Page 135 of Chasing Ruin
That word curdles in my stomach. It sounds wrong. Twisted. I swallow against the bile rising in my throat.
“How are you finding the service?” he asks lightly, tilting his head as if genuinely curious. “Or are you still processing the accommodations?”
I try to wrench myself free. My body jerks, weak and uncoordinated, but I fight anyway.
“Ah, Charlie. Do you not know why you’re here?” His fingers brush my cheek. Slow and mocking. Then he smiles at me. “Don’t worry, I’ll tell you. You’re here,” he continues, voice dropping, “because you had a weak man for a father.”
I try to spit at him—try to do something—but my throat is too dry, too raw. Nothing comes out.
His smile widens. “But then again…” His hand trails down, fingers grazing the hollow of my throat. “He wasn’t your daddy, was he, little princess?”
Disgust slams into me, violent and sharp.
His touch moves lower to my collarbone, lingering in a way that makes my skin crawl. He frowns suddenly, like he’s inconvenienced.
Then there’s a flash of metal.
I stiffen.
The sound of fabric tearing rips through the air as he slices through my hoodie, yanking it apart just enough to expose my chest and shoulder.
I shudder violently, every muscle in my body locking tight.
“Better,” he murmurs, almost to himself.
I want to disappear.
Help me disappear.
“Where was I?” He hums. “Ah, yes.” His gaze snaps back to mine, sharp and unhinged. “He wasn’t your father,” he says, voice laced with something dark, “but he was the president who promised me his position.”
My breath stutters.
“Well until…” he says, brows furrowing in thought. “Until Wolf was old enough to take over.” He leans in closer, his breath hot and foul against my face. “Spoiler alert,” he whispers, lips curling. “I wouldn’t have let him take over anyway.”
My stomach churns as he rubs slow circles on my chest.
“But then…” He exhales sharply, shaking his head like he’s still offended by it. “He hands the club to a twenty-year-old child. Just like that.” He snaps his fingers, huffing lightly. “And I couldn’t even negotiate with the invalid bastard anymore.” His voice cracks with something ugly. “I was so,sofucking angry, Charlie.”
My old name on his lips makes my skin crawl.
“Wouldn’t you be? You get me, right?”
My body trembles as I try to pull away again, but the man behind me only tightens his hold.
Scar laughs softly. “So yeah.” He straightens slightly, spreading his arms like he’s presenting something. “Now you understand. You’re here,” he continues, “because I found a better way to get that same power.” His grin sharpens. “More profitable,actually.”
My stomach drops. He’s about to end his vile monologue. And I’m not sure what he plans next.
I choke on a sob, struggling harder now, desperation breaking through the haze.
His eyes gleam, staring lewdly at my breasts. “Patience, double princess,” he murmurs, nodding at my chest. “I’ll handle those for you soon.”
He stands up straight. “God! I can’t wait for Wolf to join us.” An animated, almost thrilled shiver washes over his body. “Then both he and Ruin can see me enjoying your virgin little cunt.”
That’s when I hear it.
A low growl. Rough. Animalistic. Followed by a loud clank of metal hitting stone.
