CHAPTER 55
**WINTER**
"Goddammit!" I yelled into my pillow, desperately trying to block out the music, which was so loud it felt like the walls of my room were vibrating with every beat.
Shouts, laughter, and the occasional burst of engine roars seeped through the thin walls, mixing into a chaotic symphony of sound.
Zion had to be doing this deliberately.
Who throws a party at this hour?
The nerve of him. I tried to ignore the throbbing bass that seemed to sync with my pulse, each beat a relentless reminder of my growing irritation. This was beyond inconsiderate-this was a blatant disregard for anyone else's peace.
The house was alive with music and raucous voices. For the past two hours, the air had been filled with the relentless thrum of revving engines and high-pitched screams-hopefully from pleasure, not pain. Each new sound made my muscles tense up further.
I glanced at the clock on my bedside table, frustration bubbling up inside me. It was already past two in the morning, and in just four hours, I needed to be up and getting ready for my first day at Johnson & Johnson. I couldn’t afford to be anything less than sharp and focused for my meeting with my new boss, but Zion had made sleep impossible.
I needed this job. The money was crucial, especially since there was no way I’d be asking my dad for help—he’d never offered any financial support before—and my mom was barely making ends meet herself. And Jared… My eyes stung with unshed tears at the thought of him.
God dammit!
The music seemed to be getting even louder.
There was virtually no chance that Zion would lower the volume if I asked him to, but the part of me that still clung to hope thought it was worth a try.
Exhaustion and frustration had eroded my patience to its breaking point. Maybe, just maybe, Zion would put aside his petty grudge and show a shred of decency. I might as well try, even if it was a long shot.
The night had grown cold, making me hesitate to leave the warmth of my bed. I reluctantly tossed aside the covers and, with a deep breath, slid into my slippers and wrapped a shawl around my white camisole.
My hair fell freely around my shoulders, and without a trace of makeup, I was wearing my favourite pair of white linen sleep shorts. I knew I could've put in more effort to look presentable, or at least opted for something less revealing, but I just couldn’t be bothered. Exhaustion had settled in, and I was far too drained to care about how I looked.
I trudged over to the door, only to find it still locked.
Seriously!
Frustration bubbling up inside me, I glanced around the room until my eyes landed on the window. I stared at it for a few moments, weighing my options.
The music outside grew louder, pulsing through the walls.
That’s it.
The window it is...
.............
The front lawn was filled with a motley crowd of unfamiliar faces, though I couldn't say I knew anyone even if I tried.
Navigating through the throng of inebriated partygoers, I managed to slip inside unnoticed. The house was a cacophony of noise and chaos.
In the living room, scantily clad girls were being unceremoniously groped while others were engaged in animated conversations, their drinks sloshing around as they spoke. The air was thick with the mingling stench of sweat and smoke.
As I took in the scene, I couldn't help but feel like the odd one out, a stick in the mud in this riotous display of hedonism.
When I reached the kitchen, I came to a halt, taken aback by the sight of Clark at the table. He was engrossed in a drinking game with a few guys and a couple of girls, the party's lively energy evident in their animated banter. There was no turning back now.
Clark glanced up and grinned.
“Winter! Hey!” he called out, standing up a bit unsteadily, his smile warm and tinged with a hint of drunkenness. “I thought you were asleep?”
I tried to keep the sarcasm out of my voice.
"You think I can sleep through this racket?"
Clark’s eyebrows wiggled mischievously as he leaned in. “Come on, it’s a party! What did you expect? A tea party?” he chuckled, then gestured toward the table where a drinking game was in full swing. “Come join us!”
“Uh, no thanks,” I said, shaking my head.
“Where’s Zion?”
Clark scratched the back of his head, his expression sheepish. "He's kind of busy right now."
"Busy doing what?" I asked, frustration creeping into my voice.
"He's up in his bedroom with Cindy," Clark said, an anall smirk playing on his lips.
"And given Zion's reputation and his insatiable sex drive, I wouldn't count on him being available anytime soon."
Zion was having sex with Cindy.
The news struck me with an intensity that felt akin to a physical blow, leaving me bewildered as to why it affected me so deeply.
I had no romantic feelings for Zion; he was free to pursue anyone he chose, and logically, it should not have troubled me. Yet, it did.
I managed to nod at Clark, attempting to conceal the inner conflict evident in my expression.
"Clark, return here!" a red-haired woman shouted from behind him, her tone both whiny and impatient.
I glanced around, I noticed a few girls casting envious glances in our direction. It was clear they were not thrilled by the fact that Clark was talking to me.
More than a few girls were vying for Clark's attention, but I wasn't one of them. Sure, he was good-looking with his bright blue eyes, styled blonde hair, and well-fitting clothes.
But I didn't believe he'd stick around for anything serious. He had a charm that reminded me of my brother Jared, and the thought of him always brought a pang of sadness.
I turned to leave, intent on continuing my search for Zion, but just as I reached the kitchen doorway, someone grabbed my elbow.
"Hey there, gorgeous," a voice called out with a sleazy edge. "I’m pretty sure we haven’t met because I’d never forget an ass like yours. Those pyjamas look incredible on you. If you’re in the mood for some fun, I’d be more than willing to give you what you need."
My stomach churned, and my body tensed.
What a creep.
"Back off, man," a guy—Ronald, I think—warned. "Zion’s made it clear she’s off-limits. So don’t even think about touching her!"
The creep's eyes roamed over me, lingering uncomfortably on my legs. "Zion's upstairs fucking Cindy right now. I'm sure he's got other things on his mind right now."
The fact that everyone knew Zion was upstairs screwing a girl, fueled a surge of frustration.
I exhaled heavily, intent on escaping this nightmare, but before I could leave, the creep yanked me backwards, pressing me against his chest and wrapping his arms around me. I barely noticed Ronald rushing out of the room in response.
My body tensed, and I started struggling fiercely to free myself. "Let go of me!" I shouted.
Nearby, a group of guys were engrossed in a pool game, ignoring the commotion. Their focus remained on the game, indifferent to the unfolding scene.
"Let me go!" I demanded, my voice a desperate growl. The onlookers began to pay more attention, their expressions shifting to mild curiosity, but no one intervened. The lack of action only heightened my sense of isolation.
“You’re sexy,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a low purr.
“Let’s not waste any time,” he murmured, his lips brushing against my neck. “How about we find a private room? I want you in every way possible, and I want it now.”
I struggled to free myself from his hold, but his grip was too firm.
“Keep resisting, sweetheart. It only makes me want you more.” He let out a mocking laugh before flicking his tongue against my earlobe and nibbling it gently.
My anger flared, overriding any trace of fear. I felt a fierce energy coursing through me.
I reached behind me, manoeuvring my hand between our bodies until I could grab his cock firmly. I squeezed just enough to catch his attention but not enough to cause serious pain.
He didn’t let go, "hmmm, that's it, baby.." he mumbled, seemingly enjoying it.
Not for long.
“Let me go,” I demanded through gritted teeth. By now, more people were watching, their expressions a mix of curiosity and amusement. No one intervened.
I tightened my grip as hard as i could, and he finally released me.
“What the hell...?” he exclaimed.
I spun around and delivered a sharp slap across his face.
"You bitch...you fucking bitch .."
"And you're a sleazy asshole" I shouted back.
“What’s going on here?” came the incredulous voice.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
