I sighed. “Besides the fact that I haven’t been able to work in months, I’m just not feeling it anymore.” I shrugged.
This time she sat up and turned her body to face me. “Does this have something to do with Kairus? Is he forcing you to do this?”
I shook my head. “No, this has nothing to do with him. I told you I’m just not feeling it. I saved up a good nest egg to get me by while I find something else. I needed to focus on getting back in school anyway, not dates.”
“But how are you gonna pay for school without Elite? I thought that was one of the main reasons you were doing it.”
Again I sighed. “It was, but I don’t know I just don’t want to date random men anymore. Even if it is fake.”
I had already paid for next semester when I paid for this one, which was a waste since I didn’t even finish it. I needed to figure out what my next move would be. There was only a month left of school when I was taken then finals. Since I didn’t get to finish, I didn’t know what was next for me. My life was so up in the air right now. I didn’t know if I was coming or going.
“Are you sure it’s not because of Kairus? I did some asking around about him, Azeira, and he’s a terrible guy. I heard he doesn’t hesitate to kill someone if they’re off by a dollar when it comes to paying back the money he’s owed. I don’t know how you got him to agree to keep you until your dad pays him back, but I think you should be more guarded. I mean, look at that guy with you, he’s scary as hell.” Her nose scrunched.
Crusher was my personal driver today. After visiting Jatavia I would go by my parents’ house. Thankfully Kairus had somewhat loosened the reins on me. He allowed me to visit my parents and best friend.
“He’s not that bad,” I defended.
Jatavia cut her eyes at me causing me to squirm.
“I’m serious! Kairus is just…misunderstood.” I bit into my bottom lip and avoided her eyes. I knew it didn’t make sense to her, and I wouldn’t betray Kairus’s trust by revealing his secrets, but I didn’t like the way Jatavia spoke about him.
“Are you kidding me? The guy is crazy! He needs to be in jail if I’m being honest.”
“Don’t say that.” I sat up straight and raked my fingers through my hair. A tightness formed in my chest at the thought. While I knew her words weren’t wrong, I tried to block out that part of Kairus. “Look, I know Kairus has his flaws, but he’s been through a lot. He just lives his life how he was raised. Once you get to know him he’s not that bad.”
Jatavia looked at me like I had grown two heads. “His ass done brainwashed you, hasn’t he?” Her brows furrowed. “It’s the dick, isn’t it?” She cocked her head to the side.
I snickered and waved her off. “No. I just… I understand him.” After Kairus made me stab my date that day I was sure I would never be able to accept him as he was. But after spending more time with him, noticing the little things he did to make me comfortable and the way he cared for me, I found myself growing fonder of him with each passing day.
“You’re trippin’.” She shook her head and leaned back in her seat. This time she grabbed her shades off the table between us and placed them on her face. “Just be careful, friend. I don’t want you to become his next victim. I’ll cut his ass.”
I choked out a laugh. “I’m good. There’s nothing to worry about.” Licking my lips, I sat back. “Now tell me what’s new with you. How’s Elite been?”
“Bye, Mommy. I’ll see you later.” I kissed my mom’s forehead and slowly backed out of the room. She had started her second round of chemo and had an appointment earlier today. The good thing was she only had to do a handful of treatments then she would be done. Her doctor was optimistic when it came to the results of the surgery.
Leaving the door cracked behind me, I prepared to leave when my dad came out of his office, surprising me by requesting I come and talk to him. He had managed to avoid me the whole time I was here. I didn’t think he was going to speak to me at all.
My dad walked around his desk and took a seat. I stayed standing by the door.
“Mom said the doctor said everything looks promising,” I started, attempting to clear the air.
While I’d always been closer to my mom, me and my dad always got along well too. He was my protector growing up and a wonderful provider. He treated me and my mom like queens and always showed up when it mattered. I hated the space the two of us were in currently.
“Yes. After these couple rounds of chemo he’s hopeful she’ll be cancer-free.”
I couldn’t help but grin. “Good.”
An awkward silence filled the room. It was never like this with us. The worst part was I doubted things with us would ever be the same. Not after he learned that I had been intimate with Kairus.
“I’ve almost got all the money to pay my debt.” His words caused me to snap my attention back to him.
“What?” I questioned with wide eyes. “How?”
It had only been a little over three months, I wasn’t sure how my dad managed to get a hundred thousand dollars so quickly.
He straightened in his seat. “The how doesn’t matter. In a couple more weeks I’ll have it all then you’ll be back home and away from that man.” Venom dripped from his voice as he spoke.
“I…” My mouth snapped closed. I wasn’t sure how I felt about my dad paying Kairus back. I mean, theoretically, I should be happy. I would gain my freedom back and be able to get on with my life. Go back to normal. Why did the thought of that make my chest ache and my stomach drop?
