Tormented Kings (Boys Of Kingston Academy #2)

Chapter 18

Sadie

My mom and Grayson’s dad left for the weekend to have some time to themselves, allowing us to have the house for Grayson’s annual Halloween Bash.

The girls and I have been hanging out in my room all day. Grayson and the other Host Club members have been hard at work transforming the house into a Halloween wonderland.

We offered to help, but Grayson shut that down, saying he has a certain way he does things. Then he banished us to my room for the day.

None of us are complaining. We’ve just been watching Halloween movies all day, screaming our heads off at every little jump scare.

“I can’t believe the haunted houses do nothing for you, yet you lose your shit over scary movies.” Alice laughs hard after I just jumped, screamed, and dumped my popcorn all over the bed.

I swing a glare her way. “Because it’s the anticipation. You never know what's going to happen, who’s going to pop out, or if someone's going to die.”

“Babe,” she raises a brow. “It’s The Conjuring. You’ve seen this movie a million times. You should know what to expect by now.”

“Whatever,” I grumble as I grab handfuls of popcorn and shove it back in the bowl.

“Can’t say that about the haunted houses anymore, can you?” Emma taunts in a teasing tone. “Don’t think we didn’t hear you scream your head off behind us in that last house. I can’t believe you finally got scared, and we missed it. I wonder if they have cameras set up, and if they do, how much it would cost to get the footage.”

“Oh, yes!” Mia cheers. “We have to try.”

“Stop it.” I laugh. “I blame it on Declan. He distracted me. If he didn’t have his hands all over me, making my mind turn into goo by his touch, then I wouldn’t have gotten caught off guard.”

“So you admit it!” Alice boasts.

“Yeah, yeah.” I roll my eyes.

“Are you gonna tell us where you and Declan went afterwards? We thought you got lost from the group but Grayson told us to stick around and wait after he got a text.”

“Ahh.” My cheeks blush. “We took another way around.”

“You snuck off to fuck, didn’t you?” Emma demands, grinning from ear to ear. “Damn, my girl is turning into quite the exhibitionist, aren’t you.”

“Stop it. I am not.” I grin, throwing a piece of popcorn at her.

“Really? Are you sure about that?” she laughs. “Let’s see. There’s the time Grayson finger fucked you outside the school, then the time you fucked Collin in the utility closet, then with Grayson again in the school stairwell. Now getting fucked behind a building at an amusement park.”

“Those are not the only places.” My cheeks grow a deep red.

They all gape at me. “Girl, spill. Please!” Mia pleads.

I groan, flopping back on the bed. “Collin and I had sex in his office the other day. It was like the moment we saw each other, there was a spell that had us clawing each other’s clothes off.”

“Shoot,” Emma sighs dreamily. “Did he spank your ass and call you a naughty girl?”

“No.” I roll my eyes.

“Shame. That’s a missed opportunity to play teacher and student fantasy.” Alice laughs.

“Where else?” Mia asks.

I bite my lower lip, thinking about the tower. And the fact that Grayson watched the whole thing on camera.

“Can I ask you something?” I ask them, moving to sit up again, nerves starting to surface.

“You can ask us anything,” Emma says seriously.

“You can’t make fun of me or laugh at me, okay.” I give them all a stern look.

“We would never do that. You know we wouldn’t,” Mia reassures.

I know they wouldn’t. But this is all new to me. They’ve always been open about their sex lives, so with me, who didn’t have one, I didn’t have much input. The more I spend time with the guys, the more I learn about myself and what I enjoy sexually. The kink list just keeps on growing.

“Preston and I had sex in the tower last week.”

“What!” Emma’s eyes go wide. “Really?”

I nod. “Details are not important.”

“Sure, they are.” Mia urges, but I shake my head. We’ve had this talk before. “Fine,” she pouts.

“After, I felt like I cheated. So, right away, I told the others what happened.”

“Of course. Because you're a good person, Sadie.” Alice laughs.

