a

use.' Calling it a house might be an insult

ch and powerful people lived, Jaxon had a three-story mansion on a rid

e I had been 16, just b

as more intimidating. Jaxon was right about one thing, th

s and drive up a gravel path to the front do

s I stepped out of the car and grabbed

even more imposing. I used to like this place-n

'cause we need to chase you down though, yeah

ing people down," I said sarcastic

ays

ith Jaxon-Jaxon, who hadn't said a word, just gestured t

hand landing on the small of my

a double staircase lined with a velvet carpet, and art pieces lining the hall

s after working retail and customer servi

remember where

You... you

d. It was no tr

had dozens of rooms set aside for more important pe

ored Jaxon for it. It was like a dream come true to have a room with a princess bed, filled with the most amazing things

ecially when Mom took a turn for the wors

y on Jaxon's sympathy or goodwill just because Dad was gambling and drinking con

What were we? We obviously couldn't have our previous relationship... wha

crossed. Lines were certai

oor on the left with

t made my heart pound because I'd never seen him give this smile to anyone

mbered right now, was he? Right now, he was Jaxon Deve

the hostility in my tone to a minimum but judging by the little

now, your father's not allowe

r." I couldn't w

o pick me up. The restaurant was closing, and I had been scared to walk a couple of miles home in the dark, so I called Jaxon. He picked me up and drove me home, also tracked down my dad, who had gotten completely sh

d here, and now, he's

but... I didn't know what to feel anymore. Should I feel hurt again? For the millionth time? When he

t going t

that Jaxon. It's comi

n't want you getting involved or in the way of anything I do on the side." He meant hi

. Anythi

going to go out of your way to make your situation

f*ck

ng. Wondered when it w

'm not quitting. I need

anage to get it to the bank for once?" he scof

to buy my freedom I need a

Is it so bad to live here? You wouldn't have to worry

so nicely. I'd just have to be owned, right? Like a f*ck

I said though, you don't

e 'looking out

will, Sara, but I

me, not yet at least. Did I want him to be? I didn't

ot qui

y. Back alley deal or shady businessman deal? It could go either way a

tening,"

d at your English classes, weren't you? If you're up to snuff, I'll give you a job, one that'll pay better than all three of th

ing one o

until you start wor

o certain

girl, Sara. Shou

me, and I gri

hing

. "You're not allowed to go an

me at that point if you're that wo

that's necessa

star*d of a man! Now he w

ing to

l have my chauffeur drop you

and I'll drive myself!" I sna

e chauffeur, and tha

the door to my room and slammed it closed, grabbing a pillow an

did I still like him!? Too much was going on for m

etback and... and it's Jaxon so, I'm fine," I mu

s ex-best fri

work and-and it wouldn't take too long to make back what Da

truth about protecti

e my money as always until I could pay off the debt and buy

bit. Maybe I just couldn't shake the feelings that I had for Jaxon, t

ll so f*ck

the best pay and I got to keep all my tips. My boss, Mabel, was also a kind person who'd send me home with left

re at Jaxon's mansion if things went sour

t to find out what