Watch Me (Private Listing #1)

I swallow down the fear lodged in my throat. I need to be reasonable, not panicked. “Like I said, I have a job.”

“As a hooker?” Valerie chuckles and flicks my hair. “Because if so, we’d like to try out the goods. Wouldn’t we, baby?”

Her eyes meet Jeff’s over my shoulder. I cringe as he hauls me back against his erection. “We like to play with hookers.”

Fuck, no. I can’t even think about that. Just keep talking and get them to let me go.

“I’m not a hooker. I work at Morrigan Technology Group.” Lifting my badge from around my neck, I show her. I don’t want to get involved in any kinky games they like to play. The minute I get free, I’m going to run for it. Twenty steps to the door. My purse is still across my body.

But where can I go? My mind flashes to the guys, but it’s too soon for that. I could get Robert to let me stay with him, but again, the creep factor. I might be in trouble here, but somehow that might be running from one danger to the next. Maybe Hope…

Valerie steps into me, pressing me against her boyfriend. She reaches up and squeezes my breast hard. I whimper as my mind flails. They aren’t going to take no for an answer. Ice races down my spine and pools low in my belly.

“Where’s the rest of the money, slut?” Valerie steps back and slaps me across my face.

Pain flashes through my head as a million stars light behind my eyes. I can’t think.

“I used the last of it to pay your half of the rent,” I finally manage to get out. My head still rings from the slap. I can’t even lift my hand to press against the ache.

“If you can’t pay up, then we’ll have to take it from you.” Valerie leers at me while she steps back and sits on the couch. She crosses her leg and smiles at me like I’m about to be her entertainment.

If I stay reasonable, maybe it will de-escalate things. My breath shudders out of me. My nails dig into my hands until I feel wetness on my fingers.

“You don’t have to do this. I can get you more money.”

“Shut up and take it like a good slut.” Valerie leans back with her arms spread along the back of the couch. “Don’t worry, Jeff likes to fuck hard. Nothing you aren’t probably used to.”

My whole body shakes. My heart is going to explode. This can’t be happening. This isn’t supposed to be happening. I was safe with the guys just minutes ago.

Jeff releases my arms, and for a second, I think about lurching forward, but then his arm bands around my waist and lifts my feet from the ground. I kick my feet back toward him.

“Nooo,” I cry out. “Let me go.” It’s useless. I can’t demand anything in my current position. Valerie’s laugh rings in my ears.

Jeff grabs my other breast and squeezes harder than Valerie. “Nice tits.”

“She has that going for her,” Valerie scoffs. “You want to pound her first or watch me take her?”

“What the fuck!” I struggle in earnest now, scratching any flesh I can reach. “They’ll know it was you. You live here. You won’t get away with this.”

Jeff laughs and his hand wraps around my throat. Both my hands go to his hand as he squeezes. “Fucking bitch scratched me.”

Valerie shakes her head. “Shouldn’t have done that. Now, Madison, where’s the rest of the money?”

A knock sounds at the door.

“Help!” I cry out before Jeff’s hand squeezes so tight I can’t scream anymore. I can still get in a little air, but if his grip tightens any more, I’m as good as dead.

“Shut the fuck up, slut,” Valerie whispers.

I nod.

“Madison?” Blake’s voice comes through the door. My head spins and tears well in my eyes. He’s here.

Valerie turns to the door.

I kick over a chair, and it clatters on the floor. White splotches dance along my vision as the amount of air getting to my lungs decreases. Scratching and kicking as much as I can, I can’t draw in a full breath. I have to keep fighting.

Blake needs to know I’m still here.