“Thanks.” I roll my eyes. “Anyway, everyone said the same thing, it wasn’t cheating in their eyes because everyone is so convinced that Preston and I are going to be together.”

“I mean, I could see it. The man clearly wants you,” Mia says.

“He does; he’s admitted as much. Anyways, he’s got his own personal stuff to work through. That's not where I’m going with this, though.”

“Okay, where are you going then?” Emma asks.

“When I told Grayson, he admitted that he already knew.”

Mia’s brows furrow. “How? Did he show up or something and watch?”

“Not exactly. He did watch. But he wasn’t in the tower when he was watching.” My cheeks are full on flaming right now as understanding dawns on Alice.

“Oh my god. Are you telling me he has a camera hooked up or something?”

“Yeah,” I say hesitantly.

“So he’s been watching you?” Emma asks.

“He says he put the camera up years ago to make sure that the tower wasn’t messed with because he knew how much it meant to me.” I still don’t know how he knew that, seeing how we’ve never really had a conversion before this year and never shared enough words for me to open up to him about places that had meaning to me. But I’ve come to learn there’s a lot that Grayson just knows about me.

“That’s sweet,” Alice says. “Right?”

“How do you feel about him watching without you knowing? Do we need to kick his ass?” Emma asks seriously.

“No,” I sigh, hiding my face. “If it was anyone else, I’d be pissed. I’d feel violated. But...”

“But you don’t?” Mia asks, and I can hear the amusement in her voice. “Damn, Dee. You're more kinky than the three of us put together. And here we thought you were Miss Milli Vanilli. You like it, don’t you? The idea of him watching you as Preston fucked you.”

“Yes, okay, yes.” I groan. “What is wrong with me?” I sigh heavily. “Why does the idea of him watching me make me so damn hot!”

“Nothing’s wrong with you, babe.” Emma laughs. “We all have our kinks. Some more than others.” She raises a brow at me with a smirk, and I flip her off. “Hey now, I’m not judging. I’m honestly proud. Our girl is all grown up.”

“And full of cock.” Mia snorts.

“Oh my god, you guys are the worst.” I throw popcorn at all three of them. They laugh, dodging it.

“It’s like a dark romance. Next thing you know, you’re going to find out Grayson has been stalking you for years, watching your every move. That he has a whole set up in this very house with cameras where he sits and jacks off to you pleasuring yourself alone in your room, calling out his name as you cum.” Emma literally says all of this as if this is some fairytale dream idea. “Oh, or he’s going to come into your room one night, kidnap you, and chase you through the woods with a Ghostface mask.”

“You’re fucking nuts.” I snort. “Never going to happen. Because this is the real world, Emma, and people don’t actually do that.”

“A girl can dream, can’t she?” she asks.

“Are you really wishing all of that would happen to you?” I ask, laughing. “That poor shy Brent is really a stalker obsessed with you?”

Her eyes light up. “You don’t think he is, do you?”

“Oh my god.” I burst out laughing.

“Knock knock!” Grayson’s voice calls through the other side of the door as he knocks on it. “Safe to come in, or are all of you in your underwear having a pillow fight?”

Mia snorts. “Come in!” she calls out.

“Ohhh, it's him,” Emma teases.

Grayson opens the door, his hand over his eyes. I grin as he lowers it and pouts. “Ahh, shame. Everyone’s dressed.”

“Don’t act as if you want to see anyone else but Sadie half naked,” Alice chastises.

“You’re right. I don’t. But I don’t want to see her half naked, I want to see her fully naked.” He gives me a grin that’s packed with sin and wicked intentions.

“That is exactly what a stalker would say.” Emma points at Grayson.

“Emma, can it,” I hiss.

“Stalker?” Grayson asks, lips twitching as he looks between the three of us.

“Emma is crazy, she forgot to take her meds today.” I roll my eyes. “Don’t mind her. She’s concocted some wild story in her mind that you’re my stalker and have been watching me for years.”

“Uh huh,” he says slowly, swallowing hard, a quick flash of something I could swear looks like panic flickers in his eyes, but he keeps a grin on his face. Weird.

