**Prologue – That Night**
MACKENZIE
As I expected, the party of Trey Hamilton at the lake house is in full swing. The song of Nicki Minaj is blaring from inside. The lawn is full of teenagers playing football despite the empty beer bottles, red cups, and empty soda cans littering all over.
I shouldn’t be here. I mentally berate myself, but Rebecca was so adamant, and I couldn’t just say no. She’s the closest sister that I ever had. We walk through the crowded dance floor that is already wet and sticky. The smell of boozes, sweat, and cigarettes are wafting in the air.
The mini bar is full of drinks, cans of sodas, beer bottles, pink punch, and bowl chips that could cause you salmonella. Rebecca reminded me not to take any drinks from anyone who offers, so I grab a can of soda instead.
Her boyfriend James arrived earlier than us since he came directly from the game. He approaches us with a huge grin on his face.
“Babe, you made it! Thought you were joking,” James says happily after giving her a peck on her lips and a peck on my cheek. “Hey, Mack. Good to see you here and not a boring party your parents you usually threw.”
I roll my eyes. He’s right, but that’s my parent’s party, so I had to be there and play a good daughter role, which I’m actually a good daughter.
“I said we were coming, so here we are,” Becca retorts, seemingly annoyed.
“Good, babe. Let’s dance later, okay?” James doesn’t seem to care about Rebecca’s expression.
“C’mere, Mack. I’d like you to meet someone!” James yells when the new song starts to play. He grabs Rebecca’s hand, and I grab her hand as I follow them.
Rebecca pulls her hand back from James’ grip and yells. “Not a chance, babe! I promised her mom that I’ll take care of Mack. It means no meeting with horny football players.”
I shrug when I see them start whispering. Rebecca looks more annoyed, but we keep walking throughout the crowd upstairs to the second floor.
“He’s not a horny, Mack. Just meet him, and if you don’t like him, just say excuses like going to the bathroom, or you have a stomach bug.”
I laugh at his lame excuses.
“Jeez, babe. You’re so annoying.” Becca rolls her eyes.
“Babe, trust me, okay? I’m not gonna just let Mack meet a jock because she’s my friend too.” James winks at me. “Relax.”
“Fine. Whatever!” Rebecca is forced to agree.
“Who’s he, James?” I ask.
“You’ll find out soon,” he answers. My brows meet together.
We stop in front of the group of guys that I recognize most of them as his teammates. He introduces me to them since they knew Rebecca.
“Guys, this is Becca’s friend Mack. Mack, meet my teammates,” James says. Everyone waves and says hi, and I wave back and smile shyly.
I feel out of place when everyone talks about winning their game. I know how the game works, but I’ve never watched them play.
Rebecca is already sitting on James’ lap on the couch while I’m still standing at their back, fidgeting.
I tap Rebecca’s shoulder, excuse myself before I leave. I walk down to the living room where everyone is still dancing, swaying, and jumping like there’s no tomorrow. Everyone looks enjoying the party while I look lost.
“Leaving already?” A husky voice asks from behind that makes me stop to halt.
I turn around, and my eyes land on the broad chest. I move my gaze up to the one and only, a six-foot and two inches Trevor “Trey” Hamilton standing in front of me. His short blond hair is disheveled in a stylish way. He has bright blue eyes that glimmer with high cheekbones, a straight nose, full lips curved into a smile, and a chiseled jaw.
Jeez. I’m checking him out, and the only reason why I’m here. When Becca told me that Trey is throwing a party, I was beyond excited and told my parents that I’m going to a party.
I clear my throat. “Um, yeah. Just getting some fresh air.” I look away. Lame excuse, I know because I saw him flirting with Lorrie “Bitch” Morgan slash the cheerleader when I was introduced to his teammates earlier.
“Let’s go then, for some fresh air,” he says with excitement in his voice, and my heart flutters.
I look up and meet his gaze. “Shouldn’t you be with Lorrie?”
“She’s a bitch. I don’t like talking to someone while she’s bitching all night telling me about the cheerleading like everyone doesn’t know about already,” he explains while looking at me in the eyes.
“Um, sure.”
