Page 34 of Shatter

Melody

My heartbeat thunders in my ears. When he told me to hide in his bathroom, I'd obeyed at first. I was terrified of my mother finding me. But I know Harrison will always protect me. I trust him. Not just because he's told me he would, but every time we've been in the same room, he's shown me with his actions.

Smiling, I decide to mess with him.

Being naked, in his bed, just a hundred feet from my parents, has adrenaline flooding my veins. I imagine them finding me in my uncle's bed, and the risk of it all is thrilling.

I can hear Athena screeching and Harrison's raised voice in return. She'd have to get through him to get to me, and I know he'd never allow that.

And I know Harrison will have a delicious punishment waiting for me because I disobeyed him.

My smile is so wide that my cheeks hurt. I'm not sure I've ever smiled this much. And not my 'don't show too many teeth' smile. This smile shows all of my teeth, and I'm sure it looks ridiculous, but the heat in Harrison's eyes when he sees me is the perfect reward.

He steps into his bedroom and shuts the door behind him. I'm vibrating with anticipation. I twist until I'm kneeling on the corner of his bed, eager to see what he has in mind.

He wraps a large hand around my neck gently, and it settles something deep inside of me. I sigh, and my body immediately goes slack.

He brings his mouth to my ear, and I shiver when his warm breath tickles the skin there.

"This isn't being a very good girl, now, is it?" he growls. I whimper.

I'm a puddle, but I want to push him, to brat a little. "Maybe I wanted them to find me, naked, on my uncle's bed."

He growls again, giving my neck a gentle squeeze.

"Get dressed."

Disappointment floods through me as he releases my neck. Wait. What?

I'm here, naked, waiting for his punishment, and he's not going to give it to me?

"But I've been bad!" I whisper-shout, desperation lacing my tone.

"Oh, and you'll be punished for it, but I think part of your punishment is going to be not knowing when."

Oh. That's evil.

I pout. I don't like that idea at all. Will it be later today? Tomorrow? A week from now? I'm going to be on pins and needles until it happens.

"Get dressed and come back out. We all need to talk."

I hate him a little right now, but I do as I'm told. In this dynamic, he's in charge, and I know I can trust him to do exactly what I need, and maybe I need this punishment.

He leaves, and I finish getting dressed, walking back out into the kitchen where Parker and Marco are eating.

"I have to go to work this evening," Harrison says, leaning his ass against the counter, facing the other men.

"I think I can sneak Parker back to my place. Your garage is dark, and no one will expect him in Georgetown," Marco says.

"I can give you a hoody to hide your face in the car," Harrison offers.

Disappointment washes through me again. I don't want to be alone. If Marco and Parker leave, and Harrison goes to work, I'll be all alone.

"I want to go with you," I blurt out to Harrison.

He thinks for a moment before nodding. "Alright. I can sneak you in through the back entrance."

It's not a primal night, but I'll still get to see what Harrison does every day for work. Maybe I can get a job there. I've never had a real job.