“Crazy, right?”

“Yeah. Crazy,” he chuckles. “Is this because you told them about the tower?”

“Yes.” I bite my lip.

He grins wider. “Not going to lie, Pretty Girl. It was fucking hot.”

“Do you two want us to leave so you can fuck? Because the way you’re looking at each other, I feel like we’re intruding,” Mia asks in amusement.

I say ‘noo’ at the same time Grayson says ‘yes’.

My eyes stare him down as my friends laugh. “Is there something you wanted, dear boyfriend?” I ask.

“Yes, girlfriend.” He winks. “I’ve come to let you know it’s probably a good time to start getting ready. Everything is set up. People will start getting here in a few hours.”

“Are you going to get ready, or are you going as yourself?”

“You will have to wait and see,” he teases. “Can’t wait to see what you’re going as. Although, you could wear a paper bag and still look fine.”

“Smooth,” Emma says.

“Alright, byeeeeee.” I toss a pillow at him as the girls start to make mocking lovey noises, and Grayson leaves with a laugh.

This is going to be one interesting night.

“Damn, girl!” Mia whistles as I give them a spin. I look amazing. This costume was a good choice for sure. “Are you sure you’re not even the tiniest bit gay? I’d be willing to share you with the guys. Let me join your harem. Pretty please?” She holds up her hands in a pleading motion.

I laugh, knowing she’s joking, but Alice shoots her a look that says she’s not pleased at all.

“Sorry, babe.” I pout. “If I did like girls, you would be my first choice, though.”

“Hey!” Emma gasps. “Rude. What about me? Or Alice.”

“Okay, fine. If I was gay, I’d make the three of you my harem. Better?”

“Much.” She nods.

Emma looks cute in her naughty nurse outfit. Her long brown hair is up in a high pony, her costume clinging to her body. If the girl bends over, though, everything is going to be hanging out.

Alice decided to create a darker version of her Alice in Wonderland costume by adding a bit of blood and dirt. She still looks good.

Mia is in a full-body suit that clings to her like a fitted glove. I’ve noticed Alice sneaking a glimpse or two. I really hope the two of them figure it out.

Me? I added a few things to my costume. It was originally a bodysuit and the angel wings, but I’ve added fishnet stockings and combat boots. I’m wearing a black wig with long beach wave curls and my makeup is done dark and sexy.

I feel like a different person, something fun and exciting for the night. I hope the guys like it.

Sending a quick text to Collin that I love him and I wish he could be here, I toss my phone on my bed and grab a disposable camera, attaching it to my wrist.

Grayson has a rule of no phones allowed. Something about keeping what goes on at his parties a mystery makes people want to come and experience it for themselves. But he did agree to a disposable camera. It’s not against his rules. I guess people just don’t use them anymore. Shame, I love how the photos turn out when developed.

“Alright, let’s go!” Alice says, a little too cheerfully. We all started drinking about a half hour ago. They’re on their way to tipsy town, but I’ve only had one drink. I might have more, but I’d rather wait until I’m with the guys. Better to be safe. Seeing how parties and I don’t have a good history together.

I still can’t believe it was Declan this whole time who was the one who brought me home that night, and then the night of the party this past summer. He’s always been there for me, I just didn’t know it.

I still haven’t been able to bring myself to talk to him about it. Just thinking about that night brings back bad memories. At least from what I can remember from that night. Part of me fears if I talk about it at all, it might trigger something and I don’t want to remember. I know I should; it could help with a case against Lionel, but I already have too much going on in my life to bring this into it.

No. It’s better to keep the past in the past. Why bring up old things? I’m happy. I don’t want to ruin that.

Opening my bedroom door, I’m surprised by how soundproof it is because the moment I do, we’re met by the loud music coming from downstairs.

“Are we late or early?” I ask as we move through the dark hallway.

“No idea,” Emma laughs. “I’ve always been late coming to these. Brent isn’t here yet. He said to meet him down in the kitchen. Fine by me, because I need another drink.”

