Sophia yanks her hand back, blinking rapidly as if I just smacked her across the face. She’s not used to being turned down. Especially by me. She takes care of so much for me that a good fucking is the least I can do in return. Out of appreciation, if nothing else. But tonight, God himself could be standing in front of me demanding a hard-on, and I’m just not going to be able to perform.
“There’s nothing else to report. Have a good night, Mr. Lavrin.” With that, Sophia turns and walks out of the room.
Mr. Lavrin.
She knows better than to be openly disrespectful, but she can be subtly spiteful in her own right. She knows just how to walk the line between following my rules and letting me know when she’s angry. I’ll have to buy her something tomorrow and make it up to her. The last thing I need right now, on the eve of the auction, is a mutiny taking place in my bedroom.
I walk back over to the gin and instead of pouring it into a glass, I put the bottle to my lips and gulp as much of the liquid down as I can, hoping the alcohol will ease my mind. And after a few minutes, it does. At least a little bit.
But the image of the shopkeeper on my floor still haunts me. I did that to him—I hurt him. I took his money.
Just like my father taught me.
Chapter Two
Annie
I wrap my hair up in a messy bun, sling my bag over my arm, and head out the glass door of the math building. Finals are over. Thank God. But I’m not as relieved as I’d expected. I’m not sure if that’s because this last accounting final made me nervous or if it was the way the TA ogled me that rattled my nerves. Either way, I’m out of the building and heading home for a nice, relaxing night of binge-watching my favorite medical drama.
I pull my coat tight around me and brave the heavy winds as I walk toward the apartment building I share with two other girls. I can’t believe I only have one more semester left before I graduate. I swear, I thought school would never end. But my stomach churns at the thought of the real world waiting for me—adult life, a job, responsibilities. Of course, I’ve already met with my career counselor, and I’m lucky enough to have some people in mid-level accounting firms eager to interview me once I graduate.
But I know not to rest yet. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, yada yada yada. One step at a time.
I shrug the strap of my bag higher onto my shoulder and jog across the intersection. On the other side, I see a homeless man leaning against a dirty corner.
He gives me a broad, toothless smile as I approach. “Good evening, Mizz Thornton,” he says in a raspy voice. “How’d your tests go?” Henry tilts his head and smiles. “You musta done good. You a very smart lady.”
My cheeks heat at his words. “Thank you, Henry. I think I did well. But I still have to wait and see.” I reach into my bag, pull out half of a turkey sandwich, and offer it to Henry. “I couldn’t finish this with being so nervous about the exam. And I know how much you love turkey and mayo.”
“Aw, thanks, Mizz Thornton. I truly appreciate your kindness.” Henry smiles wider and takes the sandwich. “You betta hurry along, Ms. Thornton. It’s cold tonight.”
I frown and stare at Henry for a second. “Promise me you’ll go to the shelter if it gets too cold?”
“For you, Mizz Thornton, I promise. I don’t wanna see any worry in those pretty brown eyes.”
I smile and wish Henry a good evening before continuing down the street toward the apartment. Tears fill my eyes when I wonder about who will take care of Henry once I graduate. Most of the college students don’t pay him any attention. Hardly anyone offers to buy him a meal or give him a bottle of water. And once I graduate, I’m leaving the city. Henry will be left by himself.
I wipe my eyes as I climb the stairs to my building. Swiping the keycard, I push open the door and walk up to the second floor. Please God, I hope Wendy and Jenna are gone. I just want some peace and quiet.
But no sooner do I turn the key and push open the door than the shrill tone of squealing women floods my ears. At least they’re down the hall. Maybe I can slip into my bedroom without them noticing.
I carefully close the door and tiptoe down the white hall, avoiding the creaky spot on the left side halfway down. This ain’t my first rodeo. Ever so softly, I close my bedroom door.
Hallelujah. Unnoticed.
Sighing with relief, I let my bag slip to the floor before I shrug off my parka and hang it on the hook. I walk over to my bed and plop down onto the mattress just as Jenna bursts into my room.
“Annie, oh my God, why didn’t you tell us you were home?!”
“Long day,” I murmur as I curl up into my blanket.
“Oh, no, you don’t, lady!” Wendy chirps as she walks in to join us. “You are not going to bed. We are going out to celebrate that finals are over.”
“Guys, I’m super tired.” I feign a yawn, hoping they’ll just let me be. Dr. McDreamy and my bed are calling, and I am more than ready to spend all night long with them.
Jenna puts her hands on her hips and juts out her chin as she fake glares at me. “Nope, no way. These past four
