I stare at the wall ahead of me, barely able to process what he just said.Twenty thousand dollars? For one night?
That kind of money would mean we are a lot closer to getting out of here. Then I blink and settle myself, realizing that for him to offer me that kind of money, he must want something really special.
Maybe this is the first time I’m gonna have to draw a line.
“I have someone here with me. You met him before, Ambrose Georgiou? I don’t want to sugarcoat things, and so I’ll be blunt. He’d like to watch us fuck.”
He leaves the sentence hanging, and I stare ahead of me, utterly perplexed. This was not where I thought my night was going. I’m still wearing one rubber glove, covered in grime, and barefoot.
“W—watch us?” I ask.
“Yes. If you aren’t comfortable, I’m going to hang up, and we won’t ever mention it again. This isn’t something that’s in your contract. It’s completely up to you.”
I think about Annabelle sleeping upstairs, the tears falling down her cheeks, and the stress of living in this house.
I picture us moving to a tiny apartment together. It’s small, but it’s ours. I might even have an easel set up by the window, Annabelle sitting in peace and comfort, sipping coffee on the couch.
Twenty grand would pay for a deposit and several months rent, and we could be out.Really out.
My heart lurches.
“How would I get to you?” I ask.
“I’m sending Melvin to collect you.” His voice has changed now. It’s warm, almost relieved. “Text me your address.”
Then he hangs up. I send him a message giving him the address at the corner of the street. The last thing I want is for Melvin to know where I live and report back.
My body is humming with nerves and anticipation as I go to take a shower.
What the hell did I just agree to?
Chapter 19
Amelia
Melvin picks me up and drives me to one of the most expensive buildings in Manhattan. I knew that Crawford must live somewhere impressive, but I had no idea the level of wealth he has until I see his apartment.
Melvin doesn’t just drop me off and leave me, either. He escorts me through the beautiful lobby to the elevators, simply telling me to select “the top floor” as he leaves me to go up alone.
I follow his instructions, only realizing halfway up that I don’t know the number of Crawford’s apartment.
I shouldn’t have worried, however.
As the elevator dings and the doors open, I see Crawford himself standing opposite me in a white button-down shirt tucked into jeans. The elevator has taken me directly to the entrance hall of his apartment.
I wasn’t expecting to see him so quickly, thinking that I’d have some time to compose myself and I step out feeling incredibly self-conscious.
I’ve worn one of the wrap dresses that Eleanor picked for me. It’s summery in style and not really suitable for the weather, but I know my tits look perky in it, so I decided it would be the best option for tonight.
Crawford walks toward me, with a soft smile on his face.
“Hello,” he says as I step out of the elevator. I immediately jump back a foot as I hear a high-pitched cawing sound, like a baby crying, but several octaves lower.
“Gerald, be quiet,” Crawford snaps, and I looks to my left at the beautiful white peacock that struts into view from a side door. “My apologies. He gets upset with new visitors.”
I can’t hold back a laugh. “You have apeacock?”
“I do. And a cat. Alexis. She’s somewhere being a menace, I have no doubt.”
