"I can't get you your room back in the dorm."

My heart drops. It’s all I can do no to sink to the floor and just cry, after everything. I think the only reason I don’t is the numbness.

What next? 

Maybe if I take a bartending gig and limit my sleeping hours to four a night, I'll be able to juggle everything. Just maybe…

"What I can do…" Keller adds as I put the mug down, unwilling to remain here a second longer than I have to—not when I'm about to break into tears.

I lift my eyes to his, knowing they're red and wet and desperate.

"Is give you a room here, in the Vesper House."

What?

I look around at the rich, warm dark wood, the leather, and the expensive everything.

He can't mean that.

"Provided you're happy to pay for your stay. The guys pay a thousand per week."

Ugh. I should have known.

"I can't afford that. That was my whole point, as you've clearly missed it."

"I know," he retorts with that smile.

The one that starts in one corner, before spreading, and showing his perfect teeth.

Predatory. That's what it is. I’ve finally found the right word for his smile, that never reaches his eyes, and the look he gives me all the time. Like a wolf who spots juicy prey.

"What do you want?" I force out.

Although I know.

"You can guess."

I narrow my eyes at him, crossing my arms over my chest. "I want you to say it out loud. I want you to hear yourself say that you're happy to take advantage of a girl who doesn't have any other choice."

"All right. Claire Fairmont, I am offering you a suite in the Vesper House, and in exchange, you're going to be my cum dumpster for the rest of the year."

He doesn't so much as hesitate, perfectly comfortable with the idea.

"I'll cover your room and board, and throw in any expenses you might have. Your duty will be to let me come inside one of your holes twice a day, every day. When I want, where I want."

I was so, so wrong. He wasn’t done this morning. He just didn’t have any way to bend me to his will yet.

And I thought I could shame the man into doing the right thing.

He likes this. He loves having power over me.

"Don't worry. I'll either fuck your mouth or your asshole. We can leave that virgin pussy of yours out of the deal if you'd like. I'm not much for bloodsports."

"You're disgusting."

He shrugs indifferently. "Take it or leave it. But I doubt you'll get a better offer, even in this town."

23. Keller

23

KELLER