He smiles. “Follow me.”
We scan the crowd to where fewer guys dancing which leads our way out of the house. I can’t just avoid not bumping into the couples making out in the hallway—horny teenagers. We keep walking for a couple more steps until we get out of the house, and the night is getting cold, and the breeze makes me shiver.
“So, you’re Becca’s friend? I saw you with her at school. You don’t like football, do you? I’ve never seen you with her during the games.”
We follow the stone paths that lead us to the lake. I can still see a few students sitting on the deck.
“Yeah. Becca’s my best friend. I’m not really a fan. It’s hard to watch them as if they’re in a wrestling match. The only differences are running and throwing a football,” I tell him honestly.
“Yeah, too violent for you, so what is your plan for college?”
“I agree. Too violent for you. So what’s your plan for college?” He keeps looking at me, then he drops his gaze to my lips, making me a little bit self-conscious.
“I’m planning on staying here for college. My parents won’t let me attend college away since I’m still not legally an adult.
“Wait. How old are you, Mack?” he quickly asks.
“Sixteen. I know I’m a freak,” I answer as I look at him to see his reaction.
He chuckles. “You’re not a freak Mack. You just excel, and you should be proud of yourself. Not like other girls who are busy putting makeup on their faces.” Wow, Trey is not bad, after all.
I give him a tight smile. “Well, thanks. How about you, any plan for college?”
“Yeah. Got scholarship, and I’m not going anywhere far too.” He smiles, and I want to giggle so badly because he’s cute. No, he’s hot.
“Congratulations! You deserved it.” I tap his arm playfully.
“Thanks. I’ll get us a drink. Stay here, okay? Be right back.”
I nod and watch him walk away. I check my phone from the pocket of my jacket I wear over the red dress that Rebecca chose for me.
“Wear the red one, Mack. Red is your color. Boys like a girl in red.”
“Are you sure? I have blue, green, and white. I’m not allowed to date yet, so I don’t care if boys like a girl in red. I just want to see Trey.” I check the dresses on my hands.
“Trust me. Red is great on you. Wear it now, and I still have to fix your hair. Then don’t tell Catie.” Her eyes glimmer.
“Mom will know, trust me. Ask from down to bring us something to drink. Press 3.” I take the red dress and hurry up to change.
***
I stay for a while and wait for Trey to come back. The evening is so peaceful even if a little bit chilly. I can still hear the music from inside the house. The tree leaves rustle as the wind blows. The smell of fresh air and the moon reflecting on the lake look magnificent.
Not bad, after all. I’ll thank Rebecca later. I hear footsteps coming closer to me, and I turn my head in excitement to think that must be Trey, but I don’t see anyone.
I feel goosebumps on my skin. The hair on my nape stands as I wrap my arms around me.
I stare at the moon before I close my eyes slowly to take a deep breath. Before I can start dreaming, hands grab my waist from behind, causing me to yelp in surprise.
I grab the hands and try to lose them, but they were so strong. I shout for help. My mouth and my nose instantly cover with a cloth. I struggle, but I can’t breathe, and I can’t hold any longer. I inhale something like a chemical that burns my nostrils and my throat. I can’t fight anymore, and my eyelids start to feel heavy, and my body starts getting weak, and my eyes flutter closed.
***
I open my eyes, but I can’t see anything. Something is covering my eyes. I can’t move either. Then I remember what happened, and I start to panic. I try shouting, but my mouth is sealed with adhesive, or duct tape? I try to free my hands, but it looks like I’m being chained. I can feel the cold metal around my wrists and the clinking sound when I struggle to move is terrifying. For how long I’ve been in this position?
I feel cold—so cold, and I can even feel the cold floor on my skin. My ankles are shackled too. I’ve never been afraid in my entire life until tonight, or is it a day? I try moving, but as soon as I struggle, my wrists are burning, and so as my ankles. I burst into a cry, and that’s when I remember my parents. They must be worried.
I cry until I feel exhausted, and I abruptly stop when I hear a sound unlocking the door opens then closes. I hear footsteps—heavy footsteps. I am trembling with fear and from the cold.
