Deceit (Gallows Hill Book 1), page 10
“Why was I excluded? Why was I sent away then?”
I roll my lips together, knowing this is a secret I can’t share. So instead, I just continue.
“The Brethren believe in keeping our future lineage clean from outsiders, hence why most will end up in arranged marriages. Usually arrangements aren’t made until after graduation, but ours was expedited.”
“Why?” she asks, leaning towards me like she’s desperate for any morsel I’ll give her.
I wish I could give her this one, but I’ve been wondering the same myself.
When she realizes I’m not going to answer, she lets out a soft irritated breath before leaning back into her seat. She stares out the window, solemnly speaking as she does.
“So, what does this all mean for me? My future? Are you saying I’ll never truly be free from my father? Even after we marry?”
I shake my head. “Freedom is an illusion, Princess. This place,” I say, gesturing around at the grand gothic buildings surrounding us. “It’s all smoke and mirrors. Beautiful on the outside, captivating, promising life’s biggest riches and rewards. Everything comes at a price, though.”
“What price will I have to pay?” she asks.
My eyes come to her, flicking back and forth between her pretty green ones.
“You’ll have to wait and see.”
She nods at that, looking down at her hands in her lap before she speaks again.
“Thank you, for telling me. You didn’t have to, I don’t think anyone else would have.”
I’m shocked she’s thanking me, this isn’t what we do. We hate each other, that’s what I know. That’s what I’m comfortable with. I don’t know what to do with her…her gratitude. So, I try to dismiss it.
“No one else would have, because they don’t want to see you wind up dead,” I say bluntly, making it clear that I have no such qualms.
To my surprise, she doesn’t wince or glare. She doesn’t look hurt in the slightest. Instead, she nods like I’ve said something well thought out and reasoned.
“I appreciate the honesty. I can’t see the knife coming for my back if my eyes are facing forward.”
True.
“You can’t stop a knife just because you are looking at it,” I counter.
She shrugs. “You’re probably right, but at least I won’t be the naïve girl that never saw it coming.”
I wouldn’t say I’m impressed, but I am a bit taken back. She’s smarter than I anticipated, more aware. Just because she’s been kept in the dark over the last fourteen years, doesn’t mean she isn’t sharp. Sharper than I expected.
“So, can we call a truce or something?” she asks.
I furrow my brows at that.
“Why would we do that?”
“Well, you don’t want to marry me and I definitely don’t want to marry you,” she laughs hollowly with a shake of her head.
Irritation fills me, what the fuck is that supposed to mean? I’ve been the Brethren’s most eligible bachelor my entire life. I had three dates to prom, because women wouldn’t stop throwing themselves at me. The day my betrothal was announced, dozens of women sobbed . Why the fuck doesn’t she want to marry me?
“So,” she continues, “until we can find a way out of this god awful impending marriage, maybe we could at least be cordial to each other?”
“There is no way out,” I say stoically.
She shrugs. “Then maybe we can be amicable roommates.”
I narrow my eyes at her, waiting for the but, some type of condition or clause. She seems to be done speaking, though.
“Sure,” I say hesitantly, noting the pleased smile that upticks her full lips before she opens the car door.
It swings upward and she smoothly slides out of the seat with her clutch in hand. She doesn’t say goodbye, doesn’t invite me up to her room and she doesn't even try to make a move on me. Not like I would have allowed any of those things to happen. Right? Yeah, no.
She’s still the enemy. I want the fuck out of this god awful match. Though she has a wet dream body and a mouth I’d love to sink into, there are plenty of women willing, ready and already dripping for me.
I close the door, stealing one more glance, as the Princess happily walks herself to her dorm, completely unaware of the predators surrounding her in the dark. A good guy would walk her to her dorm and make sure she got there safely. Too bad there isn’t a good guy around.
I step inside my dorm, tossing my keys onto the counter when I see Liam is sitting on the overstuffed bean bag chair in the corner, scrolling on his phone.
