Josie

The dark demeanor that hung over Derek followed him as he walked into the room. A fear I’d never experienced danced along the walls, down my spine and it seemed to consume the other girls. They knew what was coming—I didn’t.

It reminded me of the fear Maverick held for him.

It cemented me to the floor. I didn’t try to move or jolt as he neared me, and squatted down to get a better look. “You have a little black eye. I’ll get some ice for it. We want you pretty for tomorrow.”

My gaze traveled toward the two girls cowering on the other side of the room. They looked feral like Melody who hadn’t said one word since Derek walked inside. I figured I needed to take the hint and not speak, but I couldn’t help it.

“Funny seeing you here,” I said. “I guess Maverick was right, you are a piece of shit.”

Derek chuckled, reaching out to pinch my cheek tightly between two fingers. “I’ve been looking for someone like you. We’ve had tons of interest in different ethnicities over the last year, and whe