rjcollinsauthor

[rjcollinsauthor]

If you want to read my book, search rjcollinsauthor on Wattpad and Inkitt. Happy reading! 💗

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 30:

I was fuming. I thought I felt rage before, but this was nothing compared to that. They almost took Jessica away from me.

"Lena, calm down," Noah said.

"Calm down? You've got to be kidding me. They did this. Jessica is in the hospital because they suspected she was involved."

"She did help take the money."

"Are you seriously defending them right now?"

"No, I am saying you had to have known there'd be consequences."

"Of course, but I thought killing another member was against the rules unless you had proof they were guilty."

"She isn't dead. This was a warning. They probably won't kill her if you give the money back."

"I can't give all of it back. We sent it to a lot of charities, and the rest of it Henry put away in I don't know where."

"Whatever is left, you need to give it back, or they'll take it out on Jessica."

I sat down on Noah's bed. We went back to the Blue Rose house. I didn't know what to do, but I knew I had to save Jessica if I could. That meant giving Blue Rose their most significant source of power. Jessica was more important than any revenge.

"I'll give it back. We have to find Henry. He's the only one who knows where it is."

"We'll find him in the morning. Can we get some sleep, please?"

I got under the covers, and he followed behind me. He pulled me to his chest, and I laid my head on his chest. I cried myself to sleep. I don't know how long I was sleeping, but I was woken up so the sound of a phone was beeping. Noah had somehow ended up on top of me like a weighted blanket. I tried moving him off of me, but he wouldn't budge. I knew he was still breathing because I could feel his breath against my ear. I reached my arm out and grabbed my phone off his nightstand.

I turned it on to shut my eyes because the brightness was too high. I turned it down and looked at what woke me up. There was a notification from the tracker app. I clicked on it and pulled up Henry's name. His location looked like it was in the middle of nowhere with a large house. I clicked on the pin and saw the familiar address. That was the Grant Manor. Oh shit. They had him. That could be the only reason why he would be there.

"Noah," I said frantically. He didn't budge. I smacked him in the head, and he groaned. "Noah!"

"What?"

"Get off of me; we've got to go. Henry is in danger."

"What?" he got off me and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Where is he?"

I jumped out of bed and started putting my clothes on.

"Your house."

Noah drove as fast as he could to the manor, but it was over an hour away. I counted every second as we went. We got there, and Noah used his key to contact us inside. When we walked in, Wallace was standing there like he knew we were coming.

"Good, you're here. Follow me."

He walked away without looking to see if we were following him. We, of course, did, and he led us to a tall wooden door. He opened it to reveal a set of stone steps.

"A hundred years ago, my ancestors would bring their enemies down here to talk to them. It's completely soundproof."

And by 'talk' I knew he meant torure.The door shut behind us, and I gave Noah a worried look. He held my hand as we followed Wallace down the stairs.

"What's going on, grandfather?"

"Well, my dear boy, today is a happy day."

"Why's that?"

We got to the last step, and my stomach dropped. There was a wedding arch facing the far wall of the large room. A white carpet was laid out like an aisle. There were also white chairs and flowers. It looked like a wedding. That wasn't what made my stomach drop, though. No, it was Riley, Alice, and Henry all sitting in the chairs on the side, with gags in their mouth and ropes tied around their body.

"What the fuck is this?" I yelled at Wallace.

"This, my dear, is destiny."

"What are you talking about?"

"From the moment I met you, something about you felt off. I didn't know what it was until the money went missing, which made me have to track down the Dumas. It kept nagging me every time I looked at you; then, it hit me. You're a Dumas. You're the long-lost child."

"No. Alice told me the baby died."

"No, Evelyn had the child before she was punished. She escaped and dropped the baby off somewhere, and we never saw her again." He was smiling like this was all a fun game for him. "I didn't know who you were until yesterday. The fingerprints from the glass you drank from confirmed you're, in fact, Lillian Thompson. Good on you for deleting the digital copies, but someone forgot the physical copies. It was easy after that. A little blood from you and a little blood from your aunt to discover you're a Dumas."

When that man cut me with the knife, it was on purpose. I was looking at Alice, who looked at me. She had banaid to her right arm. Henry looked beat up, and Riley looked scared and pissed.

"What do you want? I can return your money. Just let them go."

" I'm not worried about something as trivial as money. We're making history here. It's time for you to fulfill an obligation that your mother broke."

I had a feeling of what he was going to say, but I needed to hear it. Outloud.

"And what's that?"

"A Dumas is going to marry a Grant right now, finally."

"You can't force me to get married. It won't even be legal."

He laughed. "Do you think a little paperwork is something we can't bypass? Don't worry about all that."

. I looked up at Noah, who was wearing the same horrified expression as me.

"You can't do this."

"I can, and I have." he sighed. "I don't want to be here all night. You have two choices you either marry Noah right now, or I kill your mixed-match family. Your choice."

I looked at Henry, Alice, and Riley. They seemed to all be pleading with me to say no, but we all knew I wasn't going to. Henry and Riley were my chosen family, and Alice was my newfound family. I couldn't watch them die. I had to do this.

I let go of Noah's hand and walked over to his grandfather.

"Tell me what to do."

I was escorted to a room in the back by Della, who kept apologizing.

"I'm so sorry, Lena."

"It's okay. It's not your fault."

A woman who I didn't recognize quickly did my hair and makeup. I guess Wallace wanted the whole costume. When she was done, the makeup looked natural and enchanted my features. My hair was straightened.I got up from the makeshift vanity table, I took off my clothes and put on the wedding dress most likely meant for my mother. I slipped on the white, laced dress with thin straps and didn't go past my knee. They added a veil at the top of my head, and I slipped into some white crystal heels. I looked at myself in the mirror and felt sick to my stomach. I hated to admit it, but I looked more beautiful than ever.

"You make a beautiful bride Lena," Della said and looked horrified after she said it.

I grabbed her hand. "At least I'll have a good mother-in-law."

She smiled at me, and the door opened. Wallace stood there, and I released her hand.

"You're a vision, Lena. Let's begin."

I followed him out, and I saw Henry waiting at the front of the aisle. He had been ungagged and untied, but there was a gun aimed at him by a guy in a suit. I walked over to him and slipped my hand through his arm. He looked down at me with tears in his eyes.

"I'm so sorry, my daughter. This is all my fault."

Wallace had gone up to sit in one of the chairs.

"No, I wanted this."

"You wanted revenge, not to be married to a psycho."

"Regardless, here we are."

Music began playing from a speaker. Henry and I walked down the aisle. Henry gave me a way to Noah, who grabbed my hand. I looked up at the man. I started all of this because of him. He was once my protector, my savior; then, he was my enemy and why I felt so much rage for so long. He then slowly became my protector again, and now as I looked up into his gray eyes, I knew without a doubt I loved him.

"We are gathered here today to fulfill a long-standing destiny. For a Dumas to marry a Grant, and together they shall be bounded in blood forever." a man who wore blue said. "They will pledge themselves to each other and the destiny."

Someone else in blue brought over a book with black leather and looked old. They opened it, revealing the names Dumas & Grant. A knife was produced and was given to me. I looked at it for a second. I could kill Wallace right here and now. But I had no idea if his goons would then kill us all. So instead, I cut my finger the same way I did in the initiation and pressed it to the paper. Noah did the same with his.

"Repeat after me Lena. I, Lena Dumas."

I hesitated but said the words. "I, Lena Dumas."

"Pledge to marry Noah Liam Grant until my death."

"I pledge to marry Noah Liam Grant until my death."

"And to produce an heir within the year."

"What?" I yelled.

"That's part of it, too, Lena. We must have a Dumas-Grant heir. I'm generous in giving you time to enjoy your marriage before having a child. Try to focus on having a daughter for me. The men in this family have been disappointing me more and more lately." Wallace said.

This sick bastard. Everyone stared at me, and I finally repeated the words.

"I pledge to produce an heir within the year."

Noah said the same thing as me before the guy said, "You may now kiss the bride."

Noah pulled me to his body and kissed me. The kiss said everything I needed to hear at that moment. I'm sorry. I love you. We'll get through this together. We broke the kiss, and although it made me feel better knowing he was in this with me,  a part of me seemed to have died with that kiss. I didn't know what was in store for us. I didn't know if we'd even make it out of this alive. We aren't a fairy tale, and this wasn't a happy ending because it wasn't even the end.

The End.

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 29:

"You have lost your mind. We're only twenty-one."

"So? My parents got married when they were eighteen."

"Good for them, but twenty-one is way too young for me."

He moved away from me. "You don't want to marry me?" he sounded hurt.

"Noah, until a few days ago, I wanted you in jail. I thought this whole thing would end with you four going to jail and me on a beach somewhere sipping a margarita. And now you're talking about marriage. No. Hell no."

"This is the way to protect you. Blue Rose has strict laws when it comes to marriage. He can't touch you."

"They don't believe in divorce, so if we end up hating each other, we'll either have to kill or stay married."

"My parents don't like each other, and they're doing fine."

"We aren't them. And if we ever get married, I want it to be because we're so deeply in love, not because you think it's the only way to save me."

"We are deeply in love."

"I know. When we're more mature, have our degrees and explore the world a bit." He nodded, but I knew he was hurt. "I'm sorry, Noah."

He shook his head. "It's fine. I will find out if there is any update on the case."

He walked out without another word. I felt shitty, and I shouldn't feel shitty when I knew I was doing the right thing. I wasn't ready for marriage, and I knew he wasn't either. I waited in Noah's room for about an hour, and he still hadn't come back yet, so I went exploring. The mansion had been passed off from generation to generation.

From what I knew, each of the four families had a mansion in Hillford in this neighborhood. That must mean so did the Dumas. It would be foolish to go there, but I still thought about it. No, I couldn't risk going there and Wallace somehow finding out. He'd know I was in contact with the family. I hope Henry was able to protect Alice.

As I was walking around, I seemed to have landed in another wing that appeared to be for guests. There were five colors on each door, signaling the colors of the families. I got the fifth door with a dark purple rose above a place that said Dumas. I couldn't help myself and turned the doorknob. It was unlocked, and I walked in. Dust particles floated around the room, and there were white sheets. It was the size of an apartment. There was a living room, a dining room with a long table, and multiple doors. I opened each one finding six bedrooms. Three had two bunk beds, while the others had single beds. This must be where all the families slept. I stepped further into one of the rooms and looked through the drawers. There were a few nick knacks but nothing significant. I was about to leave when something in the closet caught my eye. It was a walk-in closet, and I stepped inside to look closer.

There laid a brown leather book, and when I picked it up, it was heavy. I carried it to the desk in the corner of the room and sat down. I opened the book, and the sound of pages filled the room. As I looked through the book, I realized it was some history book dating hundreds of years ago. The Dumas documented what seemed like their whole history. The Dumas slowly built their empire where no one could touch them. They bought land in California and raised their families. This book seemed to summarize each family through the generation, and every family member seemed to have contributed to the reader. On the last page was dated about twenty-one years ago by Evelyn Dumas.

I don't know how long I have. I can't continue the legacy. I'm sorry to my ancestors, who I know are disappointed in me. I tried, but I can not marry someone I do not love. Owen Grant is a cruel man who will never change his ways. I am writing this because I carry possibly the last Dumas in my belly because Alice can't have children. This will be the last. Our legacy will end because my child will not know she is a Dumas. No one will know. I will place this book in our home in Hillford and never return. The Blue Rose isn't what it used to be, and I believe we are too far gone. I ask that the universe take mercy on all our souls. Evelyn Rachel Dumas. December 10th, 2001.

I dropped the book like it was on fire. That was my birthday. I was frozen in shock. No, it was just a coincidence. Alice told me that Evelyn and her child were killed. But as far as I knew, she never saw the body. The baby's father told her. There was no way. Tons of babies were born that day. I shook away the thought and closed the book. I pressed my hand to the leather, and it felt right in my hands. Like I was meant to have it. I don't know what I was doing, but I took the book with me and left the room. It didn't belong here. I had no idea where I was going to put it, but I wasn't leaving it here.

I was safely back and Noah's room and stuffed it into one of his Nike bags along with a couple of his hoodies. Noah wouldn't know anything other than I wanted to take his hoodies. I placed the bag on the side of the bed and sat down. I didn't know what to think but me being a Dumas sounded too crazy. Alice did sort of look like me. But I ended up joining the Blue Rose. It almost felt like fate. I was still going over everything in my head when Noah walked inside and saw me. I must have been showing something on my face because one looked at me, and he was by my side instantly.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

I just came out with it.

"Is it possible that I'm a Dumas?"

"No. Why would you ask that?"

"I was walking around the house and saw the Dumas room. I walked in and saw a leather book inside one of the closets."

"I don't know how it could have gotten there. We keep all the journals inside our houses."

"Maybe it was left there for one of you to find? It said something about Eveyln not wanting to marry your dad."

"My dad talked to me once while drunk about being in love with Evelyn and her not loving him back. It broke him. It's probably why he treats my mom like she doesn't exist. I think he only cared about Evelyn because of the legacy they were meant to fulfill."

"What is with that legacy?"

"I don't know. My grandfather just said that a Dumas and a Grant are meant to get married and produce an heir. I don't know why."

"Well, we had to sign our name in blood to join, so it can't be anything good."

"Why do you believe you're a Dumas?"

"Because she wrote the last entry on my birthday."

"Shit."

"Alice told me that Evelyn and her baby were killed, but as far as i knew, Alice never saw her body."

