Chapter 5

CALLIE

I shove him off me. Hard.

I hate men like this.

Men who think anything can be bought with money, just like my filthy landlord, Landon.

Reaching for my purse, I grab it, then steady myself when I realize I’m about to fall. “You’re ridiculous to think every woman can be bought with money.”

I take a step back, tugging my mini gown to cover myself more. “I don’t care how much you’re willing to pay…I’m not interested.”

His dark eyes follow me as if he can read every thought racing in my head. “You’re walking out of here, little dove?” His voice is calm, almost teasing, like he’s already won some private game I don’t even know I’m playing.

“Yes,” I walk toward the door, my heels clicking sharply against the floor. Glancing over my shoulders, I glare at him. “And you can keep your money.”

He tilts his head, a smirk curving his lips. “Not so fast. I’d like to know the name of the woman who dares to tell me no.”

I freeze.

My pulse jumps, but I don’t bother to turn around. Clutching my purse tighter, I take a step outside. “Callie,” it comes out soft and unsure. We’ll never meet each other again anyways. “Callie Parker.”

~~

My legs feel like jelly as I step out, my heart still hammering from the encounter. I press my hands to my knees, catching my breath, trying to convince myself I didn’t just survive a nightmare.

Scarlett grabs me immediately. She drags me into a private corner, pressing her palm over my lips when I try to scream.

She’s all sweaty and a little drunk—but she’s still sober enough to have a conversation.

“How did it go?” She asks in a bubbly tone. “How much did he pay you?”

A flush creeps across my cheeks when I realize he paid me nothing for my tiny little show. Of course. I was the one who walked away. Embarrassment floods me, and Scarlett takes a step back.

“Don’t tell me you said something wrong.”

I grimace. “Scarlett, he asked me to do something…degrading. I couldn’t do it. I saw the lust in his eyes even before I agreed.”

She looks at me in disbelief. “What was the pay?”

I gulp. “Scarlett, we don’t have to talk about that, alright? I’ll go job hunting tomorrow, I’ll be out of your apartment before you know it.”

“I don’t care if you stay in my apartment or not, Callie.” She snaps, “I just want to live my life without having to worry about some sister who can’t sort out her own bills. Do you know who was with me when you called earlier today?”

Tears prickle the corner of my eyes.

“Luke, my boyfriend.” She whispers, “and the phone was on freaking speaker. I told him my twin was living fine, but you ruined everything with a single phone call.”

“That wasn’t my fault.”

Scarlett throws her hands up, pacing a few steps. “Then why did you say no to Mr. Voss?!” She slams her palm against the counter, taking a deep breath before continuing.

“I’m sure Trent fucked you several times before you guys broke up, and now much did he pay? Nothing. Why can’t you give out your body for some money instead, huh? Why does that count as being cheap to you?” She shouts, pressing her hand to her temple. “I know you’re all about dignity, but we need to survive. You need to survive. When you’re out on the freaking streets, you wouldn’t give a damn about that dignity anymore.”

A sob breaks out from my throat. “I didn’t say no because I’m not cheap,” I say quietly, not even sure if she can hear me. “I said no because I wanted to wake up tomorrow and still recognize myself.”

Scarlett scoffs. “That’s still not going to pay your ren—”

“I know,” I cut in, my voice cracking despite my effort. “Trust me, I know.” My fingers tighten around my purse strap. “But don’t ever put me and Trent in the same sentence again. Don’t ever make it sound like my body is something I owe the world because I’m broke.”

Scarlett staggers backward, her lips wide open. “Cal—”

“I didn’t call you to ruin your life,” I choke, trying not to cry. “I called you because I thought….you were still my sister.”

Her face falters for a second.

“I’m sorry I’m not strong the way you are,” I blink repeatedly, wrapping my arms shakily around myself. “I’m sorry I can’t survive the way you do, but I’m trying. I freaking am.” I say, blinking back my tears. “And since you badly want me to leave, I’ll leave.”

Scarlett is quick to grab my wrist. “Callie, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have said that, okay?” She rushes over her words, “I didn’t mean it, I swear. Fuck alcohol, I…I couldn’t control the words spilling out of my mouth.”

I close my eyes, inhaling a deep breath. “Yeah, you’re drunk as hell,” a light chuckle escapes me, and she looks up to stare at me.

“You’re not mad?”

“I am,” I admit, “but you’re still my sister, and I still suck at staying angry for long.” I bite my lips, blinking back the tears that threaten to spill. “By the way, I told Mr. Voss my full name.”

Scarlett’s eyes fly open. “What?!”