“Easton,” he growls my name, his hands going to his hips. “Sit.” Barking at me, he points to a chair across from his desk. Grinding my teeth, I do as I’m told. “Where the hell have you been?”
“Busy,” I answer vaguely.
He snorts. “Amelia hasn’t been able to get a hold of you. I’ve tried calling you and your phone goes straight to voicemail.” Walking around his desk, he leans back up against it. “Does this have to do with Elli?”
Just the sound of her name coming from his mouth makes my blood boil. I say nothing.
Sighing, his jaw sharpens. “Linc called me. Said that Chance called off the wedding.”
“Amelia told me,” I inform him, which is true. But it also tells him that I’ve spoken to her. He doesn’t have to know I didn’t respond.
His lips crack a smile at my half lie. “Linc said that Laura can’t get a hold of her. They think she’s on a drug binge in someone’s basement.”
I laugh at how close they are to their assumption. She is in someone’s basement all right—ours. But she’s sober as can be. I’ve had two days with my wife. Nonstop sex. My time with her is limited and I’m more determined than ever to knock her up. Once I’m gone, there’s no chance for her to have my child.
“What’s so funny?” he barks.
“She’s been on drugs for years and Linc cares now where she’s at and what she’s doing.” I shrug. “Maybe if he would have cared sooner, she wouldn’t be on them.”
He runs a hand through his dark hair. “Doubtful. The woman is an addict. Sex, drugs, alcohol. I mean, no one can blame her.” He pretends to care about her. “After what James put that poor girl through, but she needs help.”
I tilt my head to the side. “What kind of help?” I question.
He doesn’t answer and it tells me all I need to know—he doesn’t trust me. If he tells me too much, he thinks I’ll go and warn her what they have planned for her. It could be a rehab facility to something worse where they help feed her, her addiction by keeping her medicated. I don’t put it past them to lock her up, that way they have access to her whenever they want.
Pushing off the desk, he walks around to sit in his chair.
“I spoke to Kira yesterday and she was over at Elli’s. Said she was pretty messed up,” I lie.
“See,” he sighs. “Someone is just going to find her dead one day.”
I flinch at his words because I’ve thought the same thing, more times than I can count. I don’t believe my wife to be suicidal, but does she put herself in situations that are very fucking stupid? Yes. Case in point, Holland the other night at the party. I don’t even want to think of what my father or Linc could do to her if given the opportunity.
My cell rings and I hide my smile as I lift my hips to dig it out of my pocket. “Hey, baby.” I answer when I see it’s Amelia. Perfect timing.
“Hey, where have you been, Sin?” she rushes out.
“I was on an assignment.” Another lie and my father looks concerned. Like he hasn’t thought to ask me how I’m doing with the Lords. Of course, he’s too focused on my wife.
“Oh.” She sounds surprised. “I miss you. Can I see you tonight?”
“I was thinking … want to get away? Corbin and my sister are up at his parents’ cabin for the next few days. He invited me yesterday, but I haven’t had the chance to ask you.” I’m the one that suggested he take her there. I need Kira as far away from Elli right now as possible since I’m hiding her dead father out at our house. Corbin was more than willing to take my sister away for an uninterrupted weekend. Might as well use their relationship to my advantage.
“Of course.” She squeals. “I can be ready in an hour.”
“No rush. I’ve got a few things to take care of before we can leave.” My wife being the most important thing on my list. “I’ll pick you up at seven tonight.” I hang up the call before she can tell me she loves me. Every time she says it, it makes me want to vomit.
“I didn’t realize you were on an assignment,” my father speaks once I pocket my cell.
“It was nothing.” I wave him off, getting to my feet. “I’m going to get away for a few days. I think it’s what me and Amelia need. Some time alone.”
He nods. “I’m proud of you, son. I know it’s hard, but Amelia is the right one for you.”
I want to slit his fucking throat and watch him bleed out. “I think so too.” The lie gives me a bad taste in my mouth. “I’ll call you when I get back into town.”
ELLINGTON
I SIT AT the kitchen island in Sin’s and my house. It’s getting late, the sun set a couple of hours ago. I’ve got a shot glass and bottle of wine in front of me. I could just drink from the bottle, but I feel like counting the number of shots it takes me to drink all the wine.
I’m not drinking to get fucked up. No, I’m drinking to numb my body. I’m in pain, but in the best way.
Sin has fucked me so hard and rough for the last couple of days. Today was the first day I’ve seen daylight since I kneeled for him in the shower. He’s had me locked down in the basement. I needed him to remind me that I’m his. The need to please him is so strong. To hear him call me good girl. Fuck, it makes me weak in my knees. I’d do anything for him.
Anyone else, I’d be embarrassed or ashamed, but not with Sin. He praises me for being his whore.
I hear a noise and look up from the island. “Hello?” I call out but am met with silence. My father left this afternoon. He called a cab and said he needed to go get a few things.
Taking another shot, I hear the front door open, and I smile. Getting to my feet, I exit the kitchen and head toward the living room to greet my husband but come to a stop when I see who is here. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I narrow my eyes on Linc. “What the fuck are you doing here?” I demand.
He places his hands in his pockets as the door opens and another man enters my house. My breath catches and it takes everything in me to not drop my eyes to the floor. He has no clue that I’ve seen the picture he took of me.
I’ve known Linc is a fucking bastard, but Sin’s father? Not being able to remember if we did anything makes me feel dirty. Like the filthiest fucking whore.
“Hello, Elli,” Linc speaks, making the hairs on the back of my neck rise.
“You need to leave,” I whisper, not acknowledging Liam.
The door slams shut, and I flinch.
“We just thought we’d stop by and see how you’re doing.” Linc is the one who speaks. “I figured you’d be heartbroken after Chance called off your wedding.”
I can’t help but snort. “He was a piece of shit. Why would I care that he no longer wants me?”
Linc steps farther into the room and I take a step back. “Because he was your last chance at a normal life.”
It’s a threat. “You think your husband loaning you out to be used by other Lords is a normal life?” I ask. “You’re more fucked up than I thought.”
He laughs. “I was just doing that for your mother. She wanted you to settle down.” Shaking his head, he frowns. “She’s so disappointed in you, Elli.”