"Do you think Evelyn is still alive?"

"I don't know."

"I could look into it?"

"No. It's too dangerous. They're already looking for Dumas because of the money. If you start asking questions, it could raise suspicion."

"I'll be careful."

"No, I don't want you to risk it. I'm just being crazy." I changed the subject. "Any updates?"

"Yeah, that's why I came back in here. It turns out there was a camera across the street, and the guys were completely different looking than us. So we're off the hook/."

"Really? Oh my goodness." I threw my hands around him and kissed him on the lips.

"Yeah, it's great news, but grandfather is trying to figure out how we were put on their radar first."

"Should I warn Henry?"

"I would." '

I sighed and walked over and grabbed my phone that was on the charger. I saw a few messages from Riley and Jessica and decided to text them later. I called Henry, and the call went straight to voicemail. What the fuck? He always answered my calls even when we were mad at each other. I tried again, and the same thing.

"He didn't answer."

"Call him back later."

"He always answers."

"Maybe he's busy?"

"Even when he's busy."

I went to the find people app on my phone. His location didn't come up. I called Riley.

"Where have you been? I've been calling you."

She sounded frantic.

"I've been at Noah's. What's wrong?"

"It's Jessica. She is in the hospital."

"What happened?"

"A car hit her when we were going to get coffee. You need to get here now."

I hung up and had Noah take me to the hospital. Henry would have to wait for now. Noah parked the car and followed me inside the hospital. We went up to the evaluators and the sixth floor. Riley texted me the room number, and after checking in with the nurse, I walked as quickly as possible.

Through the window door, I could see Riley sitting there with her head in her hands. When I opened the door, she lifted her head, and I could see tears in her eyes. She rushed over to me, and we hugged each other night.

"Did you see who hit her?" I asked.

"Yeah, but he ran."

"Fucking coward."

"Exactly. The thing is, though, I don't think it was an accident."

"Why not?"

"She said she was feeling like she was being followed."

"She never said anything to me."

"You've been a little busy." she gestured to Noah, standing behind me.

"Right. How long has it been going on?"

"Ever since she helped you steal the Blue Rose money."

"You think they know it was her?"

"Yes. They had someone put a tracker on her phone. I found it while I was waiting to be let back here."

"I'm going to kill them." I declared.

"Slow down. We don't know it was them." Noah said.

"It was. This is all my fault."

"Don't start that shit," Riley said. "She wanted to help. Begged you even."

"I shouldn't have let her."

"The best thing you can do right now is to make sure those fuckers pay."

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 28

I woke up in Noah's bed with my clothes on and was only in his shirt. When did I undress? Noah and I had fallen asleep watching a moving and waiting for whatever the high court could come up with involving getting the boys off without jail time. Part of me wanted to see them do a little time. And that was the problem with this whole thing. I got off his bed, walked to his mini fridge, and grabbed water. I looked around the room as I drank the best-tasting water I've ever had.

His room here was bigger than his room in Los Angeles. I remember that one being a lot more modern, this one had dark wood panels. You could tell from the few cracks on the floor and walls that this room had been passed down from generation to generation. I waited for Noah to come back, but after almost thirty minutes, he hadn't, and I was hungry. I planned to take these people down, yet the thought of walking around the house without Noah made me nervous. I pulled on a pair of Noah's sweatpants, tied them as tight as possible, put my hair in a bun, and left the room. I walked out into the hall, where I was greeted by paintings of different people. There was a little lamp above each painting and a place at the bottom of the painting stating who they were. These were Noah's ancestors. I walked downstairs and felt foolish every time I entered a room, and no one was there. After six rooms, I became exhausted. Lucky, a housekeeper saw me and pointed me towards the dining room.

I walked in, and Noah and his family sat at the dining room table, eating breakfast, looking freshly showered and dressed for the day. I was going to kill Noah.

"Good Morning," I said to them and took the empty seat next to Noah.

Immediately someone came over and set a plate down in front of me.

"Good morning!" Harvey said with a mouthful of eggs.

I smiled at him as I piled food onto my plate.

"Morning, babe." Noah kissed me on my forehead.

"How'd you sleep, Lena?" Della asked.

"Good. Thank you for letting me sleep over."

"Of course. You're practically family now. "

I almost choked on the toast. Someone escorted Harvey out of the room once his plate was empty. I looked at Wallace and Owen, who never greeted me and were busy on their phones.

"How's the case coming along?" I asked.

"It's coming. Owen talked to our lawyers, who are checking on what happened to the security cameras where Edward was murdered. Edward was coming out of a bar when witnesses say they saw four tall men grab him, beat him up, and stab him."

"Why do they believe it was the boys?"

"Randall's pocket knife was used," Noah answered.

"What motive do they have?"

"You," Wallace said without looking up from his tablet. "They know you're dating Noah, and you were seen several times with Edward. My grandson is known for his temper and obvious attraction to you. It would have been a shut and done case if it wasn't for whoever convinced Reyes to let them out on bail." Wallace gave me a quick knowing look before going back to his tablet.

Damn. They had no alibi and there was a murder weapon connected to them. Henry was good.

A man walked over to collect my plate when I was done with my food. He reached down for my new knife, and I simultaneously reached for my cup of orange juice. The blade cut me a bit, and the man started apologizing profusely..

"It's okay," I said.

I looked at Noah, who glared at him while he used a clean napkin to press on the small wound.

"I've got it from here. Leave," Noah said when the guy insisted on helping me bandage it up.

He nodded and took the dirty dishes and left.

"You didn't have to be so rude," I told him as he cleaned up and put a bandaid on me.

I was sitting on his counter in the bathroom, and he was standing between my legs.

"I did, actually. Now he'll know I don't like anyone but me touching you."

I rolled my eyes. "We are really going to have to talk about your positiveness."

"Okay, sure, let's talk. You're mine. Period. See? Simple conversion."

"You're an asshole."

"But you love me anyway."

That I did.

"Do you think your grandfather knows who I am?" I asked suddenly.

"Why do you think that?"

"Because he keeps giving me these looks like he knows."

"He thinks he knows everything."

"He's a part of the high court; of course he does."

"You need to relax."

"You might go to jail because of Henry, and it's all my fault."

"Shhh. Remember, we're doing this one day at a time." I felt his arms around me, and he kissed my forehead.

I wrapped my arms around him, content to be calmed down, even if it's just a little bit. I feel his hand lower until he reaches the tie of his sweatpants.

"Noah, do you think right now is the best time to have sex."

"Hell, yeah."

He lifted me and carried me to the shower. He kissed me and restarted the process of taking my clothes off. Instead of getting in the shower as I expected, he fills the tub and adds bubbles with stress-relieving body wash. When the bathtub was complete, I got in, and he got in behind me. I leaned back into his chest and closed my eyes.

"This feels good," I said.

He didn't say anything, but I felt his hand drift to my shoulders and start to massage them. It felt so good that I tried my hardest not to fall asleep.

"What are we going to do?" I asked him.

"Aren't you the one always with a plan?"

"Yeah, but this is above me."

"Nothing is above you while I'm around. We'll figure this all out. Together."

I turned my head around and kissed him. I tried to turn back, but he touched my cheek and deepened the kiss. I moved my body and straddled him, and the water carried us. I ground on him and felt him already hard beneath me. He placed a hand on my hip like he would put himself inside me, but I broke our kiss.

"Wait, we don't have a condom."

He groaned, and without waiting for a beat, he lifted me out of the bathtub like I weighed nothing, carried over to the sink, and placed me down. He went into his room to grab a condom while I sat on the sink, naked and dripping water. He came back with the condom already on. He walked over with me, lifted my leg, and pushed his way inside me. He wasn't gentle as he fucked me and gripped my neck to choke me lightly.

"I love you," he said as he fucked me.

He used his other hand to rub my clit, and it didn't take long to come, and he followed behind me.

"Fuck." he moaned and kissed my neck.

We drained the water in the tub and got into the shower. When we were clean and dry, Noah handed me the pair of jeans and shirt that were my exact size without me telling him.

"Do I want to know how you know my size?"

"The clothes I took you off last night."

"Ah. I need to go home soon. "

He wrapped his arms around me. "I want you to stay here with me until this whole thing is over."

"Would your family even be okay with that?"

"Are you kidding? Harvey and my mom love you. My dad is too self-absorbed to notice you here."

"What about your grandfather? It's like the longer I'm here, the closer he seems to be to figure me out."

"Even if he does, I'll protect you."

"Who'll protect you when he finds out you didn't kill me like you were supposed to."

He was quiet for a moment, and I could see the wheels turning in his head.

"There is something we could do?"

"What?"

"Marry me."

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 27:

I searched the house from top to bottom, looking for Henry, and he was nowhere to be found. The staff claimed they had no idea where he was. I grabbed my phone and saw that I had dozens of calls and messages from Riley and Jessica. I grabbed the stuff I had brought with me and ran out the door, only to see that my car was gone. I went to the garage to use one of Henry's cars, but all the keys were gone off the shelf.

I was going to kill him.

I video chat with Jessica.

"Thank goodness you answered! Was this a part of the plan?" Jessica asked, sounding horrified.

"Them going to jail? Yes. Edward being murdered? Hell no. He was supposed to get his ass kicked, and I knew his judge of a dad would have gotten them all to put in jail. But no murder was definitely not in the plan."

"Then what the fuck happened?"

"I think Henry did this."

"Why?"

"I told him I was done. He seemed cool with it, but I should have known better. I didn't think he would do this, though. "

"This is insane. Are you on your way back?"

"Henry took all the car keys, and my car is gone."

"What the fuck is wrong with him?"

"I don't know."

"Call a car."

"Good idea."

I went to the car service app and tried to order a car, only for it to decline my card. I tried my other two and they both declined.

"That fucker."

"What's wrong?"

"He canceled my cards."

"He really doesn't want you to leave. I'll order it for you."

"Thanks."

I hung up with her and called Riley.

"Dude," she said when she answered.

"I know. This is insane." I explained to her the same thing I told Jessica.

"When you get here, we'll figure everything out."

"Can you go to the station? I just want Noah to know that this wasn't me."

"Don't worry, I'll go clear it up."

"Thank you."

I went to my room and closed and locked the door. Twenty minutes later, Riley texted me that the car was there, and I left my room only to see Henry waiting at the front door.

"What the fuck, Henry!"

"You aren't leaving."

"You have lost your mind."

"No, but you have lost yours. You are throwing everything we started away for a boy who has hurt you so many times. When will you realize that he doesn't love you?"

"He does."

"You're delusional, and I will not let you be ruined by him."

I stared at the man who took me in, fed, clothed, and taught me to become the strong person I was capable of. As much as I wanted to stay here and listen to him, my heart wouldn't let me. I loved Noah. Our relationship was more than toxic, and I had no doubt we would never have a fairy tale ending. But I wanted him. I loved him, and I would gladly be ruined by him.

"He already has." I pushed past him, and he let me go.

I walked back, and as tears ran down my face, I refused to look back. I walked down the long driveway, got into the car, and left. Leaving everything behind for a man who has broken and fixed my heart so many times.

I walked into the police station and saw the four families either talking angrily on the phone or crying. I saw Noah's family when I first walked in. Della Grant was in the corner with arms around Harvey. Della looked up at me with tears in her eyes. When she saw me, she rushed over and surprised me when she threw her arms around me. This was shocking for two reasons. One, we barely knew each other, which meant Noah hadn't told them anything about me.

"Lena, thank goodness you're here."

"What's going on?"

"They broke the door at the house and arrested all the boys. I can't believe they think they would kill someone."

I kept my mouth shut about them killing my former foster father, Mike.

"Have you been in there to see him?"

"No, they refuse to let us, and the judge wouldn't even let us bail them out."

"Della, I need you," Owen called.

Della gave me another hug and walked over to her husband. I pulled out my phone and called James Reyes, Edwards's father. He answered on the second ring.

"What?" he sounded drunk.

"Let Noah, Randall, Avery, and Scott out on bail."

"You've got to be fucking kidding me! How dare you call me Warren. This is your fault."

"No, this is yours and your son's. None of us would be here if you had never been letting him off the hook for what he did to all of those women. If you want to lose your son and your job on the same day, be my guest. Otherwise, you'll let them out."

The line was quiet for a moment.

"They'll be out within the hour."

I hung up and sighed in relief. Who knew I would be ruining my own plan? The hour seemed like a whole day, but the boys eventually walked out. Noah's eyes landed on mine, and I expected to see anger but only got relief which surprised me. Noah quickly hugged his mom and brother before he walked over to me and pulled me in his arms.

"I'm so sorry," I said.

"Don't apologize. I know it wasn't you."

"How?"

"You wouldn't be here if it was."

"True."

He pulled away, grabbed my hand, and walked me to his family. His Grandfather was looking at me with more interest than before.

"Judge Reyes changed his mind?" Noah asked.

"Yes, seems he had a change of heart for the boys he thinks murdered his son. Almost like he was pressured into doing it."

Wallace had looked away from me, but it felt as if he somehow knew. I should have been more secretive about making that call, but my emotions are everywhere now. Up is down, and down is up. I rode with Noah and his family to their house, and everyone else followed. We got inside and were greeted by the staff, who had lunch waiting for us. I didn't think I could eat, but I let Noah lead me into the dining room. I didn't know I'd be able to let him out of my sight for a while. Is this how he felt after I was kidnapped? It must have been.

