Daddy's Bargain
“We were poor, dirt poor. Lived in a shack that leaked when it rained. She worked odd jobs, but mostly drank. Yelled at me for everything. If I came home late, she’d hit me with whatever was close.”
Celeste stepped nearer. “That’s awful.”
“Yeah.” I kept my back to her. “I was ten when she sold me to the Mafia. She said I was strong, and could work for them. Then she got some cash and ran off with a guy. I never saw her again.”
“Sold you?” She sounded shocked.
“Like a thing.” I turned, meeting her eyes. “They trained me. It made me tough. But I hate her for it. She’s why I don’t trust easy.”