Chapter 15: A freebie

I take a quick shower and then coddle Shrimp until I’m sure he’s forgiven me. Once I have him back in his cage with his blanket covering it so he’ll feel safe, I dig the money out of my jeans pocket and hide the stash in my jewelry box. I take a peek at my phone, disappointed that Winston hasn’t messaged me.

Why?

He’s another version of the Terror Triplets.

A rich, strong man hellbent on doing whatever it takes to get his way.

Still, a pang of sadness hits me in the gut. I take a selfie and send it to him before I can think twice.

Me: A freebie.

His response is immediate.

Winston: What has you in such a giving mood? Was it that mind-altering orgasm I helped you obtain?

I roll my eyes at his stupid words.

Me: I wouldn’t call it mind-altering . . .

Winston: That’s because it wasn’t my tongue.

Heat floods through me as I imagine just that.

Winston: You could earn more money, but it’s going to require you to show a little skin. Me: Perv.

Winston: A rich one.

Me: Tell me what you want, and I’ll decide if I’ll give it to you. Winston: Got more of those candies?

I glance over at my giant jar of cherry Starburst, special ordered in that flavor only.

Me: Maybe . . .

Winston: Unwrap one and lick it.

Me: Okayyyyy.

Winston: Don’t be a brat. Just do it.

I set my phone down and then grab a handful of Starburst. Once I’m settled on my bed, I unwrap one and lick it.

Me: Done. Now what?

Winston: So dutiful. Take your shirt off.

Me: Tell me everything you want first. Winston: It’s more than I can text.

Me: Then I’m probably too tired for it.

He doesn’t reply for what feels like forever. Insecurity claws at my insides. I’m not exactly plaything material. Hell, I’ve barely had a boyfriend, much less a man. He probably has several girls he does this with, which for some reason, annoys the hell out of me.

An hour passes and I frown so hard at my phone, my head aches. I’ve gone through all but one of my Starbursts I grabbed.

What could Winston have possibly wanted me to do?

Several filthy images tease my mind. One of which I’m not ready to try. With a sigh of resignation, I peel off my shirt and toss it. The cool air kisses my flesh, making my nipples pebble. I lie back, lick the Starburst, and then tease my hardened nipple with the wet side of the candy. Once my nipple has had enough attention, I smear the sticky wetness all over my breast. I rest the candy on top of my nipple, hiding it and then take a selfie. Just my breast and hair are in the picture. Before I think too hard, I send it.

Me: Good night.

He doesn’t send me one hundred, he sends me five.

Winston: Good night indeed, my darling girl.

Me: Thank you. Oh, this is a freebie . . .

I send him a selfie of just my face this time, my red tongue sticking out.

He sends me five hundred more. It’s both thrilling and stressful all at once. I almost feel bad for taking this man’s money. Almost. I’m sure, at the end of this, I’ll hate his guts. It’d be harder if I weren’t so damn attracted to him. Something about him calls to me. I’m going to get myself in so deep with this fucked-up man.

After I clean myself up, I find I’ve missed a text from him. I nearly choke on my tongue when I see the picture he sent. It’s him, in his bed, shirtless and eyelids heavy with fatigue. His usual perfect hair is messy, and his smile is genuine—not one of his predator grins.

Before I think twice, I send him five hundred back.

Winston: What was that for?

Me: It’s a good pic.

He doesn’t respond after that. I feel like maybe I messed up by sending him money. Or maybe crossed a line I wasn’t supposed to cross. At the end of the day, though, it’s probably for the best. It was a good couple of days, and I made more money than some people make in half a year.

Tomorrow I’ll look for a real job.