.”

* * *

I walked into school with my head low, watching the tile floor and my feet as they quickly carried me to English. My phone rung for the umpteenth time since I left my house this morning and I closed my eyes to quell the pain. Don’t answer it, Lake. Just ignore it. You can do this.

I quickly stored my extra books in my locker and hurried for English. I couldn’t be late. Being late meant something else would be taken away from me and though I didn’t think there wasn’t anything left, I couldn’t risk it. He would know exactly where to strike. He always did.

I made it to the classroom with less than a minute to spare and was careful not to make eye contact with my tormentor. He was sitting in his normal seat and I headed for the one assigned to me. The one he told me to sit in. I kept my head down, staring at the table and ignoring the silence. The class was completely empty and school wouldn’t start for another half hour.

“Take your hair down,” he ordered from a few rows behind me. I slowly unwound my hair from its bun on top of my head and let my hair tumble down my back.

“What happened this morning?”

I tried to hold back the tears that immediately threatened to spill over. “I told her.”

“What did you tell her?”

“To stay away from me.”

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“And?”

“Not to contact me.”

“And has she?”

“Please, she doesn’t understand–”

“Has…she…called…you?” I nodded my head, unable to speak. I kept seeing the hurt and confused look on her face this morning when I broke her heart and mine.

“Why Willow? You don’t need to do this.”

“Don’t I? She was the only thing left standing between you and me.”

“And now that she is gone? What now?”

“I get to play.” Apprehension shook my body at the underlying threat in his words.

“What –”

“No more questions. There is nothing you can say or anything you can do that will deter me.”

“How long are you going to do this?”

“Until I’ve had enough and not a second before.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“I suppose.”

“You were only supposed to do six months. Why were you gone for a year?”

He was silent for a while and I figured he wouldn’t answer when he finally spoke. “Dash’s parents and my uncle pulled some strings and I received a reduced sentenced but inside I got into a few fights on a regular basis. I guess you can say I had a lot of tension to work off. I ended up with seven months tacked on to my original sentence that accumulated over time. Why is that your business?”

“I think it has everything to do with me. Don’t you?” My voice dripped with sarcasm and I was almost sorry he couldn’t see it on my face.

“Now is not the time to grow a pair of balls, Monroe. We are alone here for at least another fifteen minutes and there is nothing keeping me from you right now except my goodwill.”

“I’m sorry.” I really wasn’t.

“Don’t be sorry. Be careful. I want you to do something for me.”

“What?”

“Take off your panties.” I felt my skin pale as I squeezed my thighs together unconsciously. He couldn’t be serious could he? “Time is against you, Monroe. The sooner you do what I say the better for you it will be.”

My hands were at my panties, pulling them down from under my dress before he could finish talking. After last night I was learning to take Keiran’s threats seriously. The material was at my feet and I quickly grabbed them and looked around nervously. Teachers and staff were usually at school before students were and Mrs. Connors could walk in at any moment.

“Bring them to me.” I rose from my seat and turned to walk to his table. “On your knees.” My footstep faltered and I looked at him across the room.

“Excuse me?”

“Get on your knees and bring me them to me and since you can’t seem to keep your mouth closed you can gag yourself with them first.”

He watched me with a cold look in his eyes. Needless to say but I obeyed him and stuffed my panties in my mouth and then sunk down to my knees all the while keeping my eyes on him.

“Good girl. Now crawl to me. Slowly.”

My hands touched the floor and I was now on all fours as I made my way to him. He was sprawled lazily in his chair with one leg bent and the other stretched out, looking entirely too comfortable. I hope he doesn’t make me do something crazy like lick his shoes. Hell no.

Tension was thick in the room as well as the anticipation of what he would do once I reached him. I tried to distance my mind from the present and think of happy places but that didn’t work. I didn’t have happy places. He never let me.

I stopped by the table and waited for his command. He watched me from his perch in the chair like a King looks down on his peasants.

“Stand up,” he finally said. I rose to my feet, surprisingly graceful and I saw the brief look of pleasure in his eyes before he hid it.

