Page 16 of Bought

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.

CHAPTER SIX

Lucian

I kissed her. Not out of hunger. Not out of dominance. Not to prove a point.