Typhon

Chapter 32

Rylee~

Not only was I a fucking mess, but I was also way in over my head. After Stone had left my motel room, I had slid to the floor in a trembling mess because I believed him. He was going to destroy me if I didn't give in, and I didn't know what to do about that.

Then his words about repaying my parents' loyalty had kept drumming around in my head. I knew that my pride wasn't worth my family losing everything that they'd worked so hard for, yet handing Stone a win would be like handing my soul over to him.

He'd own me.

I wasn't sure how long I sat on that motel room floor, wondering how I'd gotten myself into this mess, before I finally made it out to my car, then got some clothes and made myself presentable enough to face the world. However, after spending two hours searching for rooms to rent and filling out applications, I found myself back at Kincaid's front door.

When I had texted her, telling her that I needed her help, she had immediately replied, and I knew that no matter what happened between me and Stone, there was no way that I could walk away from someone as selfless and special as Kincaid. Even after telling her that I'd never wanted to see her again or have anything to do with anyone in The Order, she had welcomed me back to her apartment, no questions asked.

Kincaid had buzzed me into her building as soon as I had arrived, and stepping out of the elevator, making my way down the hallway, I could see that she was already standing in her doorway, waiting for me, and I almost started crying. It was eight on a Saturday night, and I was at Kincaid Black's apartment, ready to just cry all over the poor girl.

Goddamn Stone Lexington.

As soon as I got close enough, Kincaid stepped back, then let me through the door, but when I stopped in the middle of her living room, I was brought up short as a beautiful Hastings Martin smiled at me from the kitchen off the east side of the apartment.

Hastings Martin was five-foot-four of just stunning beauty. She had platinum blonde hair and bright hazel eyes, but she wasn't sporting the typical girl-next-door look. Hastings could best be described as elegant; she was captivating, classy.

"Rylee, this is Hastings Martin," Kincaid said, coming up next to me. "She's my roommate."

I gave Hastings a tentative smile. "Hi."

"Hey," she returned, still smiling. "Don't mind me, I was just leaving. Party at Drummond Markle's frat."

Of course, no one could fault her for that. Even if you weren't throwing your hat in the ring for some of Drummond Markle's attention, it was enough to just be around him, so that you could stare at the guy. Take Hayden Christensen and multiply him by ten, and you got Drummond Markle. Still, as gorgeous as Drummond Markle was, apparently, blondes didn't do it for me. I was attracted to brunettes with brown eyes and who were complete assholes.

"Uh, good luck," I muttered because I didn't know what else to say.

Hastings laughed. "Oh, I'm not interested in Drummond." She waved a perfectly manicured hand at me. "He just throws the best parties."

I quickly turned to face Kincaid. "Oh, God," I rushed out. "Were you going to his party, too? Did I ruin your plans?"

"No, Rylee," she answered. "I was in for the night."

Her answer made me feel better, but I wasn't quite sure that I believed her. "Oh."

"Well, I'm off, ladies," Hastings announced. "If you guys decide you're up for a little fun tonight, text me, and then I'll meet you guys at Drummond's."