Page 23 of Ink

I’m disgusted with the fact that the only reason my room number wasn’t given out was because he thinks I’m going to start selling myself here. I refuse to give a blowjob to someone that probably has a leaky penis. I’ll find a bench to sleep on before that happens.

The only comfort I have right now is that I know for a fact Zach isn’t staying at the motel. A place like that is beneath him, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t staking out in the parking lot.

I slip out the emergency exit in the back the following morning, thinking if he is out there, he would be in the front. Someone’s on my side today because the alarm didn’t sound. I guess I shouldn’t expect an establishment like this to keep up with their safety features.

I decide to take a different route to work this time, just in case he’s been following me there, too. The GPS on my phone said it was longer but somehow, I got here faster coming this way. None of the guys at the shop said a word yesterday about someone asking about me and I feel like they would have. I’m not exactly sure what Ink’s club does, but he doesn’t look like the type of guy that wants anyone sniffing around his territory, an employee he hates or not.

“It’s a little warm to be so bundled up, isn’t it? You hidin’ something under there?” Gage snickers as I walk into the shop with two hoodies on.

I probably look ridiculous, but I didn’t want Zach to spot me immediately if he is watching. Layering thicker clothing helped remove any sort of recognizable body shape.

“Nothing that would interest you,” I sass back jokingly, except we both know it’s true.

“Girl, I’m into anything with tits and ass.” Gage winks.

I can feel my cheeks growing hotter by the second.

“Sutton,” Ink roughly interrupts as he prowls down the hall, heading right toward us, casting Gage a hard look that wipes the smile off his face before handing me a white envelope as he steps into my space. “Here.”

“What’s this?” I ask, taking the envelope that’s being shoved in my face. It’s a little thick and feels too heavy to have only a letter or card inside. The flap isn’t sealed, so I flip it open to reveal a small stack of bills.

“It’s your paycheck.”

“I thought I didn’t get paid until next week?” I ask, sounding as confused as I feel.

“We give new employees an advance on it.”

I can feel my throat start to tighten and burn with embarrassment. Ink was the last person I would have thought would do something like this.

Why is he doing this in front of people?

I didn’t want him to know about where I’m staying, let alone make it obvious that I’m desperate for money.

Gage snorts. “Since when? When the last girl asked for an advance so she could put a deposit down on a new pair of tits, you told her to get the fuck out.”

Great.

My boss, who hates me, now thinks I’m a charity case. To make matters worse, he’s making it known I’m a charity case in front of everyone. I didn’t miss the look of pity that flashed across Gage’s face. He knows something is up.

Folding the flap back down, I hold the envelope out, waiting for him to take it back. “Thanks, but I didn’t ask for this. I’ll take my paycheck like it’s normally supposed to come when everyone else gets paid.”

“Take it,” Ink demands, not reaching for the envelope.

“I don’t want it,” I snap as I throw the envelope at his chest.

I take off the sweatshirts one by one as I walk toward the front desk to get ready for the shift, deciding I’m going to act like this didn’t just happen.

“Don’t be stupid, Sutton,” Ink bites out, prowling after me. “I know you need the money. Anyone with a brain knows you pay in cash at that shit hole because they’re known to steal your shit. I’m tryin’ to make it so you can breathe easy.”

My face flushes again, but this time it’s not from embarrassment.

It’s from rage.

Rage because how dare he.

“You’re trying to make it so I can breathe easy?” I slam my phone and sweatshirts down on the front desk, needing the outlet for my anger that’s rising at a record rate for me. What I really want to do is smack him across his stupid face with his pity money. I’ve never hit someone before, but if life lately has taught me anything, it’s that there’s a first time for everything. “Then maybe start by staying out of my freaking business. I never asked for your help.”

Gage’s eyes widen as they dance between Ink and I. This is the first time I’ve stuck up for myself since I left Zach and dang does it feel good. It’s almost liberating.