Society Girls: Jenysis (12 page)

J
enysis

I’ve driven past Primm several times when us girls have road tripped to California, and I think we may have stopped for gas once, but I’ve never really been here. It’s different. I don’t know how else to explain it. The border to California is literally just past the casinos and outlet mall, so they cater to Californians who don’t have the time to drive the extra miles to Vegas.

There’s a roller coaster, and I see signs for upcoming concerts, but the glitz and glam are noticeably absent. It’s all about value here, but unlike Fremont Street, there’s more of a gambling vibe than a tourist one. It even looks like an old fashioned town, just with neon lights.

There are three bars here, and Chad’s been seen in all of them. Because of my new guitar “tattoo” I go to the Stage Bar first. Listening to up and coming bands is something a girl with that tattoo would do. If I don’t see him, I’ll try the Mexican cantina here, or move across the street to the other hotel and the last one on the list.

I put some swing in my hips as I walk up to the bar. I don’t see him yet, but it’s fairly crowded in the small space, and if I play my part right, he’s going to be coming to me. “What can I get you?” the bartender asks.

“I’ll have a vodka rocks, please.”

“You got it.”

I take a sip of my drink, and turn my seat around, so my back’s to the bar. Normally, a woman shouldn’t leave her drink unattended, but I’ve got those special chemicals in me, and I also have Kali two seats down from me. We tested everything earlier, so I know we can communicate with no problem. Matisse and Waverly are at the rented house, waiting to see if I can get an invite to the property next door.

“He just walked in,” Rose says from her spot at a slot machine outside the door.

I don’t turn, because we really want him to come to me. I do arch my back a little, and close my eyes like I’m savoring the music. I feel someone next to me, but I don’t react. Not yet.

“You like music, beautiful.”

I open my eyes, and cock an eyebrow at him. “When I’m not being interrupted while listening to it, yes.”

“I can play, you know.”

“With yourself?”

He barks out a laugh. “Well yeah, but I mean instruments.”

“So can I.” I can play Chopsticks on the piano, and strum a couple of chords on Wayne’s guitar, so it’s not a total lie.

“Interesting. Can I buy you a drink?”

“Nope. I have my own.”

“How about room service? You have your own room?”

Oh dear God, this is painful. “I have a room.”

“I’d love to bring my guitar up and play it for you.”

“Do lines like that really work for you?”

“Yeah, they do.”

“Pity,” I say looking him up and down, and trying not to gag because just the thought of him disgusts me. “I think a guy like you needs a challenge.”

“You throwing down that challenge, sweetness?”

“Maybe I am, but it’s not going to be in a hotel room.”

“I have a place here.”

“Do you now?”

“There are a few bedrooms to play in, and a few friends we can play with.”

“I’m not into the group thing. I like a guy who can take me on all by himself, and make it good for me all night.”

His eyes are darkening, his breathing’s coming faster, I can almost bet he’s got an erection, and I’m trying not to throw up. “I’ll kick them all out for the night.”

“Then let’s get out of here,” I say, running my hand over his arm.

“I want to see your new tat when we get there.”

“That can be arranged.”

I let him take my hand, and lead me out of the bar. Rose and Kali are voicing their encouragement, telling me I rocked it in there. That was the easy part. I still have to get him to confess. Audrey sent me with some drops that will knock him out if I can’t control him, but I’m hoping I can just get her truth serum in him before that happens. I have drops of that, but also a needle full of it—disguised as my lipstick.

I don’t like getting in a car with him, but I don’t need him getting suspicious, so I do it. We knew this would probably happen, but this is it. Really it, because no one is going to be there to help me. They’ll be at the next house over, which were able to rent. Not many people would turn down Audrey’s movie star husband Blake for anything, but there are still five acres in between. Barren acres where there is no place to hide. I’m alone, and I’m honestly a little scared, but I know I’m going to get what I need, one way or another.

* * *

W
ayne

I’ve always kind of laughed when people said they could feel it if their sibling, or someone they loved, was in trouble. I laughed then, but now I’m sitting up on my cell bunk, a cold sweat running down my back. Something is wrong with Jenysis. I know it in my bones. I don’t know if she’s sick, hurt, or in danger, but it’s something.

I can’t get to her because I’m in a fucking jail cell, but she needs help. I have to help her. “Guard,” I yell. “Guard, I need my lawyer.”

