Page 13 of Blood Money

“I…do?” Who wouldn’t want new, expensive clothes, but there had to be strings attached.

“Then come with me.”

He said it like I had a choice, but I was sure I didn’t.

The first store we entered was one I normally wouldn’t have even window-shopped.

Val picked out several shirts, pants, and blazers as we walked through. I was amazed he could choose so fast.

After gathering ten or so pieces, he handed them to me and gestured toward the dressing rooms. “I want you to show them all to me as you try them on.”

“Yes, sir.” I saluted him like Trevor had, and he grabbed my arm, squeezing so hard I gasped.

“Watch your mouth.”

I looked up at him. This time there was no mistaking the look in his eyes. I saw anger and heat. His hand felt like a brand around me.

“Yes, sir.” My words were soft and compliant.

He smiled. “That’s better.”

I could barely think clearly enough to make it into a dressing room. What was going on? Val had turned down my offer, but now he was treating me like I was his kept man. The haircut and wax had been extravagant but could be explained as part of the job. I doubted it, but it was possible the club paid for that basic maintenance for other dancers. But street clothes? There was no way this was motivated by anything but him wanting to do it for me.

When I’d put on a pair of black pants and a teal T-shirt made of incredibly soft fabric, I stared at myself in the mirror. The clothes fit perfectly. The pants showed off my ass to perfection and the T-shirt was just tight enough to show some muscle definition without being vulgar. How had Val known my size? How did he know how to pick what would look good on me?

As I stared in the mirror thinking about how crazy this day had been, the room started to spin around me.

“Liam?” Val sounded impatient.

“Out in a second.” My voice shook. What was wrong with me?

Shit. I realized I’d never actually eaten anything that morning. I needed to get something in me as soon as I could, or I was going to pass out. How much longer was Val going to want me to be there?

I stepped out of the dressing room, and he smiled. “I approve.”

“I’ll bring in plenty of customers for you.”

He frowned. “Turn around.”

I started the protest, but what was the point? He already knew he could make me do whatever he wanted to.

I spun around too fast, and the room began to whirl again. Val must have noticed that I was unsteady on my feet. “What’s wrong?”

“I haven’t eaten today. I just started to feel a little light-headed.”

He narrowed his eyes and studied me. “How long has it been since you’ve had something to eat?”

I didn’t want to answer, but I knew I didn’t have a choice. “I had lunch yesterday. I was trying to save my money.”

“What did you eat then?”

I didn’t want to tell him the truth, but somehow I was sure he’d know if I was lying. “A peanut butter sandwich.”

His eyes widened. “And before that?”

I shrugged. “I’m not sure.” I tried not the think about how little I was eating lately.

Val stomped into the dressing room I’d vacated and grabbed the rest of the clothes, including my old ones. “We’re buying all of these, then we’re going to lunch.”

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