I noticed the guys weren't looking at me with pure hatred anymore. Maybe they somehow also knew it wasn't me. When they were done eating, the grandparents and the parents told us to leave and Noah led the rest of us to his room.

"Who killed Edward?" Noah asked me when we were inside his room with the door closed.

The rest of the guys were sitting in the living area because Noah's room was four times the size of his room on campus.

"I don't know," I answered honestly. "I think Henry, but I don't think he would ever get his hand dirty."

"Would he hire someone else to do it?"

"Maybe."

"What made you change your mind?" Scott asked me.

"What you guys told me, hit home. I still hate what you did, but I know I understand somewhat. It's going to have to be a day-by-day process."

"I can live with that," Scott said.

It was weird that he was looking at me without that hatred. It was strange that we had somehow turned allies. Against who, though? Henry? I don't know what to do with him. He had been the only person there for me besides Riley, and now I was with our enemies. My now former enemies, I guess.

"You guys go pick a room. Lena and I need to be alone." Noah said the guys left. "You okay?"

"Of course not. This is all too much. Two days ago, I wanted you all to suffer, and now here I was, getting you out of jail and chatting like we're best buds. This is a lot."

"I know, but we'll get through this together. I've got you, remember."

My stomach churned at the words. He said the same thing to me that night and seemed to notice too.

"I'm sorry. I-"

I waved him away. "It's fine. I know." I sat on his bed. "Noah, I want to make it clear to you that if I even get a hint that you or they are planning something against me, I will end this for good. I mean it. My rage may have simmered down, but it's still there. One misstep, and I'm turning up the heat."

He sat down next to me and held my hand. "I know. I'd rather ripe my own heart out before betraying you again."

"You're really into this heart stuff." I joked, and he laughed.

He kissed my forehead. We laid down together in his arms. I felt like all was right with the world. I knew I was being delusional.

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 26:

"We want a truce," Noah said.

I laughed. "You've got to be kidding me. Fuck that."

I got up, but Scott stood in my way toward the door. I got ready to knee him in his balls when Noah stepped between us.

"Wait, just hear us out first." I looked at Noah, and it was his tone that stopped me. He sounded sincere.

I glared at Scott and sat back down.

"We want a truce because we see how far you're going."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Our parents. They've been having unexpected tragedies happen. My dad lost most of his clients because of some old text messages he had with an underage girl." Randall said.

I looked at him. "Maybe daddy should try sticking to women his own age then."

He looked like he was about to come at me, but Noah gave him a look, and he sat back down.

"Regardless, we want this to stop. We'll do whatever it takes."

"Okay, all you have to do is take us back to the moment before I met Noah. We do that, and all our problems are solved."

"I'm serious, Lena."

"I am too. You and your families have ruined people's lives. Sorry if I don't feel bad that you are all getting exactly what you deserve."

Randall stood up. "You think we wanted this life? It was forced on us."

"But you constantly give in. You could have said no!"

"They would have killed us."

"Bullshit."

Randall laughed. "You really don't get it, do you? This isn't a country club, Lena. This is life or death. We follow their rules, or we get punished. Do you know how much we're doing to keep you away from them? They'll do more than hurt you if they ever found out it's been you. They'll kill everyone you've ever loved. Noah keeps risking all of us to help you since the beginning."

I looked at Noah. "What is he talking about?" Noah stayed silent. "Noah, tell me."

"That is what I've been wanting to tell you. When you came to school, you got the attention of everyone. There you were, this poor foster girl who was not only insanely beautiful but talented. In a matter of months, you ranked our top students. People took notice. The Blue Rose took notice. They don't like when people are better than their own. Each group of new successors must perform an initiate to prove themselves to the Blue Rose."

I didn't know how to feel after finally knowing after all these years why they hated me so much. Jealously? Really? They were jealous of me? I was no one back then.

"I already know all this."

"No, you don't. We weren't supposed to let you live, Lena. You were supposed to be in that fire."

I was shocked. I just stood there staring at him. I finally sat back down.

"What are you talking about?"

"They didn't want us to frame you; they wanted us to kill you. We convinced them that it was better for you to die in juvie. To get someone inside to do it because everyone knew we were dating. They agreed. We hired a guard to sneak you out. We were going to make it look like one of the dryers caught on fire, plant a fake body, and sneak you out. But it didn't go to plan because Henry got you out, and we lost track of you. We stayed the course, though. It was hard, but we convinced them you hanged yourself instead. They didn't care enough to look into it further, but there was a girl who looked sort of like you who hanged herself, so we just switched the two of your names."

I was chilled to my core as I shakily asked, "What was the guard's name?"

"Jeff Evans."

Old memories came up of that laundry room. The feel of his hot breath on my neck, the way he called me honey, the numbness I felt when I realized I was going to be raped. Riley saved me, though; without her, I would be more damaged than I already was.

"He tried to rape me," I said coldly and looked at Randall, Scott, and Avery. "Did you three do that."

Noah glared at them.

Avery's eye widened. "Fuck no. I mean, we say shit like that, but we wouldn't ever actually do it," he said like that was supposed to somehow make me feel better.

"So who did? I'm sure you paid him a shit ton, and what? He decided to do a quick sexual assault before we left?"

"I don't know. The guy wasn't exactly an upstanding guard; we chose him because we knew he'd be corrupted enough to take the money."

"So, will you stop?" Scott asked.

I thought Noah complicated my feelings about continuing my revenge, but this made me reconsider. Randall, Scott, and Avery still tried to have me trafficked; regardless if they said it was only a 'scare tactic,' it still happened. I don't think I could ever forgive them for that.

"I need to think about it."

"But-" Avery started, but with a look from Noah, he shut the hell up.

Noah got up and followed me to my car. He opened the door for me.

"Please think about it."

"What if I did stop? Then what? We just go about our lives like nothing ever happened? Noah, the Blue Rose is terrible. You guys even said it yourselves."

"It didn't always be."

"What do you mean?"

"It started with five families who just wanted to help their communities. With investments in the right places and the wrong people in power, they slowly became corrupt. They even made the people who originally knew about the Blue Rose either join or be killed. That's how it became a 'secret society.' It was literally born in blood."

"This is a lot to take in."

"I know. Sleep on it."

I nodded. I got into my car and started it up. I wasn't surprised when Noah got into his and followed me home. Even though it seemed like the rest of the boys had been made to heal, he was still worried. Too many emotions tonight. I got inside the dorms, and Noah left.

******

The rest of the week was pretty much the same. Classes, hanging out with the newly official couple Riley and Jessica, Noah following me around. I processed a lot. I didn't know if I believed what they said was true. Seeing that they causally said they would put another body in my place made me push toward the revenge decision. There was also still the matter of their parents. And although I couldn't blame them for what their parents did, I wasn't giving up on that front. Henry's sister deserved revenge. Riley went back to school to get everything started, possibly coming here next semester. I would have to talk to Henry about helping her get in. The only issue was I didn't know how he would react if I told him I was even considering letting go.

Could I really do it, though? Let go of my revenge and live an everyday college life? I've spent four years of my life for this moment, and here I was, ready to give it all up over a perfect story. That I had no way of knowing if it was true or not.

Another week passed, and I was laying on my bed with Jessica eating Italian food.

"I don't know what to do," I told her and shoved some more spaghetti in my mouth.

"I think you should focus on the Blue Rose, not the boys. You said yourself that's the reason Henry brought you in the first place. When you go talk to him, explain to him that."

I considered it. "What about Noah and I? I mean, would he just forget about everything I did if we got together? He seems fine with it now, but if we last a few years? Or even longer. What if he woke up one day while we were married and on our fourth child and decided to start resenting me."

She took the fork out of my hand when I tried to eat another mouthful of pasta.

"Slow down. You're both twenty-one. Just see what happens now and go from there. You can do couples therapy or something."

I nodded. "Yeah, sure."

Another week passed, and I drove to Henry's house to talk to him. I was beyond nervous as I drove up the stone driveway and walked into the house. As usual, I went straight up to Henry's office, where he was behind his desk. I knocked on the already open door, and he looked up.

"Lena, what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to talk to you about something."

He gave me his full attention and gestured to the seat in front of his desk. I took a seat.

"Anything."

I took a few breaths before I explained everything to him. I never told Henry about that guard almost raping me, and the fury on his face was murderous. Probably should have left that part out. I then told him what Noah said, and he thankfully remained calm. When I had finally finished, I waited.

"I don't know what to say." he finally said. "This is what you've been training for, and you just want to give up because of a story they made up to save their asses?"

"I considered that, but Henry, I believe them."

He shook his head. "I thought I taught you better. I should have known bringing a teenager into this was a bad idea."

That one stung. "You regret adopting me?"

He looked horrified. "No! I have just been. I expected too much from you. I should have done this alone. I will finish this alone."

"No, I'm going to help you. I just want to redirect our attention from the boys onto Blue Rose."

"It's not that easy. We have Reyes waiting."

"We can just turn over what we have to the FBI and be done with them."

He was quiet for a few moments before he nodded, and I sighed out of relief.

"I'll think this over."

"Thank you." I got and was about to walk out of the door when he stopped me.

"How about you stay here for tonight."

I nodded. I went to my room, put on a bathing suit, and headed to the pool. The pool was an olympian wet dream, and I used to love swimming in it. It helped me clear my mind. I dived in, swam a couple of laps, got some food, watched tv, and went to bed.

I woke up the following day feeling better. I grabbed my phone, which was dead. I put it on the charger and went downstairs for some breakfast. One of the housekeepers set a plate in front of me with waffles, eggs, and bacon. I dug in, and it took me a moment to notice the lack of noise. I looked up and saw that some of the staff huddled around the kitchen's TV.

"What's going on?" I asked.

They moved out of my way to let me see. It was on the new channel, and at the bottom of the screen, the headline read: Students at Caswell College arrested for the murder of Edward Ryes.

I felt sick as I watched a clip of Noah, Avery, Scott, and Randall handcuffed and being put into police cars.

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 25:

We got to Noah's house, which was more than I imagined. A mansion complete with a pool, basketball court, and tennis court. Inside was even more exquisite. I'm talking about Victorian era. A housekeeper opened the door for us, and Noah held my hand, and I let it go.

"We are supposed to be acting out parts." He whispered to me.

"Fine." I grabbed his hand back. "But if you try anything...." I left the threat open because he knew what I would do.

I ignored the part of myself that reminded me that Noah ate me out earlier today.

"I got it."

He led me to a dining room where there was a long table. At the head of the table was his grandfather. On his right was Noah's dad Owen Grant. He was sitting there chatting with Wallace. Across from Owen was Della Grant, Noah's mom. Noah looked more like his mom than his dad. He had her high cheekbones and her smile. Next to his mom was his little brother Harvey Grant. I never met Noah's family while we were dating. I don't know why and I never questioned him to understand why.

When we walked in, they looked up at us. Harvey's eyes lit up when he saw his brother. It was the most adorable thing ever when he jumped off the chair and ran over to Noah. He looked about five or six. Noah let go of my hand and caught him in his arms, and hugged him tightly. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen. I also swooned at the sight of Noah with a kid. Nope Nope. None, of that tonight.

"Hey, buddy. How has school been?"

"Good! I loved my teacher. She reads us stories. Today was about a prince saving the princess from the evil dragon."

"How does the story end?"

"The prince kills the dragon and kisses the princess. I didn't like that part. Yuck!"

Noah laughed, "What if the dragon wasn't as evil as everyone made him out to be, and instead, he just wanted to be with the princess."

Harvey gave him the cutest confused look before Noah put him down, and he ran back to his seat. I, on the other hand, knew exactly what he was talking about. Noah looked over at me knowingly. Noah pulled a chair out for me next to his brother, and Noah sat next to me.

"Noah, introduce us to your girlfriend. You've never brought home a girl before." his mom said.

"This is Lena Warren."

Owen perked up. "Warren? As in Henry Warren of Warren Investments?"

"Yeah, he's my dad."

I could practically see the money signs in Owen's eyes. People like him would only want their child with someone they deemed to be in their social class. That's probably why Noah never brought me to meet them when we were dating.

"Ah, you're the girl he adopted."

"Yep."

The door off to the side opened and in rushed a staff with plates of food. They set them in front of us and left. I looked down at my roast and veggies and when everyone else began to eat, so did I.

"Lena, where did you go to school before Caswell?"

I set down my fork. "I went to Faber college online."

"And what made you transfer to Caswell?"

"Caswell is a great school and I wanted to be closer to my dad."

"Hmm." is all he said and started to eat his food.

I don't think he believed me, but he also had no proof. I did go to Faber College online as Lena Warren. He had jack shit on me, but something told me that wouldn't stop him from looking. Tomorrow I was going to have Riley make sure that everything was airtight. The dinner went on smoothly. I found that Della was a little reserved and humble. Owen was chatty and had no problem bragging me about some car or house he had just brought. I was thankful Noah wasn't anything like him.

"Lena, tell us about life before Henry adopted you," Wallace said.

We had moved to a more formal living room than the one we passed that had more comfortable couches than the one I was sitting on. Wallace was at the bar in the corner, making us some drinks. He was far too interested in me.

"Not much to tell. I was in a couple of foster homes before Henry adopted me."

"And how was that? I mean, a grown man was adopting a teenager by himself. Didn't that look strange?"

"Not as strange as those little annual parties that Blue Rose members have with people far younger than me."

