Page 13 of Sinful Pleasure

I slide my finger across the screen to pick up.

“Babeee!” she screeches, and I pull the phone away from my ear, wincing at the volume. “What are you doing?’’

“Watching a movie. Why?”

“You sound like my grandmother,” she snickers, and even though it’s meant to be an insult, I take it as a compliment.

“It’s only eight.”

“It’s late for me,” I mutter, settling deeper into my blankets. I like my peace and quiet, and being in bed before ten is the dream.

The phone line goes quiet for a moment, but the muffled sounds of someone yelling and music blaring in the background filter through. Sounds like she is at some loud club or party.

After a beat, she sighs into the phone.

“I’m worried about you.”

‘‘Why?’’

“You don’t leave your house anymore. You shut me down every time I ask you to go somewhere,” she continues, her voice softer now, but still with that hint of frustration.

“You know why,” I answer her simply, because the reason is right downstairs, sitting at the dinner table with my mother.

There’s a silence on her end of the phone, only broken by the low thump of music.

“You can’t let him ruin your life. Fuck him,’’ she said ‘‘You’re going to get up, dress up like the bad bitch you are, and drag your ass to the club.”

I stare at the TV screen, my mind racing.

Before I can answer, she cuts in with her usual energy, “You need to stop letting your life be ruled by those assholes.”

I sit there, the weight of her words sinking in.

She’s right.I’ve been cooped up long enough.

A night out might be just what I need to remind myself that I’m still me—not just a pawn in a game I never asked to play.

I sighed, glancing at the clock.

“Be there in an hour,” I muttered, though she didn’t give me a chance to say anything else before hanging up.

What’s the worst that could happen?

My life is already a disaster.

My future is already written, and I don’t even get to choose the pen.

So why not escape for a little while?

Without overthinking it, I headed straight to the bathroom to take a long, hot shower.

*****

After the long bath, I dressed up, put on some makeup, and I was ready to go.

I took one last glance in the mirror before stepping out, making sure everything was in place.My legs were on full display, the black dress hugging every curve and showcasing my figure.

Okay, I looked damn good.

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