Page 88 of Sling’s Awakening

“Yup. Let’s get out of here.”

I nod as Big Jack follows me out the back. I set the alarm once he’s through the door, completely locking the building for the night.

“Did you like being back on the pole tonight?” Big Jack asks as we walk to my car.

I huff. “To be honest, not really. I mean, the extra money is nice, but I wasn’t prepared. Russ forced me because we were short.”

It’s funny because I used to love dancing, but when someone is forcing you to do it, the joy is gone.

Big Jack shakes his head. “Sorry, girl. I don’t know what’s up with him, but whatever it is, it’s not good.”

I snort.

He can say that again.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. Thanks for making sure no one snatched me up tonight,” I call to him as I climb into my car and hit the lock button.

All I want to do is go home, take a hot bath, and try to forget this night. Sling will be mad I’m blowing him off tonight, but he’ll get over it.

I need a damn vacation.

I throw my bag down on the floor as soon as I slam my front door shut behind me, my back thumping hard against it.

It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like I’m dragging my feet like this.

I used to love my job.

Now I fucking hate it with every fiber of my being.

I don’t bother hitting any lights as I kick off my shoes and head straight to my bathroom to shower off all the layers of body oil and makeup I have on. As much as I wanted to take a bath and relax, I don’t even have the energy to do that. With the way my luck has been going lately, I would probably fall asleep in the tub and drown.

I quickly shower, washing everything away before I turn the water off, wrap a towel around myself and step out. I quickly rush through my skincare, half-assing it and not letting the serums have the proper time to soak into the skin before moving on to the next step.

Once I’m all moisturized up, I pad down the hall into my bedroom.

“I’ve been waiting for you, toots,” a deep, gravelly voice I would recognize anywhere sounds from my bed, making my head quickly turn in his direction as my body freezes.

My room is silent, but I feel like drums are being played from the way my heart is pounding in my ears.

I can’t tell if it’s from the adrenaline of Sling being on my bed, waiting for me or from the fear of what’s to come.

How did he even get in here?

I know I didn’t leave my door unlocked. I triple-check it religiously every time I leave the house to make sure, otherwise, I’ll think I didn’t lock it all day long. The same thing happens if I had to straighten my hair that day.

“How did you get in here?” I ask, cutting through the silence.

“Monsters come in when you leave things unlocked. It’s an open invitation.” His voice slithers across my skin, sending goosebumps down my spine.

I swallow. “I didn’t leave anything unlocked.”

Did I?

He’s making me second guess everything.

“I don’t think you’re in the position to be arguing with me, toots.”

Shit.