“That’s it. Take what’s yours, sweet girl.” Ash leans back and looks into my eyes, his voice deeper and thicker with his own need.

  His words push me over, and my orgasm bursts inside of me. I’m cumming and arching, and I hear Ash’s own low roar, his hands taking control and grinding me painfully down onto his cock, using my body to jack himself off as stars twinkle in front of my closed eyes.

  When we are both panting, I fall against his chest, and his hands come to make soft circles on my back. He holds me like that for a few minutes, our hearts beating against each other, until I realize what I’ve just done.

  When I sit up, I meet his eyes. “I think I owe you a pair of pants.” The wetness I feel down between my legs has more than likely ruined what is a very expensive suit.

  “Are you joking? I’m going to sleep with these next to my face. I want to have your scent next to me as I dream.”

  I stifle my chuckle as he reaches up with both hands and gathers my hair down over each shoulder.

  “You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”

  “Come on. You’re some famous guy, you’ve probably been around actresses, models—”

  He cuts me off. “They have nothing on you, Selma. One thing I will never do is lie to you. And you promise me, you’ll never lie to me. That’s the foundation of everything we are going to build together. Okay? Promise me.”

  I nod, a shiver racing up the skin on my back at his words. Everything we are going to build together.

  I bring my fingertips to touch the scar on his jaw.

  “Where did you get this?” I manage, feeling the smooth, hardened skin under my fingers.

  “Before my parents started their restaurants, they owned a bar. We lived upstairs, and I helped out. Filled the coolers, mopped the floors. Anything I could do, I did. Even hanging around with mom when she tended the bar without my dad just to make sure she wasn’t alone. One night, some guy started on her about something about his drink. Called her a name.” His eyes darken. “No one calls my mother names. You can guess the rest from there.”

  I want to know so much more, but my conscious is calling.

  “I really need to go. I’m already fifteen minutes late from when I would leave school, and we’re farther away here. Papa’s going to want to know where I’ve been.”

  “Don’t lie to him. Tell him. Or I’ll go with you, and we’ll tell him together.”

  “No!” I blurt too loudly, shaking my head. “Sorry, but no. That wouldn’t be good. I have to ease him into this idea. I’ll tell him I made a new friend, and I’ll give him your name. Then perhaps tomorrow, or the day after, I’ll tell him who you really are, that you’re not just a new classmate. But you have to let me handle it for now. Please.”

  He nods, but there’s a deep furrow between his brows. “Okay, I’ll give you some time to ease him into the idea. But Selma, I’m not going to be able to be patient for long. Your father is going to have to know about us. He’s going to have to accept that we are together.”

  A shiver runs up my spine at the thought. We are together. Not a man chosen by Papa, who I’ve never met and will never love. A man I’ve chosen for myself.

  “I know,” I say. “But let me try it my way first, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  I lean forward, and he snaps his lips to mine, taking me into a deep kiss. Then he stands and lowers my feet to the floor. I slip my shoes back on, gather up my backpack, and get ready to head home.

  E L E V E N

  Ash

  “OKAY, LET ME TALK TO your father.” I reach over and lay my hand on hers like that first day when we sat here in the student coffee shop. “It will all work out, I promise.”

  It’s been three days since I brought her to the hotel the first time and I can’t wait any longer. She’s tried her way, but as far as I can tell from what she’s said, her father still thinks I’m just some new guy in her class.

  And there’s still this situation with her fiancé. Or wedding. Or whatever.

  And that shit just isn’t going to fly any longer.

  She’s been to the hotel every day during the time she would normally be at school, and we’ve spent most of those hours either planning Anastasia Snow’s rise to stardom or enjoying each other’s company in every way. But I won’t fuck her, not yet. It doesn’t feel right, as much as my cock protests. It’s becoming impossible for me to hold back taking her completely, but the voice inside my head tells me to do this right.

  To give her everything. And I intend to do so.

