SIX

* SIX MONTHS LATER *

- ISOBEL -

'You're such a good girl.'

The deep voice of the stranger rings in my head again. I try to shake it off. It's been months, yet, I can remember all of it like it happened yesterday. Every damn graphic experience.

Every reaction. Every orgasm. Every word.

I clear my throat as I parade the busy streets of the city, walking to the venue, a hotel. My friend, Nina, and I are supposed to dine together. She didn't tell me the occasion, but I sure as hell won't miss it!

I sip out from the straw in my plastic cup, drinking boba tea.

Correction, Nina is not just my friend, she's my only friend. My best friend. And the only one my aggressive step brother didn't chase away from me.

I cover the side of my face with my hand and pass by a tattoo shop. It's a Friday night and people are everywhere, either getting wasted or occupied with one thing or the other. I throw my empty cup in a city bin.

The hotel is just a few blocks away. I can't wait to get there because these silver, knee length boots are killing my feet.

I clear my throat, keeping my head down. Most of these people here know me. I don't know them, but it's hard to miss the face of the lady whose brother keeps causing chaos. Stepbrother.

No one would ever jump me down the street though, at least, that I hope.

I inhale and sharply breathe out. I'm so close to the hotel. I don't live anywhere near here yet I chose to walk. Mainly because I didn't want to be monitored under his prying eyes.

Or maybe because I needed a different ache to overshadow the one I feel on my back. I swallow. He hit me. Again.

And as always, he got away with it. He always does. A buzz resounds in my ears and I dip my hand in my purse to reach out for my phone. The caller is Nina.

A smile forms on my face as I pick up, holding the phone to my ear. "I'm right outside." I say. That's a lie. I still have probably three minutes to walk there but she doesn't need to know that.

"Good, because my reservation time is limited." Nina's voice blares softly through the phone.

I smirk. "Oh, can't waste a few thousand bucks for me?" I ask playfully. My intention is to tease.

"Girl, if I wasted over three thousand bucks, shoot me. Because someone took over my body."

I chuckle at her statement. Nina has it good. Unlike me who actually struggles with my finances, she doesn't. She's the definition of wealth yet she doesn't spend recklessly like one would expect. Don't get me wrong, I come from a decently rich home too, but coming from one doesn't make you rich.

"I'm outside. Walking in." I alert her, keeping my phone to my ear.

"Wait for me at the bar. I'll meet you from there."

"Okay, see you soon." I smile and end the call. I lower my head to put my phone in a purse when my body brushes against something. More like someone.

It felt hard yet soft at the same time. I stumble backwards due to the hit and from the look of the sealed feet standing firm on the floor, it seems like the person barely moved. Those shoes look expensive.

I try to regain my balance but fail. I think I hit his chest.

Strong arms, clothed in suit and a wrist watch, envelopes my arm and pushes me to the side. Just that slight brushing of the person's body on my skin made me breathless. I've not been touched by any man since then. I swallow. I can perceive his cologne.

"Sorry. Excuse me." A deep voice trails in my ears as the man who bumped into me walks past me without regard. My brows crease as I stand up straight and watch him leave. I can't see the face of the male, just the back of his form and perfectly styled hair. That was rude. Who the fuck disregards people that much?

I don't know, rich people? I roll my eyes at the response the voice in my head gave me and trail my eyes down my body to examine my clothes and boots. They're not ruined. Thank goodness. With a sigh, I walk to the bar to look for Nina.

"One shot of tequila, please." I say to the young bartender at the counter. He flashes me a smile then leaves to take my order.

I make myself comfortable on the bar stool with a half grin on my face. Just the scent of alcohol is intoxicating. It reminds me of that night.

The night I danced on stage in a club and spent the night with a gentleman. A very unforgettable gentleman.

I haven't been to another club or bar since then.

My lips spread ajar slightly as I turn in my seat. My eyes wander around the hotel bar. It's exquisite. If I'm not mistaken, this has to be one of the most expensive hotels around here. The interior design surpasses any I've come across so far. And I travel, a lot. This makes me wonder how much I have to pay for my drink.

A subtle sigh leaves my lips.