“Take off your shoes.” I slipped my gold sandals off my feet and looked at him curiously. What was his game? “Get on the table and face me.” He was sitting close to the table but didn’t make room for me so I when I slid onto the tabletop, my feet ended up resting on his legs.

“Spread your legs and rest your feet on the table edge and before you try to overthink it, let me remind you that we now have ten minutes max before someone comes walking through that door.”

A feeling of uneasiness and desire swept through my body at the same time and I could feel the familiar quake start at my toes and work its way up. My panties were in my mouth so we both knew what he would see when I opened up for him. I closed my eyes briefly before opening them again. I placed first one leg and then the other on the table, keeping my legs as close as possible.

“Don’t **** with me,” he barked.

I spread my legs wider for him and closed my eyes again, feeling his gaze travel over me. The silence in the classroom and the entire school was haunting me, making me nervous, when it should have done the opposite. The hiss that came from him broke the silence and I felt his hands palm my knees before slowly moving down my thighs. Up and down he softly rubbed my skin. My body was rigid on top of the table but the more he touched me the more the stiffness faded away as my body consented to his touch while my mind cursed him to hell.

“There has been one thing on my mind since I left you last night and I think you know what it is. I need to make you feel that again. I need –” He paused to take a breath. “I need to see it.”

I need it too.

He took my panties from my mouth and stuffed them in one of his many pockets. “Place your hands flat on the table, behind your back and don’t move them no matter what I do to you. Do you understand me?”

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“Yes." My voice was unsteady and I tried to obscure the moan that passed through my lips, but the smirk on his face told me he heard as I watched my tormentor of ten years gaze between my naked thighs with lust and purpose in his eyes.

“I want you to tell me what you feel. I want to know everything and don’t hold back. I’ll know if you do. This ends when you come and not before. Are we clear?” I nodded instead of speaking. I don't trust my voice when he touches me. “Good. Now ask me to make you come.”

I hesitated though I couldn't deny the eager anticipation I felt. Not to mention the nervous thrill I got from being touched and exposed like this in the middle of our classroom.

“Please...make me come…”

He smirked and lowered his head. “My wish is your command.”

His face disappeared between my thighs and the first swipe of his hot tongue on my aching ***** caused me *****ck in every bit of available air. What is he doing to me?

It was much more than I could handle and still it didn’t feel like enough. My first instinct was to grab onto him but I remembered his order and dug my nails into the wood of the table as he continued to lick me. The foreign feel of his tongue on me was like a hot, wet massage that I never wanted to end.

“I don’t hear you,” he said and I cursed those few seconds he took his mouth away from me. But when he plunged his tongue inside my walls immediately after, a scream erupted from me.

“What…are you…doing?” I moaned brokenly. “I can feel you… licking… sucking… touching me.”

He worked his tongue on me relentlessly and soon my hips began to roll and press into him for more. When his thumb began to string my clit, I leaned back, using my arms *****pport my weight. The sounds of pleasure that broke through my lips filled the room, mingling with the sound of him eating me and the rocking table as I moved wildly on top of it.

“You…have…to stop. I can’t –”

A menacing growl came from him when I begged him to stop and spare me from he was doing to my body. His talented mouth was turning me inside out as he latched onto my clit. I wasn’t me anymore. That much was clear. There was someone else on top of that table letting him take what he wanted and enjoying it. The open-mouthed kisses he placed on my lower lips, made my body shudder and then he plunged his tongue inside me once again.

“Right there,” I moaned.

I didn't think about the broken nails I would find when this was over and instead embraced the madness he was creating inside me as I fought not to touch him. In the deep recesses of my mind and conscious I was mortified at how I came apart so easily. I was letting him win. But worse than that, I was letting him know I liked it.

I’m going to enjoy stealing away what you cherish most and making you love it while I do. I heard his words in my head from the other night. He kept his word as he was known to do. I did love it.

“So ****ing hot,” he muttered. I was about to respond when I heard the telltale sounds of cars pulling up and footsteps in the hall.

“Oh no. Keiran –”

“Don’t say my name,” he snarled.

“But they’re coming. You have to stop,” I moaned. “Please we’ll get caught,” I protested again while I pressed forward sending his tongue deeper inside me.

“You know what I want. Give it to me,” he ordered.