I’ve never felt so helpless like this. I don’t know what will happen to me here. My throat hurts, and my stomach just grumbles.
A lot of horrible scenarios pop into my head, and at that thought, my body starts to shake from frustrations, anger, hunger, and hopelessness.
Please, God. Please, don’t let me die like this.
***
The high-pitched sounds irritate my ears.
Beep
Beep
Beep
.
.
.
ABBY
Three years later…
I have to flex my neck a couple of times after hours of review for my finals tomorrow, and I feel drained. I study hard to get good grades and to make my parents proud.
I don’t have to go to college to get a job to pay my bills. I don’t have to work at all. My parents are loaded, and I can have everything I ask for. I can buy whatever I want, travel around the world, dine in the most expensive restaurant, spend summer on a yacht, drink the most expensive wine, and have the most luxurious penthouse in Manhattan or have the fastest car in the world, and date the world sexiest man.
My parents own the biggest hotel chains in the world, King Hotel chains, and Restaurants, and I’m the only heiress. My dad is Michael Aaron King, the best dad every girl can dream of, and Catherine Elizabeth King is the most beautiful woman and the world’s number one mom.
I don’t need an annoying private tutor because I excel academically. Yeah, I’m in my third year in college at Boston State University, two hundred and sixty-six miles away from home, away from my parents, and away from friends.
My life sucks! Just kidding.
I am with my roommate/best friend in an apartment that’s not world-class, but not that bad either. I don’t have a friend. I know it sounds pathetic, but whatever.
I met Andrew three years ago during my therapy. He’s also seeing a doctor who was just another floor down my shrink’s office. We met at the reception, and we clicked right away. I guess we have something in common.
“Hi, um, you’re seeing a doctor here?” he asks me shyly.
“Yeah. For a couple of weeks, you?” I answer and ask back with a little smile. Not all people are good at sharing that they are seeing a therapist, but why should I be ashamed of myself if I need one.
“Dr. Peters.” He smiles.
“You?”
“Dr. Wallerman,” I tell in a low voice.
“Hmm. Rich people.” He scrutinizes me from head to toe. Dr. Wallerman is famous for her practice, and I don’t look like I can afford to pay a doctor like her.
“Excuse me?” I ask him when he raises an eyebrow.
“She’s like a celebrity doctor. I’m Andrew, by the way.” He offers his hand for a handshake. I hesitate, but he keeps his hand and waits for me to shake it.
“I’m Ma— I’m Abbygail. Please, call me Abby.” I shake his hand, and then we walk me out of the building.
“Sure, Abby. It suits you. Beautiful name.” He winks at me, which makes me blush. I don’t talk to strangers, and I don’t mingle too when someone gets close to me. The bodyguard Dad’s assigned will automatically shoo them away.
“Thanks.”
“I’ll walk you to your car,” Andrew offers.
I pause and face him. “Actually, I’m walking to a coffee shop.”
His eyes widen as if he has an idea. “Would you mind if I tag along?
“I don’t mind at all.”
“Good. Just only been here for a couple of weeks. I’m an ex-military, and you know this PTSD kind of shit. Oh sorry, I swear a lot. Used to in the military. How about you?” he says easily without a single flinch.
“If I swear a lot? Not much,” I answer.
He laughs at me.
“Just came here a month ago, and I’m still in college,” I cut it short. I’m still not comfortable sharing that horrific night even with my Doctor. It takes a while, but I feel better that there’s someone who somehow listens to what I experienced.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me if you’re not ready. I completely understand. It took a while for me, too.” He sounds apologetic.
I shrug. “Soon, hopefully. Thanks.”
We talk as we walk to the nearest coffee shop where I always dropped by after my session. Andrew mentions that he crashes the couch of one of his friends, and he’s still looking for a decent apartment with a decent price and that he needs a roommate.
I offered without even telling dad who was so pissed at me after that.
“Are you insane, Mackenzie? I thought we already talked about not talking to strangers, and you’re not just breaking my rules, you let a stranger live with you, and a man for God’s sake. I’ll talk to Howard later. How he didn’t report this to me?” He sounds so furious over the phone.
