Page 75 of Ruthless Lullaby

Tonight marks our first official public appearance together. Since it's also my birthday, I'm hosting a small private party at my house. Please arrive by 8 p.m.

For security purposes, a taxi will pick you up from New York High. Simply drive there and leave your car in the parking lot; it has already been paid for.

Please wear one of the dresses I sent to you with the previous delivery. I'd like to introduce you to some of my associates at the party. And don't forget to bring a toy of your choice. ;)

See you tonight, MK

Betty leans over my shoulder, her eyes widening as she takes in the contents of the package again. "Damn, girl. Looks like your sugar daddy is making some serious moves. Official public appearance? What does he mean by that?"

I feel my face heat up at her question. I should be more careful. I can’t let her sniff out that Maron and I have an arrangement. "Don’t sugar daddy him, Bets." I giggle, trying to stir the conversation in another direction. “This is different.”

Betty just raises an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing at the corner of her mouth. "Uh-huh. That explains why he pillaged a small adult store."

I can't help but laugh. "Okay, okay. I get your point, but it's a little more complicated than that."

"So, you’re going to the party?" Betty asks. "I know I'm being nosy, but you have to understand, this is just too damn exciting!"

I nod. "Looks like it."

"To Maron Korolev's house? That's if he lives in a regular house, not in some freaking extravagant mansion floating on water or something."

I keep quiet.

“Oh, come on, Min, enough with the secrecy already!” Betty nudges and glances at the clock on the wall. "It’s quarterpast six! We better start dolling you up, if you want to make it by eight!"

Less than an hour later, I stand beside my car with an almost flawless makeup, and the red designer dress hugging me like a second skin. Betty and I attended to every detail meticulously, making me look as classy as I can be. The scent of my perfume, a heady blend of sensuality and mystery, lingers in the air around me. I must say, I’m pleased with the results.

I do a final once-over before jumping in my car. Dress looks great, makeup on point. And one of the trusty dildos is tucked away in my bag. For later.

It's going to be a good night, Mindy.

I open the door and sink into the driver's seat, reaching for the key to start the ignition. But then, I remember something. A feeling of unease comes over me, making me pause.

The folder.

I quickly glance at the glove compartment. For a moment, I'm overcome with fear that something is wrong. Alexis was the last one to use my car. Having to be suspicious of my own sister hurts, but I can't shake it off.

What if she opened the folder while she had the car?

What if she took it??

With trembling hands, I lean over and open the glove compartment. To my relief, the folder is there, just as I left it. Everything looks exactly how it should be.

I exhale as I pull the folder out. With slightly shaky fingers, I open it, my eyes scanning the contents. It appears to be inperfect order.The pages are neatly arranged and my signature is at the bottom.

Thank God.

I fold up the contract, the paper crinkling under my fingers. I tuck it into my bag, right next to the dildo.The realization almost makes me laugh.

It’s ridiculous to think about the contents of my purse. A strange contract with a possibly dangerous man, right next to a luxury dildo. It is a strange, but accurate representation of where my life is right now.

Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I turn the key in the ignition and I begin my drive to New York High.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Maron

She looks fucking stunning.

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