Page 5

Vivian

I jiggled the key before turning it, and the radio jumped to Spanish talk radio like it always did, no matter how many times I’d tried to reprogram it.

The check engine light glowed bright red on the dash, mocking me as usual, but today it felt more fitting than ever. Like the check engine light on my entire life had just lit up.

I didn’t bother changing the radio station. Just sat there for a second having a pity party for myself. Would my life ever not be a dumpster fire? It felt like every time I got even one step ahead, something always found a way to smack me back to where I belonged.

The air blasting through the vents was cold on my bare arms, but I hardly noticed. My mind was too full of what I’d just agreed to.

Blowjobs. For money.

Six years of dancing, grinding, teasing—but never crossing that line. And now? I was about to crawl right past it on my knees. Because of my father and his debts. Because the bastards he owed didn’t care he was dead, they were still collecting.

My phone buzzed in quick bursts from inside my purse. I opened my screen to find a string of messages from my sister.

Hope: Thanks again for helping us.

Hope: Mom said to tell you thanks, too. She actually teared up.

Hope: I know you didn’t have to do this. We’re both really grateful.

Helping them felt right, but how I’d agreed to help didn’t. And I already knew whatever I made wasn’t going to be enough.

I stared at my wrist as my hands rested on the steering wheel. I’d gotten the phoenix tattoo to remind myself I was a survivor. It was time to prove it again. I’d find a way, whatever it took. I’d clean up Dad’s shit from the grave.

My phone was still in my hand. Hope’s messages were gone from the screen, but they might as well have been etched into my brain.

Champagne Room money wasn’t going to cut it. Not for long. I needed more than stopgap money if I wanted to keep my family permanently safe. I needed something big. And fast.

And I knew exactly who to ask.

I opened a new text to Kit and typed before I could lose my nerve.

Me: What would I have to do to get in on one of those auctions at your club?