Cohe

ed the last spark of hope I had that Demetri might intervene.

, her voice a soft murmur. "Demetri, dear, did you tell them

stare he' d given me just moments before. "I told them, love. Just checking

tri, you're so sweet!" "Always looking out for Claudi

ease, give Claudia some space. She's been through a lot lat

d with a fresh, raw ache. The indifference was almost worse th

ce now a low growl. "Are you going to be a good girl, or do I need to remind you

his. Not here. Not in front of Demetri. It would break me completel

, thick with unshed tears. "Couldn't I... a diffe

you were quite the performer, Josie. Willing to do anything for a buck, weren't you?" He leaned forward,

from earlier, the feel of his clammy hand on my arm – it all came rushing ba

es quickly assessing the situation. Her face was ashen, her lips pr

r the misunderstanding. Josie is new to the VIP section. Perhaps I can of

it seems she needs a little... encouragement." He looked at me, his eyes glinting

o buckle. Apologize? For what? For trying to preserve the last shred of my d

, a silent command in her eyes. Do it,

octor' s grim prognosis. The mounting medical bills. The looming threat of juven

t my skin. I lowered my head, my hair a curtain around my face, biting back a sob. "I..

whispered. "Who would have thought Josie Cohen would end up like this?" Another

rmth. "Good girl. Now, get out of here. You've

obbly, and tried to escape the ro

er face a thundercloud. She gripped my arm, he

desperation. Before I could even close the door, Caron's hand flashed out

to make him happy! I told you to follow the rules! Do you know h

up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. "I

ich art student who can afford to be 'proud'?" Her eyes narrowed. "Look around you, honey. This isn't USC. This is

g in the air. "You're a liability. I can't h

Bennie... he needs this. I'll do anything. I swear. Just... don't fire me. I'll obey

her gaze cold and un

peated, my voice

ook in her eyes. "Alright, Josie. One last chance

washing over me,

g cheek. I just needed to get home, to disappear into the darkness. But a figu

me