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I swallow the lump in my throat. “What if no one else shows up?”
He offers me a knowing smile. “They will.”
Chapter 5
Lilith
It’s Friday, and the butterflies in my belly have turned into pterodactyls batting their wings so hard I’m afraid I’m going to throw up. I need to leave now if I’m going to make it to the hotel on time. I stare at myself in the mirror one last time. A red curl has fallen into my eye, and I shake it back.
I don’t recognize myself with the makeup and curled hair, even though I’m still in my normal jeans and crop top. But I need to look my best. I need these assholes to empty their bank accounts for me. I’m still not sure that any of them are going to be willing to pay enough for me.
“You look hot,” Abigail says.
I look in the mirror, where my best friend stands behind me.
My cheeks blush. I’m not sure I believe her. I’ve never been considered hot. I’ve been the ugly duckling for as long as I can remember, always bullied for my too-long legs, nonexistent boobs, and frizzy hair. But I trust my friend. She’s the one who did my hair and makeup.
I nod. “It’s time.”
Her assured smile drops. “You don’t have to do this.” Abigail, with her long auburn hair and still-living high-ranking Retribution King father doesn’t have to worry about money like I do. She’s always had food, clothes, and shelter. She’s always had a future. And as an only child, she never had to be responsible for any younger siblings.
“I do. I’m ready.”
She sighs as I strut past her, gathering all of my confidence as I leave my bedroom. I’m not going to be that scared, shy girl anymore. This only works if I’m a vixen that everyone wants.
I stop as I enter the living room. “Take care of my sisters. Promise me, Abigail.”
“Of course. I promise. But you’re the one taking care of them by doing this. And you’re still going to be in their lives.”
My heart thumps hard in my chest. I wish I could agree with her, but I’m on the way to sell my body to the highest bidder. There’s a strong chance that whichever man pays for me won’t be letting me see my family much.
I start to turn away, but Abigail throws her arms around me. I can feel her tears wetting my shoulder.
“Let me help you. I have money—”
“No,” I say a little too forcibly. “I appreciate it, but no. I’ve made up my mind.”
Abigail nods and lets me go, wiping her tears. I squeeze her hand, trying to reassure her. And then I let go, thankful that my sisters are at school. I’m not sure I would manage a goodbye with them. Abigail will tell them where I went. She’ll take care of them.
I open the door, ready to head out to the car Peter sent for me, when I see Mom walking up the cracked sidewalk. Her eyes have circles under them, and she’s still wearing her cleaning uniform.
She pauses when she sees me. I don’t know how, but she knows what I’m about to do. I can see it in the way her eyes tighten as she studies me as if for the last time.
She doesn’t ask any questions. Peter sent out the invitations two days ago, and I’m sure she came across a copy. I’m not the first woman from this side of town to offer myself up like this, after all.
We both stare at each other, exchanging glances of the women we’ve become.
I lift my head higher, knowing there is nothing she can say that would stop me from doing this. For one, I’ve already signed the contract. If I didn’t show up or tried to run, Peter would find me.
Mother starts walking. I think she’ll embrace me like Abigail did and beg me not to go. She’ll tell me she’ll take my place or find a way to stop this.
But she does none of those things. As she passes me, she places a hand gently on my shoulder, pausing for the briefest of seconds. Then wordlessly, she walks past me and inside our home.
I exhale a deep breath, knowing I made the right choice. She knows it too. I have to do this to save my family. There is no other way.
Chapter 6
Lilith
