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Trevor and I made love when we got home. It wasn't just sex like it had been for the past several years. There was real emotion in it. He took his time kissing me, stroking me, and ensuring that I hit my climax first. After that, we shared his bath together. As he washed my body, he kissed every clean inch. Then we went to bed, where we cuddled for a long time beforegoing to sleep.

When I woke up, it was past noon. Trevor wasn't home, but that was normal. Little Hopper, the rabbit, was hanging out in a closed-off pen by the doghousethat we were usingas his coop.

Trevor had removed my name.When I looked down at the rabbit, a tear stung my eyeand slowly rolled down my cheek. "Get your shit together, Isaac."

More tears fell as I thought about the path laid out before me. Trevor didn't love me. As much as I wanted him to, he didn't.Hewasn't capable of real love. He'd proven that over and over again. I needed to move on. I needed to start looking forward to a possible life with Vic.

Vic may be unable to afford the finest things, but he would never hold me prisoner. Wemay not agreeall the time, but he would never hit or beat me. He wouldn't rape me. He knew "no" meant "no." Vic always tried to make sure I enjoyed having sex with him. He tried his damnedest to make sure I came first. Sure, it didn't always work out that way, but shit happens. He always managed to finish me off, even if it was with his hand or mouth. Vic wouldn't force me to sleep with people for money, but I'm sure he wouldn't judge me if I did. Vic wouldn't dictate what I wore or how my hair was done. Vic would allow me to be myself, so why the fuck was I thinking of Trevor?

Dropping to my knees, I reached out to stroke Little Hopper, but he scurried away. Poor little fella didn't know what affection was. I stared at the animal, and as its head popped out of the house, my jaw dropped in realization. I was just like this rabbit. I didn't know what love really was. The only thing I had to compare the feeling to was how Trevor treated me. I would bet that the little rabbit felt safe and maybe some form of love towards the people who fed it, even though they were the ones who would eventually butcher it.

In this situation, I was the rabbit, Trevor was the feeder, andweirdly enough,Vic was me.I clung to Trevor because it was all I knew. He was where I got my food and what I thought was love. Just like how I want to gain thetrust of the rabbit, Vic wants to gain my trust. Vic wants to show me what love can really be, just like how I want to show the rabbit whatreal affection is. Humans thrive on love. They die without it. That was scientifically proven. Just like how the rabbit would eventually see me as asource of food, Vic was the food my soul needed.

I headed to the window, trying to get a view of the districts beyond the Nine Rings. I wasn't sure if I was looking at the Sin District, but I hoped I was. Trevor ruined my life and stole Alex's. A convicted murderer didn't get a debt put on their head. They were executed and thrown over the wall. Murder had no place in Sin City, the same way Trevor had no place in my heart.I had to go through with my plan, both for Alex and forme.If I didn't, even if I eventually gained my freedom, I would nevertrulybe free.I would always wonder if I made the right choice.

_________________________________________

I got Monday and Tuesday off and spent most of my time trying to get Little Hopper used to me. When Trevor would come home, I'd spend time with him, trying to keep him happy. When Wednesday rolled around, I was pleasantly surprised to see Vic standing behind the bar.

Leaning on the countertop, I glanced around, watching as Trevor headed into the office. "Hey."

Vic smiled at me. "Hey."

I tried to make my pose look as casual as possible. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"

"Okay with what?"

"I work here. I'm going to have to dance, flirt, and rub all over guys. I might even have to do a private dance or…" I swallowed. "...take someone upstairs."

"I've always known what you do for a living, Isaac." Vic began to wipe down the counter. "I own a couple of your movies."

With a giggle, I pressed a hand to my chest. "Get out," I laughed.

"I really like The Naughty Pool Boy. That one is my favorite."

I had to resist the urge to playfully swat him. We were only supposed to be friends and not even good friends at that. He was supposed to be Cherry's boyfriend. Still, the compliment made me blush. The Naughty Pool Boy was a movie about me getting railed by four other men poolside. "You like to watch me get plowed by a group of men?"