There's no sign of Nina. My lips forms a line. She's got to be here somewhere. While searching for her, I notice something typical within the crowd.

The stares. Very familiar, lustful and desiring stares.

A confident smile replaces the line on my face as I adjust on the bar stool. I take my jacket off, just below my arms.

Stares. I'm still getting stares from across the bar. It's nothing new, I seem to have such effect everywhere but it's pleasing to notice that each time.

"There you are!" I loud sing-song rings in my ears as a lady in a fancy, long, black, body-hug dress makes her way to me. It's Nina. Her burnt orange hair is perfectly styled in a curly princessy way behind her head, and her ears, neck and fingers are adorned with jewellery. Glossy heels seal her feet, giving it an elegant touch.

Dare I ignore the lace scarf hung over her arms? No, I dare not.

She looks divine.

"Here." The waiter says, handing my glass of tequila and I take it from him. My mouth rests on the rim and I sip in some tequila.

My eyes widen. A low moan escapes my lips. Just this reminds me of the whiskey my tongue tasted a few months ago.

The similarities in whiskey and tequila suddenly dawn hard on me. I've not had a single glass of liquor for a very long time so it's only natural my mind savours the taste of everyone I've had in the past. I shake the thought out my head. No protruding thoughts tonight. Today is not about me, it's about her.

"Well see who's here. You look stunning." The words leave my mouth the moment she stands in front of me.

"Why, thank you." Nina raises a shoulder up. "You look not bad yourself."

Not bad? I give her 'stunning' and she gives me a 'not bad'? Sure.

"I swear if I didn't know you nor get your humour, I'd hate you for life after this."

Nina leans closer to me, our cheeks barely touch as we exchange side kisses. "I love you too." She whispers in my ears as she pulls away from me. Her attention swoons to the side. "Keep the bill for that on my tab." She says to the bartender.

"Why, thanks for the generosity." I say, getting down from the stool. If Nina gave me a theme outfit, maybe I would've shown up with something that screams dinner instead of girls night but I won't point that out now. Not yet. "Lead the way and tell me why I'm here."

"Patience darling." Nina says to me, walking forward. We head to an elevator. "Although, I wouldn't want to keep Cleopatra waiting." The soft ding as the elevator doors slide open slid in my ears.

Nina knows. She's the only one I told about my endeavours during my holiday and I plan to keep it that way. She also knows about the man I slept with.

I step into the elevator with her. The door closes and she taps her floor number on the buttons by the side of the door.

The one thing Cleopatra wants is a good release but she can't have that now, can she?

Sadly, absolutely true. I wait silently in the elevator. Nina taps her foot impatiently on the floor. Hearing the thuds gets annoying.

"Please stop that!" I gush. "Especially since I can't feel my feet." I add. She traces her head down to my legs.

"Did you take a cab?" She asks, concerned, with a raised brow. I shake my head. Her brows crease. "My goodness, Isobel, you'll be the death of me."

I sneak her a side gaze. "You should be worrying about you once we get to your room. Not telling me a theme outfit is the worst!" I say, resting my hand lazily on my hip.

"I got that covered." Nina says with a grin. The elevator stops and the door comes open. I wait inside. "This is my floor, come on."

I follow her, keeping my questions for when we get to her room. Nina swipes a card on a door and it opens. She pushes it in slowly. "Come on in." She says, nudging her head in as she stands at the door.

"Who am I to decline?" I huff. The first thing I do the moment I got in her suite was take off my shoes and jump on her soft, well laid bed. "God, such luxury sheets. I wish I could enjoy this."

"You can." Nina walks to me. She's holding a huge gift box to me.

My face flattens as I sit up. The sting on my back brings me back to reality. I can't even if I want to. He will literally end me. "You know I can't."

A frown forms on her face. Nina understands my situation. "Try this on. I got you a dress." I take the box from her. Placing it on my thighs, I open it. A grin immediately forms on my face.

"The same design? Want me outshining you on your day?"

"Don't do that, your win is mine, mine is yours." She winks at me. "Plus," Nina adds, getting up. Her lips mask a devious grin. "Who knows? You might meet someone you never thought you would."

That makes my heart beat faster. Who could it be? I wonder if it's him...