Page 23 of Cruel Bargain

“Will dad be coming here soon?” Maisy asks.

Alistair shakes his head from side to side.

I smile brightly. “No, but we’ll get to hang out each day.”

“Oh, okay.”

“After you’re done catching up, return her to me. Cole is still trying to figure out where to put her. It’s possible we could give her a small apartment, or she could stay with you, but we’d have to put you in a new suite with an additional bedroom.”

I almost blurt that she’s staying with me, but I think better of it. This is very new and there’s a lot to think about.

After Dr. Christine leaves, Remi asks, “Is this why you’ve been acting like a total cunt today?”

I cast her a glare, but can’t hold it. I’m just too happy.

For the first time since I’ve arrived at the Keep, I feel like everything is going to be okay, and the smile that forms on my lips isn’t snarky.

It’s real.

“Her name is Maisy. She’s way smarter than I was at her age. Could have been an athlete, but always had her head in a book, and is way too comfortable with eating pasta every night of the week.”

As the girls introduce themselves, I look over at Alistair, who's looking at me with a telling smirk, and just as quickly as the storm clouds parted, a hurricane of emotion threatens to bury me.

Because while my sister is now safe within the walls of the Keep, he didn’t help me for free, and now I have to make good on our cruel bargain.

Chapter5

MY ONLY JOB IS PROTECTING YOU

ALISTAIR

Seeing Britney smile has been the highlight of my day.

And I aim to keep that grin plastered on her face.

After bringing Maisy to Britney, I left them to get reacquainted, returning to our apartment to get ready for our evening together.

With the addition of Britney’s sister to the Keep, we may end up moving from the smaller dorms into a bigger apartment. I can’t see a twelve-year-old wanting to room by herself, and the girl’s presence might bring Britney joy.

Which could get me laid more often.

As it is, I get one shot. I get to fuck her one time, and if I’m lucky, she’ll enjoy it. I’ll be better than the thugs she’s used to. I’ll respect her, making sure she has a good time.

If that’s even possible. Who knows if she can even enjoy sex after what she’s been through?

The door opens and in steps Britney, looking ever so anxious. Her blonde hair is put up in a messy bun, which makes her look more adorable than salacious. The iconic girl-next-door, which I’ve always had a thing for.

“Candles?”

About a dozen are lit to help set the mood, though I haven’t turned off the lights yet, so I rush to flip the switch.

I give her a sultry gaze. “That’s better.”

She nods slowly, as though accepting her fate.

“Are you hungry?”

“I ate with my sister.”

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