Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Carter.
For years, I’d wanted him. Even when I was in my fucked up mental state, brought on by my father, I still lusted after him. He was a football player, the cocky jock, and when everyone made fun of me, he joined right in on it. He could have told them to stop, but he didn’t.
Part of me wishes I didn’t feel drawn to him, that knowing he went along with the others should be enough to dull my want for him, but it doesn’t.
Like a hawk, he watches me, moving closer and closer, but not close enough to draw my father’s attention. Fear claws at my insides. I don’t want him to get too close. I’m afraid of what may happen if he does.
He never stuck up for me in middle school or high school, and when college came, he completely ignored me, which was far worse than being picked on if you ask me. I could handle insults and hate, but silence, that was the ultimate killer. Even getting bad attention is better than getting none at all.
I wanted him for years, watching him from afar when he hadn’t even paid me the time of day. I can’t think about this right now, can’t digest the anger, and sadness I’m feeling because of him. I need to keep my head clear, keep myself in line. My life and my mother’s depends upon it. I’ll get out of my father’s hold, one way or another.
“Is that your daughter?” A man I don’t recognize drawls, his voice, and presence pulling me from my thoughts. I look him up and down, only without actually meeting his eyes. He’s as old as my father, with weathered features, and a gold watch on his wrist. He’s looking at me like I’m a piece of steak, and I shiver involuntarily.
“Why, yes, it is. Malcolm, I would like you to meet Daisy. Daisy, this is Malcolm.” That’s my father’s way of saying you may look up now. I do, dragging my gaze from my hands, and greet this Malcolm man with a forced smile. The corners of his mouth tuck upward, and slightly yellow teeth peek out between his lips. His gaze drops from my eyes to my mouth and travels down my chest.
There is something so disgusting about that gesture. Like he’s eyeing me up as if I’m an award-winning steak or something. His smile makes me feel dirty, and I have the sudden urge to grab my jacket, so I can cover up more. I don’t even think when I make my next move.
I clear my throat, giving him a stern look. “My eyes are up here…” I speak quietly, but unfortunately, my father still hears me. I immediately regret the words, knowing that I will hear about it later. My father does not approve of speaking up… ever.
He chuckles, “You’re gorgeous, I’m just admiring your beauty.
“Thank you,” I grit out, even though it’s the last thing I want to say, all while feeling Carter’s eyes on me the entire time.
My father wraps his arm around me, and to any onlookers, it might seem like he’s just pulling me into a hug, but his fingers dig painfully into my arm, and I know it’s anything but a beautiful father-daughter moment. I wasn’t watching my mouth, and it’s going to cost me.
“Maybe later, we can discuss an arrangement of some assortment? Though that gravely depends on her attitude.” Malcolm licks his lips, his beady eyes lingering on my breasts again, which are on display like I’m a trophy he might win. Little does he know, I’m not anyone’s property, not even my father’s.
“Sure, sure, maybe…” My father’s voice trails off, and I drop my gaze, feeling my father staring at me with disapproval.
“Okay, I’ll be going for now.” The man gives me one last lingering look and walks away. As soon as he’s out of earshot, my father turns to me, pinching my chin between two fingers, and forcing me to look him in the eyes.
“Do you think making a mockery out of me is going to benefit you?” Anger swirls deep in his eyes. I want to pull away, to run away from him, and this place, but I can’t. So, I choose the easiest option and pacify him.
“No, not at all,” I answer him softly, doing my best to try and convince him. I need to play the obedient little girl he wants me to be, not only for me.
“Are you sure?” He narrows his gaze and inspects my face, but before I can answer him, he releases me and takes a step back.
A second later, Carter appears, and my father takes another step back, a sinister smile on his face.
“I’m going to get a drink from the bar,” he tells me and walks away, leaving me with the third least favorite person I want to be around at this party.