“Let yourself out when you’re done with your drink. Or don’t.” On that note, he makes his way to his bedroom, on the left.
I’ve only managed a few steps towards his bar when the moaning starts. I know they like an audience, so I could join in if I wanted—if only to watch—but I find myself strangely uninterested in my friends’ sex fest today.
What I want is to hunt down Lily and let her know she owes me. Patience was never my strongest suit, but I should wait until she gets the confirmation.
Then, I can play.
5
LILY
Ispend the weekend in a state of panic, occasionally switching between anger, embarrassment, not to mention the few crying session.
Student loans might be an option, but they’ll ensure I’ll be in debt for the rest of my life, and beyond. I’m studying marketing; the best job I could get won’t pay for Rothford-level tuition, the dorm, or even the meal plan. As for supplementing my income with part-time jobs, there are a few in town, but none pay six figures; and I don’t have time for a serious job with all my classes.
If Cross can actually do what he said he could then?—
I bite my lip. I can’t rely on him to save me from my stupidity; especially considering his price. Instead, I inquire with the few colleges that accepted me, in order to know whether I still qualify for their scholarships. I won’t receive a reply until next week, or maybe even next year. The winter break starts on Monday at Rothford, and other colleges probably stop around the same time.
Even if I can no longer get a scholarship, I’ll have to transfer to a cheaper school. I really don’t want to go to the samecollege as Jon, but maybe I should consider it. I could commute, which should lower myexpenses. I’d have to pay rent, since Mom and Dad don’t make all that much money, and they didn’t expect to be saddled with their adult daughter, but it could be manageable.
I wake up on Sunday morning with a headache, my eyes red from the tears I shed overnight. I haven’t contacted my parents yet. I don’t know what to say to them. They’ll be so disappointed. They were proud of me, smugly told all the neighbors I was flying off to bigger and better things.
I booked a flight home on Monday as it was cheaper than Friday or the weekend. Might as well tell them in person.
I jump when I spot the email waiting for me in my inbox. I have others, some spam, an update from two authors and five fellow cosplayers, but they melt into nothing as my eyes focus on one line, with the simple title: “Update.”
The future I thought I’d have has sailed in time it took me to read one email from this Ruth Anne Guildford, and now there’s another waiting for me. My fingers shake as I click on it.
Dear Ms. Trueman,
Following a board review of your performance this term, the status of your scholarship has been amended. It is now granted for the next term, and the rest of your time at Rothford University, provided that you remain in the top 30% in the future.
Wishing you a lovely holiday,
Ms. Ruth Anne Guilford
Secretary
I can’t believe my eyes.
He’s done it. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is Cross’s doing. The previous email was clear. I’d lost the scholarship.Now I have it again. The only that that could have changed that is Cross.
That means I owe him three blowjobs.
To my shame and surprise, I actually…don’t mind? That knowledge comes at a complete surprise, and no small amount of shame. I should mind. I should hate it.
The simple truth is, he managed to get me out of this mess and Iwantto thank him for helping me. If sucking his cock is the way he can accept a thank-you, that’s what I’ll do. He could have demanded far more.
I find myself flushing. Maybe I should be angrier, or ashamed. Perhaps if he looked like a troll, or stank of sweaty ass, I’d feel different.
But, well, I have eyes. The guy’s pretty hot. I should hate him, or at least be repulsed by him for demanding sexual favors, but I’m too busy being relieved and grateful.
Besides, I meant it when I asked him why he asked for blowjobs when he can clearly get that and more from just about any straight single—and some taken—women in town.
“Because I can, darling.”
I know that kind of man. He gets off on power more than actual sex. The fact he demanded what lipstick I wear shows he’s a control freak. And his desire to show his power has saved my scholarship, my future.