  I’ve spent hours worshipping at her delicious pussy, and yesterday she fell to her knees and took my cock in her mouth like she was born for the job.

  I wish we had more than a few hours a day, but she’s still so concerned about her father. Well, today I’m drawing the line. I can’t wait any longer. We’ll go to the hotel and make a plan, then we’ll head over to see her father. Together.

  Once I speak to him, we won’t be sneaking around anymore.

  We’re just waiting for her friend Cameron to bring her the assignments from her class she’s missed. She is the one who wants to keep up, and I support her even though I know her heart is not here in school, but with the blog and project. Her cooking is what drives her though, and coming to school was a respite, her only breath of fresh air from her former life.

  “Trust me,” I say. “I’ll protect you from anything, Selma. You’ll see.”

  She still doesn’t look convinced, but the bell rings on the coffee shop door, and when Cameron walks in Selma’s face lights up. A stab of jealousy hits me even knowing he truly is just a friend, but still, my obsession is making me a bit crazy.

  “Over here.” She stands from her seat and squeezes in next to me so that Cameron can sit opposite us. “So, what’s going on with class?”

  “Everyone has noticed you’re not there, for a start. You’d think being so quiet you’d be able to get away with skipping, but I guess the fact that you’re always the first one to arrive and before now you’ve never missed a class...” Cameron wiggles his eyebrows, then laughs. “Gurl, don’t look so worried. You’re an adult, you can make your own decisions. So long as you keep up with assignments and study, I don’t think anyone’s going to care if you miss class a couple of days to spend time with...” His voice drops to a whisper like it’s a secret. “Ash Thompson.”

  Selma seems tense, and without thinking, I grab her hand, twining my fingers into hers, and I feel her relax at the touch. But Cameron looks down at our hands clasped together on the table, then clears his throat.

  “This isn’t just a professional relationship, is it?”

  I shake my head. “No, it isn’t.”

  “And you didn’t tell me?” Cameron looks at Selma and places a hand over his heart. “Heartbroken.”

  Selma’s voice goes up a pitch. “I’m sorry, it just wasn’t—”

  Cameron laughs. “Like I hadn’t already figured it out. Gurl, please, it’s none of my business. So long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”

  When I turn to Selma, I can see that there’s less tension, like a weight has been lifted. I don’t quite get why she feels she needs the approval of everyone else in her life, but I don’t need to understand to see what effect it has on her. Knowing her friend is on her side has made a big difference, and I’m here for that.

  “Come on,” I say, “let’s go back to the hotel—” I see Cameron wiggle his eyebrows and add, “We have work to do if we’re going to make Anastasia Snow a household name.”

  “Well, I guess I’d better come with you both then, seeing as I’m Anastasia’s manager.”

  Before I can say anything to put him off, Selma is already grinning and jumping up from the table. “You have to see it, Cam, it’s bigger than my whole house. And the room service...” she sighs, biting into her bottom lip, and I nearly cum in my pants. It’s all I can do to take her hand and rush us out of the coffee shop rather than laying her over the table right there and then with everyone watching and eat her pussy to orgasm.

  But when we get outside, I feel her cower, her body going tense at my side as she pulls away, trying to wriggle out of my grip. Looking around, I see what’s got her so scared: a man in clean but functional clothes, suspenders, his hair and beard neatly trimmed and a fierce look in his eyes.

  “Papa, please...” I hear Selma plead.

  This was going to happen today either way. Might as well be now. I draw in a deep breath, then begin. “Mr. Hoffner? My name is—”

  He interrupts me scowling. “I know who you are. Get away from my daughter, you...you are the devil’s work.”

  “Selma is an adult. She can decide her own life.”

  He coughs out a laugh. “She’s a girl who’s lost her way. And you’ve led her astray.”

  “She’s a woman,” Cameron and I speak in unison, and I’m impressed with his mettle. Standing up for his friend takes courage.

  Her father shakes his head. “Selma, we’re leaving.”

  “I don’t want to.” Selma’s hand squeezes harder into mine, and I squeeze back. “What are you even doing here?”

