Her face falls, and the light atmosphere between us disappears.
“You’re not still planning on going, are you?” she whispers. “It’s our birthday in a few weeks.”
“I’m not leaving you here,” I say, dropping my voice. Even though we’re alone and this is one of the only places on the property not covered by cameras, I fear what will happen if Dad finds out we’ve spoken about this. He’d lock her in her bedroom until she was too old to satisfy his twisted appetites. “I want you to come with me.”
“I’ve already told you,” she says. “I can’t leave Daddy. He needs me.”
I want to tell her that the bastard can rot and die for all I care, but I don’t know how she’ll react. Until I showed up, he was the only person she’s ever cared about, and he’s brainwashed her into believing that no one else will be there for her like he is.
A clock chime rings to remind us that it’s two a.m. Time we should leave.
I stroke her cheek, forgetting she’s topless. “Just think about it, okay?”
She doesn’t reply but inclines her head.
Is that a yes?
“I need you to say it,” I say. “Promise me you’ll think about it.”
“I promise,” she whispers, then sinks, leaving only bubbles behind.
The next thing I know, she’s climbing out and wrapping a towel around her middle.
“Sweet dreams, August,” she chirps. “Don’t let the bed bugs bite.”
CHAPTER2
Clemmie
Daddy works hard.He always has.
I make him breakfast just the way he likes it. Oatmeal, black coffee, two slices of toast—a light brown color with a thin spread of butter, and strawberry jam on Mondays and Sundays as a treat. He says you have to start and end the week in the best way.
I’ve been thinking about what August said last night. He doesn’t understand how things work here. I hoped he’d get it the longer he stayed. I thought he might even come to Daddy’s parties; maybe then he’d fully appreciate how the men worship me there.
I’m not stupid. I know he watches and has seen what happens. I like to give him a show, and I think of him when I’m fucking them. None of them are like him.
August was right about them being old, though. They’re all three times my age, at least. Some of them are attractive, but others aren’t. Daddy told me it doesn’t matter what I think. They pay good money to have me. Whatever they demand, I have to do it. It’s my job. Daddy does so much for me, and it’s only fair I give something back.
“Morning, Daddy,” I say as I carry the breakfast tray into his bedroom.
I love our house. It’s filled with old-fashioned furniture, red carpet, and wood-paneled walls. August thinks it’s creepy, but I think it’s beautiful. It’s not like the rest of the world. Things are different here. We don’t have to worry about what’s going on out there.
“Clementine.” Daddy smiles from under his sheets. “Good morning.”
Daddy is a handsome man. He’s in his late fifties and in good shape. He’s tall but not as tall as August, and they share the same timeless gray eyes.
“Do you want me to put the tray on your lap?” I ask.
“Put it on the side,” he instructs.
“Yes, Daddy.”
I do as he requests, placing it carefully on top of the wooden chest at the back of the room. A chest filled with secrets. Some of them even I don’t know. I’ve never looked inside without him around. He carries the key to the lock on a chain around his neck and only opens it on special occasions.
He pats the spot on the bed next to him. “Why don’t you come and sit with me?”
“Of course, Daddy.”