“Yes, you can. It’s like I told you before, we take care of each other.” She motions to the bags. “This is just from a bunch of women who’ve been in your position, thinking there was no way out.”
I open up the bags filled with new leggings, tank tops, sports bras, panties, and assorted toiletries. “This cost a lot of money and?—”
“It came out of our dues, so no one person put up the money. It comes from all of the Harlots.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“When you start making money here, you’ll contribute too, but, for now, take what’s offered. It’s not charity; it’s our way of giving back for all those who helped us.” She points to one ofthe bags. “There’s a prepaid phone in there. It’s already set up to use.”
“Thank you.” I haven’t had a phone in so long, I’m almost giddy.
“Have to have some way to reach you and communicate, right?”
My throat closes up again with emotion, so I drop the bags and wrap my arms around this amazing woman.
Maxie hugs me back, then puts me at arm’s distance. “Just remember we’re all here for you no matter what, and all we ask is that you give one hundred percent in the gym, grow and become confident.”
Her words give me hope and make me believe that good things can happen to me.
“See you bright and early.” She heads for the door. “Tomorrow is leg day, and I guarantee by the end of the day, you’ll be cursing my name.”
I close the door behind her and thank whatever spiritual power is still looking out for me.
A few minutes later, there’s another knock on the door. I swing the door open and freeze.
CHAPTER 9
“I knewthat was you last night.” Eduardo strolls in like he’s a welcomed guest.
“What do you want?” I keep my hand on the door knob, willing him to leave.
“Nice greeting for your brother. No ‘how are you?’”
“I know how you are, and I also know what you’re about.”
He points to the open door. “You might want to close that unless you want your new friends to know what you’re about.”
I ease the door shut, wondering what he knows about me or my new friends, but keep my distance from my twin.
“Kind of amazing you landed here. Especially since I’m doing business with the Bastards, and they own this gym.”
“I was running from Benito, the monster you sold me to.”
“I know. Benito called me the night you escaped and told me to track you down. Luckily, I saw you in Tijuana. I couldn’t believe it when you entered The Tropics.”
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw you getting roughed up by the Bastards.”
“Ahhh, you were worried about your big brother.”
“We’re twins, remember?”
“But I was born five minutes before you, so technically I’m the big brother.”
“Fine, but no, I wasn’t worried about you because you always land on your feet no matter what bullshit you do.”
“So, cynical all the time.”
“Being held captive will do that to a person.”
