Page 35 of Captivated

I was lucky to catch him today before he gambled away any money he might have left.

“Where did you put the $85,000 you got from that car?” he asks casually, as if I don’t see where he’s going with this.

“In the bank.”

“You put all that in the bank? Cassie, come on, I–”

“No,” I cut him off firmly. “I don’t want to hear what I know you were about to say. It’s not your money to gamble with. Do you even know how lucky we were that I happen to be gifted a car like that to sell?”

“Since you brought it up… How did you get that car? Hmm?Whogifted it to you?” he asks cruelly, his temper flaring at me calling him out.

“What are you implying, Sean?”

“You found someone at that club pretty quickly who’s willing to drop that kind of money on a car for you.”

“Again,” I seethe, “what are you implying?” I want to see if he has the balls to say it to my face.

“That you whored yourself out to the richest man in there.”

“Shut your fucking mouth!” I spit. “I didn’t and I wouldn’t. How dare you.” I shake my head, blinking back angry tears. “How fuckingdareyou. I only started dancing so you wouldn’t be killed, you idiot!” I yell, not being able to hold back anymore.

I was hungry a few minutes ago, but now my stomach is in knots, and it drops when I see a message from Nico light up my screen.

Nico:I’m here.

I roll my eyes.

The audacity of this man.

Me:Good for you.

Nico:And for you, too, if you come to the door. Then on my face.

Me:I won’t be coming on your face. Plus, my brother’s here. It’s really not a good time.

Nico:Good. I want to meet him.

There’s a knock at the door and I freeze, my eyes wide as they dart between the door and Sean.

~ Chapter 13 ~

Cassie

“Were you expecting someone?” Sean asks.

“No,” I reply, and his eyes narrow as he looks at my phone in my hands. It’s not a lie. I really didn’t think Nico was going to show up.

Sean’s chair scrapes against the linoleum as he pushes away from the table and stands.

“Sean, I got it. It’s fine.”

“Is it the guy who bought you that car? I should thank the man you used to help me.”

“Don’t be a dick, Sean.” I chase after him, but he gets to the door first and opens it, blocking me out.

“Who are you?” he asks nastily.

“Sean–” I start, but Nico beats me to it.

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