His hands were now massaging my ass and I looked back at the door to see a few heads through the small window, passing by. The pace of his tongue increased and I felt my walls clench around his tongue.

“How?” I cried in frustration, the rhythm and pace of my writhing hips increasing.

“Beg me.”

I hesitated though my body screamed for me to do just that. Could I really beg for something I shouldn't ask for?

“Make me come, make me –”

The force of my orgasm overpowered my words as I came on a silent scream that rocked my body and threw common sense out the window. His mouth remained on me through my orgasm and afterward he pressed lingering kisses on my heated skin. Just as the first bell for first period rang, he lifted his head and stared at me with a dark look in eyes.

“You taste sweeter than you pretend to be.”

* * *

Hours later I was rushing out of French to avoid Willow and wait for Keiran. Part of our agreement from last night was that I had eyes on me at all times, preferably his. I guess that’s why Keenan emerged out of nowhere and said, “You’re with me. Keiran’s busy.”

“Oh, that’s okay…I can just walk myself,” I volunteered.

“Not happening,” he replied shortly before marching away, assuming I would follow. I did.

We ran into Sheldon on the way to class and I watched her prance up to Keenan, who wasted no time embracing her. “Hi handsome. I missed you,” she giggled. Keenan kissed her enthusiastically while grabbing a handful of her ass. Public displays of affection were the norm with these two.

“I missed you more, beautiful. We still on for tonight?”

“Yeah, can’t wait.” She looked up and noticed me, a grin spreading across her face. “Hi Lake, how’s it going?

“Great, thanks.” I still wonder why she is so nice to me since she is part of Keiran’s camp.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Happy belated birthday!” She noticed my puzzled look and stated, “I overheard Keiran telling Keenan. What did you –?”

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“Ok babe, I’m walking Lake to class for Keiran,” he quickly interjected and walked off, leaving behind Sheldon who now looked confused.

“Why couldn’t Keiran take me to class?”

He turned his head to look at me and lifted an eyebrow. “Why do you care?”

“I just think it’s a little much. I can find my own way to class.”

“Yeah well we’ve seen how treacherous you are and how far you’re willing to go. You framed my cousin, princess. You did it to yourself.”

We reached the class and he motioned for me to go inside but I hesitated. “Keenan, listen. I had nothing to do with it. I lost my cell phone or it was stolen—I don't know, but I didn't frame him. Please, you have to believe me.”

I didn’t know why I was pleading my case to Keenan but after what happened this morning I was desperate. The way I gave in and responded to Keiran scared me. I wasn’t supposed to like what he did to me. Keenan didn't immediately blow me off which was promising. Instead he searched my eyes before he sighed and shook his head.

“Not my call, babe,” he stated before walking into our class with a shrug.

* * *

By the end of Art, I was praying for the last eighty minutes of school to pass quickly. Seeing Keiran for the first time since this morning had brought a permanent heated flush to my skin because my perpetual blushing just wouldn’t end. He stared at me for a long time when he entered the classroom after I had already been seated. Keenan had once again walked me to class so I hadn’t expected to see Keiran again today. The sound of my moans as he forced pleasure on my body still echoed in my ears. And then there was remembering the feeling of his mouth on me…

Willow had just entered our fifth period classroom looking harassed and when Dash entered behind her, I knew why. It looked as if he was holding her backpack hostage. She said something to him and held her hand out but he shook his head and headed toward us with her backpack in tow.

Dash sat down on my right, leaving a seat open between us and plopped her backpack in the chair. He relaxed in his seat while glaring at her. She stood in the doorway looking as if she wanted to cry. Why was he messing with her?

I opened my mouth to curse Dash out when I felt Keiran grip the back of my neck and whisper, "Not your business," in my ear. The hell it isn't! I ignored him and tried once again to help Willow but when he applied pressure to my neck I started to see spots. "What...did I...say?" He spoke slow and calm. The effect was much more intimidating than if he had screamed the words at me. I relaxed back in my seat and reluctantly nodded. "Good girl."

He released my nape and begin rubbing my neck with the pad of thumbs. I was annoyed that I gave in to him but I had to admit the massage felt good. Willow was my friend but I couldn't help her if she wouldn't let me in. Although it might have something to do with the fact that she was sleeping with my tormentor’s best friend.

