“By all means, go ahead,” I snapped back. Then slowly, deliberately, dropped the sheet. Her eyes widened. “Of course, I should warn you that we have some little rules, Prince and me. And one of them is that I should be waiting naked for him when he walks through the door.” I held back my shoulders and let her get a good, long look at me. I knew I had nothing to be ashamed of – my body had always been my best asset. Aside from a faint set of fingerprints marring my left breast, it was pretty much flawless.
Angelique stiffened and attempted a scoff, but I could tell she was unsettled. Even as she glowered at me, I could see her eyes running over my body and assessing it.
“Really, darling, how long do you think that will last?” She gave another light laugh, but this time, I sensed it was forced. “He’ll fuck you till he’s bored with you and then come running back to me. I doubt it’ll take long. How many tricks could you possibly know?”
“Enough to keep him pretty damn satisfied,” I snapped back. “In fact, if I remember correctly, I’ve satisfied him right there, where you’re sitting.”
She shot up as if the seat was on fire, then glared at me as I aimed a slow smile at her.
“You may want to avoid that coffee table, too. And the kitchen counter. In fact, I don’t think there’s a surface in this apartment that he hasn’t fucked me on,” I continued, sweeping an arm expansively. Of course it was a lie, but I’d never let this bitch know that, and the gesture allowed me to let her get the full benefit of my bared breasts in all their glory.
Angelique’s top lip curled, and her eyes narrowed – as cruel as a snake. “That hardly surprises me, slut! You don’t think everyone knows what you are?”
I felt my blood run cold, and she laughed as she watched my expression freeze.
“Of course, darling. It’s hardly a secret now, is it? It’s all anyone can talk about. The whole world knows you’re a whore. You’ll never fit in among us. You’re not our kind, Sasha. Men like Prince don’t marry tramps like you. That’s what they need women like me for.”
“Get out,” I said beneath my breath, and she smiled sweetly at me.
“What was that, darling? Struck a nerve, did I?”
I could feel rage rise. And something else, but I shoved it down. My face felt cold, bloodless, my lips stiff.
“I said, get out!” I repeated. “Take your little fucking bag, and your bony little ass, and get the fuck out of my home!”Not my home.My voice was rising now, my breath coming sharply. She stared into my eyes for a second, and I was almost convinced she was going to laugh again, but she must have seen something in my expression that changed her mind, because she took a step back. I advanced, and she retreated further, plastering a phony smile onto her lips.
“Don’t think this is over, Sasha,” she said softly. “I won’t go down without a fight.” Though her next retreating step gave lie to her words. “You’ll see soon enough. You’ll be out on the street.”
“Get! Out!” It was little more than a growl now. She backed up several more steps before regaining her composure.
“I’ll see myself to the door, Sasha. But you haven’t seen the last of me.”
I gave a shout of pure rage, and she laughed with delight as she stepped through the doorway. “Sayonara,slut!” she called gaily as she slammed the door behind her. I stood in silent fury for a second, chest heaving as I stared after her.
And then my knees buckled, and I sank to the floor, gathering the sheet up around me. I bowed my head, covered my face with my hands and wept.
