Hate me

Aspen

I shake my hair out of the clip and smooth my hands down my short silky white dress. So short it stops mid-thigh.

Peering into the mirror, I run my nude lipstick across my lips, then put on another coat of mascara. 

Smirking, I take out some black eyeliner and draw a dramatic cat eye on my top lids…just like I do when I’m at the club. 

My mother wanted me to look classy tonight for all her ritzy friends.  

But she stole my hard-earned money, so fuck her. 

Payback is a bitch. 

And tonight? So am I. 

The party is in full swing by the time I trot down the stairs and out to the patio, which, as promised, has been transformed into a beautiful oasis. 

Apparently, the guests have a choice between surf and turf and lobster ravioli to go along with their elegant ambiance.  

Thanks to all my goddamn money. 

By the looks of things, di

“Aspen,” my mother utters when I approach, and wearing this dress was so worth it for the horrified look on her face. “You’re here. Finally.”

“Sorry, mom. I was busy getting ready. Wanted to make sure I looked my best.” 

Trent—who doesn’t appear pleased one bit by my appearance, or my extreme tardiness—gestures to the only open seat on the other side of the never-ending table. “Have a seat. Now.” 

Shooting him a fuck-you smile, I take my place at the table. 

Unfortunately, it’s next to Knox. 

However, I notice that Leo is seated directly across from me. He’ll make this di

“Hi, Aspen,” Leo says. “How have you been?” 

“Great,” I answer, playing right along with his pseudo small talk. “How’s work? I heard you got a promotion.” 

“I didn’t know slutty nightgowns were suitable di

A few people around the table exchange a glance, and my mother’s cheeks turn red. 

“Oh, you know brothers,” my mother jokes tersely. “Always teasing their sisters.” 

“Knox,” Trent says in warning as a server places a plate in front of me. “Stop teasing your sister.” His angry glare swivels to me next. “And Aspen…” 

I can tell he wants to ream me out, but he can’t because we’re surrounded by people. Such a shame. 

“Be good,” he settles on before going back to his lobster.  

I bat my eyelashes at my stepfather. He wants the perfect family? Well, I’m go

“Sure, daddy,” I state with a mock pout. “I’ll do whatever you want tonight.”

Beside me, Knox chokes on his drink. 

Trent’s eyebrows shoot up to the sky. 

My mother looks like it’s taking every ounce of willpower not to reach over and strangle me. 

And Leo looks at me like I’ve lost my damn mind. 

Mission accomplished. 

“So,” Leo says, attempting to change the subject. “I heard you got into Stanford.” He raises his glass and I see the pride shining in his eyes. “Beautiful and smart…that’s a wi

“How’s Aunt Lenora?” Knox interjects. “It’s a real shame you didn’t bring her tonight. I would have loved to see her.” 

The smile falls from Leo’s face. “Yes, well. I’m sure she would have loved to be here, but she hasn’t been feeling well and needed to catch up on some rest.” 

Instantly, guilt snakes its way up my spine. 

“Is everything all right?” a woman sitting next to him asks. 

 “Yes.” His mouth turns down in a frown. “But my wife has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.” 

Underneath the table, I feel Knox’s hand graze my thigh. 

I shoot him a threatening look, but as usual, Knox doesn’t give a fuck.  

“She’s in a wheelchair and can’t speak,” my mother unhelpfully adds. 

I try clamping my thighs together when I feel him moving closer, but Knox is stronger and pries them apart. Then, lifting my leg, he drags it over one of his and secures my calf with his free hand, ensuring I stay put. 

“Oh, the poor thing,” the woman says with a sympathetic expression. “That’s so sad. You’re such a great husband for taking care of her.” 

“He really is,” my mother concurs with a smile. “Then again, the Knox men are excellent when it comes to taking care of their women.” 

I jolt when his finger brushes the crotch of my panties. 

He is not doing this. Especially here. Now. 

I give Knox’s arm a sharp pinch, but it’s no use. He’s determined to make me uncomfortable. 

However, I refuse to give him the power to do that.

He can do whatever he wants…but I don’t have to respond to it. 

I’m the one in complete control over my body. Not him. 

And the second he realizes that, he’ll stop and move on to something else. 

Taking a deep breath, I relax against the chair and force my body to go slack. Kind of like an animal who plays dead when they sense their enemy’s approach. 

Besides, Leo—the man I care about—can’t even make me orgasm. Therefore, I highly doubt the guy I loathe will ever be able to. 

“We’re excellent at all things,” my stepfather cuts in and everyone laughs. 

Except me, because Knox pushes my thong to the side, exposing me. Then he begins skimming my pussy with the pad of his finger…tracing the outline of my lips…before ru

His touch is gentle…teasing. Torture. 

“But still,” the woman from earlier says with a sigh. “I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you. I mean, of course she’s still your wife, but…you know.” Her eyes get misty. “It’s just so tragic.” 

I tense when, ever so slowly, he slips his long finger inside me. 

I swallow hard as my pussy stretches around the invasion. 

“Aspen, you’re not eating,” my mother notes with a crinkle of her nose.  

Seriously? The woman never pays attention to me, but she decides to start now?

“Is everything okay?” Leo says, concern lacing his voice. 

Knox slides his finger out, wiping the wetness on my i

I pick up my fork as he begins methodically thrusting his fingers, trying my hardest to focus on the lobster ravioli on my plate instead of what he’s doing to me. 

Bringing the ravioli to my mouth, I take a bite. 

The heel of his palm grinds against my clit, and unexpected white-hot pleasure blazes through me like a firework. 

“Oh, God.” My face heats when everyone stops talking and looks at me. Thinking quick, I point to the dish and blurt, “This is so good.” 

This is so bad. Very bad. 

I steal a glance at Knox and there’s a sly smirk on his face as he continues working me.  

“Yes. Di

I really wish she’d shut the fuck up because she’s a

Mom smiles. “Absolutely.” 

I reach for my glass of water, but Knox massages my clit with his thumb in a slow, torturous way that has me shuddering with the movement. 

“Are you okay, Aspen?” Leo suddenly inquires. “You don’t look well.” 

Shit. 

“I’m a little—” Knox begins fucking me with his fingers. Pleasure jolts through me, hot and sharp. I can’t help but edge forward on the chair, causing him to penetrate me deeper. Faster. “Cold.”