Hooker(27)

Whoop-de-fucking-do. Two hundred and fifty grams. I was in no mood for her bullshit.

‘Maybe I need to confiscate your passport to teach you a lesson.’

I shrugged. ‘Do what you like, I don’t care anymore.’

The look on her face told me she was surprised by my outburst. I’d never backchatted her before.

‘What did you say?’

Squaring my shoulders, I stood tall. ‘I can’t do this anymore. I hate my life. I hate you.’ My confession surprised me. It’s something I never thought I’d say out loud.

She was in my face in an instant. The murderous look in her eyes should’ve frightened me, but it didn’t. Her hand came up, latching tightly around my throat.

‘You ungrateful little bitch. You’d be nothing if it wasn’t for me. You’d still be the piece of scum you were the day you came to live here.’

That’s where she was wrong. I’d be everything I’d wanted to be if it wasn’t for her. I may have been poor and unfortunate, but I was never scum—I was a victim of circumstances, nothing more.

Her grip on my throat tightened as she pushed my head roughly back into the wall. I tried desperately to take some air into my lungs. It was no use—my airway was completely restricted. ‘The only way you’ll ever get away from this profession, from me, is in a fucking body bag. Understand?’

The moment she uttered those words, some of the horrible things I’d witnessed her do over the years flashed through my mind. My gut told me she meant every word.

For a split second, I’d actually contemplated that death would be better than spending the next two years living under her iron fist, but that thought didn’t last long. Brock had given me a small taste of how wonderful like could be. In my heart, I knew that one day I’d get to experience that again. Maybe not with him, but anything would be an improvement on the life I was currently leading. There was so much more outside of this. So much more.

I refuse to die being the person nobody has ever loved. More importantly, I refuse to die a damn hooker.



I’d arrived at M’s house around the same time as the other girls who are working tonight. Like everything else, M is big on punctuality. As usual we all have to go through a rigorous once-over before we head to our clients.

After M inspects what we’re wearing, we’re instructed to strip down to our lingerie. I hate this part the most. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been tempted to wear a huge pair of granny undies just to see the look on her face. Even thinking about it makes me smile.

‘Very nice, Jade,’ M says as she takes in my new lingerie. It’s a set I bought from José while I was in New York. I knew she’d approve. I hear Rachel mumble some smart remark from beside me. Bitch. I get the impression the other escorts dislike me. I’ve heard the whispers and snickers when M leaves the room. They think I get special treatment from her, but I don’t—she’s just as horrible to me as she is to them.

We all pass M’s inspection, and are allowed to get dressed and leave without suffering one of her rants, thankfully—it would spoil my mood. I’m actually looking forward to my weekend, which doesn’t happen often. Theo James, my favourite client, is having a pool party at his mansion today. I’m his date. I love my time with him. Not just because he’s gay: he’s always kind to me, and fun to be around. He’s like a big teddy bear.



BROCK

Sliding into my gold Lamborghini Murcielago, I punch Theo’s address into my GPS. He texted me the information a few days ago, also telling me to bring a date. But I’m flying solo. I’ve just lost interest. Damn Snickers. She’s ruined me.

To be honest, I’m not even in the mood to go to this party, but I said I’d be there, and I’m a man of my word.

When I reverse out of the garage, I dial Josh’s number and put him on speaker. I have no idea what I’m getting into today, so I want to touch base.

‘Hey pussy,’ he says when he answers.

‘Hey cocksucker,’ I retort. I hear him gasp on the other end of the line, and it takes a few seconds for what I said to register. When it does, I burst out laughing.

‘Very funny, arsehole,’ he snaps. I clear my throat. Even though I have no problems with my little brother being gay, I definitely don’t want images of him sucking some guy’s cock in my head.

‘Please tell me you’re going to be at Theo’s party today.’

‘Sorry, bro. It’s a business get-together. It’s only for his straight friends.’

‘What?’

‘He’s still in the closet. He keeps his business and personal life separate.’