Rory’s POV
I was getting excited about the way things were going in my life. Since Josie’s visit, Scott seemed more preoccupied. I figured it had something to do with his vast business network. I knew Josie had slowed down and she occasionally helped Scott with things, but I wasn’t worried.
If he wanted to talk to me about it, he would. For now, I had my own career to deal with. I wanted more for myself, and I was bound and determined to get it.
“You’re doing well. You’re nearly finished with your credits. You’re reaching your goals,” Tiffany said as we started our meeting. “What are your future plans?”
“I’m not sure yet. I’m still apprenticing at the gallery.”
“Have you thought any more about studying abroad? I think that would be an excellent opportunity for you and your career.”
I shook my head. I wasn’t ready to leave my life in Phoenix behind just yet. I wanted to live here and see where my relationship with Scott was going.
Rory’s POV “What gave you an inkling that I’m Antony’s daughter?” I asked Scott when he brought up the idea that I could be.“There are too many coincidences. I, for one, don’t believe in them, and what makes you think you can’t possibly be his daughter?”“I had parents, Scott. I know people have said that I don’t look like either of my parents, but I’m pretty sure Mom would’ve told me if I were adopted or something like that.”“You have to admit, most people look like at least one of their parents.”“I’m certain Hannah’s my mother. While lookalikes are common, I assure you I’m not Anthony’s daughter.”“I’m not,” Scott retorted.“What are you implying?” I asked.“I’m not implying anything. I’m just saying there’s a lot of evidence pointing to you being Antony’s long-lost daughter. Don’t you want to know for sure?”“I am sure,” I said, adamant in my convictions. Mother wouldn’t have carried on such an extensive s
Introduction“I want to see a picture of you in stockings.” I read the text that popped up on my phone screen with anticipation. Another followed. “Yeah, follow my lead and slide your finger into your…” I obeyed, sliding my finger beneath my waistband. The man on the other side with the note "Dear" sent me another message. "Did you miss me?" After a while, I replied with just one simple word: “Yes."I was happy when I received the five words below.“I want to fuck you!”****Months Earlier*Rory's POV“Feeling nervous?” Justin’s familiar voice whispered in my ear.“Are you out of your mind?” My hushed voice was much harsher than his. “This is Needy’s place!” “Who cares?” He reached for me, catching the hem of my shirt between his fingers. I dodged his next move, narrowly escaping his wandering hands that were ready to slip under my clothes. Even at that moment, the sounds of the party downstairs pumped into the room. Footsteps echoed outside and my heart starte
Rory's POVAs I made my way back to the party, it was nearing 1:00 AM. I couldn’t believe I’d spent two hours at the hotel with… Nope, I was not going to think about that or Scott. When I approached the house, I noticed most of the cars that had been there were gone with just a few stragglers here and there. The front door was locked, but I wasn’t worried. Needy knew I had the back way into her house memorized.Letting myself in through the garage door, I slipped through the trashed house and up to Needy’s room. She was in there with several friends who’d been at the party, and it looked like they’d all fallen asleep wherever they could get comfortable in Needy’s huge room. I grabbed a pillow and blanket off the foot of Needy’s overstuffed bed and made myself comfortable on it with her like we usually did. Enveloped in the darkness and silence, I was alone with my thoughts.Had I really given myself up to a stranger? That was completely unlike me. Technically, it wasn’t a st
Rory's POVThe next day, my thoughts only got worse. I’d slept with my friend's father and I had to attend his class again. Being with him that night was the most thrilling thing I've ever done. I didn't want to face an awkward scene, but I had to.The students we sat with were all talking about him. A lot of them seemed to be really honored to have him as their professor. They were also talking about his many accomplishments and how talented he was. I started to tune them out and had just gone back to planning my escape when I realized they were also talking about Justin.I hadn’t even realized Justin was in the class. I hadn’t seen him yesterday. I really hoped I didn’t run into him. I let my gaze travel through the crowd. Sure enough, Justin was there with his latest flame, a girl named Lisa, sitting just a few rows over from me. Lisa wrapped her arms around Justin's neck and gave me a smug look, then turned her head and shouted at me, “You look terrible. Are you losing s
Scott’s POVI sat in my corner office, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking one of the best views in the city. I listened to the book distributor on the line, discussing printing and shipping costs. I enjoyed negotiation and this was no different, especially because it was something I cared about–giving back to my past school.“How does that work for you?” The voice on the other end of the line signaled that it was my turn.“I agree with the cost of shipping. That seems fair and reasonable. You’ll need to increase the total number of books though. I know you’re an honorable establishment that believes in the educational success of the next generation. I also understand that you value my investment in your company.” I smirked to myself, knowing what would come next.“I… you’re right, Mr. Hawthorne. I’m sure we can reach an agreement that pleases both parties.” The other man tripped over himself to please me. I was fairly used to people doing that if I was being hone
Rory’s POVIt was nice to relax after being so tense recently. When Needy had suggested the pool party I’d been nervous, but it was nice to sit back and enjoy the free time. Now, the party was raging around me as I laid back in a poolside lounge. The sun warmed my skin and I smiled into it, enjoying the sensation. I’d been so caught up in thoughts of Scott and avoiding him that I hadn’t been able to even take a full breath. Even now it was a struggle not to think of him. “Rory, come here!” Needy called from across the pool, interrupting my moment of peace.I sighed, cracking an eye open and looking in her direction. She was waving me over to the beer pong table. I considered whether I wanted to play beer pong or not. Needy had been trying her best to integrate me into the festivities, which I appreciated. I just wasn’t the partying type, so it wasn’t exactly my scene.“Rory!” she yelled in a sing-song voice. “It’s gonna be so fun!”I knew there wasn’t a way out of this. N
Rory's POVMy eyes stared down at the hall long after his office door had closed. I used the thudding of the music to guide me back, and I found it helped even out my own racing heart. l wasn't sure what I was supposed to do now, but turning on my feet, l slowly moved toward the stairs.I cut my eyes in Needy’s direction and honed in on her. She didn’t see me coming as the guy I didn’t know leaned in toward her, kissing her neck and smelling her. It looked creepy from what I could see. When he pulled back, I filled up the space between them, my face emotionless and annoyed. Without giving him a second thought I grabbed Needy’s hand and led her away. I had a fairly good idea of where I was going and knew this conversation was meant for our ears only. “What’s up, Rory? They said you had my father throw him out of the house for no reason whatsoever!” she yelled, looking at me as if l was the one who'd lost my mind.“Seriously?" l replied in disbelief. “He attacked me, Needy. He
Rory's POVLeaving the dean’s office defeated, I walked along the corridor. My disappointment was sharp when I saw Justin walking toward me. He noticed me soon and his smile was instant. I groaned and turned my head the other way. His voice sounded beside me.“Hey Rory, wait up!” he called out.I’d never wanted him to say my name again. “I'm busy, Justin,” I lied and continued on. He didn't take the hint and caught up with me. “Listen, can we talk, please?” he asked. “There is nothing to talk about, Justin,” I said, stopping to glare at him. I couldn't believe I used to think he was cute.“I was wrong to force you into that. I messed up," Justin said, his voice tinged with guilt. "Lisa is just a friend, nothing more. I was with her to make you jealous, to make you aware of my presence.?At that moment, the man before me felt utterly unfamiliar.I wasn’t stupid. Lisa was all over him in class, hugging, cuddling, even kissing him. How could they just be friends?“Lisa is