Page 2 of Tank’s Weakness

Not as she pays my mother in cash, three hundred thousand dollars.

That’s how much I’m worth. How much my dignity is worth to these women.

“Be a dear and take her into your room.”

I grimace at the thought. It’s my one safe place, but Mother made sure to take that away this week. Gone is the art I put on the walls. My one way of expressing my hatred of this cruel world.

In its place are posters that you would see in a preteen’s room. Science fairs, attractive models, cars.

Things that make me seem younger than I am.

Holding out my hand, I let Mrs. Humphry take it in hers. I pull her down the hall and ignore the sickening feeling in my stomach.

It’s just sex. I can do this. I’ve done it before.

When the door shuts behind us, I turn and face her.

“You’re such a handsome boy, aren’t you? Are you going to be good for Mama?” she asks.

The bile threatens to come up at her words.

“Yes, ma’am,” I whisper.

She smiles and shakes her head. “You’ll address me as Mama. Get on your knees, son.”

Slowly, so slowly, I drop to my knees.

She cups my cheek. “That’s a good boy. You are going to be a good boy, aren’t you?”

I hate how my cock reacts. How it stirs to life at her words.

“Yes. I’m a good boy.”

It’s just one night. I can do this.

CHAPTER ONE

Twelve years later

Delaney

“Thank God you’re here. I was about to start ordering without you.”

I smile at my best friend Erica as she flags down the server.

“I’m five minutes early,” I tell her.

“I’ve been here for twenty, so sue me,” she hisses.

The server comes over, interrupting anything I might say.

We are at Trio’s, our favorite wing and burger joint, so I don’t need to consult the menu.

“Hi. My name is Trevor. What can I get you ladies?” the nice, young guy asks.

“How about your number?” Erica flirts.

The guy’s cheeks turn pink. “Um. I…”