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“How much?”
“Just under three thousand.”
I go quiet. Three thousand. For a second, I can’t seem to make my brain move past the number.
“We’d need it by Friday to keep her on schedule,” she continues gently. “If it’s later than that, we’d have to push the sessions back. Dr. Reyes really doesn’t want to delay right now.”
I swallow hard and stare at the floor.
“Okay.”
“Elias—”
“I’ll get it by Friday.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yeah.” I force the words out. “I’ll get it.”
“Okay. I’ll put that down. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
I look at my lap, suddenly wishing my mom were here. Wishing I could hear her complain about the hospital food or tell me to stop worrying.
“No.” My voice comes out quieter than I intend. “Thanks.”
“Of course.”
The call ends. I lower the phone slowly and set it on the table. Then I look at my hands. They’re shaking.
Yakov looks at me. “What’s wrong?”
Tears fill my eyes fast. “It’s my mom again. The hospital needs more money for her treatments. I told them I would handle it, but I don’t know how this time.” I start crying and can’t stop. The tears run down my face, and my chest feels tight.
Yakov pulls me into a hug. He rubs my back slowly. “It’s okay. Let it out. I am right here with you.”
I cry against his chest for a while. When the tears finally slow, I sit up and wipe my face with my sleeve. My voice is still unsteady. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to fall apart like that. I’ll figure something out.”
Yakov keeps his arm around me. “You don’t have to figure it out alone. I can take care of all your bills. In return, you help me with a few small favors.”
“Like what, cleaning up your apartment? Doing deliveries for you?” I ask, already hoping that’s it.
“No.” He places his hand on my cheek, thumb stroking slowly. “How I wish I wasn’t depraved enough to want your body against mine instead, then I’d be satisfied with something that simple.”
I go still.
“What I want, as small favors,” he continues, “is for you to let me touch you. Let me worship your body. You can touch me back if you want to, but it’s not a requirement. I help with your bills, you help with my needs. That’s the arrangement.”
I stare at him, the words taking a second too long to land. “You’re serious.”
“I’m serious. Do you agree?”
I stare at him, my face hot. “I don’t know. We’ve only been studying together. I’m not sure about this.”
He nods. “I understand. But you need the money right now for your mom. You can tell me to stop anytime.”
I think about the hospital bill and how much Mom needs the treatments. I take a deep breath and say, “Okay. Yes.”
As soon as I say yes, Yakov stands up and takes off all his clothes. He sits back down on the couch, completely naked. His dick stands hard and thick. I get down on my knees in front of him and wrap my fingers around his bare cock. I start stroking him up and down, skin on skin.