Willow sucked her teeth and sat down with us, murmuring something about 'practically kidnapping’.

"Lose the attitude, angel." Dash scolded.

Angel? I was tempted to take back my promise to her and demand to know what was up with them. I caught his eye and noticed he was playing with the ends of her hair and twirling it around his finger. He shot me a ****y look before turning to face the front of the classroom.

Sheldon turned to face us again and smiled at Willow. “Hi, I’m Sheldon,” she held out her hand. Willow shook it and introduced herself. “Are you and Dash dating?”

She really doesn’t waste any time. She pretty much asked me the same thing yesterday. I felt my eyes narrow as I wondered what her motive was.

“No.”

“We’re friends,” Dash added.

“Not in this lifetime.”

Sheldon looked at Dash, her twin brother, for an answer, apparently not believing Willow. “We hang out,” he confirmed again.

Sheldon then took in Willow more closely and remarked, “Wow, you look hot,” she said as she shamelessly admired Willow’s body. “I love your curves.” Willow wore a red and black, plaid skirt with a dark purple button up and black combat boots. It was tame compared to what she usually wore. I could see the lust in Dash’s eyes even now as he stared at her.

“Babe, are you lusting after her?” Keenan laughed.

“Totally. Oh, cool…my first lesbian crush.” She winked at Willow making her laugh.

The tension between us was even thicker than in French earlier when she tried to talk to me and I rebuffed her. I wouldn’t put it past Keiran to have someone watching. He wielded a lot of unnecessary power around school and wasn’t afraid to use it.

Fifth period didn’t end as fast as I hoped and when I walked out of the classroom with Keiran, I let out an involuntary groan. Anya was waiting in the hallway and immediately snaked her way into Keiran’s space, pushing her breasts against his arm.

“Keiran where have you been, I haven’t seen you all day,” she whined. A flash of annoyance that he didn’t try to hide appeared on his face.

“Around,” he replied shortly without sparing her a glance. His gaze was focused on me and when she took notice she scowled at me.

“Did you know Lake is saying you two are dating? How pathetic.” I didn't bother to defend myself against the lie and instead shook my head at how easily she let the lie spew from her lips.

He sent me a smirk before stating, “She should know better…she’s knows I’m not dating anyone. See you later, Amber.” Anya gasped in outrage while the other kids snickered at him for calling her the wrong name. He shook her off before sending me a look and walking away. I followed, feeling every bit the lap dog that Anya claimed.

Fear Me
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“I didn't, you know,” I stated after we walked a good distance.

“Didn't what?”

“I didn't say we were dating. Willow asked the other day, but before I could answer, Anya overheard and interrupted,” I explained.

“Doesn't matter. You’re mine for now. That's all anyone needs to know.”

“What does that mean? I’m yours? I belong to no one.”

“The fact that you’re with me now says different.”

“But by force.”

He stared down at me for a moment. “Is it?” he questioned with a smug look. I wanted wipe that smugness off his face with a retort but he continued on before I could respond. “By force, or free will, you belong to me until I’m done with you.”

“And then what?” I couldn't help but ask.

“Hey Bro,” Keenan interrupted, appearing out of thin air. I didn’t even realize they were following us. “We need to start practicing soon before the season. We have to get your game back up,” he said with excitement.

“My game must be up because you still can’t beat me,” Keiran retorted. Keenan stopped and began cracking his knuckles.

“So how do you want to do this?”

“Fifteen minutes. First to ten.”

“Oh, yeah,” Keenan grinned.

“Oh, no” Sheldon groaned.

Chapter Eight

“****, that’s a foul!” I watched in horror as Keenan took a blow to the nose from Keiran’s elbow. They’ve been exchanging blows since the first pass. Keiran just recently suffered a kick to the gut from Keenan after he knocked him down and stole the ball.

This was basketball?

What I thought would be a friendly game between cousins was an intense and violent match… and it just so happened that a ball was involved.