We manage to make it to the bottom of the stairs without falling. Why is this place so damn dark? I tried to turn the lights on, but the switch didn’t work. Guess he doesn’t want someone to turn the lights on and ruin the vibe.

And I see why as I take my first look at the place. “Holy shit,” I say in awe.

This place is decked out from ceiling to floor to make it look like an epic haunted house but still having a party look to it.

“So, what do you think?” Declan asks. I spin around and nearly cum in my pants when I see what he’s dressed as.

“Yeah, I can see why you’re not gay. Maybe I’m not either. Because holy hell, woman,” Mia gapes at Declan.

I don’t blame her. He’s dressed as Milo Thatch from Atlantis, the Lost Empire .

“Hey there,” Emma purrs, strutting her way over to him. She slides up next to him and pets his arm. “Need any help checking your prostate?”

His eyes widen as he lets out a choking sound. “I’m sorry, what?” he asks, voice going a little higher.

“Dear god, Emma, do you have no shame?” I groan as Mia and Alice burst into laughter.

“What? Have you seen him? Boy is fucking fine.” She turns back to Declan. “Smart choice, big guy. You’re gonna have her kitty purring all night long now.”

“I’m so confused,” he laughs awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.

“Yup, you’re doomed, girl,” Emma sighs, then looks back up to Declan. “Sorry, man. I don’t hook up with my girl’s homies.” She puts up a peace sign and walks towards the kitchen.

“Sadie, Sweetheart, please tell me what is going on?” he asks me.

“Don’t mind her.” I laugh. “She’s a little tipsy. On her way to being drunk.”

“Oh, okay, because not going to lie, I was a little afraid there,” he chuckles.

“How come? Don’t want anyone checking your prostate?” I grin. “I mean, I could help scratch that itch if you’re a really good boy and ask me nicely.”

His breath hitches, eyes flaring. “Sadie,” he says in a warning tone. “Please, don’t make me walk around here for the rest of the night sporting a hard on.”

“If I gotta walk around here with wet panties at the sight of you, it’s only fair.”

“You’re killing me, Sweetheart,” he groans. “Because fucking hell, Sadie, you look amazing. It’s going to be hard to keep my hands off you all night.”

“So don’t.” I grin before grabbing his hand and spinning around to lead him towards the kitchen. With one of my men by my side, it’s time to get this party started.

An hour in, and the place is packed. The music is pumping, the drinks are flowing, and I’m having a really good time.

Yet, I still haven’t seen Grayson. Declan said that he’s walking around making sure everything goes well but will find us eventually because he wants to spend time with me.

I accepted it and allowed myself to enjoy my time with Declan and the girls whenever they come around.

Emma is glued to Brent’s side. Mia’s been dancing with a new girl every song, and Alice has been watching from the sideline, looking pissed before she grabbed a guy’s hand and demanded he dance with her.

My good night comes crashing down around me when I look over and see Preston. With Tina.

“What the fuck?” I say in shock, feeling Declan’s hands gripping mine. I look up at him, finding his eyes on Preston, jaw tightened. He’s pissed. And fuck, so am I.

Because even though he might not be mine, Tina is a fucking monster, and he knows it.

“Hey,” Tina’s voice makes every hackle I have rise. “Don’t you two look just adorable.”

“What the fuck are you doing here?” It’s not me who growls that, it’s Declan.

“Rude much.” Tina frowns. “I’m here because I was invited.”

“Bullshit. Grayson would never have invited you. I thought he made it clear at the last party, you weren’t welcome.”

“Well, my fiance was invited, and I’m his plus one.” She sneers at me, going to take Preston’s hand, but he shoves them in his pockets before she can.

She plays it off as if nothing happened, putting her hands on her hips. She’s dressed as a slutty bunny. It’s just a white bra and thong with bunny ears, really. Would be cute on anyone but her.