“Hey,” I say as I walk in, kicking off my shoes before grabbing some clothes from my dresser. I fucking hate suits, and I can’t wait to get the fuck out of it.
Liam, the weird little fucker he is, loves getting dressed up. Sometimes, it’ll be a Tuesday and he’ll dress up just because it’s ‘fun’. Sometimes, I swear to god, I don’t know why I’m friends with him.
“Got my dick sucked in the kitchen while the appetizers were being made,” he says casually, as his thumb continues sliding across the screen.
“Congratulations. Guy or girl this time?” I drawl sarcastically, not giving a fuck about how he got off.
He looks up from his phone and grins.
“Both.”
I let out a short chuckle as I move into the bathroom, starting up the shower before sliding inside. Liam is very proudly bisexual, at least when his parents aren’t around. They’re already disappointed in him enough, and The Brethren are very…traditional. They treat anyone who isn’t their singular version of perfect, like absolute crap. It’s fucking bullshit but unfortunately, it’s the society we were born into, trapped into.
He doesn’t seem to have an interest in dating men, though. He says he just likes to get topped every once in a while, which was more information than I needed, but he’s an oversharer. He identifies as Bisexual Heteromantic or something like that.
My shower is quick, and I throw on a pair of black sweats and a band t-shirt before I come out. Liam still hasn’t moved from his seat and when I plop down onto my bed, I turn on a movie.
“What took you so long to get back? I left after you,” he says.
“Had to drive my wife-to-be home,” I drawl out sarcastically.
Liam snickers but shakes his head.
“Man, I don’t know why you’re so pissed about marrying her. She’s easily the hottest fucking woman that’s ever set foot on this campus. I’d stick my hand in a blender just to eat that ass once,” he says, with a groan and bite of his lip.
I can’t help but laugh.
“Shut the fuck up. You have to beat men and women off with a stick on campus alone. Forget going out in public with you. You’re not hard-up for some ass.”
“Nah, but I’ve never seen a better ass than hers.”
I raise an unimpressed eyebrow at him.
“You been eye fucking my wife?”
“Fiancée,” he corrects, “and fuck yes I have. She’s fucking delectable man. You need to stop the douchebag routine and benefit from this arrangement. A beautiful virgin cunt, promised to you and only you? Sign me the fuck up.”
He has a point. Something in me doesn’t like the idea, though. It’s easier to demonize her in my mind. Safer that way. I’ve always played it safe, played it smart, and I always will. A girl isn’t going to change that, I’ll slit her throat myself before I let her.
Chapter Fifteen
Ronan
I’m walking through campus, cutting through the courtyard when I hear a familiar laugh. It’s an airy sound that instantly has my heart hammering in my chest. My head whips up, landing on the woman I haven’t been able to shake from my thoughts since the moment I met her. The woman that I haven’t been able to stop obsessing over since I found out what her lips taste like.
It’s been over a week since I kissed my nephew’s fiancée in the gardens. Though I should feel bad about it, I’m just disappointed. Disappointed that it can’t happen again, disappointed that she’s going to marry Asher one day. I’m just…disappointed.
Skyla is walking with the Bartlett girl, Margret I think, and they are both cracking up laughing. Her smile is wide and so carefree, it stirs something inside me. I feel my steps faltering as I turn to face her fully. Of course, she doesn’t see me but that’s okay. I see her and fuck, I think she gets more beautiful every time I do.
They start walking closer to me and I’m about to turn to head back to my office when a guy steps in front of them, forcing Skyla to crash into him. He catches her easily, smiling down at her in a way that makes me want to break his fucking jaw.
I recognize him as Will Stroughton’s son. Little prick is who he is, and one of the Legacies I’m in charge of watching over.
“Whoa, sorry about that,” he smiles down at Skyla, as if him stepping in front of her was a total accident.
Jackass.
“It’s fine,” Skyla smiles, her eyes skimming over him for longer than I’d appreciate before she pulls out of his grasp. Stroughton doesn’t let up though as he takes another step, erasing the space she put between them.
