Page 5 of Bone's Destiny

“What are the details?” My stomach churned. If I met his associate in a public place, maybe I’d have the courage to take the money and run. I’d leave the state. Leave the freaking country if given the opportunity.

An evil grin appeared on his face. “You like it in the ass, don’t you?” He stepped toward me, and my heart jumped into my throat. “I hear you deep throat too.” He rubbed his crotch.

“Stop. You’re grossing me out.” I pushed my hands out in front of me. “I only do that for money. So I can eat.”

“Relax.” He turned on his heel. “I’d never want my dick near a dirty cunt like you.”

His words hurt me. It was him who made me into a whore. I didn’t enjoy anything those men did to me. But most of them had treated me better than my own father. They bought me dinner, got me drunk, and gave me drugs so I wouldn’t care. They could’ve been vile and violent. I considered myself lucky.

“When, where, and who?”

He sneered at my brash tone. “Tomorrow night. Club Solo.”

“At Eros Casino? I can’t get in there. I’m not twenty-one yet.”

“I’ve taken care of it. Is that a yes?”

Something told me to say no, but I didn’t listen. “Okay. And who am I meeting?” The guy had to have a lot of money to want me in such a swanky place. Maybe he’d help me get out of town if I treated him nicely and showed him a really good time.

“It doesn’t matter who. He’ll know you when he sees you.” He removed a shirt from the inside pocket of his jacket and threw it at me. “Wear that.”

I caught the wad of black fabric. It was an off-the-shoulder top with slightly parted red lips made of sequins. Nice. Everyone would know why I was there.

“Fix yourself right so you look worthy of the money you’ll be earning.”

“What time tomorrow?” My hand shot to my stomach when it growled.

“Christ,” he hissed. “Drink a damn beer. It’ll fill you up.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll drop you off at nine. When you go to the bar, order an appetizer and tequila. You stay there until he comes. Understand? Don’t screw this up.” He pointed his long middle finger at me.

“I won’t screw up.” The mere fact that I could order an appetizer sealed the deal. I’d get the biggest, most filling one on the menu. “Anything else I need to know?”

“Nope.” He left the kitchen, taking out his cell phone.

I turned toward the back door and watched the green light flash when the electric locks were activated. All of the doors and windows were monitored with an app. Only he knew the codes.

Tomorrow was the day I’d make my escape.

I couldn’t wait to finally be on my own and make my own decisions.

Roland Bates could find him a new bitch to boss around.

3

Bone

We entered the waiting area and every muscle in my body tensed. Naturally, the place was packed with Knights. Karma and Hope were seated next to each other, round and plump with my brothers’ babies. I never wanted a kid of my own until…

“Uncle Bone!” Nova squealed and ran full-force toward me. I caught her when she leaped toward me and squeezed her in my embrace, savoring her affection. I didn’t welcome closeness from anyone. It hurt too much, but Nova had broken through my walls. “About time you come home, mister.” She kissed my cheek and hugged my neck. “I missed you.”

“Starting a new chapter is a lot of work.” Dammit, she nearly made me apologize and beg for forgiveness. I’d do no such thing. I’d rather die than beg for anything, even with sweet Nova. Better for her to learn the world sucked and people were cruel at an early age.

“Bologna,” she quipped, screwing up her adorable face. “Family stays together.”

“Hmm.” I had no words for her comment.

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