So, I did what I normally did and backed my car into the usual spot and got out. It was a typical, quiet Sunday, people readying themselves for the work week. When I got to Tyler’s car, I fished her keys out of my pocket. I had always made sure I kept a spare key. With easy access to her home, I had everything at my fingertips. I must admit, I thought it would be a lot harder to integrate myself into her life the way I did. I figured I could just play on her fantasy, the one Justin told me about over a drink one night. It wasn’t hard getting the information out of him. Everything about him screamed desperation. He wanted friends, no matter how pathetic he looked. He was eager to please, and I was eager to keep plying him with drink, as long as I got what I needed from him.
Smiling and shaking my head, I got into Tyler’s car and did what I had to do. It was something that had to be done, no matter how much I wanted to get to her.
After reversing her car into her spot, I got out and locked the door. I walked a few paces and found my usual entrance in. I was the only one who used this entrance.
You see, the thing about me was that I had been planning this whole thing for years. Tyler was my puppet and I was pulling all the fucking strings. I owned this building she lived in, and I made sure she couldn’t refuse. It was the lowest rent for something so nice in this area. I knew she would want to be close to work, so I used it to my advantage. I had every key for every apartment, but I was only interested in entering one.
Once I got to the top floor, I turned right to Tyler’s door. There was only two other apartments on this floor and both of them were empty. I couldn’t risk being caught by someone. Plus, it was handy knowing I had somewhere to escape to quickly if things got a little out of hand in her flat. If she would ever chase after me, I would be able to enter the other flat as quickly as possible. Besides, she would never dream I would be right next door. The first place she would look would be the fire escape or the lift, both of which were away from the apartment doors.
With the key to her flat in my hand, I entered and held my breath. These moments always had my heart pounding, no matter how many times I did it. It wasn’t because I was frightened. I could handle Tyler if I had to. It was just such an adrenaline rush knowing I was doing something I shouldn’t be. Tyler needed to be punished after disobeying me last night. Tonight was about teaching her a lesson. Tyler was about to enter Lotus’ classroom.
Chapter 17
Tyler
Buckinghamshire, 1995
I heard tapping at my window. Lately, Dean had been climbing up to my window and sneaking into my room while my mum and dad were downstairs. He would never stay long, but I always enjoyed his company.
I had to smile to myself as I got off the bed to open my window. I was ten and Dean was twelve. He and Ian were still my best friends, but in a completely different sense. Dean and I were closer—much closer. I didn’t know what it was, but I felt things around Dean that I never felt with Ian. Things I never felt with anybody.
As I opened the window, I looked down at Dean with a smile. He looked really nice with his hair all spiky and his blue eyes sparkling in the sunlight.
When he saw me, he did his usual thing of waving me back so he could climb into my window. He was becoming an expert at it.
“Where are your parents?” he asked as he pulled one leg in after the other.
“They’re downstairs watching Law and Order,” I whispered back. It was their favourite show, so I knew we would be okay for at least the next forty-five minutes.
“Good,” he smiled. “I brought some Gobstoppers with me. Let’s see who can talk first after chewing one of these bad boys.” He started laughing and my heart sped up. It was such a strange reaction, but one I was used to by now. I didn’t need a Gobstopper to stop me from talking. Just looking at Dean did it.
“Does your mum and dad know you’re here?” I asked, as Dean tried to open the packet.
“Of course they do. They think you’re my girlfriend.”
Gasping, I held my hand over my mouth. “They don’t, do they?”
Dean looked up at me, a confused look on his face. “Would it be that bad to think other people thought that?” His face looked sad and I hated that look on Dean.
“No, I don’t care what people think. It’s just, well… We’re just friends, right?” I bit my lip and Dean noticed straight away.
He smiled. “Of course we are.” I sighed in relief and Dean carried on, opening the packet, “But you’ll be my girlfriend one day.”
*****
I could feel him stroking my arm again. It was so tender and erotic, I couldn’t help but moan.