“You’re still not welcome. Not after what you did. You know, when you were caught hooking up with a guy in my bed. Had to burn my bed set, by the way. Thanks for that, I really liked that one.”

She runs her tongue along her teeth before making a scoff. “I’m going to get a drink. Want anything?” she asks Preston.

“No. I can’t trust you won’t drug me.”

Her eyes flare with anger, but she doesn’t say anything as she turns around with a huff and storms off.

“What are you doing here with her?” I hiss. “What is wrong with you?”

Preston is not dressed as anything. I think? He’s in his school uniform. Did he come as a Kingston student or something?

“My dad has been on my ass about me spending nights away from home as long as I have been.” His eyes flick up to Declan, then back to me. “I’m only here to shut him up. He’s freaking out about Tina’s family picking a different husband for her.”

“Isn’t that the goal?” I glare at him.

“Yes, but not before we deal with my dad. I don’t want to risk pissing him off any more than he already is. But trust me, Sadie, I don’t want to be here with her. I don’t want to be anywhere near her. It’s just for show. It means nothing.”

He says it means nothing, but it still hurts. It fucking stings, and I can tell it’s hurting Declan just as much.

“Come on.” I grab Declan’s hand. “We have a night to enjoy.”

I can’t believe that guy. Is he for real? After everything that bitch has done to me, he’s going to not only continue to be around her but bring her to this fucking party. Thrown by my boyfriend? Granted, she doesn’t know Grayson is my boyfriend because the world thinks he’s my stepbrother, but still.

Even though I’m pissed, I understand why he’s doing it. His father is a fucking menace to society. What kind of monster beats their own kid? Makes me fucking sick.

“Hey.” I pull Declan to the side, away from everyone else. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” He gives me a forced smile. “I’m fine. I’m just pissed for you.”

“Declan.” I give him a soft look.

“Okay, I’m pissed for myself, too,” he sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I get why he’s doing it, I do. But does he have to bring her here? I swear to god, I’ll kick his ass if I see him so much as touch her. Not just because I don’t want him to, but after the way she’s treated you, him bringing her here in your own home is fucked up.”

If only he knew the half of it. I really should let them in on my past with her. I’m sure they know by now she’s bullied me, but they don’t know for how long or how bad. And they don’t know about the damaging effects it left on me.

Would Preston still be with Tina if he knew the reason why he found me passed out in that tower all those years ago was because she triggered an eating disorder so bad it nearly killed me?

Would he even care?

I’d like to think he would. But I’m not looking for pity. I’m better now, and I’m not going to let her bring me back to that dark place.

Keep telling yourself, Sadie. Is that why you haven’t eaten anything today apart from the popcorn with the girls?

That's different. I just wasn’t hungry.

I’m never really hungry these days. But it’s stress, not Tina and her bullshit. Everyone loses their appetite when they get too stressed, right?

As if to prove myself wrong, I grab a few finger sandwiches off the food table next to us and put it on a little plate.

“It’s not really my home,” I tell him, taking a bite. “I’m only a guest here.”

He gives me a blank look. “It’s your home, Sadie, even if you don’t plan on staying long.”

Mom heard back from the contractors. Between having to rip up all the flooring and replacing it, they found out they have to replace all the pipes because they’re all old and outdated. If they were just to fix the cracked one, it wouldn’t be long before it happened again somewhere else in the house. I’m sad because that means a lot of the interior is going to change, but if this means we preserve the exterior, that’s what I care about. It’s a cute little authentic looking stone cottage that I adore and would love to keep in my possession.

“Let’s go dance.” I smile up at him. “Tonight has been amazing. I don’t want this to ruin it.”

He smiles, nodding his head. “You’re right.” He takes my hand in his and pulls me out to the dance floor. Leaning in, he brushes his lips against my ear. “I love you, Sweetheart.”

My eyes flutter closed, a phantom hand grasping my heart and squeezing, making the air in my lungs woosh out of me. Maybe it’s the alcohol, or maybe it’s my heart and soul realizing that we can be happy. I do deserve these men.