Noah gripped my hand in warning while Della and Owen looked shocked. Wallace just continued making drinks like I hadn't said a word. It wasn't a secret within Blue Rose that some members engaged in sexual activities that I didn't even want to think about. It was one of the main reasons I planned to shut it all down. When rich people had money to burn, instead of giving it away to people who actual need it they chose to pay for vile things that even the devil themself would stay away from.

"Touche." he started handing out drinks. "What are your thoughts on the money being stolen?"

"My thoughts?" I asked and took a sip of my drink. It was sweet and a little sour. I had to give it to Wallace; he knew how to make a drink.

"Yes, you're are a new member but your input matters"

"I think we shouldn't be hunting down people like animals."

He sat down and leaned forward like he was tired.

"What should we be doing instead?"

"Talking to them."

"Oh, there will be talking." he had that little smile on his face that Noah gets when he's about to do something dark.

After we finished our drinks Noah and I found the opportunity to leave and took it. We couldn't get out of that house fast enough. As soon as we were in the car and on the road, Noah let it rip.

"What the fuck were you thinking?"

"What do you mean?"

"You don't bring up part of the organization that you aren't supposed to know about. Are you trying to get yourself killed"

"No, I gave him the same energy he was giving me. "

"Do you not realize that the more you talk like that, the more interested he'll be in?"

"That one little comment isn't going to do anything."

"It showed him you know more than you're supposed to."

"He'll think you just told me."

"I know him. He doesn't think like the avenge person."

He worried me, but I reminded myself that my background was airtight. Noah was gripping the stirring wheel and I ignored all the warnings tell me not to as I placed my hand on his. He relaxed a bit.

"Nothing will happen to me.

"You don't know that. I almost lost you. It was worse than when I lost you because back then, I knew you were alive."

Noah walked me to my door and before I left he, leaned down and kissed me briefly on the mouth. He waited for me to get inside and left. I went inside my room and was shocked. Noah didn't do brief kisses. He did gut wreathing, ass grabbing kissing. Not a peck on the lips. And the look in his eyes. It almost looked like fear. I had never seen Noah scared before, yet when he talked about losing me, that was all I could see.

****

The following day Riley and I got together and worked on going through my past and ensuring Wallace would find anything that could expose me.

"Hey, do you think it would be possible for me to come to Caswell?" she said suddenly.

"From what you've told me your grades are food. Maybe you can try to apply again. But why would you want to come here?"

"Well, you here and...."

I smiled. "And Jessica's here."

She groaned. "Shut up."

"You two seem to be getting along."

"Oh, we are getting along."

I laughed. "I'm happy for you two."

"Thank you." She closed her laptop. "You're good. Wallace won't find anything." she stood up. "I'm going to go eat my girl's pussy. I'll see you later."

"T.M.I."

She laughed and left. For the rest of the day, I watched TV in my room. Eventually, I and decide to go to that diner Noah took me to. I'm craving something sweet. I get in, seated, and order a salad and pumpkin pie. While waiting for my food, I heard the bell above the door ring, and I looked up. Edward was walking in with a group of friends. He must have felt me staring at him because he looked over, and his eyes widened when they landed on me. He said something to his friends and walked over to me. He slid into the booth across from me.

"Edward."

"What do I have to do?" he asked.

"What do you mean?"

"You said I would have to bleed when the time came, nothing. I'm tired of fearing you'll give that evidence away."

I almost smiled but kept my cool. I was going to give the FBI everything anyway.

"When I'm ready, I'll call you."

He stared at me like he hoped I would say more, when I didn't, he groaned and left. I got my food ate it, and left the restaurant. I was heading to my car when I noticed a familiar Mercedes parked next to me. I sighed and walked over to it. I knocked on the illegally tinted windows. The window rolled down, and Noah sat in the driver's seat.

"I should have known not seeing you was too good to be true."

He smiled for the first time in a while. "Can you come over? The guys and I want to talk to you about something."

"Yeah, no thanks." I started to walk away, but his following words stopped me.

"Please, Lena. It's important."

I pressed the bridge of my nose with my fingers, got into my car, and followed him to the Blue Rose house. When I got inside, the rest of the guys were on the couch playing a video game. They paused it when they heard Noah, and I come in.

"Shit, I didn't think she'd come," Scott said. "She's dumber than I thought."

"And I'm done." I started to walk out, but Noah grabbed me by the arm and pulled me to the sofa.

I guess he got tired of my free will. I sat down and laughed when he smacked Scott on the back of the head.

"You have five minutes, and that's being generous. I don't care how strong you are; I'll drop kick you." I said.

"I want to tell you how I saved you. How we all saved you. And maybe then you'll stop seeing us as your enemies." Noah said.

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 24:

The talk with Henry didn't make me feel any better about why he hid a whole family that was a part of Blue Rose from me.

"How long are you going to keep doing this?" I asked Noah.

Today he followed me into the library because I had to get some work done, and the wifi inside the dorms wasn't working.

"I don't know. How long will it take for you to believe me?"

I groaned and put my head down on the table.

"Get up, or I'll pick you up."

I lifted my head, knowing he wasn't joking in the slightest.

"What?"

"Follow me."

He got up from the table and disappeared into the rows of bookshelves. I sighed and left my stuff behind to follow him. The students here wouldn't dare bother Noah's stuff and the girl they knew he formerly fucked. Noah led me to a place in the library that was barely lit. There was a random table in the corner.

"What?"

"You need to relax. You're too stressed."

"Mmm. Maybe that could have something to do with a stalker?"

"No, this is something more."

I hated when he somehow knew what I felt when I didn't even know half the time.

"Fine. It's not about you."

"Then what is it about?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Okay then, we don't have to talk."

"Good." I started to walk back, but he grabbed me by my waist and lifted me onto the table. "What the fuck are you doing?" I quietly hissed at him.

He got on his knees and looked up at me. "Relaxing you."

Before I could get another word in, he had his head under my skirt. I had to put a hand over my mouth to keep from moaning out loud as he moved my panties aside and sucked on my clit. I groaned into my hand as he expertly pushed me exactly where I needed to go. I grabbed his soft wavy hair and put my legs over his shoulders, and leaned back like every time before; he ate me as if I were his last meal. He looked up at me and inserted two fingers inside me while maintaining contact. I couldn't look away from him, and it seemed he couldn't either. The intensity , the feel of his tongue, and the motion of his fingers brought me to an orgasm that had been building for a while. I came on his face, and he broke eye contact to push me further. I came for a second time, my legs shaking and trying to force myself to be quiet.

Noah got up, pushed my skirt down, licked his lips in the hottest way possible, winked at me, and disappeared through the bookshelves again. I hurried to adjust myself and look like I hadn't just gotten my pussy eaten in a library corner. When I got back to the table, Noah's stuff was still there, but he wasn't , so I assume he went to the bathroom to clean up. I sat back in my chair, and I swear a few people looked at me like they just knew. Maybe it was Noah having my release on his face, or I was walking funny because I sure felt like I was. Noah returned to the table with an extra pep in his step and sat back down across from me.

"Can I ride with you to the Blue Rose meeting?" I asked Noah as we walked out of the library.

"Yeah." he seemed surprised, and I was too. Honestly, with the orgasm he just gave me, I would buy him some shoes if he asked.

The meeting tonight at Blue Rose was an emergency meeting, and I knew it had to do with their money being gone. It was now in different charities across the world along with several offshore bank accounts. Billions of dollars are just gone. I couldn't wait to see how they were  going to spin this. Noah and I got to the Blue Rose's hotel and were immediately let in.

Noah had dropped me off at my dorm first so that I could change into a white dress with my blue rose diamond necklace I got after my initiation. Noah walked over to sit with his family, and I could swear I saw a hint of pain in his eyes when he left my side. I could feel his eyes on me  as I walked to Henry's table. I sat next to him, and I could tell he was excited as me.

This time the first successors were behind the High Court. We were all served champagne before Wallace Grant, got to the podium.

"I want to start by giving my sincere apology for this last-minute meeting, but some pressing matters have come up that need to be discussed." he took a moment, and I heard the chatter of the crowd, and when he began to speak, again there was silence. "The fund for Blue Rose is gone."

Chaos.

I have never seen a group of people panic as fast as they started to. Henry and I feign being worried. I noticed that Noah was looking back at me with a knowing look. I don't care if he knows. I don't believe he'll tell his grandfather about me, knowing that if he did, he would lose me forever.

"Everyone, calm down. We know who has done this, and we will get our money back shortly."

Henry and I looked at each other, and the fake worried looks were now real. No, he couldn't possibly know it was us. We covered our digital tracks, and Jessica was never seen. Riley made sure all the nearby cameras has a system reboot to not make any security start panicking and to give her enough time to get in and out.

"It's the Dumas family punishing us for kicking them out. Don't worry because we will hunt them down and take back what is ours."

From worried and chaos turned into relief. From their reactions, it showed me how bloodthirsty these people really are. Henry and I looked at each once more, and without saying a word, we knew we couldn't let that happen.

The meeting ended, and Henry and I said goodbye and promised to see each other soon. I was going to his house in the morning, and I had no doubt he would warn Alice. Noah grabbed me by the arm and pushed me into a coat closet outside the conference room.

"You need to return the money," he said.

I yanked my arm away from him. "I'm not doing shit. That is blood money."

"Lena, he will find out it was you. Until then, he'll kill anyone he even suspects involved."

"Then make it, so he never finds out it was me."

He looked at me like I was crazy. "I can't do that. I wouldn't even know where to begin."

"Lead him away from us. Anyone but the Dumas family."

"Why not the Dumas?"

"Because they have already lost so much."

"They broke tradition, they knew what would happen to them."

"So you're telling me that if there was  a Dumas woman your age right now, you'd leave me alone and marry her?"

My heart seemed to beat faster as I waited for his answer. He appeared as hesitant as me to give it.

"No. I would choose you every time."

I nodded and couldn't find the words to describe how that made me feel. We walked out of the closet and were greeted by Wallace Grant. I had to stop myself from cowering behind Noah.

"Grandfather." Noah greeted him.

"Noah, Miss Warren."

"Lena, please, your excellency" I said.

He smiled at me in a way that chilled me to my core.

"Call me, Wallace. Lena, I had no idea you and Noah were dating."

"Oh, we aren't-"

"Yes, grandfather. Since the start of school." Noah interrupted me and reached down to hold my hand.

Wallace looked down at our hands and back up to our eyes. He was calculating, and I had no doubt he probably thought we were full of shit.

"You must come to dinner tonight and meet the family."

"She's busy tonight. But next time, she will."

"Nonsense. This is one of the few times we've had the family together. And although it's not an ideal time, I know everyone would love to get to know the girlfriend you've been hiding. I'll see you both there."

He walked away, and I couldn't let go of Noah's hand. It was the only thing bringing me strength.

"I'm sorry, Lena."

"No, it's fine. I can do one dinner."

"It won't just be one dinner, though."

"What do you mean?"

"If my Grandfather thinks you're my girlfriend, he'll expect you to be with me. So we'll have to play the part of girlfriend and boyfriend for a while."

"Bullshit. He won't care enough."

"You don't know him as I do. He will."

"We have to fake a date?"

"Yes."

"For how long?"

"For as long as it takes for him to believe it. We'll date for a few months, then break it off."

"And if I say no?"

"Then he'll wonder why we've been so close. Which means him further digging through every inch of who you are. I don't know how good you were about covering your tracks, but my grandfather's people are better."

I knew this was the only option. His grandfather could still look into my past, but at least he'll think twice about messing with Noah's girlfriend and the second successor. If he knows Noah as I do, then he'll know that if anything happened to me because of him, Noah, without a doubt would burn this whole place to the ground.

Noah and I walked out hand and hand. We didn't let go until the valet brought the car around, and Noah opened the door for me. We drove to his house in silence.

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 23

Jessica, Riley, and I decided to walk to a bar not too far from campus. I was afraid that Jessica was right about the part of Noah following me here. I still didn't know how he knew I was at night's club. If I found out he had some tracker on me, he had an ass beating in his future.

We decided not to get dressed up and when we got to the bar we took a booth in the back. A waitress came over and took our orders. We ordered a pitcher of margarita, and I ordered a burger and fries. I was on my second glass of margarita while Jessica and Riley were still sipping their first.

"What's going on with you two?" I asked.

"What do you mean?" Jessica answered.

"I mean, are you two a couple or what?"

Jessica opened her mouth to answer, but Riley spoke instead.

"We're just hanging out. I'm going back to school soon, so we are just keeping things casual."

Riley was too busy sipping on her drink to notice the hurt look on Jessica's face. I felt terrible for bringing it up now.

"How's the plan going?" Riley inquired.

"Fine."

"Is it difficult now that you are confused about your feelings for Noah?"

"Yes," I answered honestly. "I wish I was emotionless with all of this."

"If you were, you wouldn't know where to draw the line."

"True."

We sipped our drinks, ate food, and chatted for a bit. Before we left, I used the bathroom. I finished, washed my hands, and started toward the door when it opened up, and unsurprisingly Noah walked in.

"I should have known. Jessica said you'd come."

"I'm going to keep doing it until you realize it wasn't me who set you up."

"Don't you think giving me space is the best way for me to process?"

"No."

"Well, I do, so stop following me around." I started to move past him but stopped. "How do you keep finding me?"

"Don't worry about that. Just know that I will always find you."

"Uh-huh."

I moved past him, and he let me. I went to the table where Riley and Jessica were chatting like all was right in the world.

"Did you guys not see him walk inside the bathroom?"

They looked over at me.

"Who?" Jessica asked.

