Page 30 of Dark, Forbidden, & Taboo

With as good as Mirabella has been to us, it would be nice to show up at her place at least once and not smell of day-old pussy and grody clothes.

“Hey, Mimi?” I call out again as I gently remove the dress from the hanger.

“What’s up, Davina?”

“Think you can drop me off at the Y later?”

“Honey, you don’t need the Y. If your pride would set itself aside for a moment, you’d remember that I have an empty apartment right above the store that you can use for as long as you want.”

I sigh as I slip the dress over my head, letting the soft fabric cascade down my body, then reach down and smooth out some wrinkles.

Pride.

That’s something I learned from the Parkers.

Never take a handout, Davina. Nothing in this world is for free and when someone wants to give you something, it’s because they want something in return.

The only words that Julius said that ever stuck with me, and while I can agree with him on it, I hate that it’shimwho taught that mantra to me.

I walk up the three small steps that sit on the center floor of the dressing room area, look into the full-length mirror, and turn to the side, eyeing myself critically.

“I think I’ll take you up on that,” I state conversationally. “Maybe for a day or two, though. Max.”

Fuck you, Julius,I think when I see Mimi’s happy smile in the reflection behind me.Not everyone wants something to give something.

Clearing my throat, I tuck my hair behind my ears and strike a pose.

“Well? What do you think?” I ask Mimi with a grin.

“You look great, Davina!” she exclaims, clapping her hands happily.

“Can I pass for the Queen of Underground Scum?” I question with a chuckle as I lower my hands to my sides and look into her eyes through the reflection.

Mimi’s eyes soften, as does her smile. She walks over to where I’m standing and puts a hand on my hip, gently guiding me up to my tiptoes.

“Let’s just hem this a couple of inches and you’ll fit right in.”

Chapter 2

Emily

Iyawn widely and cover my mouth to stifle the sound.

My legs are extended under the sun as I lounge in the backyard near the in-ground pool.

Life has never been more boring. Not since Daddy started running for the office of whatever it is he wants this time. What makes this little venture particularly boring is that we all knowhe’ll get it. No matter how much he feigns worry over possibly losing out to Mr. Thompkins, he knows he’s a shoo-in.

Daddy alwaysgets what he wants.

Always.

I reach for my bottle of water and take a sip before setting it back down on the table beside me. Ruthless happens to be synonymous with the Parker Family name, so it’s a wonder that Mr. Thompkins wanted to challenge Daddy at all.

“Emily!”

I roll my eyes and sigh as I glance to my right and see Aunt Jana walking toward me. She’s Daddy’s older sister and the only person who can keep him in line when he’s off to the races. I grin instantly, feeling much better knowing she’s here now.

“Hey, Aunt Jana!” I call back with a small wave.

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