CORA
Itiptoe out of my bedroom, making sure to open the door slowly to avoid the creak it usually causes. My oversized tee clings to my still-damp body, the remnants of the dream still lingering on my skin and causing the subtle ache between my legs.
I chew at my lip in a weak attempt to distract myself from the vivid dream and remind myself that it was simply that—a dream. Nothing more. And it never will be, because Miller isn't even interested in me, and Alec is off-limits.Forbidden.
Sighing softly, I navigate the spots on the floor that could potentially give me away and move closer to the chatter in my parents’ house.
My dad's voice is the first that I make out. "I don't understand, I thought I had more time." His tone is clipped with each word, almost like he's afraid of whoever he's talking to.
A deep inhale, followed by the clicking of a tongue. "And that's where you're mistaken. You've been given plenty of time, and all you do is ask for more. More time. More money. More favors. That ends today."
"B-but," Dad says frantically.
"There are no morebuts. Either you pay me right now, or I call it all off."
"You can't, please. Please don't do this. She'll...she'll die."
My fingers dig into the wall deeper as I hold my breath.Who will die? And why is my dad borrowing money from who I can only assume is a loan shark?
"You know I only agreed to do this favor because we share a mutual friend. But that isn't good for business. I give zero fucks whether she lives or dies. This was only ever about repaying a debt, and now, you're in deeper than what I bargained for." The mystery man clears his throat. "I'm done negotiating terms. I'm done having my men come back to me with some sob story about your wife. I. Don’t. Care.”
Wife? Is he referring to my mom? Why would she be dying, and what does that have to do with what's happening here?
"I'm begging you." A shuffling fills the space after my dad’s plea with the ruthless man.
But is he all that ruthless if a deal is a deal?
Loan sharks are meant to be merciless. Otherwise, their entire business model would fall. How can I blame him for simply doing his job?
But loan sharks are also predatory—often setting rates and terms that are impossible to meet just because they can. People who seek them out are desperate and would agree to anything to get whatever it is they're after. And in this case, my poor dad was the sad sack that agreed to sell his soul to the devil.
Only, I don't understand why? I knew my parents were having financial trouble, but I never imagined it was anything worse than a few late notices and a couple extra shifts at work. They've always been able to bounce back throughout the years; what makes this time different?
And why do they keep talking about my mom dying?
Is this all a ploy from my dad to get the money in the first place? Some tragic story to hook this man into loaning him money?
Although, the sinking pit in my stomach tells me otherwise...that maybe there's some truth to what's being said.
I recall the few instances I've seen my mother lately. She's been busier at work. Later shifts, earlier shifts. Less time at home. I've caught a glimpse of her in passing, but other than that, she hasn't really been around much. She's been tired, a bit groggy, but I could easily chalk that up to her work schedule.
Unless...
My grip on the wall falters and I barely catch myself in time before I fall face-first into the hard surface. "Shit," I whisper.
Thunderous footsteps pound on the floor toward me, and for the slightest moment, I consider turning around and running, but there's no escaping the fact that whoever is out there knows I’m eavesdropping.
"And what do we have here," the man rasps as he rounds the corner and settles his sights on me.
I back away, my body naturally recoiling from him.
My dad follows him, grabbing onto his shoulder and attempting to pull him. "She doesn't know anything about this."
The guy shakes him off. "Don't touch me." He glares down at my dad and then settles his disgusting stare on me. Licking his lips, he drags his gaze up and down my body, sending a shiver across my spine.
The hairs on my arms stick up like a warning sign, but there's nothing I can do to evade his domineering presence.
I should have stayed in my room and minded my own business.
