Page 184 of Their Cruel Play
“Again, Death, not big on dating so how would I know?”
He smirks. “You’ve been on more dates than me.”
“One.” I shake my head and eat my burger. “I guess there are getting to know each other questions, but we’ve kind of breezed past those. We both know each other’s parent.”
“We did talk about college that one late night breakfast.” He eats a fry and licks his finger. I try not to think of how those fingers feel on my body.
Clearing my throat, I nod. “You want to get a scholarship for football somewhere?”
“That’s the dream. If I can play college ball, I could work up to the NFL.”
“But your dad wants you to take over his business?” Our eyes meet.
“It won’t happen.” He wipes his hands. “We’re going to break free.”
“I hope so.” And I do. His father is a nightmare.
He gives me a half-smile. “You don’t talk about your father much.”
I stiffen slightly. “He left when I was young. Mom doesn’t talk about him. I don’t remember him really. Just scent memory occasionally.”
That image of the man by the motorcycle has clung to me though. Is that my dad? Will I have more memories if I’m near the bike again? Do I want more memories?
“I never knew my mom, and my dad never remarried. I don’t think he even dated anyone.” Luke meets my eyes. “If you have even a hint of a memory, it’s worth something.”
I draw in a shaky breath. Tears press on my eyes. “I’ll be right back. I need to...”
Leaving the booth, I hurry to the bathroom. Luke doesn’t mind my tears, but I don’t want to break down on him during our date. The door closes behind me, and I run a paper towel under cold water.
I touch it to my face, being careful of my makeup. This was easier when I didn’t wear makeup at all.
When the door opens, I glance in the mirror to see Rebecca walk in. She doesn’t seem surprised to see me.
“Hi,” I say, because what else should I say to this woman who’s fucked two of my guys?
She looks me up and down and haltingly steps farther into the bathroom. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, just something in my eye.” I throw away the paper towel and wash my hands. “Everything good?”
“Did he claim you?” She winces at the word.
I take a deep breath and turn to face her. “Actually, all of them did.”
She startles and looks down. But she must find some sort of resolve as she lifts her gaze to mine. “They made my life hell. Even after I finally gave up my virginity to them. They’re monsters. If you need help getting away?—”
“I don’t need help.” I stay calm because this girl has been through a lot at the hands of the horsemen. She’s a cautionary tale for girls like me.
“Do you know what they did to me?” Rebecca looks like I’ve lost my mind.
What they did to her was fucked up, but so was what she did to get on their radar.
“You hurt other girls.” Self-righteous rage builds inside me. “You sent a girl to the hospital.”
Her face flushes pink, and she looks down at the tile floor.
I step forward. “What did you expect to happen? You thought Eli would be your boyfriend? No one in their right mind would have believed any of the horsemen had a girlfriend back then. None of them believe it now.”
Rebecca’s eyes narrow at my words. “Get comfortable then, because they lie. They tell you what you want to hear so they canuse you and then discard you. I didn’t just make up being his girlfriend.”
