Once the account was made, Spencer nodded and started to open an additional account from a different bank. “So this is what’s called a high yield savings account. It’ll give you the highest return on investment. This one averages around 5% interest, compounding monthly. So I want you to store most of your money here. Leave some in the checking in case any bills come through.”
“But anything that’s not being used should go right into savings.” I added.
A little surprised, Spencer scoffed. “Took the words right out of my mouth. How did you know that?”
My chest tightened. “My dad was big on adding financial lessons into everything. He was savvy.”
Just from the look in her eyes, I knew she couldn’t help but feel sad for me.
In a low rumble, Spencer spoke. “I’m really sorry you lost him so young. He sounded like a real steady force.”
“Yeah, he was. Maura just couldn’t keep it together once he was gone. She was always hopping from guy to guy, trying to stay in with all those rich assholes.” I rolled my eyes, memories of her laying all over men over the years flooding back. All while I sat alone in the corner, waiting to go home.
Shaking the memories, feeling the roof of the kitchen closing in on me, I looked back at the screen as Spencer linked the checking account with the savings. “Where didyoulearn all of this? Doesn’t sound like anyone at home was looking out for your finances.”
Spencer looked up from the screen and met my eyes. “I taught myself most of the basics. Someone in that house had to know how to pay the electric bill.” Then she paused, debating whether or not to tell me the next part.
“What?” My brow furrowed as I watched her relent.
“Dom helped with the rest.” Spencer tapped the keys on the laptop. “On top of the free housing, she taught me about investing and retirement. How to build my credit and put money aside tax free for my niece and nephew.”
Bile rose to my throat, a part of me wanting to roll my eyes.
Like Dom is some saint.
But the truth was that it was incredibly kind, disturbingly so for someone so fucking rude and cruel to me. Maybe that’s why it stung so much, knowing that she was capable of kindness but choosing not to give it to me.
Spencer laughed, putting her strong hand on my thigh. “Try to picture it. I promise she can be sweet. She’s just a reactive dog, protecting her pack.”
“When does she accept someone new into the pack?”
“Hardly ever.” Letting her shoulders drop, Spencer squeezed my leg. “But you’re part of mine and Leo’s.”
Even if it was corny, my heart warmed at the thought. Whether Dom liked it or not, The Oracle was going to make me one of them. Whatever the fuck that meant.
Turning back toward the computer, Spencer sat up straight. “Okay, time for the moment of truth. Transferring your balance from the old account.”
“Now?” My brow raised, wrinkles forming across my forehead as I swallowed hard.
“Yep.” Spencer opened up the transfer button, selecting the old account I’d input and the new one to transfer it to. “Just don’t use any of this to try and run. I like you as my hostage.”
My heart dropped out of my ass. I wasn’t sure I was ready for this. Once the money was moved, Maura would know what I’d done and I wouldn’t be able to escape her calls. I’d have to explain it to her, something she was never going tolikehearing.
She’d be cut off. For real. And then it would be entirely on me to hold the line, to stop her from taking more of my money.
It also meant I could get out of this mansion. Finally buy a bus ticket and get the fuck out of here. But as I looked into Spencer’s dark eyes, I knew that wasn’t really an option. If I fled, took off in the night, they’d find me. One way or another.
At this point, I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to leave. Despite Dom’s best attempts to make me feel isolated and alone, Spencer and Leo had given me a home. Even if it came with some blood-soaked strings.
And I’d be damned if I let some asshole like Dom keep me from them.
“Ready?” Spencer put her palm on my back, the heat from her hand radiating into my spine and relaxing my muscles.
Putting my hand on the trackpad, I hovered over the “transfer” button. I sucked in a deep breath, letting the air hiss out from my tight lips as I let my finger click on the metal.
It’s done.
I watched as the screen lit up with a new popup. “We’re processing your transfer. This may take a few minutes.”