I looked behind myself where Noah was leaning against the wall, eyes directly on me.

"The six freaking four foot guy that walked into the women's bathroom."

Their eyes widened as they took in Noah.

"No, we didn't see him go in. We're sorry."

I didn't bother responding because I had no actual right to be upset. Noah would have gotten into that bathroom regardless if they had warned me. We paid for the meal and left with Noah, following behind us. I wished he would leave me alone. It hurt when he was this close. Every day I wished I rightfully hated him as I should.

He followed us back to campus and stood outside the dorms until we all went inside. I looked back to see him standing there with his hands in his pockets, staring back at me. We stood there staring at each other for a while before I went to my room, closed my door, and cried myself to sleep.

****

The rest of the week was the same. Noah followed me everywhere. Sometimes he tried to talk to me, which I promptly ignored, but other times he just watched me like he didn't want me out of his sight. As the week went by, it stopped feeling like he wanted me to forgive him and more like he was worried about me. If he was telling the truth, then could the reason for him following me be because he's concerned about me getting kidnapped again? No, that was ridiculous.

On Saturday, I decided to head home for the weekend. Even if Noah did follow me, Henry lived in the woods behind a gate that wrapped around the property and had a security guard on 24/7 duty. He wouldn't be able to even walk up the driveway.

When I got to Henry's house, I didn't see any sign of Noah, but for some reason, I didn't feel any relief. I used my key to get inside, and since it was Saturday, I knew Henry would be here. I went to his office and found him behind his desk, typing away.

"Hey, Henry."

He looked up at me and smiled.

"Lena, what a pleasant surprise."

"Not exactly."

He frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Why didn't you tell me you've been getting all your information about the Blue Rose from the fifth family? You know the fifth family that I never knew existed."

He didn't look surprised.

"You didn't need to know."

"That's not good enough for me."

"It has to be because it's all I have. The Dumas family wanted to be left alone after being kicked out of the Blue Rose. I have respected their wishes by not revealing Alice in any way."

I sat down on the couch in the corner of his office.

"That's understandable." I leaned back. "I knew they had traditions they had to follow but forcing someone not only to marry someone but have a baby with them and they faced death if they didn't. It's brutal."

"Yes, it is. It has always been their rule. They have also had a tradition keeping all the successors around the same ages."

"So the child would be about my age if she had lived?"

He remained calm as ever, but I could see a hint of discomfort in his eyes.

"Yes, just about."

"Is there documentation of Evelyn's death?"

"Why?"

"Curiosity."

"I don't know. I'll ask Alice next time I see her."

"Do you and Alice talk often?" Now, this is what I was interested in.

I haven't ever seen Henry with any romantic partner. I knew he had one considering he was a grown man with needs like everyone else, but he never brought anyone home.

"How about you ask Teddy to make you something to eat."

"Don't think you aren't going to answer that question, mister."

He laughed and went back to work.

I left, and instead of the kitchen, I went to my bedroom. I was feeling nostalgic. I looked around at the life Henry had given me, and it was a good life. I got everything I wanted as a kid but never got it. A safe and loving home. Even though it was just Henry and me, it was more than enough for me. But at times, I still wondered about my bio family. Why did they drop me off at a fire station and never look back? Why was there no trace of them? Henry tried to find them but came up with nothing.

I went inside my closet and pulled out the sad cardboard box I had that was filled with everything I had taken with me from foster home to foster home. It was the only thing I had left from the fire. I had put this box in the shed behind Mike's house because I didn't want him going through my things, and he never went back there. I looked through it. I pulled out my old journals, where I would write about every thought that passed through my head. There were a few academic awards and a few toys. I pulled out the final item, which was the blanket I was wrapped in when I was dropped off at the fire station. It wasn't anything fancy, just a tiny white blanket. I felt the soft fabric and ran my hands over it. I looked at the dark purple thread lining the mantle. I looked at it with much more appreciation that I got a chance to live when that Evelyn and her baby didn't. There was a flower stem with thorns sewn into a corner of the fabric, along with what looked like little black petals at the bottom of the stem. I always thought it was a weird design, but I must have had odd parents. I put everything back inside and went downstairs to ask Teddy to make me something to eat.

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 22

That night I went to sleep and decided to go to Elizabeth Duncan's house in the morning. Noah drove me home and watched me go inside the dorms before driving away. After Noah tried to blackmail me into staying with him, I knew I needed something more substantial than just the plan Henry and I had. This could also all be a waste of time, but I was willing to take the risk.

I drove to Elizabeth Duncan's address. She lived in a penthouse in Los Angeles, about three hours from campus. I stood in front of the tall apartment building, and with a deep breath, I went inside.

"Who are you here to see?" A lady behind the desk asked.

"My name is Lena Warren and I'm here to tour penthouse B."

I had Riley put me into the system early this morning. She had been sleeping in Jessica's room more and more now. I didn't know if they were official or not. Either way, I was happy for them. Someone in my life needed a healthy relationship. The woman looked down at her computer, and I hoped Riley was able to hack in and put my name in.

"Ah, there your name is. You requested to tour the unit by yourself?"

I nodded. She handed over the keys, and I took them and left. A security guard in the elevator with me pushed the button for me to go up. As I waited, I took deep breaths to calm my nerves. Whatever happens, it's for the best. I walked past Penthouse B and towards Penthouse A. I knocked on the door and waited. It didn't take long, and a woman with brown skin, almond-shaped eyes, and brown hair. She was wearing a blue silk rope and looked like she had just gotten out of the shower.

"Yes?"

"Are you Elizabeth Duncan?"

"Yeah, why?"

I decided to come out with and say it; there was no use in beating around the bush.

"Are you the missing family in the Blue Rose?"

"Do you go to Caswell?" she asked instead of answering my question.

"Yeah."

"Come inside."

I wasn't surprised she knew. Everyone at Caswell kinda knew but no one uttered the name out loud. It didn't help when there were people walk around with the same tattoo. Without waiting for a response, she walked back inside. I closed the door behind myself and took in her place. It was what I pictured a typical penthouse to look like. Spacious living room with an open kitchen, next to the living room was a large dining room table that could seat at least ten people. There was a staircase that led to what looked like several rooms.

"Have a seat. I'll just throw on some clothes." she walked up the staircase and into a room.

I nodded and took a seat on one of the couches. She didn't take long and came back in a blue dress that perfectly molded her body. She sat down across from me.

"How did you hear about the missing family?"

"Missing? I heard they were kicked out."

"By who?"

"Just around."

"Hmm. When I went to Caswell, I went to school with the fifth family's daughter. She and the rest of her family disappeared during our senior year, and we never heard a word from them again."

"How do you know about the Blue Rose?"

She lifted up her dress and showed me her tattoo. It shimmered so I knew it was real.

"Do you remember their name?"

She stood up abruptly. "Do you want some tea?"

What the fuck?

"No, thanks. I would prefer to know their name, and I can get out of your hair."

She got up and went to the kitchen. I watched her from the living room. She grabbed a kettle from the counter and a bag of loose leaves and poured them into the kettle.

"Are you sure you don't want a cup?"

"I'm good. Thanks."

"Suit yourself." she started to look through her cabinets. "Dammit. I forgot I put the damn honey in the bathroom. I was making one of those facemasks I saw on TikTok. I'll be just a second." she walked upstairs.

As I was waiting, I got an uneasy feeling. I, for the most part, learn to trust my instincts. Which was why I got off the couch and headed to the stairs. From here, I could hear her talking to someone, but she had to be on the phone from a lack of response. I moved closer to the door, and through the tiny crack, I could see her on the phone.

"I don't know how she knew...Yes, she goes to Caswell....Of course, I'm not going to tell her. They'd kill me.... She's here now.. Do you want me to stall until you get here?... Got it, bye."

I didn't wait for a second and spirited down those stairs, out the door, and into the elevator. There was no way I was getting kidnapped again this week. Driving back home, I started to think I had overreacted. Maybe she knew the family I was talking about and wanted to have them meet me in person. I didn't know, but I was too freaked out about what Scott did to me.

I returned to my dorm room and realized that I had left my purse at her house. I was rushed out of there so fast. Crap. Do I go over there and say, 'hey, sorry that I ran out of there I thought you were going to have someone come kidnap me.'

Or maybe I could get Riley to push her way inside. No, that's too much. A few hours later, I'm still complicating what to do and a knock sounds on my door. I looked in the peephole and saw a woman standing there. I opened the door. She looked about in her forties with dark curls in a high bun. She's wearing a dark purple silk blouse and black pants. She walked with grace inside my room by asking. Was everyone just allowed to walk onto campus and in my dorm? I was definitely going to have another talk with that RA.

"Come on in."

"I heard you were looking for my sister."

"Your sister?" I asked.

"Evelyn Dumas is my sister. You left this at my friend's house. I'm Alice Dumas." She handed me my purse. "You should be careful when asking questions you aren't supposed to know the answer to."

"I don't even know the questions I should be asking."

"You want to know what happenend to the fifth family? Well, here I am."

"Just like that?"

"Yeah, I have nothing to hide."

"Okay, where did you disappear to?"

"We didn't; we were kicked out."

"I didn't know you could be kicked out."

"You can if your mother used to be on the High Court. Plus our money was tied up into the club until someone stole it."

She said it in a way like she somehow knew it was me. No, that couldn't be possible. I was being paranoid.

"Why, were you kicked out?"

"My sister broke a promise she made."

"And that was?"

"The second successor Dumas must marry a second successor Grant and produce an heir before they can become first successors and eventually head of the Blue Rose."

Holy shit.

"And so your sister said no?"

"Yes. She fell in love with a boy on campus. She got pregnant, and when it was obvious that the baby wasn't a Grant, she was killed."

"Did the baby survive?"

"No, they killed her with my niece still in her stomach."

I knew the Blue Rose was sick in the head, but this? They needed to pay for every drop of blood they had spilled. This was one of the many reasons why I couldn't stop.

"Why is it only the Dumas and Grants?"

"I don't know; they have a long history together."

"Why are you willing to tell me all this?"

"I've heard about you. You were the girl used to initiate the second successors."

"How did you-"

"My cousin was fucking Randall Walton in high school. I had planned to help you escape when I found out, but then Lillian Thompson was somehow erased."

"How did you put together that I'm Lillian?"

"Henry"

"Bullshit."

"How do you think he knows so much? Do you think you can just google Blue Rose and get all the inside information? No, I've told him and taught him everything he knows."

This was... a lot, to say the least. I sat down on my bed. Why didn't Henry tell me any of this? He knew about a fifth family and never said a word.

"Can you help us finish this?"

"I've done all I can. If they find out I'm involved, I have no doubt they'll hunt down the remaining family I have."

"I found a letter your sister wrote to, I believe, the baby's father."

I got off the bed and grabbed the letter I kept inside my desk drawer. I handed it over to her.

She opened it and read it. I watched as her eyes started to water, and after a while, she put the letter to her chest.

"Thank you."

"Of course."

"I need to go. Even being on this campus is dangerous for me."

She started for the door, but I stopped her because a question pegged my mind.

"Is Evelyn's boyfriend still alive?"

"I don't know. The last time I saw him, he told me what had happened to my sister and left. That was about twenty years ago."

She left, and my mind raced. Blue Rose was sicker than I thought. To kill not only a woman but a pregnant woman simply because of their stupid traditions. Noah must have known about this, I don't see how he couldn't have. That means that if there was a Dumas woman his age, he would be married to her right now. I wish I didn't care, but I did.

I needed a drink badly. I left my room and knocked on Jessica's door. She answered within a minute.

"We are going out tonight," I said.

Her eyes widened. "You wanna go out? Why?"

Riley was lounging on her bed with swollen lips; they were in no doubt making out before I got here. I went into detail about what happened from the moment I went to Elizabeth's house to the present.

"Holy shit. Now I need a drink." Riley said.

"My exact thoughts. Let's go."

"What about Noah?" Jessica asked.

"What about him?"

"The last time we went out, he found you, dragged you out of the club, and kept you in his house for like two days."

"Trust me, he knows better than to follow me now. He wouldn't risk it. He still thinks there is a chance for us."

"There isn't?"

"Hell no. He almost got me trafficked."

"I really don't think it was him. I mean, he's like crazy possessive of you. I couldn't see him wanting you more than a mile away from him. So to have you not only apart from him but being forced to fuck with other people? That doesn't really seem to be his style. Does it?"

I was stunned for a second before I knocked myself out of it.

"Regardless if he wasn't involved, he let them do that to me. Just like when we were in high school."

"Noah isn't the leader. They're equals meaning they have just as much power as the next. The rest of the guys are complete psychos. I mean, Noah is a bit psycho too but not like them."

"Noah is just as much as them. He threatened to tell his grandfather about me if I didn't return to him."

"Exactly my point. He's too possessive of you to want to traffick you."

I stood there staring at her, processing everything she said before I walked out of the room but now before hearing Riley's words.

"She walks out of a conversion when she knows the other person is right."

I ignored that.

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 21

I threw myself into my schoolwork after Noah showed up. My next class today had Noah in it, and I sat away from him. He, of course, sat right next to me.

"Just because I don't have my stun gun right now doesn't mean I won't use it on you later for this," I told him.

"I just want to talk."

"I'm done listening to you. I shouldn't have gotten back involved with you. But don't worry, I will never make that same mistake again."

After class, I headed to the administration building. It was the only place I could think of that would have school records.

"Are you sure you want to do this? You are forcing a lot on a family that is probably dead." Riley said.