“I’m Jeremy, what’s your name?” he smiles down at her.
“Skyla.”
“I’m Maggie in case you were wondering, Stroughton,” her friend scoffs.
Jeremy laughs and looks at Maggie.
“Hey, Bartlett.”
His attention quickly shifts back to Skyla.
“Are you doing anything tonight?”
I frown as she tilts her head in interest.
“Not really, why?”
“I was hoping you’d do me the honor of letting me take you out.”
Skyla grins, a smile that pisses me the fuck off. A smile that is obviously only reserved for me, or at least it should be.
“I’m not sure that would be such a good idea. Doesn’t the whole me being engaged thing kind of make me off limits?”
Jeremy’s head moves down to her bare hand before he winks.
“I don’t see a ring.”
She laughs at that. “You know what, sure. Why not?”
“Yeah?” he grins.
Skyla nods, causing my blood to turn boiling hot as he winks at her and makes plans to pick her up at seven tonight. When he walks away, I start moving towards her. I couldn’t stop myself if I wanted to and before I know it, I’m barreling right into her.
My hand reaches out, gripping the crook of her elbow as I wordlessly pull her down the courtyard and into the pool building, not giving a fuck about the confused look on her friend’s face.
“Ow! What the hell, Ronan?” she whispers vehemently.
I don’t speak though. I continue pulling her down the hallway, past the pool and into my office. I release her roughly as soon as we are inside and slam the door shut, before bracing my arms on either side of the door. She stands there silently, thank fuck, because I don’t even know how to control my breathing right now.
Eventually she speaks, and it sets me right the fuck off.
“Ronan, what the hell was that?”
I spin on my heel, eating up the distance between us, my eyes widening with rage. She takes a few startling steps backwards, before her ass bumps against my desk. I cage her in, forcing her to not place a single toe away from me as I speak.
“You agreed to go out with him,” I fume.
Her brows dip before realization dawns on her perfect face.
“Were you watching me?”
“Fuck yes I was. How can I not? You’re everywhere. In my pool, my school, my bar, my brother’s home, my fucking head!” I snap.
Her frown softens a bit at that, as well as her voice.
“I didn’t think anyone would care. Asher obviously doesn’t and—”
“I do. I care, a whole fucking lot,” I snarl.
Skyla’s softened tone fades, as irritation passes across her face.
“You’re the one who pulled away. I haven’t seen or heard from you since you told me to go back to the party in the gardens. You got me off, shut down, and pushed me away. What part of that was supposed to make me think you even wanted to look in my direction again, let alone care if I go on a date with some guy?”
“You know exactly why I care,” I grit between clenched teeth.
Her pissed off expression falls away, as lust flickers in her eyes before they come down to my mouth.
“Say it,” she whispers.
“What?”
“Say it,” she says, those green eyes practically punching me straight in the gut as they look at me. “Please.”
My body tenses at her soft plea, and consequences be damned. I can't control my next actions. My hand grips the base of her neck, smashing her mouth against my own. It’s as if she was prepared for it, though. Her arms wrap around my neck, as her tongue tangles with mine. Just the feel of her has my cock throbbing, but right now more than anything I need to taste her.
I slip my hands beneath her legs, lifting her up and onto my desk before pushing up her skirt. She lays down instantly, but her legs aren’t parted. I look up to see her face drenched in want, but a timid energy emanating from her.
“What’s wrong, baby?”
“I’ve never had anyone…” She clears her throat, but doesn’t go on.
I can’t help but let the shit eating grin on my face spread so wide it practically hurts.
“Are you telling me, I’ll be the first person to taste this sweet pussy?”
Her teeth sink into her lower lip as she nods.
“Is that okay with you?” I ask.
“Yes, god yes. I’m just…nervous, I guess. I don’t know. Now I feel dumb,” she says, covering her face with her hands, forcing me to let out a soft chuckle.
My palms skim up her smooth legs, pausing on her knees as I speak.