He leaned forward, locking his amazing hazel eyes on mine. "I like watching you." He went back to wiping the bar. "When you left, and I found out you were trapped again, watching those movies was the only way for me to see you. I fell in love with you, Isaac."

I gasped, and a tear shimmered in my eye.

"You'd better take care of that. Don't want to ruin your makeup."

He was right. Keeping my head down, I marched off to the dressing room. When the door closed behind me, I broke down, bawling uncontrollably. He loved me, and I knew at that very moment that I loved him. He was the man I wanted to spend my entire life with. Not Trevor fucking Hobbs.

It was time to put on another show. When the music started, I headed to the pole and did my first dance of the night. By the time I was ending my third pole dance, a man off in the corner caught my eye.

I couldn't believe he actually came back. It was just hopeful thinking on my part, and what was even better was that Lucien hadn't come along.

Giving my best, flirty grin, I sauntered up to Lucien's husband. "Hello, handsome."

The man smiled, giving me a once-over before inviting me to sit next to him.

Of course, I took the invitation, scooting in close. My hand lightly slid overhisthigh. "I see you're alone tonight. Can I keep you company?" When he rubbed my ass cheeks, I took the opportunity to climb onto his lap.

"I apologize for my husband's behavior at that party. He's the jealous type."

I waved him off as if it were nothing. He has nothing to be jealous about. He's a cute little pixie."

The hand on my ass squeezed. "And you're a perfect littlepuk."

I wiggled playfully on his lap. "Well, he isn't here now, so you and I can have a good time partying." I grabbed his shirt and pulled his face toward mine. "What are you drinking, handsome?"

"What are you drinking?"

"I'll show you. Don't let anyone take my spot, sweetie. I'll be right back."

I got to my feet and saunteredoffto the bar with a devilish smile. The man was playing right into my hands.

After Vic dealt out a round of shots, I waved him down.

"What's up?"

I subtly pointed to the table. "When drinks come from that table, I'll always order a Poison Apple. Make it light. And the other drink very heavy."

"Heavy tipper, is he?"

Dropping my voice to a whisper, I asked, "Remember how I told you about that Lucien guy? The one I kicked and ended up in shackles because of."

"Is that him?"

"No. That's his husband."

Vic raised an eyebrow as he set out two martini glasses. "Getting a little revenge?"

I shrugged. "Sort of. The guy digs me, that's for sure. But he may be the key to getting justice for Alex. I can't give you the details here, but I'll fill you in whenI can."

"Got it. Keep 'em heavy."

He finished pouring my drinks, and with a smile, I strolled back to the table and slid onto the man's lap without spilling a single drop. I took a sip from one, handing the other off.

"You know,I don't even know what to call you."

"My name is Beau."

I grinned. "Mmm, I like it. That's a sexy name for a sexy man."

"You don't have to pretend," Beau chuckled. "I know you're only here because you have an issue with my husband."

"That might be part of it. You're right, I don't like Lucien. But I like you. I think you're sexy."

He snorted. "You can't tell me that you're attracted to a fat old man like me."

"Stop. First of all..." I caressed his chubby jaw. "...I like older men. As if Trevor Hobbs isn't an indication. And I love a man with a belly. They are so nice to cuddle up with. So soft instead of hard." I leaned back and looked down at his crotch. "But they get hard in the right places, don't they?"

He hissed, pulling me closer. "You're only saying that because you're getting paid."

I gave him a scowl. "Do you not know who I am? I'm Starburst. The fucking star of the show. I don't have to flirt with anyone, honey. If I do, it's because I want to. Flirting with the undesirables is beneath me. That's the lower staff's job... and I don't need your money. I live a pretty comfortable life. I have everything I need. I even have a pet. So, if you don't want to party, that's on you, stud. I'll go find some entertainment elsewhere." I began to slide from his lap, but he grabbed my arm before I could get far. Got you. "Change your mind, sweetie?"

"Sit back down. I want to have some fun. I'll order us a few more drinks."