I brought her along because she had more knowledge in tech stuff than I did.

"Yes, I'm sure. Even if something did happen to them, there is no way Blue Rose would be able to cover it all up. Even they make mistakes."

Riley sat in one of the waiting chairs, and I walked up to the desk. The same woman from my first day, Stacey Smith, was there. Good, she knew who I was.

"Hello," I said.

She looked up from her computer and smiled at me. "Hello, dear. How can I help you?"

"I wanted to know if you would give me a list of names at this school with the initials E.D. going back; I wanna say a little over twenty years."

She looked at me like I was an idiot.

"We don't give those types of records out; even if we did, it would be impossible to narrow that down with just two letters."

I sighed. Bitchy rich girl it was. I looked at the part too. I had my hair in a high ponytail with a white headband. I was wearing a white button-up shirt, with a blue sweater on top and a matching blue skirt. I had on long white socks and mary jane shoes.

"Do you know who my father is? Henry fucking Warren."

She looked bored. I know this had happened to her many times. Riley came up behind me while I talked about how Henry helped build the science building last year. Riley pointed at a random office as if she had an appointment, and Stacey waved her right in. I kept a steady rant going for a while before she finally lost her patience.

"Miss Warren, I will call security if you don't leave this office."

I faked gasped. "Security? Okay, Karen. If that's how you want to play this." I pulled out my phone and started recording. "We have a Karen here," I said into the camera.

Just as I saw her reach for what was usually a panic button, Riley came out and gave me a small thumbs up. I did a few more minutes of extraness before leaving before campus security showed up. Riley was waiting for me while leaning against the wall. We walked to the library together and booked a private room.

I watched as Riley did some tech stuff. An hour later, she was finally done.

"Okay, I found ten people with the first and last initials being E.D. Lucky for us, Caswell is a small college." she walked over to the printer in the room and pulled out a piece of paper. She stopped when she was about to hand it to me. "Are you sure about this?"

I took the paper from her. "Yeah, why do you and Jessica keep asking me that?"

"Maybe because you might not be thinking straight considering you were about to be trafficked. We just want to make sure you aren't being fully blinded by your rage."

I smiled at her. "My rage hasn't even begun."

*****

When I got back to my room, I stared at the list. Are they, right? Was I just being blinded by my rage? I mean, the whole thing with this secret family was weird but going to search for them could be dangerous. But I didn't precisely join this entire revenge plot to be safe. I got started on the list right away. I went down the list using Riley's homemade data search engine. I don't know how she did shit like that. It gave me their current address, phone number, last purchase, and current location.. I first factored out all the names of the people that hadn't given birth. That left me with four women. I looked at the final names on the list:

Emma Daniels

Elizabeth Duncan

Evelyn Dumas

Eleanor Dunn

I looked at the list of names and went through them individually. Each woman had a child twenty-something years ago, but only two lived in California. Since they were closer, I decided to focus on them.

Elizabeth Duncan

Evelyn Dumas

I looked up both names and got their addresses. I checked the time and saw that it was only five o'clock p.m. It wasn't too late for a complete stranger to drop by. I grabbed my bag and headed out of my dorm room and to my car. I stopped dead when I saw Noah leaning against my car.

"I've given you so many fucking warnings." I reached into my bag and dug in it for my pepper spray. I should have been watching out for him because he snatched my purse out of my hand before I could grab it and pulled me toward his car. I screamed as loud as I could be. Unfortunately for me, the campus was empty. There was some game going on tonight.

He managed to put me in his car and strapped me in a seatbelt and some different kind of strap that wouldn't let me move.

"I'm going to fucking kill you, asshole." I declared to him.

"Trust me, sweetheart. We're going to kill each other."

He got in the driver's seat and drove away. I was being kidnapped again.

"Where are you taking me?"

"To the house. The boys will explain to you how I was not involved."

"Oh, good. More bullshit."

He slammed his hand on the wheel, startling me. "Dammit, Lena. I'm in love with you. Can't you see that? I would never hurt you. It would be like hurting my own heart."

I hated when he said stuff like that. It made my own heart hurt because I stupidly was falling in love with him again. Oh, who am I kidding? I was in love with him, which made this hurt so much more.

Noah drove to the Blue Rose house and forced me inside, where the rest of the boys were waiting. I saw that Scott's face was swollen and one eye was closed shut. It looked like someone beat the crap out of him. Noah made me sit down on the couch across from them.

"Tell her." Randall, surprising said and shoved Scott with his shoulder.

Scott groaned and looked over at me.

"It was me. I'm the one who set you up. I heard Noah talking on the phone, so I called one of my dad's goons and had him switch places with the real driver. They weren't supposed to do anything, just scare you a bit. I didn't think they would actually try to traffick you."

I clapped my hands and stood up. "Great story. Can I go now?"

Noah looked frustrated with me.

"No, not until you say you believe me."

"Well, we should all take a bathroom break and maybe grab a snack because we'll be here for a while."

"When did you become such a smart ass?" Noah asked, running his hand through his hair.

"When did you become such a sick disgusting bastard?"

He ignored me and looked over at the boys. "Take him to his room."

Like good little pets, they took Scott upstairs, leaving only Noah and me. Noah sat down next to me, and I moved over the furthest I could from him.

"What is it going to take for you to believe me?"

"Nothing."

"I know you're the one who took the club's money." I didn't say anything. "You're the only one smart enough to have done it. The only problem is, I'm not the only one who suspects it."

I rolled my eyes. "I don't care what your pets think."

"Not them. My grandfather was one. He's been having people digging through your past. I hope Henry has it locked tight because if my grandfather ever found out who you are, it'll be bad for us, mainly you. It would be a shame if your real name slipped through the cracks."

"Are you threatening me?"

"No. Just merely suggesting that it's in your best interest to be with me so I can protect you."

"I can protect myself."

"Really? Because if I can find out, it was you who took the money, how long do you think it'll take my grandfather? I only know because I know you better than anyone."

"You don't know shit."

"I know you miss being Lillian."

"No, I don't."

"Yes, you do because when you were Lillian, you had me. You could, for the first time in your life, let go." he placed a hand on my thigh, and I didn't push it off. "You could have that release again. I can take control. You can let all of this go; we can go away together. Just you and me."

"You want to run away together?"

"I want to be with you in any way. I love you, Lillian."

He kissed me, and my mind screamed to me to back away, stop him and hurt him, but instead, I let him kiss me because as much as I hated him, I would always love his taste. As much as I wanted to listen to that deep dark part of me that wanted to fall into his arms and forgive him. I couldn't.

I broke the kiss. "You keep saying that I'm your heart, but you haven't paid attention to the fact that you've already ripped mine out. "

He's silent but then nods as if he's processing all this. "If you leave me, I will tell my grandfather about you."

"Noah, you can't be serious."

He looked into my eyes, and for the first time since I came back, I truly saw the dark, possessive stare he had back in high school.

"Deadly."

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 20:

Four years ago.

Trigger warning: Self-harm.

I can't do this anymore. I thought to myself after I left the girl's bathroom at school and went to my locker. Randall, Avery, and Scott had convinced one of the girls in my gym class to take my clothes. I had to walk out completely naked to get the teacher since all the lockers were locked and all the girls had left already. Whistling and catcalls filled the room, and I ran to the coaches' office at the back of the gym. When I knocked on her door, she looked horrified and quickly put me in one of the school's uniforms for gym class.

"Are you okay?" a girl asked me.

I nodded and wiped my tears. She reached into her bag and pulled out one of those small packs of tissues. She sat down next to me and handed it to me. I used one and gave the rest back to her.

"Those guys are assholes."

"That's an understatement," I said out loud without meaning to.

You didn't talk bad about Scott, Avery, Randall and Noah.Ever. They could ruin you. I hadn't done anything to them; they were making my life a living hell. Well, not Noah who mostly just stood there watching. Sometimes he would step in but not enough to make them stop. I didn't want to imagine what they would do to me if they found out I was talking about them. But thankfully, the girl laughed.

"Totally. I hope you feel better," she said and stood up.

"Thank you."

"I'm Jessica, by the way."

"Lillian."

She smiled at me and left. I grabbed my bag and walked outside to see Mike, my foster father, waiting for me in his beat-up old car. I opened the passenger door and got it.

"The fuck you do now? I had to come all the way up to the school because they said you were walking around naked?"

I faced the window. "Someone took my clothes in gym class, so I had to walk out naked to get to the coach's office."

"You're such a liar." he started the car and drove away. "You did that shit for attention, didn't you? I'll give you all the attention you want." he placed his hand on my knee, and I pushed it away, making him laugh.

He touched me every once in a while but hasn't tried more. Yet. The tiny voice in my head said. I got to my room and laid on my bed. My room wasn't more than just a bed, dresser, and a small tv they had in here. I hooked up the Wii my social worker gave me and turned on Hulu to watch Ghost Whisperer. I woke up and went to the bathroom across the hall. It was dark inside the house, and I could hear the tv blaring in the living room. I got inside the bathroom and closed and locked the door. I did my business before standing in front of the sink to wash my hands. I stared in front of the mirror, looking at my hair, which was a poor excuse for a ponytail. I looked at my body which was way too skinny. Not just because I had little to eat, but I couldn't bring myself to eat.

I went back to my room and laid in my bed. I lay on my back and stared at the ceiling as thoughts rushed through my head. You're worthless. You're pathetic. You can't even stand up for yourself. You have no friends. No family. You have no one. One by one, they came to me until the tears started falling. I felt so much sadness before I felt nothing. Only numbness. I stared at the ceiling before mindlessly grabbing the bottle of pills I kept in my drawer for when I broke my arm. I had a good amount of pain meds and some other drugs I kept just in case. I grabbed a water bottle from my dresser and held the pills and water together.

I opened the cap and took the pills a couple at a time. Every group of new drugs told me to stop, but I didn't. I couldn't. This was it. No more pain. I felt sleepy. More sleepy than I ever had before. I laid down on my bed feeling nausea but too weak to move. I thought I heard the sound of my window opening, footsteps, and a voice. A deep familiar voice. I looked up, my eyes flickering. I heard him talking before he stopped, and the next thing I know, I'm in the hospital having my stomach pumped. I didn't know who had found me because Mike hadn't called the police.

I was put into a mental hospital until they felt I could be alone. Mike and his wife were told to moniter me, but other than giving me a lecture about the money they could have lost, they left me alone.

When I went back to school, things were different. No one even paid attention, and that girl from the lockers, whose name I now knew as Jessica Ross, started talking to me more. Thankfully the school kept my attempt a secret. Jessica and I hung out daily and were practically attached to the hip.

"You should ask him out," Jessica said when she caught me staring at Noah from across the cafeteria.

"No. He'd never go out without someone like me."

"One of these days, Lily, you'll have to realize that you are so freaking beautiful."

I laughed and shook my head. "You're only saying that because you're my best friend."

I saw her look almost guilty. Before she smiled again. Maybe me saying a best friend was too soon. I almost apologized, but then I remember that Jessica had told me to stop apologizing but I couldn't help it. Every move I made felt like a mistake. I didn't know how to talk to people and I never new the right words to say. That's why I'm soo attached to Jessica. Not only is she insanely beautiful but she knows everything right to say. I see Noah talking to her every once in a while. He probably likes her. Who wouldn't?

"No, I'm not. I wouldn't say anything if I didn't think it. Ask him. The worst thing he could say is no."

"No, the worst thing he could do is have his friends come after me again."

"You said they haven't bothered you in weeks. They must have given up and got bored."

No, somehow, I knew it was Noah's doing.

A month later and Jessica still hadn't given up trying to convince me to ask Noah out. She kept telling me that it was time for me to have a boyfriend. She was probably trying to push me off on someone else because i'm always following her. One day after lunch, I went to my study hall class. Noah was already there and sitting by himself in his usual seat in the back. Instead of sitting off to the side like I usually would, I sat next to him.

"Hi, Noah," I said bravely. I was shaking like crazy.

He looked over at me. "Hey, sweetheart."

Sweetheart? It took everything in me not to melt at just at that word. I decided to just come out with it. Like Jessica said. The worst thing he could say is no.

"I was wondering if maybe you aren't doing anything this weekend we could go out to dinner?"

I waited for him to reject me, to laugh in my face but instead, he looked at me with those gray eyes and said the word I never thought he'd say.

"Yeah."

I was frozen in shock. I sat there staring at him, and I think I nodded once. I couldn't believe it. I was going out with Noah freaking Grant. He reached into my pocket and grabbed my phone, which had a couple of cracks. I bought it cheap and convinced Mike's wife to put me on their phone plan. He put his number in, and I tried not to squeal.

"I'll pick you up at seven."

He packed up his stuff despite study hall having just started and left. As I watched him walk out that door, I knew my life would never be the same again.

Dating Noah was nothing like I imagined. I don't know what I thought it would be like but it was sometimes scary. There were parts of him that I felt like he was holding back from me.

"Noah." I said to him.

He was laying on my bed scrolling through his phone. I didn't know why he insisted on always being at my house instead of his. From what i've heard from school he practically lived in a castle and yet here he was laying on my twin bed. His legs were hanging off the bed he was so tall.

"Yeah, babe?"

"I want to have sex."

He looked up from his phone. "What?" he asked.

"I want you to take my virginity."

"No."

I nodded. "I understand."

I turned back to my homework. Of course, he would say no. I was too skinny, too-

"Stop." he demanded.

"Stop, what?" I asked without looking at him.