“Don’t feel dumb, baby. It’s okay to feel nervous. If you want me to stop, just say so.”
She nods, a steadiness seeming to take over as her legs slowly fall open. I keep my eyes on her until I feel her legs fully part. My eyes come down to see a tiny pair of white cotton panties covering her bald pussy. The material gets thinner and thinner until it’s just a string.
“I didn’t expect you to be the thong wearing type, baby,” I murmur, as I lower my head between her legs, inhaling her scent, before gripping the fabric with my teeth.
I make slow work of pulling them off her, making sure to give her plenty of time to change her mind and back out. Though I know it would be the hardest fucking thing I’ve ever had to do. If I have to walk away from her spread open like this for me, I’d do it for her in a heartbeat.
When I reach her ankles with her panties still between my teeth, I pull them down and off before gripping the damp fabric in my hand. I lift it to my nose, inhaling deeply, as I let out a groan.
“Goddamnit, baby. You smell like fucking heaven. I’m gonna fucking devour this pussy.”
She squirms on my desk, papers rustling beneath her, before I pocket her panties and lower myself to her legs. I begin peppering light kisses on the inside of her thighs, inching up higher and higher until I reach the apex of her legs. Her pussy is practically dripping on this morning’s memo, and I can’t hold myself back any longer.
My tongue flicks out, running a long swipe through her, catching every drop of her I can manage as she bucks against the desk.
“Oh my god!” she moans. “Do that again.”
I do as she asks, running my tongue through her. Forcing her moans and gasps to increase when I pause on her clit, swirling my tongue around it before I begin sucking on it.
“Ronan, Ronan, Ronan,” she chants, her fingers digging into the back of my head. She forces me closer until I’m practically suffocating in her pussy. My fucking favorite.
I begin flicking my tongue against her clit rapidly and am about to slip a finger inside of her when she shutters, a scream so loud tearing from her mouth that I have to lift my hand up and cover it. Her screams of pleasure are miraculously heard through my palm, as her body shakes and jerks against the desk. Shit, that was easier than I anticipated.
When her orgasm subsides I pull my mouth away from her, pressing one more kiss against her delectable pussy before looking up to her. My hand moves from her mouth, pushing back her hair from her face. She’s wearing a delirious expression, like she’s practically drunk.
I stand up to my full height, towering over her as she smiles up at me, my fingers continuing to tangle through her silky strands.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
She nods softly, leaning into my touch. I can’t help but smile down at her, before I blow out a breath and shake my head.
“Fuck. I really shouldn’t have done that,” I say.
Her smile slips away, a frown taking its place.
“Let me guess, this is the part where you say it can never happen again?”
“Fuck no,” I laugh. “We’re gonna do that again, and more, a lot. As long as you’re comfortable with it.”
“Oh,” she smiles, a deep blush settling into her porcelain cheeks.
I lift my free hand up to cup her face, smiling down at her as I speak.
“But, we have to be careful. No one can know anything, for all of our sakes. You understand that, right?”
She nods slowly but doesn’t speak. I lean forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead before I whisper against her skin.
“Meet me here tonight. Seven o’clock. I’ll take care of the cameras.”
When I pull away, she’s watching me with a small grin.
“Is it a coincidence that you want me to meet you at the exact time I’m supposed to go on a date?”
“Absolutely not.”
Chapter Sixteen
Skyla
Ifeel bad that I’m standing up Jeremy. Really, I do. He seemed nice in a very flirty, obviously just checking out the new meat, kind of way. Clearly, I don’t feel bad enough not to do it, because I feel myself practically running to the pool building at 6:58PM.
My bag is over my shoulder, packed with my suit, cap and goggles just in case we actually do swim. Though, I can’t lie, I really hope we don’t just swim. I’ve never had an orgasm stimulated by anyone other than myself until Ronan. I already feel like an addict, desperate for more. I mean, I suppose there was that thing in the gardens at Putnam Manor, but I feel like I stimulated that and he held me as I did, so it’s different.