We were in their backyard, which was spacious enough for a decent size court. So far the game was tied at eight points and the closer they got to the end of the game the more violent they became. I winced from imaginary pain as Keiran’s jaw was clipped with a strong right hook but he maintained a hold on ball. His next move was too quick; one moment the cousins were squared off and the next Keiran was dunking the ball, winning the game.

“You’re still slow,” Keiran gloated.

“**** you,” Keenan laughed. They shook hands before limping off the court, sporting scrapes and bruises.

Keiran locked eyes with me, still grinning and my heart stopped. I’d never seen Keiran happy before. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile…well not a genuine smile anyway.

Keenan disappeared inside the house yelling for Sheldon and leaving Keiran and me alone.

“You know you didn't have to watch. You could have gone into the house with Sheldon,” Keiran stated.

“Oh, um. I wasn’t sure –”

“Jeez, Monroe I brought you here, didn't I?” He shook his head before gesturing to the house. “Come on,” he ordered.

“Why so you can chain me up in your basement?” He turned back to face me, ****ing his head to the side.

“Don’t give me ideas, Monroe or you’ll never make it out of here. The only reason, I haven’t chained you in my basement is because I know you’ll be missed.” His grin was malicious as he stared at me. “I can guess how much your aunt loves you,” he said with disdain. “And I know how much you must love your aunt…that’s why you are going to do whatever I say and whatever I want. So start by getting your ass in my house.”

He stood back to glare at me until I walked through the door. We entered the house through the backdoor and made our way down a long hallway until we reached the staircase. He grabbed my arm and pulled me up the stairs.

“Wait. Uh, where is your uncle?” I asked nervously.

“Gone…and he won’t help you,” he smirked before pushing me into his bedroom and slamming the door shut behind us. I looked around Keiran’s room, taking it all in but I only focused the large bed dominating the room. “Have a seat,” he directed.

“I think I’ll stand.”

“Now.”

I was still standing when he pulled his shirt over his head giving me my first look at him shirtless. The sight before me had me in awe and I didn’t realize I had taken a seat when my legs grew weak. Sweat glistened across his chest and I could see a single rivulet run slowly over the hard ripples that were his abs before disappearing into his shorts.

I licked my lips unconsciously, wanting to chase that dewdrop with my tongue. He had the body of every teenage girl’s dream. I suddenly felt hotter than hell and fidgeted.

“Looking at me like that will get you ****ed, Monroe.” I ended my perusal and glared at him even as I felt my cheeks heat in embarrassment because he had caught me ogling him. “You think you deserve my bed?” he asked and arched his brow.

I assumed he was talking about *** and was about to remark that I never asked for it when he nodded to where I was sitting on his bed. “Get up,” he ordered before I could hop up. I didn’t want to be on his bed anymore than he wanted me there. He motioned to his desk chair and I took the seat. “Stay here."

He left out of the room and I got comfortable and took in my surroundings. His room had a blue, black, and grey color scheme with built in shelving on the left side of the room. It held various trophies and photographs of him, Keenan, and Dash. What I didn’t see were any pictures of his parents or uncle. It made me wonder where his parents were and how he came under his uncles’ care. Yesterday he mentioned how he disappeared and I realized I had no clue what he meant but I knew it couldn’t be good. I looked around more and noticed the basketball hoop hanging on the backside of the door. An all-black basketball rested on the floor near it. On the wall was a large flat screen television and various game systems and disc hazardously laying on the floor.

Fear Me
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I walked over to the large black dresser to inspect the contents on top but it only held spare change and watches and other knickknacks. My eye, however, caught his cellphone laying there with a message from ‘Blake’ lighting up the screen.

Good 2 go

When school was over he took my phone from me so there was no way for me to call for help if I needed it. I don’t know why I picked up his phone after reading the message repeatedly but I immediately regretted it when the door burst open.

I jumped and dropped the phone on the floor. Keiran had come back. He was staring at me until his gaze traveled to the floor and his jaw clenched when he noticed his cell phone.

"What are you doing?” He closed the door behind him slowly and I took a deep breath.

“Nothing. I –”

“Who were you trying to call?” He was walking toward me slowly and I went to take a step back, forgetting the dresser was behind me blocking my escape.