"Stop speaking negative to yourself. I've already told you I don't like that shit. Tell me what you're thinking."

"Do you find me unattractive?"

I heard him get off the bed and he turned my chair around. He squated down and looked me in my eye.

"You are the most beautiful girl i've ever met."

I laughed. "I'm definitelynot."

He gripped my chin, he did that when he wanted me to know he was serious.

"If I say something, it's true. You're the most beautiful girl i've ever met. Say it."

I stared into his gray eyes and instead of saying it I kissed him. I love him. I loved him so much it hurt. He kissed me back with the same passion every time we kissed. I wanted more though. I wanted him to show me the deepest parts of himself.

"I want more Noah."

"More of what?"

"You. I want all of you."

"Are you sure? I'm not prince charming, sweetheart. If you are expecting some happily ever after then you're looking at the wrong person."

"I don't want any of that, I just want you."

He stared at me for the longest time before nodding and going to lock my door. The sound of the lock turning made everything final. Noah lifted me from the chair and laid me down on the bed. He got on top of me and I was ruined. Noah showed me parts of himself that both scared and excited me. The thing I realized about people who lived in the dark was that they had this need to pull other with them. I gladly followed Noah into the darkest parts of himself and I enjoyed every second of it because my light had long been extinguished. All I knew was darkness my entire life, it was Noah who first showed me how to see in the dark. There was only Noah after that day. Everything thing about him consumed me. And I willingly and happily let him.

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 19:

I don't know how long I stayed in my room in Henry's house. Time didn't seem to exist anymore. Teddy made sure I showered, ate, and even braided my hair. I felt so drained mentally and physically.

A knock came on my door and Henry walked in.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

He was wearing a suit and sat on my bed.

"Like hell."

"I'm sorry."

"What? No, 'I told you so'? You were right, Henry. You were so right."

The tears that I thought had dried out fell down my cheeks. Henry held me and never complained about me ruining his more than a thousand-dollar suit.

"Never. You're young, Lena. I trained you the best way I could, but you are only twenty-one. If it makes you feel  any better, Blue Rose is panicking about where all their club money went. Billions of dollars are now spread out in different accounts across the world. All gone with a little computer virus. You did it, kid. You're done."

I let go of him. "I'm nowhere near done."

"Yes, you are. I'm not having you go back to that campus. What I wanted you to achieve is done. I can handle the rest."

"Hell no. I'm going back to Casewell to finish this."

"Lena-"

"No!" I screamed. "They were going to have me trafficked. I was going to end up in some shitty place, doped up, and being raped every day. They don't get to get away with that shit."

"They won't. I'll take care of it."

"No, you can't. Edward and his father are waiting for my call. And I will give it to them when I'm ready."

Despite Henry's protest, I was back at the campus the next day. What felt like months in that room had only been two weeks. I came back expecting a pile high with homework, but being with the Blue Rose meant all that disappeared. I was back like I had never left.

I got to my dorm room and got inside, finding Riley and Jessica on my bed kissing. They both startled and broke apart when I came in. I stood in the doorway in shock.

"Lena!" Riley rushed up first with swollen lips and hugged me. "Are you okay?"

"No."

"Right, sorry. Dumb question."

Jessica got up and hugged me too.

"How long have the two of you been together?"

"We aren't together. We just fooled around a bit." Riley answered, always the romantic.

Jessica looked at her in disbelief.

"You fooled around in my bed?"

"Of course not. The kiss was out of nowhere. We were watching Lost Girl, and Bo just does something to me." Riley said.

"Uh-huh."

"Noah has been coming here every day to see if you're back. I've never seen someone so distraught."

"Well, he's a good actor. He and the boys decided to try and have me sex trafficked. I can't exactly be mad, considering this is the fight I've been waiting for."

"Are you sure Noah was involved?" Jessica asked.

"Of course he was. He called the car to come to pick me up."

"I'm going to gut him like a fish." Riley declared.

"Get in line," I said and looked over at Jessica. "How is the Blue Rose doing?"

She smiled. "Mad as fuck. I think literal smoke came out of the entire High Court."

I smiled despite feeling nothing but pain. I grabbed my purse and noticed a bag on the floor. I opened it to find the clothes I had on before those men took them off. I shivered as I pulled out the clothes. I reached into my pants pocket and found the paper that I found in the Blue Rose's house. I had stuffed it in my back pocket. I opened the letter and read it:

I hope you find this, William. I hope you can bare coming back here. I know I wouldn't have the strength. I doubt they'll ever fill this room; too much shame clouds this house. I want you to know that I'm carrying our baby inside of me, and I will ensure they get the happy, safe life they deserve away from all of this. Even if that means it's away from us. I love you more than life itself.

Your love forever, E.D

I folded the letter up and racked my brain for the list of names that I knew that were in the Blue Rose.

I couldn't think of anyone with those initials. I got up and went to my closet, where I kept my revenge tablet and unlocked it, and went to the list of Blue Rose.

"What's that?" Jessica asked.

"Some letter I found inside the Blue Rose house." I passed it to them, and I felt one of them take it.

There was something about this that didn't seem right. I looked at the names and couldn't find anyone with those initials. A fifth family that I've never heard of? That had completely vanished from existence. I was going to find out who they were and hope I could somehow get them on Henry and I's side. Taking Blue Rose money was a big step, but it wasn't the final one. No, I had much more planned.

Jessica and Riley left to do whatever, and I stayed staring at my tablet, looking for any names that could possibly be. I looked through the history that Henry somehow got his hands on and couldn't find a thing. I closed the tablet in frustration and threw myself back on my bed. The only way I would find out about this unknown family was from one of the Blue Rose families, but I refused to even be in the same space as Noah and his boys.

A knock sounded on my door as I was getting some homework done. I went to open it and closed it when I saw Noah standing there. He put his foot in the door and pushed his way in. I ran to my dresser and brung the stun gun I had stolen from Henry.

"Get the fuck out, or I'll use it." I threatened.

Noah stood there with his hair all over the place and dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he hadn't slept in a few days.

"Where the hell have you been?"

"Don't try that bullshit with me. I knew I should have never trusted you. You haven't changed. I was an idiot for thinking you did." he started to step toward me, and I aimed the stun gun at his dick. "I'm not playing with you, Noah. I will shoot you."

He held up his hands and took a step back. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about you setting me up to be kidnapped and trafficked."

"What!" he shouted in such disbelief and anger I almost fell for it.

"You can save whatever bullshit is about to come out of your mouth and stick it up your ass."

"Lena, please. I didn't do anything. Randall, Avery, and Scott must have-"

"Save it. How could they have known I was going to the salon?"

"We all use the same driver service. It would have been easy for them to switch drivers."

"How did they know I was going then?"

"They must have overheard me making the appointment. Please, Lena. I can clear this all up; just talk to me."

"No. I don't believe you. We should have stayed away from each other." I tried my hardest not to cry, but the tears fell. "You think you've seen what I can do, but I haven't shown you my rage yet. Not really. But don't worry, you will. Now get the fuck out."

Noah stared at me for a bit, and for the rest time, he actually was showing his emotions. He looked like he was in pain. Like he was in gut-wrenching pain. Now he knew how I felt every time he hurt me. Noah left, and I marched to the dorm's office. I banged on the door, and a girl who was probably a senior opened it looking bored.

"What?" she said.

"Do you know who I am?"

"Should I?"

"I'm Lena Warren's daughter and a member of the Blue Rose."

Her eyes widened, and she stood at attention.

"If you ever let Noah Grant inside this dormitory, I will make your life a living hell. You understand me?"

She nodded quickly. I left satisfied and wished I had done that months ago. I went to bed, and for some reason, the only thing I could think of was one of that night back in high school when Noah was my savior.

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 18:

When the Ball was over, I grabbed the flash drive from Jessica and got into the car Noah called. This time I didn't make a big fuss because I had Jessica bring the cameras I couldn't install in Noah's room before.

"I'm going to fuck you so hard," Noah whispered.

He reached down to the slit of my dress and pressed his fingers against my panties. He moved my panties aside and pushed two fingers inside of me. I tried to stay quiet with the driver being in the front. Thankfully there was a privacy screen up, but I doubted it blocked out sound.

"Noah, wait until we get to your house."

"I can't."

I squealed when he pushed me down and lifted my legs over his shoulder. I felt his warm mouth on my pussy, and I gripped his hair. As usual, he ate me like his last meal, and it took everything in me not to scream out. He sucked my clit, and he pushed those two fingers back inside me. He moved his finger his fingers inside of me hitting every right spot inside me.

"Cum for my sweetheart. Give me your sweetness."

I pulled his hair, and rode his face until I came. He lifted his head while I leaned my face against the door in exhaustion. I got up after catching my breath, wanting to return the favor.

"Wait until we get home," he said when I reached for his cock.

I ignored how he said home, lifted myself up, and put my seatbelt on. We got to his house, and I lingered by the front door for a second.

"Can you make me some tea?" I asked Noah.

"Do I look like your maid?"

"No, but you look like someone who wants their dick sucked."

His mouth dropped open before he practically flew his ass to the kitchen. I rushed upstairs, and thankfully none of the boys were home yet, according to their open doors and empty beds. I went inside Noah's room and quickly installed the cameras. I ensured they were well hidden before taking my makeup, dress off, and hopping in the shower. As I was washing my body with my eyes closed, I heard the shower glass door open, and Noah walked in.

"I'll wash your back," Noah said and turned my body around.

He did more than wash my back and ended up getting my hair wet. I pulled my hair into a bun and glared at him as I put a towel around me and left the bathroom.

"I said I was a sorry babe," Noah said an hour later. "I can have someone straighten it again."

"I'm too paranoid about heat damage. You remember how my hair looked when we were younger."

"How did it look?"

"Heat damaged."

"I never noticed."

"Bullshit."

"I didn't. You looked beautiful then, and you look beautiful now."

He pulled my hair out of the bun and let my curly wet hair fall down my shoulders. He moved my hair aside and kissed my lips.

"I love every part of you."

I moved back. "Love?"

"Love."

****

In the morning, Noah woke me up with his head between my legs.

"I made your appointment for a hair salon specializing in natural hair."

"An orgasm and my hair done? I might have to keep you around more often."

"I'm not going anywhere."

I got ready for the day, and Noah scarily had some clothes for me in my exact size. I wore a yellow crop top with ripped blue jeans and white sneakers. Noah called a car for me, and I decided now was the best time to read the letter. I was just about to open it when, I noticed we were going the wrong way. Noah had given me the address before I left.

"Excuse me," I called to the driver. "You just missed a turn."

He ignored me.

"Pull the car over right now," I demanded.

He ignored me again. I pulled out my phone and tried to call Noah, but the call failed. I also tried texting him, but I all I got was unable to deliver. I never should have trusted Noah. I am a fucking idiot. I always have been. I reached up and punched the driver in the face. He swerved. It was dumb, but I would rather crash, and be injured than go whereever he was taking me.

"You bitch!"

Before I could do anything, I felt a sharp stab in my leg. I looked down and saw the needle sticking out of my thigh, and I felt the effects instantly. My body felt limp, and I fell back into the seat. My eyes felt so heavy, but I had to stay up. I was so tired. Don't fall asleep. Don't fall asleep. Don't. Sleep...

*****

I woke up and felt something cold and hard touching my back. My bareback. I slowly opened my eyes and saw I was in an empty warehouse. I was lying on hard concrete. I tried to move but my body felt so weak. I moved my legs and felt a mental chain. I looked down, and there was a chain locked on my ankle. Oh fuck. Oh, fuck fuck. I looked around and saw no one, but I could hear people coming from a few places with light. I pulled on the chain, and it didn't budge a bit.

I looked around for something to use as a weapon or to break the chain, but I found nothing. I heard the door open, and I laid back down and closed my eyes. I heard footsteps. It sounded like two people.

"When can we play with her?" an unfamiliar voice asked.

"Not until they give the okay."

They. As in Noah, Randall, Scott, and Avery. I wanted to cry, but I was afraid they'd hear me.

"When are they coming to pick her up?"

"Soon."

"How much are they paying for her again?"

"Hundred thousand."

"Damn."

I heard one of the men getting closer and felt a hand run up my leg. Trafficking!? This motherfuckers were going to have me trafficked. I should have known. I came here thinking I would be boss ass bitch Lena, and instead, I ended up the same old Lillian. The same Lillian that ended up on that juvie laundry floor. No one was coming to save me so I had to save myself. I opened my eyes, startling them enough that I was able to get my leg around the guy closest to me neck and choke him. I grabbed the gun out of his side and shot the guy standing in the dick. He fell down and groaned before he could reach for his gun. I choked the other one unconscious before shooting him in the dick. I set the run right next to me and starting searching the unconscious guy for a key. Thankfully he had it right in his back pocket. I unlocked my ankle and grabbed the fun. I stood up a little shaky. The guy was groaning and holding his dick. I leaned down and used the butt of the gun and knocked him down. I patted both men down and got their phones, wallets, and one set of car keys. I took off the smaller of the two clothes and put them on. I raced out the warehouse door with the gun in hand as fast as my weak legs could take me. I ran to the red car that was parked right outside.This was a different car than the one I was in after leaving Noah's. I unlocked it and got into the driver's seat. While I was driving toward campus, I called Riley's number. I wasn't going to the police. They wouldn't be able to do shit for me anyway. No, I was handling this on my own.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Take it all now," I said.

