Page 18 of Wicked Duty
I seize every opportunity to cross his path, singing along with the music at the top of my lungs. Instead of moving around the space to check the windows or doors or search for secret microphones or something, he hovers near me.
At one point, he acts like he’s reaching for me. I dance away and grab a potted plant from the corner before shoving it into his hands.
“Water this for me!” He is not touching me again.
More than once, I almost trip him.
Whatever his plan, he gives up after a few minutes, setting my plant back down and retreating over to a shelf near the television. Good.
I’m stopped only by another vibration against my leg. Retrieving my phone, I expect to find a message from Maya pleading with me to act civil toward Callum. Instead, I see an email notification.
“Oh my god.” My voice cracks. “Oh my god.”
Big, buoyant fireworks explode inside me.
I read the message again. I’ve been selected for an in-person audition for Runway Revolution, the most competitive modeling event of the year.
Part traditional fashion show combined with cutthroat reality competition.
Potential contestants need to pass a preliminary screening just to receive an invitationto audition for the event itself.
And I made the cut. I almost can’t believe it.
Finally, some good news.
I haven’t modeled much since before…the ordeal, and truthfully, in the deepest, darkest, saddest part of myself, I’ve feared that my trauma crushed any talent I possessed.
But miraculously, I passed the first two online rounds of vetting and selection, and now… Now, I have a golden opportunity to jump-start my career.
Mylife.
I refuse to let those sex-trafficking fuckers steal one more thing from me.
It’s not like people get invited to audition for Runway Revolution every day. This could be, and most likely is, my one and only chance to participate. Squeezing the phone to my chest, I twirl in a circle.
My mind explodes into action, with the most important question shooting to the top.
What should I wear?
I need to pull together some carefully cultivated outfits that photograph well but don’t break my budget. Thankfully, I’ve mastered the art of using affordable clothes to create an expensive appearance through fit and style. I understand how to build an entire ensemble around a versatile investment piece—a well-tailored blazer, a classic dress—and rotate accessories to create multiple looks.
With only one week to prepare for the audition, I’ve got a lot of planning to do.
The moment shimmers like a bright, exuberant, shaken snow globe full of bliss…until Callum ruins it.
Abruptly, my music stops. The jerkface disabled my speaker system.
“Time to talk, Marlow.”
Chapter 6
Callum
When Lucy opens her mouth to protest, I pause to relish the furious red flush blooming over her cheeks.
“I’ve been hired to keep you alive. That means what I say goes. Understand?”
“Just do your job and stay out of my way.” She looks like she might say more, then she pivots, strides to the bathroom, and slams the door. That’s the third time she’s slammed a door in my face in thirty minutes.
