Owned No More

When I got home, I took out my wedding dress. The custom design had Caesar's and my names embroidered on it—such a waste, since I'd never get to wear it now.

Looking at the dress felt like staring at eight years of pathetic delusion. Tears suddenly spilled down my cheeks, staining the fabric.

Since it was ruined anyway, I grabbed a pair of scissors and started cutting it into pieces. There was no point keeping something around that would just remind Caesar of our mess when he eventually came home.

Before leaving, I slipped off my ring and left it on the coffee table. I didn't bother leaving a note or explanation and just booked a red-eye flight to Snowcall.

My best friend, Erica Steele, lived there. So, I figured a change of scenery might help clear my head.

Erica was thrilled when I showed up unexpectedly and threw an impromptu party to celebrate my visit. However, someone at the gathering caught me completely off guard.

"Elvis, what are you doing here?"

"I was in the area for business and heard classmates were getting together."

Elvis Fairmont made polite conversation with everyone. His eyes scanned the room before settling on me for a long moment, then slowly looking away.

Erica nudged me. "Don't you think Elvis came here for you?"

I looked up at him through my alcohol-induced haze. He was tall and had a commanding presence, the kind of person who naturally drew attention just by standing there.

I shook my head. "That's impossible. We were just classmates in the Farbourne University prep program. We haven't talked in forever."

Erica was frustrated by my lack of initiative and stood up to get Elvis's attention.

"Your Highness, Miranda's had too much to drink. Could you possibly give her a ride?"

Elvis's gaze landed on me, and I found myself sitting up straighter without thinking about it. I was bracing for rejection when he surprised me by nodding.

"It would be my pleasure," he said.

Erica grinned as she practically pushed me toward Elvis. "Aren't you tired of sleeping with the same man for eight years? Take advantage of tonight. Caesar's running around with other women, so why can't you find someone better than him?"

I grabbed Erica's hand helplessly. "That's Prince Elvis Fairmont we're talking about. How do you know he'd even want to sleep with me?"

Erica gave me a knowing look. "I've dated enough guys to field a football team, and trust me, the way Elvis is looking at you? He wants to devour you."

When we reached my hotel, I politely thanked Elvis. "Thank you for the ride."

As I got out of the car, I noticed the fire in Elvis's eyes and found myself making an impulsive invitation. "Want to come up for a while?"

Elvis agreed without hesitation, and he couldn't even wait until we got out of the elevator before kissing me. I was already tipsy, and his kiss left me breathless. It made me bolder as I wrapped my arms tightly around his solid waist.

"Easy there, sweetheart," he purred.

I looked up at him, my fingers playing with his tie as I pulled him closer. "You've already kissed my lips swollen, and now you want me to take it easy?"

Elvis's expression darkened, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. "You won't get a chance to regret this now, sweetie."

We didn't even make it to the bed the first time. Elvis lifted me up, and my bare legs wrapped around his waist.

My back scraped painfully against the wall, and even when I tried to protest, Elvis pretended not to hear me. Tears welled up in my eyes as I bit down on his shoulder.

"Be gentle… my back hurts…" I cried.

Elvis's warm palm protected my back, but his movements below didn't stop. I couldn't take it anymore and screamed as I climaxed several times before Elvis finally groaned and picked up his pace.

As the waves of pleasure slowly faded from my body, my mind gradually became clearer. At some point, Elvis had carried me to the bed.

I had actually slept with Elvis! He was only the second man I'd ever been with besides Caesar.

Even just the thought of Caesar made tears suddenly spill from my eyes.

Elvis, fresh from his shower, frantically wiped away my tears. "Did I hurt you somewhere? Don't cry. It breaks my heart to see you like this."

I shook my head through my sobs. "I shouldn't have gotten involved with you."

Elvis pulled me into his arms, sliding his arm under my head. "But you already have, sweetie. So let's see this through to the end."