"Lena? Where the hell are you? I've been looking for you. Noah has been-"

"I don't give two fucks what Noah has been doing. They just tried to have me trafficked."

"What!" she screamed into the phone with the same rage I was feeling.

"Take it all now. Take every last cent they have."

"Got it."

I hung up, deleted her number, and threw both phones out the window, taking the cash from the wallets and tossing those out two. I needed somewhere where I felt safe. Instead of going to campus, I drove to Henry's house, which was over three hours away but worth the drive.

"Is Henry here?" I asked one of his housekeepers, Teddy.

"No," Teddy said. "What's wrong?" she asked when got a good look at me.

"Long story." I pushed past her and ran to my room.

"I'll make you some lunch."

I didn't respond and kept running until I got inside my room, closed the door, and for the first time in a long time, I broke.

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 17

"What was that about?" Riley asked, stuffing her face with hors d'oeuvres

I turned around and found Jessica and Riley standing behind me. Jessica was wearing a light green lace strapless dress with the skirt flowing out. Her hair was pinned up into a bun, and she was also wearing a gold necklace. Riley was wearing a purple silk suit, and her hair was in a high ponytail. Riley was Jessica's date for tonight; that was the only way she could get in. This wasn't a Mandatory Ball which meant we didn't have to come here, but it looked good if we did. We were allowed dates, but as far as they knew, we were all in the same social circle.

"Henry is worried about the plan."

"So am I," Riley admitted. "I mean, Noah knows something is going to go down, and yet we are just supposed to act like everything is going according to plan?"

"It is. We don't need to worry about Noah."

Riley looked at me like I was an idiot. "It's giving delusional."

"I know, but trust me, if Noah tries anything, it'll be the last thing he'll do."

"Do you think you could hurt him?" Jessica asked.

"Yeah." and it scared me that I didn't know if that was a lie or not. "When they make the toast, that's when you need to the room and put the flash drive into the computer. It'll do the rest. You have to be back before they start the dance. Are you sure you can do this?" I asked Jessica.

I hated that she had to be the one to do it, but with Noah watching me like a hawk and Riley not being a member of the Blue Rose, it was up to Jessica. I pulled out the flash drive from my clutch and acted like I was affectionately holding her hand.

"I can do this, Lena. I promise I won't let you down." she took the flash drive and put it in her purse.

I nodded. I went to where Noah was watching me while talking to the boys. They all, of course, were dressed impeccably. Each of them was wearing their family's color.

"What were you three talking about?" Scott said in a suspicious tone. He took a sip of his drink and eyed me.

"Our periods," I said flatly, causing him to choke on his drink.

I saw Noah smile, and he pulled me to him. He grabbed my ass in front of everyone, and it took everything in me not to slap him silly.

"Lena Warren." I looked up and saw Wallace Grant.

Noah let go of my ass, brung me to his side, and wrapped an arm around my waist.

He was wearing an all-orange suit. His hair was slicked back, and he held a cane. He looked like a freaking tv villain.

"Grandfather," Noah greeted him.

He never glanced at Noah and stared at me. Noah held me tighter, a move Wallace didn't seem to miss. His eyes moved away from me to the way Noah had me and looked back at me.

"What was your last name before Herny adopted it?"

"Lena Parker," I said without missing a beat.

All my past information was changed. Lillian Thompson never existed.

"Hmm. What were your birth parents' names?"

Why the hell would he want to know that?

"Grandfather Lena doesn't-"

Wallace gave Noah a hard, cold look that shut him up. He looked back at me, utterly cool as a cucumber, expecting an answer.

"I don't know."

It was true. I was dropped off at a fire station. A nurse named me Lillian, and I took my last name Thompson from one of my foster families I don't even remember.

"How cruel of them to leave you without any identity. That must be hard."

"I've managed it."

"So you have. I heard you have excelled at your other schools. Tell me, why Caswell?"

"It's the best college in the country. I would be an idiot not to at least try to get in."

He smiled at me, and it sent chills through me. "Indeed. You two have a good night."

I hadn't noticed a tall, pale, dark-haired woman before following behind him as he left. She wore a red flowy dress, and her hair was pinned to one side and curled all around. She kept her head down, and despite her apparent nervousness, she was gorgeous.

"What the hell was that about?" I asked Noah when they had left.

"I have no idea," Noah replied

"Do you think he knows who I am?"

"Doubtful. He thinks Lillian died in juvie."

"Can I get everyone's attention, please?" a voice announced.

We all looked at the front of the Ballroom, where a member of the Harrison family was making a speech. We listened as the woman, probably a cousin of Scott's, went into a speech about how grateful they were for all the people here. The non Blue Rose members didn't know about the whole, initiations, killing people, stealing, etc. All the good stuff. I acted like I was looking around before looking at the staircase where Jessica was heading up. I found Riley at the back of the crowd giving me a little thumbs up. I looked back at the speaker, and when she finished, she announced to grab our dance partners. Riley forced Scott to dance with her, making his date angry because she had to stand to the side. Noah wrapped an arm around my waist and took my hand. We began our dance with everyone else.

"What are you three up to?" Noah asked.

"I have no idea what you mean."

"Where's Jessica?"

"Probably peeing."

"Don't bullshit me. Tell me what's going on."

"Nothing."

"Lena, this needs to stop. Doing something here is dangerous."

"Well, good thing we aren't doing anything."

Noah spun me around and brought me back to him.

"I hope not."

We continued dancing, and I looked around, only Riley and no Jessica. I got worried. The song ended, and so did the dance. Noah held me to him as everyone was led to the large dining room for dinner. I started to sit at the table for other members, but Noah pulled me to his table with the second successors.

"What are you doing?" I asked him.

"You're my date. You sit with me."

He flagged down a waiter and he brought an extra chair. Noah made me sit down, and I looked at all the other members, who looked on in shock and disbelief.

"Noah, you can't break the rules like this."

"One day, I'll run the Blue Rose so I can do whatever I want."

I sighed and ordered my food. My lobster arrived, and I dug in like everyone else. I looked around and blew out a breath of relief when I saw Jessica sitting with Riley. I didn't know what to feel. The most significant part of the plan was almost complete, yet I didn't feel as excited as I expected.

"So, did daddy Noah train you to only speak when spoken to?" I asked the boys, who had been all too quiet lately.

"I love hearing you call me daddy," Noah said. I rolled my eyes.

"Noah doesn't tell us shit. We would rather not waste our breath on you. You'll get what's coming to you very soon." Scott said, and the rest of the guys but Noah laughed.

Noah glared at all of them. "Threaten her again, and I'll make what those guys did to you look playful."

Scott didn't say anything and just ate his steak aggressively. I was going to be keeping a closer eye on them. I haven't heard anything on the cameras' recordings in his room. I'm hoping they haven't found them.

[rjcollinsauthor]

Chapter 16:

I went downstairs and found Noah and the boys eating breakfast at the dining room table. The table was big enough for at least eight chairs, and yet there were only four chairs that were all occupied.

"You're an asshole," I said, looking directly at Noah.

I looked at the extra plate he had in front of him.

"Come eat," he said, but it sounded more like an order.

I walked over and grabbed my plate, deciding just to stand, but I should have known better. As soon as I was within reach, Noah grabbed me and pulled me into his lap. I tried to move, but he just gripped me tighter. Too tired and too hungry, I just ate my food on his lap.

"Damn, you trained her well," Scott commented.

The other guys laughed, and I was about to reach across the table to smack him, but Noah held me back.

"Ignore him," Noah said without looking away from the tablet he had in front of him. It looked like he was checking the news. What twenty-one-year-old checked the news?. "Hurry up and eat; your team will be here soon."

"My team?"

"I hired you a clothing stylist, hairdresser, and makeup artist for tonight."

I had completely forgotten about the Ball tonight. After breakfast, I went to Noah's room and grabbed my phone. I unlocked it and saw it full of texts from Jessica and Riley. I texted Riley back first.

Me: I'm fine.

She responded a second later.

Riley: I'm going to kill Noah.

Me: Get in line.

Riley: Need me to come to pick you up?

Me: No, I'm getting ready for the Ball here.

Riley: Are you sure?

Me: No, but I doubt he'd let me leave.

Riley: When did he start becoming this possessive over you?

Me: I honestly don't know.

I texted Jessica that I was fine and locked my phone. I took a shower which Noah insisted on, but he lost that battle. I was way too pissed off over breakfast. What Scott said was true. I had become too compliant. One minute I was saying how much I hated him, then the next, I was fucking him. This was supposed to be easy. A little revenge and then go about my life. I wasn't supposed to be sleeping with the enemy.

"Are you ready, Miss Warren?"

A man said as I sat down in a chair. I nodded, and he got started on my hair while a woman did my nails. Two hours later, I'm all prepped and ready. I had my hair curled, flowing down my back. I wore a sky blue dress, off the shoulder, with a slit that went up a little below my hip. I wore matching sky blue heels, and my makeup looked natural glam.

"Damn," Noah said when he walked into the room. "It's taking everything in me to say fuck it to the Ball and have our own fun here." he was wearing a orange suit and unlike last time, he actually had a dress shirt and tie.

I smiled at him. "You're the one insisting we go."

"It looks good for you to show up with the second successors."

"Why do you want me to look good for Blue Rose?"

He didn't answer me and instead pulled out two black cases.

"I got you something."

"Noah, don't ignore my question."

He opened the cases. One was a diamond bracelet while the other one was diamond earrings. He put them on me and wrapped his arms around me.

"I have my reasons."

"Hmm."

I stepped away from him and texted Riley. Tonight was a big step in the plan. It was supposed to happen later, but it was happening tonight since Noah invited me to the Ball. I was nervous because if everything didn't go right, then I was screwed. This whole situation was messed up. Noah knows I'm up to something, yet he invited me to the ball. I had my guard up just in case he tried anything, but I don't know if it's because he made me declare that I'm his, but I don't think he would. I shouldn't be here with him, especially since if everything goes to plan, I'm one step closer to ruining him and the other boys.

"You okay?" he asked.

"No. Why are you doing this? Let's stop bullshitting each other. I'm planning something, yet we are, acting like we're a regular couple. The guys haven't talked shit about me for a while. This whole thing is weird. I expected us to fight tooth and nail, yet here you are acting like everything is all sunshine and butterflies."

"You ever think I'm just tired?"

"What?"

"I'm tired, Lena. This is back and forth. Us pretending we aren't in love with each other is tiring. I don't know what you are planning, but maybe we deserve it. What we did to you was disgusting, and the fact that you even let me touch you makes me thank whoever the fuck is up there."

I had no idea what to say. Was that his fucked up way of apologizing? It must be, considering I now feel sick in the stomach.

"I'm not stopping," I said.

He placed a hand on my neck and brought our heads closer together. He had to lean down to press his forehead to mine.

"I don't want you to."

"What if my plan is to kill you?"

"You already have my heart and constantly take my breath away. There isn't much left."

I stared up at those gray eyes. "You fucking asshole." I cried.

When I came to Caswell, I never expected to be here. I expected Noah and I to fight each other. I didn't expect to fall in love with him again. He kissed me, and I tried my hardest not to cry. I hated this feeling of confusion because I once had these feelings, only for him to ruin them. We were both taking a considerable risk, and for what? Our story wouldn't end with us getting married with many kids surrounding us. I could only see blood and pain in our future.

Noah called a car for us, and they drove us to a house an hour away. I knew this was the Blue Rose headquarters. No one actually lived here, but this is where they stayed for things like this Ball. The driver dropped us off at the front entrance, and Noah helped me out of the car and held my hand. I looked around the property, that had a dark forest around the mansion, cars of people arriving in their best formal wear, and security.

Noah and I walked up to the front door, which someone opened for us, without needing to introduce ourselves. Everyone knew what Noah Grant, the second successor of the Grant family, looked like. Noah led me inside the house and toward a bar. He had the bartender make me a cocktail. I wasn't paying attention to what kind and drank it down when it was placed in front of me. I needed something to calm my nerves. My clutch felt heavy in my hand, and I looked up at the staircase where the room I needed to go to was. There was no way Noah was going to let me out of his sight without a real reason.

"Lena." a deep voice said.

I turned to see Henry walking toward us. He was dressed in an all-black suit, and his hair looked freshly cut. He leaned down and placed a kiss on my head. He looked at Noah and I's locked hands. I saw his eye twitch and knew just from that simple facial expression that he was pissed. He looked over at Noah.

"Noah."

"Mr. Warren."

"Henry, how about a drink?" I suggested.

I let go of Noah's hand, which looked like he wanted to yank me back, but instead, he closed his fist and walked away.

"What are you doing here? This isn't a part of the plan." Henry hissed out but his face remained calm.

"I know. I had to change things up. This is better than before."

"No, it's not. You came here with the second successor. Everyone will have their eyes on you now."

"Don't worry, I have it under control."

"Do you? Because you looked pretty close to Noah."

"Noah and I are relationships won't interfere."

Henry finally showed some emotion and glared at me before schooling his feelings.

"Relationship?"

"It's complicated."

"I knew I should have never brought you into this."

He ordered a bourbon from the bar.

"Hey, don't do that. I'm in this. I've already completed phase one."

"Phase one was child's play. This is the real stuff. If you get caught, they won't send you to jail, they'll kill you, and I'll end up killing all of them."

I placed my hand on his arm. "It won't come to that, Dad."

I only ever called him Dad to get him to settle time and every time he worked. I saw him soften for a bit. He grabbed the bourbon and drank it down in one go.

"Be careful." he kissed my head again and left.