Page 65 of Payback

Tension settled over my shoulders and wound my muscles so tight, I could barely look from left to right. I rubbed the back of my neck and grimaced. My problems had only just begun, and I couldn’t see a way out. I doubted that any of the triumvirate would approve of my short term plan, but right now, I just wanted to lose myself for a few minutes before facing the insurmountable.

As soon as Henry and I got close enough, Edward’s brows creased, and his lips thinned.

Blake folded his arms across his chest. “What happened?”

I swallowed hard. My predicament was a form of karma. Everything I had done in my second term kept backfiring, and I was in the biggest trouble of my life.

Henry gave me a gentle squeeze around the waist. “Should we go to Edward’s study?”

“Upstairs. The bedroom’s more secure.” At least no one would be prowling around outside the window of the top floor.

Blake exchanged a puzzled look with Edward, who gestured for me to go inside. More people than I had expected milled the hallways and staircase. Perhaps sports day wasn’t a fun prospect for sixth formers. If it hadn’t been for Edward’s blood drive, I probably wouldn’t have attended, either.

We reached Edward’s room, and I blurted out the basics. Rudolph had mixed a bunch of random images and footage with videos of me either having sex with two or more of the boys or closeups that made it look like I was promiscuous with other boys.

I dipped my head. “He said I was a danger to myself and showed Mom the pictures taken after Mr. Carbuncle attacked me.”

Blake winced. “Emilia…” He shook his head. “I have no words. Is this another attempt to drive a wedge between you and your mother?”

“He wants me committed.”

Henry placed his hands on my shoulders. “What?”

“Mom’s trying to buy time. I think she’s trying to change Rudolph’s mind.”

Edward’s nostrils flared. “It’s important now more than ever that we collect as much evidence against that tyrant as we can.” He turned to Blake. “Let’s see if we can get in contact with Carbuncle and persuade him to report his association—”

“Wait.” I placed both hands over my ears. “Can we discuss this afterward?”

Henry rubbed my back. “After what?”

I turned toward him and placed a hand on his broad chest. “Make me forget. Even if it’s just for a few minutes.”

“Emilia.” Even without looking at Edward, I could hear the frown in his voice. “Don’t you think we should discuss this?”

I slipped off my blazer and hung it on the doorknob, making sure it obscured the keyhole. Anyone wanting to spy on us could film the lining of my jacket. When I turned around, Edward, Blake, and Henry stood in a row, each giving me puzzled stares. I unbuttoned my shirt. Henry frowned, Edward pursed his lips, and Blake’s gaze flickered to my lacy, cream bra.

When I unzipped my skirt and let it fall to the ground, Henry’s eyes blazed, Edward’s nostrils flared, and Blaze pressed the heel of his hand against his crotch.

I hooked a thumb under my bra strap and eased it down my shoulder. “Will one or more of you get me off, or will I have to do it myself?”

“Sometimes, a hard fuck is what a girl needs to clear her head.” Blake circled his arms around my waist and nuzzled my neck. He ground his hardening length into my belly, making me melt. “Let’s give her what she wants, and we can deal with Rudolph later.”

I ran my tongue across my bottom lip, and Henry’s green eyes tracked the movement. His breathing quickened, and his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. He was conflicted. The business with Rudolph was dire, but I needed release. Now.

Henry cast Edward a furtive look.

“Just kiss me,” I whispered. “We can plan later.”

Blake cupped my breasts. “Forget about those two.” He rolled my nipples between his fingers and murmured, “They’re limp under pressure. I can give you what you need.”

Edward snorted. “Don’t denigrate level-headedness and knowing one’s priorities.”

“Edward’s right,” said Henry. “We need a way to fight back.”

Blake brought strong, demanding lips to mine. He wrapped his arms around my waist and the back of my head as though he could kiss my worries into oblivion. It was working. Sensations sparked from my lips and ignited a fire that seared through my immediate concerns. I moved my lips against Blake’s as he pressed our bodies together so tight, I melted into the hardness crushed against my belly.

A moan slipped from my lips. This kiss was exactly what I needed. It was warmth and passion and delicious decadence, more so under the gazes of Edward and Henry.