Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 90114 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90114 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Her legs part. Her eyes follow. She stares at my hand like she's begging it to move forward, but she says nothing. "What for?"
"Insurance isn't for any purpose."
Her eyes find mine. "I need another clause."
I nod go on.
"You have to stay sober. Or I get the ten million."
"Okay."
"Okay? That's it?" Her voice says everything. Why wouldn't you do this for me?
"Do you need more?"
"No. Ten million will be enough."
"I have my own clause," I say.
She holds my gaze.
"No cheating."
"I'd never—"
"Even so," I say.
"For you too. And I want more for that." Anger seeps into her voice. She tries to stay calm. To use that awful, fake assistant tone. But she doesn't quite manage it. "Twenty million."
I almost smile. "Twenty million." I hold out my hand.
"That's it? I can marry you next week, send a sex worker your way, walk home with twenty million dollars?"
"If you think that will work, go ahead."
Her eyes stay glued to mine. "Are you going to tell me why?"
"No."
"What if I make that non-negotiable?"
"You won't." I stare back at her. This is it. We're almost there. I just have to push her a little further. I pull out my cell. Tap out an email. Place the phone in her palm.
Her eyes go wide as she reads the email. "You'll really—"
"I can do it right now, Jasmine. I can erase every problem in your life. All you need to do is say yes. Say you'll marry me."
Chapter Six
Jasmine
My stomach flutters. This is it. The moment where I seal my fate.
Either I give up on my father.
Or I give up my freedom.
No, it's only a year. Three-hundred-sixty-five days. I survived ten months at this job. I survived a year working full time and going to school.
Yes, I eventually broke. I dropped out so I could find a better paying job, so I could support Dad. But I survived that too.
No matter what he thinks—and, honestly, I'm not sure anymore—I'm a survivor.
I can endure this too. Hell, I'd suffer worse for a slimmer chance to save my father.
Whatever it takes.
"Yes." I extend my hand.
Shepard takes it with a firm grip. "I'll send the paperwork tomorrow."
I nod. "And my father's treatment."
"Of course." He holds up his cell. A transfer from his bank account. Six figures to the hospital for Trong Lee's treatment.
The end of the albatross around my neck.
A chance.
"That first." I firm my grip. It's supposed to be a sign of strength, but my body gets the wrong idea. My fingers melt into his. My heart races. My sex clenches.
He's right.
I want him.
Standing here, two feet from him, smelling his shampoo, feeling the pure power emanating from his blue eyes—
I want him so badly I can barely stand.
But I can.
So I watch as he finalizes the transaction. Then I shake his hand again. "Thank you."
"Lock will drive you home."
It's too late for the subway—the trains only run once or twice an hour. Until that money is in my account, I can't afford a cab or a ride share. I'm not walking in these shoes.
I should be grateful for the ride. I am.
But it's not like he's asking. He's telling.
For the next year, I'm his. To pose, bend, break.
Dad is safe.
That's worth a thousand years as Shepard's.
"Thank you." I shoot him my customer service smile.
He catches the fakeness. Frowns.
I have my cards to play. There aren't many of them. But I do have them.
At home, I change into my pajamas, fix a cup of chamomile, check my cell.
Even though it isn't business hours, it's there. Some strings Shep pulled, no doubt. I thought he was rich and powerful before, even as a teenager, but now?
He has everything.
He has all the power in the world.
The power to destroy me like that.
Only he can't. He needs me. I'm not sure why. Only that he does.
I read the message again.
Payment received. Trong Lee is scheduled to begin treatment Monday.
This is it.
Dad has a chance. He really has a chance.
The weight on my chest lifts. My limbs get lighter. The tension in my stomach eases.
This is going to be okay.
There's actually a chance.
There's a chance he's going to make it.
Chapter Seven
Jasmine
Despite my lack of sleep, I skip to work. It's a beautiful day. Bright blue sky, shining sun, blossoming flowers.
Spring in New York. It's gorgeous. Why is it I've never noticed?
I step into the lobby of my office building. It's buzzing with men and women in suits. The click-clack of designer heels against tile. Conversations about deals and weekend plans.
I guess it is Friday. I usually keep better track. The weekend is a chance to see Dad. Sometimes, I can even take him out of the hospital for a few hours. We can go to the park. Or take a walk along the water. Go to that restaurant in Chinatown he loves.
It's been so long.