The half hour it takes for Alesha to get here is the longest thirty minutes of my life. As soon as the door closes behind the guards, I beg her to call Reina. “Something is wrong with Jenysis. You need to tell Reina.”

“Calm down, Wayne. Did someone say something to you?”

“No. I just…I just know. Please call her. Now.”

“I can’t call her now, because they don’t let me bring my phone in here.”

“Okay, then go. You can go and call.”

“I’ll go when you calm down. I don’t need someone telling the media you were losing your shit in here.”

“I don’t give a fuck how I look.”

I force my breathing to slow, though, because I really need her to make that call. She finally agrees. “I still think this is weird, but I’ll call her.”

“Thanks.”

I don’t know that she’ll be able to come back again, so I just have to trust that Alesha will make that call, and that Reina will check on Jeny. I should be the one checking on her, and I will be once this is all over. I’m going to learn to shoot a gun, and take fighting lessons from anyone at the Society who will teach me, because even kick-ass women need help sometimes, and I want to be that help for my woman.

* * *

J
enysis

I let Chad put his hand on my knee while we drive to his house. My dress is covering it, and I can handle that. I won’t be able to handle much more than that, but knocking him out while he’s driving is probably not the best idea. Luckily, we arrive at his place before his hand moves north.

“There are a lot of people here.” Too many people.

“We’ll party a little, and then I’ll kick them out.”

“I thought you wanted to party with me. I told you I won’t do that with anyone else.”

“Just a little drinking, and dancing. I promise.”

“Okay.” It’s not okay, but what am I supposed to say? This is my one chance, and I’m not going to walk away from it.

I have to open my own car door, and follow him as he walks to his front door. I know it’s a power play by him, having me walk behind him. I’ll let him have it, because in truth, he has absolutely no power over me.

“Chad, baby, where were you?” A brunette in a tiny dress asks, running up and throwing her arms around him.

“I was finding someone to play with us.”

She looks me over, and smirks. “Do I get to whip her?”

“Maybe.”

“Over my dead body,” I say, pressing down on my arm to activate my distress signal.

“That can be arranged.”

“What’s your name, bitch?”

I just stare at her, making her even madder. When she lunges for me, I punch her at just the right angle, knocking her out. She crumples to the floor, as the talking around me stops, and the music is turned off.

“Who are you?” Chad asks, looking me over.

“My name is Beverly.”

“How did you learn to do that?”

“My brothers liked MMA. They thought it was fun to train on me. Until I kicked all their asses.”

“The ones who think they’re tough are the most fun to break.”

“Break? I thought you were going to rock my world all night.”

“Pain makes the pleasure so much better.”

“Get out of there, Jen. Start running,” Kali says in my ear.

I’ve got to try one last time to get Chad alone. I can’t walk out of here without knowing I tried my best. “How about we just go into one of those bedrooms you told me about, and have some pleasure first?”

“Nah. That’s not as much fun. The boys and girls here expect me to bring some fun home, and you’re that fun this evening.”

“Get out, Jen.” It’s Reina in my ear now, but she’s not here, so she doesn’t know it’s too late.

I can see it in my peripheral vision, and feel them behind me. I’m in the middle of a circle of men and women, all intent on using me for their pleasure, while they cause me pain. Almost all of the ones I can see have some type of weapon in their hands. Whips, chains, knives, ropes, and lighters. I’m not getting out of here unscathed. My friends should be here before I die, but not before I hurt.

I cover my mouth as I talk to her. “Did you get the warrant for the listening devices?”

“Yes, this is all admissible in court. You can’t leave, can you?”

“No. I’m surrounded, but I’m going to get us what we need before they take me down.”

“We’re almost there,” Rose tells me. “Like three minutes away.”

They aren’t close enough, and we all know it. I drop my hand, and hold up my “lipstick.” Walking towards Chad, I make myself smile. I twist the cap, showing off the vibrant red.

“That color’s going to look good on my cock, and match your blood. Put it on, beautiful.”

I get close enough to him, and slam it into his neck. “Sod off, you bastard,” I say, no longer caring if he knows who I am.

“Jenysis,” he says, holding his neck. “I’d know that voice anywhere. I’ve dreamt of making you scream, although I had hoped to have Wayne hear it, too. You shouldn’t have come here, but I’m so very glad you did. Ladies, and gentlemen, we have a princess in our midst. Let’s treat her right.”