“Oh, um…” I faltered, not knowing how to talk my way out of the crap I just got myself caught in. He released a tired breath and shook his head.

“Sit on the floor over there.” He pointed to a spot near his nightstand.

“I can explain –”

“I’m not interested in your explanations.”

I gave in just like he knew I would if the self-satisfied smirk was anything to go by and sat in the spot he designated. When he bent over his nightstand I inhaled his scent. I admired his dark locks and plump lips before I could stop myself but the sound of metal had my gaze flying to what he held in his hand. I’m sure my eyes were close to popping out of my head as I gaped at the object in his hand.

Handcuffs. Freaking handcuffs.

“What are you doing with those?”

“Handcuffing you.”

“No, I mean why do you have them in the first place?”

“I’m saving them for a rainy day. These are new actually. It’s like a “thinking of you” gift because I was thinking of you when I bought them.”

He quickly cuffed both hands to the long thin handle on the nightstand drawer so that my body was now bent in an awkward position unless I faced the nightstand completely with my back to the door.

“I’m not an animal,” I argued but when I heard the click of the door, I realized he was already gone.

* * *

Minutes later there was a soft knock on the door and then it opened. Light footsteps rushed in my direction and then I heard Sheldon’s soft voice ask, “Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine." I said sarcastically. I dropped my gaze down to the dark wood but felt her gentle fingers pick up my chin, forcing me to look at her as she sat on the floor next to me.

“Did he hurt you?” Her voice and eyes were full of concern, which surprised me.

“Yes,” I answered truthfully, “but not in the way you think.”

Keiran always had the power to hurt me without lifting a finger and on the days he was feeling particularly sadistic he would take from me relentlessly until I had nothing left to give. Over the years I learned the signs and while I knew there was no escaping him I was able to bounce back quicker.

“Lake, what are you doing here with him?”

Letting him punish me. “Why?” I asked instead.

“Because you two don’t have the best history. I mean, why does he hate you?”

I let out a dry laugh. “I wish I knew.”

“Keenan won’t tell me much. He only said it began a long time ago but I already figured that. I was there sometimes when he teased you. It was awful.”

I shrugged. “I survived it.”

“Sometimes surviving isn’t enough.” She was wrong. It was enough. It had to be.

I stared at her flawless face and bright eyes and knew she never experienced a day of hardship in her life. She had both of her parents, a boyfriend, and an endless supply of friends not to mention, money and status. While I didn’t begrudge her happiness, we didn’t have anything to talk about.

“I really appreciate you checking on me but I don’t think I should talk to you.” She tensed and I realized my mistake. Sheldon was sharper than I thought.

“Did he threaten you?” Yes.

“No.” She looked at me skeptically.

“Are you lying to me? Yes.

“No.”

“Are you here on your own free will?” No.

“No.” ****.

“I see.” When she stood up in a hurry, I panicked. “Wait! I meant ‘yes, I agreed to come here.’”

“Why are you covering for him? You’re obviously in trouble,” she hissed as she gestured to the handcuffs.

“Please, Sheldon. You don’t understand. Leave it be.”

“Make me understand,” she demanded.

“I don’t know how! Why do you care anyway? You’re his friend and Keenan’s girlfriend.

“I can handle Keenan,” she argued.

“But can you handle Keiran?”

“Keenan won’t let him do anything to me.”

I wasn’t so sure about that. Keiran said he’s watched me but I’ve watched him too. His presence affected everyone around him. They either wanted him or admired him but they all feared him.

He was unstable as a kid and violent at times, often fighting or attacking, unprovoked. After his fights with other boys he would immediately seek me out and rip me apart with vicious, verbal attacks or hurtful pranks. That lasted until we were thirteen when his fighting ceased altogether. By then everyone either avoided him or went out of their way to be friends with him.

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He was controlled now and less volatile. Always cool, always silent. He rarely ever spoke except when I was in the vicinity but when he did everyone listened, including me.

The only person who didn’t seem to be afraid of Keiran was Dash. Maybe that was why they were best friends. I didn’t doubt Keenan could hold his own but I also think he is blinded by his love for Keiran. The only time Keiran acted like a normal teen was when Keenan and Dash surrounded him. They complimented each other. Dash was the charmer, Keenan was the rebel, and Keiran...he was just bad.

