Page 45 of Heart of Sin
It’s his dominating size mixed with his deep, rough voice. The threat of violence that flashes in his mismatched eyes. The direct, matter-of-fact way he issues his orders, like he knows you’ll comply—he knows you can’t do shit.
And if you try, he’ll end you.
I drop down on the sofa, trying to sit like how Tasha normally would, with my arm curled on the armrest and my legs tucked at my side, comfy and relaxed. But really, my heart is pounding inside my chest.
Everything around me feels like it’s moving. Even the sofa I’m sitting on. I blink at him, hoping I’ve hid the dizziness from my face.
He stalks over, the gun at his side, mean mugging me.
“Tell me why you’re in a hotel, T.”
I choose my words carefully. “I was celebrating my birthday.”
“Your birthday was two weeks ago.”
“Bad breakup. That’s why I’m looking for a place to stay.”
“Bad breakup,” he grunts, turning his head for another look around the large suite. “Damn, that’s kinda funny. Never knew a trick could break up with his hoe. Seems more like he dropped you.”
My face burns hot. “It was a relationship.”
“Paid. Be real, T. You ain’t sucking and fucking nobody for free. You didn’t then, you don’t now.”
“He paid me for my time… but it was still a relationship,” I answer, my temper emerging through my fear. Big D gets off on humiliation, making someone feel like shit. “It doesn’t matter. It’s over and I’m apartment hunting. If you’re not going to say your peace, then I’m leaving—”
“Don’t make me knock you off your ass. Sit the fuck down, shut the fuck up, and answer my fucking questions. We good?”
My body goes stiff against the sofa cushions and I nod.
“All that extra dough you’ve been making me. That this trick?”
The fear’s returned, tightening my throat, making it hard to talk. I nod instead.
“You fucked up, T. I had plans for that money.”
“I’m returning to the Dollhouse. I’ll… I’ll be dancing again and doing the VIP rooms.”
“Not good enough. There, you made half what you did with this trick. We’re gonna have to work something else out.” He rubs his chin and paces around like he’s thinking.
My stomach churns with a deep sick feeling. He’s playing it off like he doesn’t know where this is going, but he does—Big D always knows. The glint in his eye and slight curl of his mouth tells me all I need to know.
“Guess I’m gonna have to put Zara on the block now.”
Violent horror tears through me. “NO!” I scream out. “D, you can’t! You promised!”
“And you lost me money.”
“I’ll make up for it. I’ll… I’ll find another client… or I’ll try to get him back. D, please. You know I’m good for it. I’ve always made you a lot.”
He paces and nods along as if giving me a fair shot. Cutting me a side glance, he asks, “Who fucked you up? That him too?”
“It doesn’t matter. It’s almost healed.” I ball my hands up in my lap to keep them from shaking. Zara is the only thing on my mind. Just horrified thoughts about how I’ve fucked up and failed her.
How did I not see this?! How did I think I could break things off with Kilroy and Big D not find out about the decrease in earnings?
Breaking things off with Kilroy was anemotionalreaction. It was prideful.
This is a nightmare. I can’t let him put Zara to work. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her away from this. If that means working seven days a week and doubling up on clients, then that’s what I’ll do.