Page 5 of Bought (BOUGHT TRILOGY #1)

CHAPTER FIVE

Erin

I want to close my eyes, but I won’t. Every time I try, all I see is his face and those ice-cold eyes, his jaw sharp like stone. From there, I feel the heat of his hands and the pressure of his lips.

I keep telling myself it was just a job. Just money. Just one night.

The lie cracks as I recall each of his kisses. They were just the right amount of rough, searching, and hungry, but restrained, as if he was afraid to dive too deep into me.

It takes my breath away all over again. I forget how to breathe, even now, replaying it in the safety of daylight.

I told him no kissing, drew that line, and made the rule.

When I read his list of rules? Before even meeting him? Same.

No kissing.

Yet, we both wanted it. Badly.

He kissed me as if he were claiming me for his own, as if he were carving his name into me with every touch of his tongue.

He wanted me. I could feel it. And God help me, I wanted him right back.

That’s the part that terrifies me most.

I was attracted to his roughness and control. I felt drawn to the danger of his violence, his power, and the terrifying strength he possessed.

And of all people…I should know better.

A man like him embodies everything we’ve fled from. Power, violence, and danger concealed in a handsome face.

Cass deserves so much more than that, more than me getting caught up in the same world that nearly destroyed her.

I lean my head back on the recliner's headrest. It’s an ugly thing, filled with bulky padding, the brown corduroy stained with marks we can’t wash out no matter how much we scrub. However, it’s the ideal spot for a toddler to take a nap on you.

Ryan’s sticky fingers cling to mine as he sleeps against my chest. He stayed up too late last night, and now I’m reaping the benefits. I look down at his pink cheeks, his long, dark lashes, and the rise and fall of his breath.

“Adorable.” I brush tawny hair back from his forehead. “Is that why we work so hard to give you the world?”

He smiles in his sleep.

Now, I close my eyes searching for the memory of Lucian.

I brush my fingertips over my lips, reigniting those fiery tingles. I didn’t realize a touch could wreck me. I remember how his fingers gripped into my hair, touching me in a way I never knew existed…

Savage but with reverence.

Last night was supposed to be a means to an end. Instead, it feels like the start of an obsession.

For both of us. Like the way his breath mingled with mine, ragged and hot. How his control frayed at the edges just enough to reveal how much he wanted me. He was willing to break his own rules to taste me.

I wonder how quickly he could ruin me—and why I already know I’d let him.

But he didn’t want me in the end.

I’m not as attractive as the other women at the agency. My nose is crooked—thanks, Caleb. I’m average in height, looks, and overallness.

We women raise walls of stone to protect ourselves from men’s rejection, but no matter how strong we are, it still tears us in two.

Lucian’s dismissal hit me hard. I shouldn’t have been surprised that he didn’t want me in the end.

Did I get paid?

I didn’t earn it.

Still, a flicker of hope burns in my chest.

My phone sits to my right, upside down on the bloated arm of the chair. I don’t want to check it. But I can’t not.

I pull up my bank account.

“What?” Ryan stirs.

“Shh—” my shush chokes off in shock.

There are more zeros to my name than I’ve ever seen.

He sent the money. All of it.

For what?

The money is incredible. It covers physical therapy for Cass, her ramp when we move, a therapist for Ryan, and a half-day preschool so Cass can rest while I work.

But this wasn’t only about the money. It was about something much bigger. Something I still need.

Something we won’t survive without.

Last night, I didn’t complete my mission. I have to find a way to go back.

This simple plan is becoming complicated in more ways than one.

Before I can change my mind, I return to the agency app and tap the ‘messages’ button. I type with one hand, so I don’t disturb Ryan. This is the only way to communicate with their customers.

He could see my name and ignore the message. Let’s hope he doesn’t.

My thumb hovers over the little red word, SEND.

I take a shaky breath and press my thumb to the screen. A ‘swoosh’ noise pops up, the sound of the message being sent into cyberspace.

Thank you! Your message has been sent to Mr. Bachman.

I can’t take it back.

He will either accept, reject, or completely ignore my request.

I put my phone down to wait for a reply, but a text notification comes through before I can.

The message is from a hidden number.

My stomach clenches. I know who it is. And what they want.

I hit delete without replying.

And pray he invites me back.