Page 52 of Property of Player

It would work if he never asks for a paternity test, but even if Player didn’t, Gage would make sure it happened. He’s nobody’s fool.

Duck withdraws, retreats a step, and fastens his pants.

I grab the opportunity and gather my clothes, hurrying into them.

“Get the fuck out,” he mutters and falls back on the bed, reaching for the remote. Once Duck is done with me, he wants me gone.

I grab my purse and run out the door, fumbling for my car keys.

I can’t get out of there fast enough.

My hands shake as I try to light a cigarette. Inhaling a long drag, I let the nicotine calm my nerves.

Putting a mile between me and the motel, I finally pull into a gas station parking lot and go into the restroom to clean myself up.

Staring into the mirror over the sink, I think about calling in sick, but I need the money. Turning my back to the wall, I slide down and burst into tears.

There’s a gun in my purse, and I think about putting it to my temple and pulling the trigger.

I glance at the wall next to me, wondering how much of my brains would splatter on it.

Would someone hear the shot?

How long would it be before someone found me?

I feel numb. Like I’m standing outside myself.

God, I hate my life. I want out so bad.

But I’m a survivor and stubborn, so I climb to my feet, splash water on my face and return to my car.

I hit a drive-thru for some food then head to the Crystal Palace. Before I walk inside, I do a line of coke. It’s the only way I’ll get through tonight.

One day at a time. That’s how I’m living right now. Just make it to tomorrow.

And then the next day.

And the next.

Chapter sixteen

Taylor

The warmth of the sun beats down on me. The sound of the surf is soothing, but laughter and squeals of the teens playing volleyball almost drown it out.

Player leans his elbows on the railing next to me and squints into the setting sun.

“Want to play?” he asks.

My brow shoots up, and I laugh. “No way. Not after I saw how good you are.”

His white teeth flash against his tanned lips, sexy grooves forming on the outside of his mouth. “You used to be right there with me in high school. I remember a lot of games we joined in on Rehoboth Beach.”

“I suppose so. That seems like ages ago. Life was easier then, wasn’t it?”

“Guess so. How’s your mother doing?”

“Better. The latest treatments seem to be working, and they’ve given her something to give her more energy. She’s on some protein drinks. She’s finally able to keep them down.”