  He narrows his eyes, and I can see he’s irritated that she’s talking back. How many times has she stood up for herself with him? Has she ever insisted on getting her own way?

  “Did you think you could just do whatever you wanted, and nobody would find out? God knows, Selma. He sees everything. Has he seen you whoring yourself with this man or did I get here in time?”

  His attitude makes me see red, and I step forward, ready to go into battle, but Selma pulls me back. She may be no match for me physically, but I’m hers in every way that counts. If she told me to go jump off a cliff, I’d do it without question.

  “Watch your words if you know what’s good for you,” I warn, and step between him and Selma. I won’t let her be hurt like this, no matter what.

  One of my bodyguards climbs out of the front of the limo, seeing the confrontation unfold. He looks ready to crack skulls, but I shake my head, and he stays put, watching.

  “The school called me, telling me you’ve missed classes. You’re being tested, Selma.” Her father practically spits the words in his best preacher’s tone. “All that matters is Selma is coming with me. Right now. She’s my daughter, and none of you can stop me. She will not be coming back to this school. I will keep her soul safe if it’s the last thing I do.”

  I fight to keep my voice level. “She already told you she doesn’t want to. If you respect her, you’ll turn around and go.”

  Her father scoffs. “Get out of my way. You are no one to us.” He walks forward, and I feel Selma cower closer to me.

  I shift myself again to get between them as her father comes within reach of her. His eyes are wild, possessed, heading straight for Selma. He doesn’t even blink.

  I promised to protect her, and that’s what I’m going to do.

  He’s right in front of us, and it’s clear I’m not going to move, he stops, but his voice is a low growl. “Get out of my way, outsider.”

  “No. You have your answer. She’s not going with you.”

  Before I can react to protect myself, he throws a punch at my face. He’s quick for a smaller man, and the punch lands a glancing blow on the side of my nose. It stings, but it’s not the first punch I’ve ever taken. From the schoolyard to the bar my parents owned, I’ve learned to hold my own.

  “Papa, stop!” I hear Selma’s voice as my adrenaline surges, and I focus all my attention on her father.

  When he takes the next swing, I’m ready and block it easily with my forearm. He yelps as his fist hits bone.

  My bodyguard is running in our direction, but again, I shake my head. I’m not going to fight back, and I’m not going to have her father hurt. Except, if he lays a finger on Selma, he’ll find out just how much of an asshole I can be.

  Rage twists his face, and I hear Selma shout at him to stop as he takes another shot at me. This time I duck and put a little pressure on his chest, pushing him back. I could do this all day now that I’m ready for his attacks, but Selma has other ideas.

  “Papa, no! Stop. I’ll go with you!” She pats my shoulder and pulls her hand out of mine, turning toward me. “It’ll be fine. I’ll talk to him...”

  I’m shaking my head as she’s holding her father’s hand, rubbing the bruises on the back of his knuckles. “Selma, you don’t have to—”

  “Just let me talk to him. He’s my father. I’ll tell him everything. He will understand. Just give us some time.”

  Deep down in my gut, I feel like it’s the wrong decision. But if I try to stop her against her will, that would make me just as bad as her father. With no other choice, I nod and force myself to watch them walk away. Her father takes her to her truck, then gets into one of his own and they file out of the parking lot and down the road.

  As I spin a half turn, I see Cameron shaking his head. “I love Selma, but her dad’s a fucking nut job,” he mutters.

  I growl and start toward my limo, but I can’t bring myself to disagree.

  T W E L V E

  Selma

  “THE DEVIL HAS MANY disguises, Selma.” Papa is waving his hands around as he stomps back and forth, setting down a pile of papers and mail on the table as we come into the house. “Ash Thompson is a disciple of the devil. Evil sent to tempt you from the righteous path. Please tell me you didn’t let him defile you. Please just tell me that...”