I bite my lip. Howard is going to lose his job.
“Jeez, Dad. Just calm down. And it’s Abby’s dad. You can meet him if you want to and do a background check. He’s a good person, trust me.” I roll my eyes because he’s overreacting again. He thinks all the people around me are dangerous.
“You want me to calm down? You are hundreds of miles away from me and your mom, and you want me to calm down? You’re living with a stranger who could be a psychopath. You’re not an adult yet Mackenzie. Does he even know?” he continues yelling to my ear.
“Dad, please, try to meet him and just give him a chance.”
He sighs. “Fine I would like to meet him, and if I don’t like him, he’ll be out of your apartment and end of discussions.”
My smile widens. “Great. I’ll let him know. Thanks, Dad. I love you!” I grin and jump.
“Don’t celebrate yet, and don’t thank me yet, young woman, and don’t tell him that I’m coming over.”
I stop. My brows furrow. “And why not?”
“That’s for you to find out.”He snaps.
I jolt in my seat when someone pats my shoulder. And speaking of the devil.
“You’ve been glancing at the clock for a few minutes already. You didn’t even notice me coming in. What’s with zoning out?” His brows creased, but he looks happy.
“Oh, I was just thinking about my exams tomorrow.” I lie.
“Hmm. You don’t have to worry about it. I’m sure you’ll ace your exams.” He gives me an enigmatic smile.
I rise from my chair. “What do we have for dinner? Or would you cook for us tonight?” I follow him, passing by our small living room to the kitchen.
“I got you your favorite pizza. I’ll cook next time, but not tonight.” Yeah, my best friend can cook. He could make something from scratch, and good thing, I have fast metabolisms otherwise, he’s turning me into a hippo because of his cooking skills.
He’s already sitting on the stool, leaning his elbows on our granite countertop. I open our dark brown cabinet that matches the color of our cupboards.
“What do you mean you got me pizza. How about you? What you’re gonna eat?” I take plates and cutlery for us.
“The best way to eat pizza is directly from the box. Why bother the plates, Abby? You’re so rich that sometimes you forget to have some fun.”
I grab him a soda and water for me from the fridge. “You still didn’t answer me. Why aren’t you going to have dinner with me? Going out with friends?” I sit beside him and open the box of Greek Pizza. I grab one slice and start digging.
“Actually, ivadet.”
I stop. My brows crease. “What?”
“I said I have a date tonight.” He didn’t look at me in the eyes.
As soon as the words came from his mouth, my eyes grow big in surprise.
“Oh, wow! My God, my best friend is dating. I mean, you start dating. That’s good news. I’m happy for you.” I put down my pizza, pull him into a hug.
“You’re going on a date tonight with a woman. Do I know her? What is she like? I mean I’m sure she’s pretty. How did you two meet? When did you replace your condom in your drawer? I’m sure they’ve expired two years ago. Do I need to leave before you come home? Or do I just need to pretend I’m sleeping and wear a headset?” I grin like an idiot.
“Silly. You’re so funny. Did you check that I have a condom on my nightstand? I’m not getting laid tonight, Abby, and it’s our first date. Jeez, you’re far too excited than me.” He crunches his nose, and I can see the glimmer in his eyes.
“Why not? Why torture yourself until the third date when you’re both attracted, duh!” I roll my eyes.
He laughs. “Jeez, Abby. Not everyone went out on a date just to have sex. Of course, when you’re serious about dating her, you can wait until you both are ready, so start on getting to know each other first.”
I’m already on my second slice of pizza, and it’s nice to eat directly from the box. No hassle.
Rich people like to make their life so difficult.
“Isn’t it most men think sex like every seven seconds?” I inquire and laugh at my question.
I add, “So, you’re really serious with this one and not just a fling or maybe a one-night stand or a one week in heaven?”
Andrew dated girls but not too serious. I didn’t even get a chance to meet anyone he dated, and that was over a year ago, then he stopped going out on a date all of a sudden. The reason? I don’t know.
He snorts. “She’s different, Abby, and I like her. I met her last week. She’s our new client. I happened to be the one who installed the security system in her apartment. She’s beautiful. I even follow her to the grocery store like a crazy stalker.”