I’m pushed into his arms as the zipper is ripped down the back of my dress. “You raped Sonia Cordova, and framed Wayne, didn’t you?”

“Hell yeah, I did. It was so easy, too. She let me in, and I injected her before she even saw my whole face. She just saw his hat, and thought she’d hit the jackpot.”

I feel the first sting of a whip as he holds me tight, but I can’t stop now. “Why?”

“You’re kidding right? I went to jail, and he’s living the dream. He’s got fans, a record deal, and a genuine princess. He needed to be taken down.”

Another crack across my back, and then a chain is around my neck, choking me as I feel someone pressing up next to me. I don’t take my eyes off Chad. “You hurt an innocent woman.”

“I loved every second of it, but I’m going to love doing you even more. Wait until Wayne sees his precious princess all used and abused.”

I pull at the chain, but I’m losing consciousness. The lashes with the whip keep coming, and the back of my thigh is sliced open when I’m stabbed. The pressure is too intense to hold on, but then it’s gone. I know that means the girls are here, but all I can think about as I sink to the floor is that I got him to confess. No matter what else happened, Chad confessed.

W
ayne

I’m awakened by the morning guards shaking me in my cell. “Get up. They need you in court.”

I wipe the sleep out of my eyes, and stand, letting them cuff me. They don’t take me to the changing room, but I don’t even care right now. Something’s happened. They wouldn’t be coming to get me like this if this was just a normal court appearance.

Alesha is at our table, looking like she’s had no sleep. The DA isn’t looking too great, either. I don’t get a chance to ask what’s going on, as the judge bangs his gavel as soon as he sees me, calling the court to order.

“In light of the evidence that was obtained last night, and the security footage that was given to the detectives on this case earlier this week, I am dismissing all charges against Wayne Preston. Thank you ladies and gentlemen of the jury for your service.”

He bangs his gavel again as I stare at his retreating back in shock. “It’s over?”

“They have to process you out, but yes.”

“What? How?”

“Your friends asked me to let them tell you. I’ll see you soon, though.”

“Yeah. I’m going to have a party in the next day or two, and I hope you’ll be there.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

I’m already in the changing room, when I realize I didn’t ask her if she called Reina last night. I’m sure she’s one of the friends I’m seeing, so I’ll find out then. I don’t have the bad feeling about Jenysis right now, so I think she’s okay.

Kace, Brett, and Marv are waiting for me when I’m let out into the public area of the jail. They all have somber looks on their faces, and I know whatever happened, however I was cleared, is bad. They motion to a room on the right, and Marv closes the door once we’re inside. It’s someone’s office, but since no one came in after us, I guess they got permission to use it.

“What’s going on?”

“It was Chad. He raped that girl, and framed you for it,” Kace tells me.

“You’re kidding.” They have to be kidding. “He’s in jail.”

“He got out on good behavior,” Marv says.

“He’s still so pissed at us that he would rape a woman to get back at me?”

“Yes,” Brett says.

“The Society figured it out.”

“Yes. Scott and Ainsley restored the hotel surveillance videos Chad had paid to have destroyed,” Kace explains.

“But my…um, semen. How did he get that?”

“You and Jen apparently had some sexy video time,” Brett reminds me with a smirk.

“He took my Kleenex covered in jizz out of the trash? Really?” That’s just gross.

“Yes. Reina thinks he was probably just hoping for hair from your brush, but he hit the jackpot instead,” Marv says.

“The judge said something about a confession. He seriously confessed to all of this?”

“He had truth serum in him, and he was bragging,” Kace tells me.

There’s one problem with all of this. Neither of my best friends will look me in the eye. “Something else happened, didn’t it?”

“It’s just Society stuff. We’re not supposed to know, but Stella told Kace, and Kevin told me. Marv doesn’t know.”

“Do I need to know?”

“Not our call, man.”

“Fair enough. Listen, I’m going to fly my parents in tomorrow, and I want to have a party the day after so they can meet everyone. We can also announce our news. That is, if the offer is still on the table, and you guys still agree.”

“The offer’s still there,” Marv tells me. “We’re all still on board with it, too.”

“Perfect.”

“Are you going to sneak out, or do you want to go out the front door?”

“I didn’t hide throughout all of this, so I’m definitely not hiding now.”

“Front door it is.”

