Page 15 of Depraved Truths

AndLittle Killer?If he only knew how accurate that was. But there’s no need to fill him in on my extracurricular activities.

His grip eases, but he doesn’t remove his hand from my throat.

“I– I’m so sorry. You startled me,” I gasp.

Only then do I realize his body is pressed against mine, every ridge of his hard physique brushing against my curves. His other hand rests on my hip.

“Why are you carrying a knife, Tessa?” He leans in, his voice a hushed command, and I instinctively bite my lip. His heated gaze follows the movement, his eyes filled with a lust that both thrills and unsettles me.

“Self-protection?”

I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol clouding my judgment or my inexplicable attraction, but I’m finding it harder and harder to resist him, and I’m no longer sure I want to.

I shove him with a force that sends him sprawling against the wall, and our lips crash together in a searing kiss. His tongue slips into my mouth, warm and desperate, meeting mine with the same fervor. Rough hands grip my hips and pull me against him, sending a jolt of electricity through me.

A soft moan escapes my lips, and he takes it as an invitation. One hand slides around the back of my neck, pulling me closer, while the other roams to cup my ass, sending shivers down my spine. The heat of his skin touching mine makes me gasp. I can feel him hardening against me, and I grind against him shamelessly as my fingers trace the smooth curve of his biceps, gliding up to his neck. He tastes of a potent blend—the sharp burn of whiskey mixed with the subtle sweetness of mint gum.

I’ve never felt such a strong pull toward anyone before, but this feels deeper, more profound than a simple attraction. Every inch of my body is begging for this, pleading with my brain to let this happen, to give myself to him.

He knows how to use his tongue, and it has me imagining other uses for it as well. His mouth pulls away from mine and he gasps, drawing in a rush of air. His breath tickles my skin as his lips wander down the side of my neck, softly biting and sucking the sensitive skin. My taut nipples strain against my dress, my pussy soaking wet for him. I’m reaching down to rub his cock when we are suddenly interrupted by a couple of loud voices coming from two guys stumbling down the hallway in our direction.

I leap away from Eli, my cheeks flushed with crimson. I avert my gaze, unable to meet the eyes of any of them.

“I can’t do this, I’m sorry, but I have to go.” Slowly, I back away.

As I burst through the side door and out onto the street, I hear my name being called, but I don’t look back.

Chapter 14

Iwake with a start, gasping for air, my heart hammering in my chest. Another nightmare, another night of reliving it. Oh God, will it ever stop? How do I make it stop? I glance at the clock: 2:05 AM. My limbs feel heavy as I throw off the covers, my chest tight with a wave of emotion. I bite my lip, desperate to hold back the tears threatening to spill. The memories assault me with no mercy.

At twelve, my life had been perfect. My parents and I lived in a beautiful house. My mom had let me paint my room bright pink just last month. They were always gone, but that meant I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted. Nina, our housekeeper, made my breakfast and packed my lunch for school. Tonight, though, I was excited—my parents were taking me to a dinner party at their friends’ house. They were leaving me to babysit their two sons, and I was being paid for it. My mom and Mrs. Tammy had been best friends for years. I adored Mrs. Tammy—she was so kind. Their children, Phillip and Chad, were six and four, and were like little brothers I neverhad.

My dad and Mr. William were also good friends, often spending Sundays on the golf course. William was fine, I guess, but I didn’t always like the way he looked at me after a few too many drinks. Still, he always had my favorite candy ready for me.

I couldn’t wait to wear my favorite pink dress. I was definitely a girly girl, not yet old enough for makeup, but my mom let me wear clear lip gloss. With a bag of snacks in hand, I raced down the stairs when my mom called my name. She didn’t like tardiness, and I could feel her approving gaze sweep over me when she saw me.

About thirty minutes later, we arrived at their house. It was much larger than ours—and ours was big. The driveway was full of fancy cars, parked by a man my mother referred to as a valet. Whatever that meant. A stranger opened the door to greet us. Mrs. Tammy was right behind him, and she smiled brightly at me before leading me upstairs to the “kids' living area.” My parents headed toward the large ballroom to join the other guests.

The boys dragged me to their playroom. They had so many toys, and the TV was playing an old Disney movie. The couch was comfy, and they fought over who would sit next to me. I giggled, telling them I’d sit in the middle.

Two hours later, Chad was asleep in the crook of my arm, and Phillip was fighting to keep his eyes open. I picked up Chad and carried him to his room, placing him gently in his toddler bed. Then I took Phillip to his room and began reading him a bedtime story. He drifted off almost instantly.

When I returned to the playroom, I turned off the movie and found a Nickelodeon show I liked. Settling onto the couch, I snacked on chips andsipped a Capri Sun.

A few hours later, I woke to something brushing against my leg. My eyes fluttered open, groggy, and I saw a familiar man sitting next to me.

“Look at you, Sleeping Beauty,” he slurred, his breath thick with the smell of liquor. His eyes were glazed over.

This didn’t feel right.

“Where’s my daddy?” I asked, my voice shaking.

“Don’t worry about that right now,” he said, his voice low and grating. “It’s just you and me, Sleeping Beauty.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, wishing I could be anywhere else as my life irrevocably changed.

I don’t know how long I lay there after, curled in a ball, numb both inside and out. Tammy and my mom came to find me when the party ended, and I remember seeing my favorite cinnamon candy resting on the couch next to me. I was too stunned to speak on the drive home.

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