Chapter 4

“What is your business with my virginity? Maybe you should learn to stop poking your nose into other people's business. Then you will live long on earth.

Mira pokes my hand, motioning for me to stop. I ignore her. Someone needs to tell him that. Who else but me?

He acts all calm and saintly, like he knows everything, but I know what lurks behind that mask.

Mira bends down, picking up the rose vibrator and stuffing it into her bag. I reach out, snatching it back from her.

Give me that. It is now mine. Don't take away a gift you gave out.

I try my best to avoid the killing stare Ace is sending at me. He can do his worst, not like I care. Last time I checked, he doesn't bite.

Please don't mind Summer. She is just frustrated.

I was the one that bought the rose. Is there something you want to tell her? Mira said  Clinging to his hand, acting all childish.

I huff. What does he want to tell me that I haven't heard before? I mumble under my breath.

Let's go. Please, I'm tired. I turn, walking to the car and pulling the handle.

"Emm... Oh my, I think I left the keys on the counter. I will go get them. Just wait a minute."

Her heels click loudly in the quiet underground parking lot as she runs out.

Cold shivers run down my spine. She left me alone with him when she knows truly well I have run my mouth more than required.

I don't dare raise my head to look at him or let my hand fall from the handle.

Sweat beads on my forehead, my body tense when I feel him at my back.

My breathing hardens with every intake of air.

Cat got your tongue now, baby girl? His hot breath on my earlobe sends signals through my body.

I warned you, didn't I? You keep testing your grave. There are more plots of land that can contain your body.

He clicks his tongue. What should I do to you? You're not too old to be bent over and smacked. You know that, right, baby girl?

Your brother won't mind. I'm just disciplining his little sister that doesn't know her elders. Don't you think so?

I shake my head. I'm a full-grown woman, not a child. I don't need discipline, and certainly not from the likes of you.

I know he means everything he says. My encounter with the Rachel bitch he brought over to the vacation house last summer...

He spanked the living daylight out of her, and she moaned like the crazy slut she was. I know I shouldn't be invading his privacy.

But I can't help it. He was technically in the room next to mine.

If he couldn't respect the fact that a child, like he calls me, was in the room next to him and still had the guts to fuck throughout the night, then...

I shouldn't be blamed for watching him through his door peephole.

I push him away, causing him to stumble backwards. He smirks, placing his hands into his pockets.

I never knew you had this strength in you. Aren't you too small for such?

You won't know unless you mess with me, and I will show you more.

He smirks. Whatever makes you sleep at night. Stay away from that scum. I don't want you going to that party.

I laugh. And who are you to tell me that? My father?

I'm not your father, but I will do more than him.

He steps closer to me. Do as I say, and things might go back to normal, with you being invisible to me.

My heart breaks. I clear my throat. No, I can't be invisible to you when you keep appearing where you are not needed.

If anyone is going to be invisible, it is going to be you, not me.

He leans in, his fingers wrapping around my throat before I could react or step away from him.

He squeezes tightly. Colour drains from my face. I seal my lips shut.

You look better when you are not making too much noise. Don't tempt me, Summer. I am never nice.

You don't have to hide it from me. I know you aren't, but you are messing with the wrong person. I will show everyone the monster you are.

He lets out a condescending laugh. Oh, Cinderella, you never seem to stop amusing me. And who's going to believe you, huh?

They are going to say you are drunk, nothing else.

The sound of a camera taking a picture pulls his threat to a stop. He lets go of my throat. I crouch down, taking in a deep breath, my heart pounding.

Shit, he curses.

I stand up, my gaze landing on the retreating figure dressed in black, rushing into a car and driving away. I stand there, stunned at what just happened.

Are you just going to stand there and watch him leave? I snap at him.

What do you want me to do, chase a moving car? he scowls, tugging at his hair.

I throw my hands up, shaking my head. You can't chase a moving vehicle, but you can choke a child. You should be the one worried about that picture because it's obvious you are the one hurting me.

Stop it, Summer. I need to think. You aren't a witch. Every time I stay with you, bad things always happen to me.

Who the hell would do this? Fuck.

I put my hands over my mouth. Out of all the words on earth, I'm a witch? Then I will show you how a witch behaves.

I reach for my phone in my pocket, the screen lighting up. I scroll down through the contacts, searching for my dad's number.

When his call comes in, I pick up. His voice is not what I was expecting.

He never sounds angry or raises his voice at me.

What's going on between you and Ace? Your picture is all over the net.

I shake my head as if he could see me. It's all Ace's fault, Father. He wants to kill me.

He told me that himself, that he will send me somewhere no one will find me.

Ace stops pacing around, glaring at me, his fists clenching so tightly that they turn white.

I ignore him. From today, I will be his worst nightmare. He wants a witch? I will make him eat his words.

I can't believe that, Summer. Ace said such a thing? He's your brother's best friend. He sees you like a sister. Maybe it's a misunderstanding.

My mouth falls open. I can't believe what I'm hearing. Didn't he see the picture? Well, he almost strangled me.

But, Father, I'm not lying. I'm your daughter, you know that, right? My voice trembles.

You need to stay over at his house to calm the tension in the media. You need to show the people that the picture online is a misunderstanding. Nanny Rose will bring your belongings over to his house.

I can't believe this. Father, just a few minutes with him and he wants to kill me. What happens when I live in his house?

Father, please don't do this to me. When am I supposed to come back then?

After two weeks. It is enough to prove that he cares for you, Summer. Our reputation is on the line, and so is business. This needs to stop.

I slump to the floor, the phone falling to the floor, my heart beating faster than I can control.

I can't stay in his house for two weeks. He will kill me, sweat clinging to my body. Whoever sees me will think I'm drenched in rain.

But the monster in crime is standing innocent, like he's not about to devour me apart.