The daughter of the man my brother—Keiran—sent to prison.
I shook her none too gently and waited for her eyes to pop open. When they did, a terror I hadn’t expected flooded her expression when her gaze landed on me. She quickly backed away and then thrust her hands out to ward me off. I never moved from my spot, so I wondered what she could possibly be afraid of.
“Why are you in here?”
At the sound of my voice, her head tilted to the side in recognition though her eyes still appeared lost. “Keenan?”
Her husky voice sounded like sex, and I got the idea that she could be a phone sex operator, but then scratched it in my head before it could fully form. She was too sexy to be confined to a phone. A body like hers was made to be on display. Maybe that’s why her father pimped her out.
And I thought I was fucked up.
She brushed her dark hair out of her face and stared at me with her wide eyes and even wider lips. I considered fucking her for a moment but quickly nixed it. The scent and feel of Sheldon were both still evident on my cock, and strangely, I didn’t want anything to taint that. At least until I took a shower.
“What are you doing back here?” she asked when I turned away.
“I live here.”
“If Keiran sees you—”
I slammed the dresser drawer after retrieving what I came for and turned on her. “Don’t categorize me with the spineless fucks who tremble at the sight of him. I’m not afraid of him.”
“Obviously. You guys fucked each other up pretty good,” she grinned.
“Later.” I made for the door but, of course, she had to keep going.
“Wait,” she whispered loudly. “You look like someone who is running away. Where are you going?”
“Away from here.”
“Where is away?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“Can I come?”
“Are you serious? Fuck no.”
“I can make it worth your while. You will need money. I have it, but it’s at home. I just need you to get me there.”
I had to admit I was intrigued. My eighteenth birthday had passed three months ago, and I’d yet to receive my inheritance. I sure as fuck wasn’t about to sit around and wait for it like some spoiled rich kid. I wanted no ties or obligations to my family. “How much money are we talking?”
Her smile spread even wider. “Enough to live free.”
CHAPTER TWO
FOUR YEARS LATER
SHELDON
“PENCILS DOWN. TIME is up. Please turn in your testing materials and have a great summer, everyone.”
The classroom came alive with students rushing to turn in tests and start their summer. I blew out what little breath was left in my lungs, shouldered my bag, and headed to the front where the tests were being turned in. Finals were officially over, and in two weeks, I graduate. Sometimes, I still can’t believe it’s been four years.
They say time flies when you’re having fun.
It might have been true except these last four years had been anything but fun.
“So how do you think you did?” Cool lips pressed against my neck as my bag was taken from my shoulder and slung onto a broad shoulder covered in dark cotton.
Eric Spencer was the one who every girl with a romantic heart dreamed of as her Mr. Right.
Sandy brown hair tangled in riotous curls complemented the twinkling green eyes staring down at me. He had good ole boy written all over him.
His hard body was free of tattoos.
He came from a good, wholesome family.
He was kind, sweet, and romantic.
And most importantly, he had not a disloyal bone in his body. We’ve dated for almost a year now and never had I suffered from jealousy or insecurity. He was perfect.
Perfect and convenient.
“Hard to tell,” I finally answered. “I can’t remember answering any of the questions.”
“That’s okay. I know you did because I couldn’t keep my eyes off of you.”
“Hmmm… Was it really me or were you just trying to take a peek at my answers?” I joked as we left the classroom.
“Can you blame me? Not only are you beautiful, but you’re smarter than me, too.”
Once we reached the parking lot, I swung around to face him, planting my hand on his chest. “Flattery will get you everything.”
He leaned in to whisper against my lips, “I’m counting on it.” I let his lips press against mine and although I felt none of the searing intensity that I was introduced to at a much more tender age, I enjoyed it.
And why shouldn’t I? He was sexy as hell.
He just wasn’t the one I craved.
Don’t take yourself down that dark path, Sheldon.
“Oh, no you don’t.” It was hard to tell whom the warning was really for, but I jumped away, disguising the uneasiness I felt with a playful grin and tilt of my lips. “I have to get home, stud.” After snagging my backpack from his shoulder, I started for my car, needing to put distance between us.
“Any chance I might finally get that invite?”
Shit.
“You know I can’t do that.”