Page 76 of Milked

“Jesus. How?”

“And I would do it again, dammit!”

He rested his head on my shoulder and ran his fingers through my cropped hair.

“Marc Laurent… photographer and pervert extraordinaire.”

I instantly tensed. It was no secret how the modeling industry could be a sexually harassing career.

“He didn’t just threaten me, but he threatened Casey, who desperately needs this job. His mom is reliant on his income. This asshole used that against me, and to protect him, I… I…”

“He made you do something you didn’t want to do,” I said, my voice harsher than I intended.

Finn nodded on my shoulder, and I held him tight as if I could protect him from the harshness of the world. At the same time, I was ready to kill a certain someone.

“He touched me, Father, and I fucking let him, thinking I was protecting Casey. He made me…”

“That fucking bastard didn’t rape you, did he?”

“No, but he tried to make me suck him off. I was so angry when I left the shoot, wanting to stop Casey from going in there. I couldn’t take it anymore. I broke in and found Casey being fucked. He said it was consensual, but I know the bastard manipulated him. That man has a lot of clout in the industry, and his behavior is… well known, yet no one does shit about it because it’s become the norm these days. He said our careers were over, and now Casey is pissed at me for ruining his life.”

“I’m going to fucking kill that bastard. I swear to god…”

“You won’t. It’s over. Casey may not have a career, but at least that fucker can’t touch us anymore or threaten us.”

I rubbed my hands along his back, pulling him tighter against me.

“Something has to be done, Precious. What about the other male models?”

“Who’s going to listen? Everyone already knows what he’s like, and they protect him. Why do you think he’s so bold? We live in rape culture everyone chooses to ignore.”

“What if we get other models to come forward and sue the asshole? What if someone has outright proof?”

“I smashed his camera and took the memory card, but it only had photos, not what was said. There’s no way to prove he manipulated and extorted Casey or me.”

For the first time in my life, I felt helpless. Regardless, I’d call my lawyer to see if there was anything we could do. Or I could pay a little visit to the fuck. That seemed like a much better idea.

“I’m so fucking angry, Finn. Hetouchedyou. He…”

“I feel so… dirty. No amount of bathing gets rid of that.”

“Jesus. If I ever see him, I can’t promise you I’ll be able to contain myself.” And I didn’t want to make that promise.

Finn sniffed and climbed off me to sit back down and drink his orange juice.

“Does Casey need a job? I can give him one at the bar, though it probably won’t pay as much as modeling.”

“I’ll ask him if he’ll even talk to me, not that I’m all that thrilled about it. He was a fucking asshole to me. When is Ryder coming home?” Finn asked, eager to change the subject.

“In a couple of days. Do you need him, baby?”

He poured himself a cup of coffee and nodded. “I need you both. I’m so sorry I pushed you away this morning. Processing this shit hasn’t been easy, but I already feel better talking to you.”

“How about we go visit Ryder in cow-and-corn country?”

That finally brought a small smile to Finn’s face. “I’d really like that if it’s okay with Ryder. I don’t want to disrupt his grieving and family time.”

“Let’s call him and ask.”

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