a's

rs

ith noise-shouting, laughter, the thumpin

was thick with the mingling scents of perfume, cigarette

hangover pills, praying I could hold my liqu

lling alcohol on commission. Th

e men didn't want to pay for the drinks-they wanted to see us drink th

ls, were just part o

I still did it.

t, I'd gon

rying to make another sale; the next, my vis

making it to the toilet before I drop

heir hand wrapped around it, squeezin

nst it, my body shaking uncontrollably. Toilets flushed a

yself up, one hand braced against the wall. My legs trembled under me, barely able to suppor

make out the words, just the rhythm-people

rned, and every step sent nausea clawing up my throat. I d

-everyth

behind and hoisted me into the air. I let

ke a rag doll, my stomach pressed hard

f ours," a voice

She's blackout drunk. Won't r

through me l

of for drunk girls to go missing-too

s heard t

nt-there's always someone lurking, waiting to dra

l me tonight I b

ammed into me

snapped

rged in

y'd been filled with cement. My arms wouldn't coopera

flour. His shoulder dug into my stomach, jostling me with every

ed to

ted t

p and helpless, the world spinning sid

I tried to push myself up. My knees gave out beneath m

lick-the do

ood. The sharp, metallic tang jolted me a little mor

sticky and clinging to me. I forced myself to s

otsteps. The do

fr

ike he'd just come out of the shower. Water dripped from

oment, everyt

disgust. Cold, raw,

, tangled hair, clothes clinging to me, n

a towel from the couch, tos

," he sa

. Before I could say anything, he disappeare

eave. God, I

puppet with its strings cut. Trembling, I clutched

nee as I slipped and hit the groun

is. Not into the chaos of the bar.

was closed off from the outside. Whoever this man was... he ha

nted nothing more th

e safest place I

water, and downed it in one go. The cold shocked my sens

an stepped out, now dressed, his towel gone. I

nd knocked lightl

nd immediat

you to

ase, sir. Just let me stay here for

his arm aw

roblem,"

the door, and flung it open. "Three minute

tuck in my throat. My knees buckled b

the slam of the door as he shut it again. My visi

I couldn't make sense of it. My

felt arms s

e back ont

hen-n

swallowed