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He shakes his head, not letting me finish. “And I’m supposed to, what, take your word that you’ve removed all the copies? Besides, you hacked into Aryan’s system once. Presumably, you could do it again, even assuming the Montgomerys tightened security.”
I hate that his argument is too valid to refute. "It doesn't have to be sex," I reason. "You just need leverage over me.”
He shrugs. "Is there anything else you can offer that poses equal danger to you as what you stole? Equity, a life secret that could unravel your life?”
I try to think of something, anything at all, but as he guessed, I come up empty.
“You made it about sex, Morgan,” he tells me, almost gently. “There must have been a lot of things you could have used on that computer. Aryan's an idiot. I'm sure you found some communication with his dealer, maybe even shots of him snorting lines."
I did see some clips like that, though none were clear, and their pornfest felt like a better bargaining chip. I went for the killing blow, and now that the barrel’s aimed at me, I'm paying for that choice.
“We’ll get the ordeal over with tonight.” By his sigh, I actually see that the prospect of touching meisan ordeal to him.
It’s mortifying, on top of everything else.
“Then I can let go of the cute, innocent little sister. By morning, we'll forever part ways with the understanding that if you get tempted to ruin Juliet’s life on a power trip, we’ll do the same to you.” He smiles, and it is beautiful as well as cruel. Fiends like him shouldn’t possess his soft, sensual mouth. “Only much worse."
"I didn't want to ruin anyone's life," I protest, somehow meekly. "You're the one ruining mine, and my sister’s.” As an afterthought, I add, “And my mother’s.”
I don’t doubt she was guilty of something or other, but no one bothered her until now. The timing can’t possibly be a coincidence.
He rolls his eyes, not hiding his amusement. "Riding my cock has never ruined anyone's life, let me assure you. Come on, princess. I promise it won't be that bad."
Except it would. It really, really would. I'm not losing my virginity for a sick revenge porn video—and to him, of all people. "Anything else. I don't want…" I close my mouth, at loss for words, because I can't think of anything that would change his mind.
"This isn't about what either of us might want, princess. It's about power. You clawed out some power over us, and we have to take it back, one way or another."
I must be confused by the gentleness in his tone, because I find myself pleading. "Please."
That's all I can manage. If I say another word, I'm going to lose it. I can't cry in front of him. Iwon't.
I recoil with a start when a featherlight touch takes me by surprise. I was looking down, and his hand grazed the side of my cheek.
Our skin must have met for a fraction of a second at most, yet I can still feel the current buzzing through my entire face.
"Sorry, static." He gets to his feet. "Let's go somewhere more comfortable."
I want to tell him I'm not going anywhere with him, but what choice do I have? He’s stated his terms. I can comply or I can let Willow be sent to a pedophilic rapist at his beck and call. Someone even Camden admits might hurt her before his say-so.
There was never any choice.
Numb, despondent, I follow him out of the station, my gaze on the back of his shoes the whole way to avoid looking at the assholes in here, judging me.
The air's still heavy and oppressive. Once we're out of the AC, I remember I'm wearing too much, or too little, depending on which layer. I'm in my "uniform" and a sweater. The clothing makes sense after my shift at Silks, to cover up the stupid bra, but it's sweaty and disgusting by now. I am certain I smell.
I want to go home, but for as long as I can remember, home has meant back to Willow, and she's thousands of feet up in the sky. My eyes dart to the quiet starry night, and I swallow against the tears I don't want to shed.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
I ignore Camden, lowering my gaze again and follow him to the parking lot.
We reach a glossy red car he unlocks with a click, before opening the passenger door. It’s a statement more than a ride—the kind of smooth, low machine with unusual curves only the wealthiest can possibly afford. I know nothing about cars, but even I realize this one must easily be the price of a house.
I stand helplessly in front of the vehicle as he circles to the driver's seat, suddenly terrified.This ridiculous display of wealth drives home just how different we are. People like him are dangerous. So dangerous one of my friends disappeared because of one of them. What’s to say he won’t drive me to the woods where no one can hear me scream, and dump my body in the river after he’s done with me?
He doesn't say a word, just starts the ignition. He doesn't even glance at me.
I know why. I could run away screaming and he wouldn't chase me. Instead, he'd do exactly what he promised: hurt my sister instead of me. Let the vile scum in his service force himself on her.