I’m pretty much mobbed the moment I step out the front doors. Getting away from the press takes longer than I thought it would, but I’m happy to talk to them. I know some of them vilified me while I was in that cell, but now everyone knows I’m innocent. I want to hear all of my doubters say they now know I’m innocent. It may be petty, but I want it all the same.

* * *

J
enysis

I don’t know how long I was out for, but I’m not feeling too much pain when I wake up. I’m on my stomach, and I feel cool air and some pressure on my back, so I know I’m not healed yet. That means I’m on some good medication. My hand is being held, but I don’t know by who. It’s not Wayne, and it’s not Tegan, so I turn my head to look, and the sight before me has me holding back tears.

Ethan is sleeping, with his body in a chair, his head on my bed, and his hand in mine. This sweet boy fell asleep holding my hand, and it touches me more than he’ll ever know. I squeeze his hand, because he should be home in his bed, and I love Tegan and Caleb even more than I already did for letting him be here with me instead.

“Jen, you’re awake.”

“I am. You should be at home.” My voice is scratchy, and I know it’s from being almost choked to death by a chain.

“I needed to be here with you. Mom and Dad said I could. I have to go get Kenny, though. I’m supposed to get him when you wake up. I’ll be back.”

“Okay. I’ll be here.”

Ken runs in a moment later, Ethan on his heels. “Ethan, I need you to wait outside while I examine Jenysis.”

“I won’t look.”

I smile at my protector. “I’m perfectly safe in here with Ken, E. Please wait outside. You can call your mom or dad, and then come say goodbye before they pick you up.”

“You don’t want me here?”

“I do, honey. It means so much to me to know you want to be here with me, but I want you to be in your own bed, and not a chair here. You can come see me tomorrow if you want.”

“You mean today, but yeah, I’ll come back.”

Ken closes the door after him, smiling the whole time. “That boy has a major crush on you.”

“He does, but he knows I’m not dating an almost teenager, so he usually keeps it in check.”

He sits down in the seat Ethan was sleeping in, and takes my hand in his. “You were…things were done to you…I don’t even know how to say this.”

I know this is hard for him, because Waverly is his best friend, and she used to be hurt by the human trafficker who owned her. That monster made sure not to leave a mark, but I can only guess at how many I have on me. I squeeze Ken’s hand, and try for a smile.

“I was conscious while I was being whipped, choked, and stabbed, Ken. Just tell me how bad it is.”

“Most of the lashes were taken care of by the healing chemicals I told you were in your implant.”

“Most, but not all.”

“No. There is one across your left hip that was deeper than the others. I brought in a plastic surgeon friend, and the scar will be minimal, but there’s still going to be one.”

“I can live with a scar, Ken.”

“There’s another on the back of your upper right thigh. I’m sorry, Jen. We are far more advanced than any other medical facility in the world, but there are just some things I can’t make disappear.”

“It’s really okay. I mean it. I can cover my scars, or better yet, show them off so other women aren’t ashamed of theirs. I saved the man I love while I was getting those scars.”

“You are quite possibly one of the bravest women I have ever met, and that’s saying something around here.”

I blush at his compliment, but then think of something. “How is my neck?”

“The bruising is almost gone.”

“Thank God. I have my charity polo match coming up, and I don’t know that I could wear a scarf with every outfit.”

“No, I suppose not.”

“I don’t even know how long I have until the event.”

“You’ve been sleeping for 28 hours.”

“That long?”

“You needed it, and it helped you heal.”

Physically maybe, but not mentally. I need to go home to try and heal that way. Not to my apartment here, but home to Cyndryann. “When can I travel?”

“Medically, I can release you later today. Your shallow wounds are closed up, and as long as you’re careful with your stitches, you’ll be fine.”

“I’ll be careful.”

“Reina will want to talk to you, and Ellie has asked to see you, too.”

“I’m not running, Ken. I’ll talk to whoever wants to see me, and I’ll be back here before you know it.”

“Hopefully not in my hospital ward.”

“No. You’re a great guy, but I’d rather see you socially than professionally.”

“I completely understand.”

“Can I have a phone?”

“Of course,” he says, handing me my own from the bedside table. “Don’t talk too long. You still need some rest before the parade of visitors begins.”

“I only have one call to make.”

“Very well. Goodnight, Jen.”

He walks out, and I press the numbers, making that one call. It rings twice, and then he picks up. “Papa, I need to come home.”