What kind of person did it take to actually form a bond with someone like Keiran? I thought about it before deciding I didn't want to know. Some things were better left unknown. “Keenan won’t stop Keiran and you know it. He hates me just as much as Keiran because he thinks I framed him.

“Did you?”

I met and held her gaze before answering, ”No.”

“Good,” she nodded and got up to leave.

I stared at her in disbelief. “You believe me?”

“If you say you didn’t do it then I believe you unless you give me a reason not to. It never added up, anyway. The boys were angry and beyond reason.” She opened the door but immediately turned back to me. “You didn't frame Keiran, but I have a feeling you know who did…”

I sucked in a breath before nodding. “Yes.”

“So if you didn't frame Keiran…who did?"

I hesitated and wondered if she would honestly believe me if I told her. “I can’t tell you.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t trust you,” I answered truthfully. “You can’t help me anyway. No one can.”

She didn’t appear upset by my answer. Instead she looked thoughtful. “Lake, remember in the sixth grade when Keiran broke Benny Wheeler’s nose?”

I laughed, humorlessly. “How could I forget? That was the same day Benny tripped me and stole my music player because I told Mrs. Jensen that he cheated off my test.”

“Exactly.” She winked and flounced away in her normal peppy fashion. I heard voices in the hallway and figured Keenan came looking for her.

I thought back to the day Keiran punched Benny but all I could remember was going home upset about my music player and had found it lying on my steps. I never did found out who put it there.

* * *

“Blake said he has our supply ready for pickup.”

“Good. You put the word out?”

“Yeah, me and Dash are on it. He can’t make this run with us, though. His dad has him tied up with something. So what are you going to do with her?” I tried not to panic at the possible meaning of his question as I eavesdropped. Sheldon must not have closed the door all the way when she left because I could hear everything they were saying.

“She comes with us. I can’t risk letting her out of my sight, at least not right now.”

“What are you doing with her anyway?”

“I’m getting my year back.”

“She told me something today.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, when I was playing guard,” he stated with sarcasm flooding his tone. “She told me she lost her cellphone the day the call was made. She asked me to believe her.”

“Do you?” Keiran sounded disinterested but I could also hear the bitterness in his tone.

“No—it’s just…she sounded pretty convincing and looked scared as hell. Did you do something to her? Say anything? You the other morning alone but showed up to school late with her.”

“How do you know I showed up late?” he asked, ignoring his questions.

“Come on man. When you show up to school with the one person everyone knows you hate, people talk. Not to mention she’s the hottest piece of ass at Bainbridge.”

“Watch it,” he growled.

“See what I mean? That! What is that? You claiming her now?” Keenan’s frustration increased the volume of his voice until he was yelling. I was curious to know myself why Keiran reacted so strongly.

“You don’t want Sheldon to hear you say some **** like that. You are already on a tight leash as is.”

“Yeah, well you let me worry about Sheldon. She’s beautiful; no doubt about it but Lake could give her a run for her money, that’s all.”

“Doesn’t matter. I’m keeping an eye on her vindictive ass, nothing more.”

“If you say so. Look, lets pick up the supply. Grab your girl. We got to drop Sheldon off at home. I don’t want her involved with this. Her pops would have me wasted.”

“He might just do it himself,” Keiran laughed and just like his smile, I wanted to see and hear more of it. It made him appear human.

I heard footsteps and quickly attempted to look as if I wasn’t just straining to eavesdrop. The door opened and I heard him walk inside. I twisted my body and saw a towel was wrapped around his waist as he stood by his dresser. When his hand dropped to the knot in his towel, I quickly looked away. The sound of the material hitting the carpeted floor forged a visual of his naked body to the forefront of my mind. I desperately fought the urge and temptation to look.

Only when it was quiet and the rustling off his clothing ceased did I open my eyes. I didn’t even realize I’d closed them. I turned again to see that he put on jeans and a dark hoodie. I could see the little beads of moisture from his shower glistening on the dark strands of hair covering his head. He was pulling on a boot as I watched the muscles of his broad back ripple with his movements.