  My mind conjures up images of what Ash and I have done together, and I can’t help the blush that spreads over my face. When I think about that, and the lavish gifts he gave me, and the offers of wealth and love and a career...I can’t possibly tell Papa about those things. He already thinks Ash is the devil, he’ll say it’s like Jesus in the desert and I should have resisted. “I love him,” I say weakly. “And he loves—”

  “Love!” Papa throws back his head and laughs. “This isn’t love, it’s lust. A deadly sin, Selma.” He waves a finger at me. “The devil has tempted you, and you’ve begun to desire more. Confess it or be condemned to hell along with him!”

  I shake my head. “No, you’re wrong. Love is from God, and Ash loves me.”

  “He doesn’t love you! You said it yourself, love comes from God. So how can a Satan worshipper love anyone but himself?”

  “You’re wrong, Papa.” I’m on my feet, ready to leave. “He’s good and kind. He’s not bad.”

  “Sit back down.” He snarls as he takes a step toward me, and I back away, falling onto the hard chair, which squeaks against the floor. Then he turns to the pile on the table and snatches up a magazine. “Read this.”

  He holds the magazine out to me, open to an article with a big picture of Ash, smiling and handsome. But as I start to read, I feel my heart begin to thunder. Religion Is For Simpletons, says Ash Thompson. It doesn’t make any sense. He’s never said anything against God. But the words are right there in black and white. The article explains Ash’s point of view, that nobody in the modern world should believe in God or the devil, that people should look to themselves for their own morality.

  “No, it can’t...” My voice trails off. “Why do you even have this?”

  “After the school called, they told me who it was that came to the office looking for you. They told me of the article. I bought the magazine on my way to get you, so you would know. Your Ash Thompson is nothing but a Godless demon, encouraging people to have their fill of modern temptations. Look at how much money he has.” He points at a callout box showing Ash’s estimated total worth, and it’s more than I thought existed in the whole world. “Anyone who worships material things the way he does is sent here by Lucifer, mark my words. He’s a Satanist, or he’s the devil himself. Either way, you need to stay away from him.” He takes a deep breath, then throws the magazine into the fire. “And I’m going to make sure you do.”

  “What do you—”

  I open my mouth to shout, but no sound comes, barely getting a hand on the strap of my school bag as he grabs my wrist and drags me to my feet. It hurts, but it’s more than just the pain, it’s the shock of what’s going on. First Papa attacks Ash, then he shows me an article that makes it look like Ash is...everything he says he is. Now to be physically hauled to my feet and dragged from the room, my mind is spinning. I feel like I’m in a nightmare.

  Papa kicks open the door to my bedroom and flings me inside, ignoring my scream as I fall to my hands and knees on the bare floorboards, my bag helping to break my fall.

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “I have to drive the devil from you, Selma. And give me that.” He points to my backpack.

  “Why? It’s just my school—”

  He doesn’t wait for me to hand it over, he unzips the pockets and rifles through. My heart skips a beat when he reaches into the small front zipped pocket and pulls out the necklace Ash gave me the first day at the hotel and shakes his head.

  “So many sins,” he says, then slams the door behind him.

  The tears make my vision blurry, but I look around to see my room is bare. The few comforts I used to have: my books, my handmade bed, my wardrobe for clothes; they’re all gone. All that’s left now is a mattress on the floor, and that’s it. I hear the click of a key turning in a lock, then Papa’s voice low rumbling voice comes through.

  “I suggest you spend your time in prayer, asking God for forgiveness.”

  I DON’T KNOW WHY HE bothered leaving me a mattress, because I barely sleep at all, pacing and sitting against the wall. The night seems like it’s the longest of my life, and all I can do is think of Ash and the things we’ve done together. I do pray, but not for forgiveness. I pray for guidance; I pray for some sort of miracle to undo everything that’s happened and let me try this past week again.

  And just when I’ve given up hope of miracles, I hear a vibration coming from where I’d hidden my phone under my pillow.

  My cell phone.

  It’s Cameron asking if I’m okay.