Page 18 of Trailer Trash

“What? Are you planning to grab me again?” I ask.

“You’re safe with me. I won’t touch you, unless you beg.”

“I hope you’re being funny.”

“I’m not manipulative,” he deflects coolly.

“Sure you aren’t.”

“And I’m funny because I was born that way. And I’m not a narcissist. I just like your company.”

“Why?”

“You see me. Nobody sees me anymore.”

I stare for a moment, not quite understanding. Being alone with him is unnerving, especially in a place like this.

I gather my things and stand by the door, ready to leave the second Christine returns.

“Harlow.”

I turn around.

Predatory and slow, he rises from the bed and stalks my way. For the first time, I face him standing. My neck cranes back. Since I’m so short, standing this close makes the difference feel obscene. His deep brown eyes pierce mine before wandering over my face. I tense, but don’t step back. He’s intimidating, to say the least, and the space between us is charged, like one more inch could burn my skin.

He’s too close.

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

I don’t delay.

“Yes.”

He barely smirks. “You’re lying. We have so much in common.”

I balk and step back. He’s right, but I am not about to tell him I’m single.

“I’m not lying.”

“You are. If you lie to me again, I’ll have to discipline you for being a bad employee.”

My eyes blow wide, and my chest tightens.

“You don’t scare me. Remember? I see you.”

He doesn’t flinch.

“Good, because my parents want to believe I haven’t stolen from them, haven’t smoked a drug, and haven’t fucked a woman till she drooled. I really want someone to see me.”

He smiles once more and leans down, his lips near my ear. I don’t move. I can’t. That’s when they know they can control you.

“Are you scared yet? Because I already added ‘fucking my dad’s lowly CNA’ to that list.”

I gasp softly and stumble backward, then rush for the door.

“Bye-bye, Harlow,” he calls, his voice calm. “Oh. Need some cash for new shoes? I’d hate for you to dirty our carpet.”

My gaze drops to my sneakers. The toes are badly scuffed, and the yellowed soles worn thin.