Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 64704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
I rubbed my neck, feeling oddly naked without the collar. Despite what it meant, I felt safe and secure in it. Without it, Brick’s comfort and protection were gone too.
But not his love. Because I never had it. Despite everything that he said to me, I never had his respect or his love.
“Ma’am. We’ve arrived,” the driver said softly as he pulled up to the apartment building. “I’ll be happy to wait for you until you’ve concluded your business.”
“No. I’m staying here. Thank you, though. I appreciate you giving me a ride.”
“You’re staying here?” The driver arched an eyebrow and peered out the window. “Does Mr. Langston know?”
“Mr. Langston doesn’t own me anymore,” I said, grabbing the handle and throwing the door open. I shut it too hard, but couldn’t seem to care as I made my way up the stairs to Ralph’s apartment.
Standing outside Ralph’s door, I swore to make it up to him. I’d betrayed our relationship by falling for Brick, and failed Ralph for not finishing the contract. But Brick’s lies and empty promises would never trick me again. Ralph was the man for me. He’d take care of me, and I’d make everything okay.
Raising my hand, I knocked. It took a few minutes, but Ralph opened the door and frowned. “Daisy. What the hell are you doing here?”
“Can I come in, please,” I whispered.
He stepped aside, and I wrapped my arms around myself while Ralph closed the door behind me. “You look like he worked you over pretty good,” Ralph snickered. “I guess he likes it rough, huh?”
“What?” Tears sprang to my eyes again as I whirled around and stared at him. “Why are you laughing?”
“Christ, don’t get all uppity. What the hell are you doing here, Daisy? Did he give you an advance?” Suddenly, his eyes darkened, and he licked his lips. “Did he give you half? Give it to me.”
My mouth dropped open. Was that all Ralph cared about? I was crying on his front door, and he just cared about the money? I stiffened. “No. I didn’t get any money, Ralph. And I’m not going back. I won’t do it anymore.”
“What the fuck do you mean you won’t do it anymore?” he hissed. “You’re dressed in his fancy clothes. You rolled up in his fancy car. You’re living in that fancy condo, but he gets a little rough with you and you want out?”
“It’s not like that, Ralph. I can’t do it anymore,” I pleaded. “Please don’t ask me to.”
“That is my future, Daisy!” Ralph screamed. “You will go back there and earn your money. Do whatever the fuck he wants, and you don’t come back without cash in hand. Do you understand me?”
“Ralph…”
“You think you’re good for anything else? Your mother was a cokehead and your father is an abusive alcoholic. You think you’re going to take that money and go to school and do something with your life? The only thing you’re good for is spreading your fucking legs and choking on a dick, so go do your fucking job!”
Horrified, I just stared at him. I’d been so blinded by my need to have something stable in my life that I hadn’t even seen him for what he was. Everyone else knew, but I’d wanted so desperately to have something good in my life.
“No,” I whispered. “We’re done, Ralph.”
Whirling around, I fled from the apartment. Penniless and alone, I stared at the unforgiving city and wondered what the hell I was supposed to do now.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Brick
I can’t do this anymore. I don’t expect to get paid, and I won’t talk to anyone, so please don’t worry about that. I’m sorry.
The note was under the diamonds. At first, I felt empty. She left me. I wanted to feel relief. It was over. I didn’t have to be strangled by the pull I felt towards her. She was gone and it was over.
But instead of relief, I just felt raw and unhinged. Grabbing the collar, I hurled it against the wall. When the cold stone didn’t break, I grabbed the lamp and threw it as well. The ceramic shattered, and a roar burst out of me.
She was mine, and I was not going to let her go. Grabbing my phone, I called the front desk of the building. Daisy had left here without any money. She couldn’t have gone far.
“Mr. Langston,” a pleasant voice answered. “How may I help you?”
“Did one of your cars drive my guest somewhere last night?” I demanded.
“Give me just a moment.” I clenched my jaw while the clacking of keys filled my ear. “Yes, sir. It looks like the doorman on duty last night called a car to drive your guest to an address in the Bronx. He returned without her. Is there anything else that I can help you with?”