Page 15 of Make You Beg

“What?”

“They’re engaged. Not dating.”

“Same fucking shit. They’re not married, are they?”

Exactly. And they don’t have to be, that’s what I want to tell him. That if we work together, maybe this doesn’t even need to happen. Instead, I can barely get myself to speak. Goose bumps cascade down my arms.

“N-no.”

Kayden has other plans. He’s not interested in collaboration.

“So, in case it isn’t clear, I don’t want you anywhere near me. Not at home, not at school. Don’t you dare tell anyone we’re even living in the same house, capisce?”

He doesn’t touch me, but still has me caged in, the distance incredibly small.

I can barely get enough oxygen to breathe.

“Understood?” he repeats. “Or you’ll fucking regret it.”

I nod, not wanting to tempt fate even more.

Kayden doesn’t only look dangerous, he sounds like a psychopath.

I don’t know his history or what he’s capable of.

No matter how much the darkness and mysteriousness draw me to him, I need to take care of myself.

It’s okay. This too shall pass.

Fingers crossed Mom gets sick of Lucas soon enough, and we’ll be out of that house in no time, both Kayden and Lucas out of our lives.

Strong independent women. We won’t need no man. Just like it has been until now.

I may not need to lift a single finger.

Yes. This will be over soon.

This arrangement will dissipate, and I’ll be able to open my eyes wide without fear of crossing my stepbrother’s path. It will all end up being a short-lived nightmare.

4

MADDY

SIX MONTHS LATER - 16 YEARS OLD

“I now pronounce you husband and—”

Crack.

I stumble as the heel of my black shoe crumbles on me.

Fuck.

Looking ahead, I catch a glimpse of the root of all my problems.

The one who’s been making my life a living hell ever since the moment our paths crossed.

Kayden’s ocean-colored eyes are fixed on me, a smirk painted across those voluptuous lips.