Andrew works at a security agency for three years now, but I didn’t meet his co-workers yet. He said they would just hit on me.
“How different? Like so tall, blue skin, yellow eyes, with tail, and says I see you,” I mimic Neytiri, but fails miserably. I love that movie.
He laughs again and sips his soda. See, he even laughs at my lame joke. We always choose the same movie to watch, even a crappy rom-com—no arguments.
“I better go get a shower. Enjoy your dinner, Abby.” He kisses my head and tickles my side with his huge fingers before he bolts out of the kitchen.
I narrow my eyes and yell even my mouth is full. “I will kill you! You know I’m ticklish, you dick!”
“Where are your manners, young lady? Did you just say “dick”? Such a filthy mouth. I’ll tell your mom not to send you copies of the book she’ll purchase!” he warns me.
“Don’t you dare, asshole! You know Mom always listens to you, and I’ll spray pepper to all of your boxers if she’s not gonna send me copies.”
He doesn’t look amused. He presses his lips together before he says, “I’ll really spray pepper in your mouth right now if you’ll keep calling me names, Abbygail!” He comes back and tickles me. “That. Is. Not. So. Nice. Coming. From. You’re. Mouth. Young. Woman.”
I fall from my seat and try kicking him off, but he’s too big than me with his six feet and two inches tall, wide shoulders, and all muscles. He goes to the gym every day as his therapist has suggested, and he was already in good shape before he even started.
“Leave me alone, Andrew Clayton Tennings!” I laugh so much that I almost pee in my shorts.
“Say it again, and you’ll see if I’m joking!” he warns me again, and I know he’s true to his words. He treated me like his little sister he’d never had. He threatened everyone who tried hitting on me. He even said thatthey just want to get into your panties, and I know that looks, Abby. Stay away from those types of men. They’re all assholes.
“You’re the one who taught me every name. They’re all in my head, now, and you’re blaming me?” I can’t just stop laughing.
“I have to shower before my date think I’m ditching her.”
I’m still sitting on the floor, wiping my tears before he walks to his room. “Fine. You’ll be late anyway!”
After almost an hour, he comes out of his room and walks to me to our couch.
“Well, look at you. All well cleaned up. You look good, and you’re definitely getting laid tonight.” I raise my hands to surrender. “Oops… sorry. I mean you’re definitely getting a second date.”
He rolls his eyes. His curly brown hair is slightly disheveled in a stylish way. His blue eyes glimmer. There’s a little crooked on his nose from a fight, but it gives him a better look.
He looks handsome with his button-down blue shirt that fits perfectly with two buttons open that show a little hint of his well-defined chest. Both sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and he matches it with dark fitted jeans.
“Hmm. Behave at home, okay? Lock the door behind me, Abby. If you need anything, I mean anything calls me immediately.” He never forgot to remind me every day when he found out what happened to me three years ago.
“Ugh. Just go, and I’ll be fine. I won’t wait for you. I need to wake up early for my exams tomorrow, remember?” I wave my hand to shoo him away.
“Okay. I have to go. I love you, sweetie.”
“Enjoy your date, and good luck, I love you too, Drew.” After kissing my head, he walks out and locks the door after him.
I go to my bed and tuck myself in my blanket. I call Dad, but he doesn’t answer. I call my mom, and it goes to her voicemail. I guess they’re still on their honeymoon. I close my eyes, hoping to get good sleep without interruption.
***
I wake up in the morning just a minute before my alarm. I check my phone, only a message from my best friend, and still no call from my parents.
I reply to Drew.
Abby: missed you already. Thanks for not waking me up. Got a good sleep.
A few seconds later, he texts back.
Drew: Glad to know you slept well. Missed you too, sweetie. Don’t your breakfast before you go to school. Tc.
Abby: Don’t forget the details of your date. I’ll have my breakfast. No messages from Dad and Mom. Did they call you?
Drew: No, sweetie. They didn’t. They’re probably enjoying their trip. Or no cell service. Be patient. Gtg. Luv u.
Abby: Maybe. Luv u 2. Tc.