“You mean a pimp?” Jayden shifts so she can face me, her forehead wrinkled in questioning.
“I mean, I guess that’s what it is. I know I was almost raped by Chasen and his buddies last night. They were rough and angry with me. So having protection doesn’t sound like such a bad idea,” I whisper the last part.
“Fuck, Charlie, are you okay?” Jayden shoots up on the bed, her face wide with fear.
“Yeah, Landon saved me,” I mutter, a smile creeping on my face from the memory.
“Landon? Sounds like a rich guy’s name. Is that where that money came from?” She points at the stacks on the bed. “I knew Chasen had money, but this”—she jerks her chin at the pile—“would be more than Mommy and Daddy’s allowance, for sure.”
I nod, looking the money over.
“It was from Landon,” I confirm.
“Damn, what the hell you do to earn all that?” She chuckles.
I stand, flexing my sore body. “I gave him my virginity,” I respond seriously. I look over my shoulder, finding a wide-eyed Jayden, mouth parted.
“Holy shit,” she mumbles, looking back at the money. “I didn’t know you were a virgin. Are you going to see him again?”
I trail the pad of my forefinger over my bottom lip. Images of Landon in ecstasy come to mind, and my body aches for him once again.
“I doubt it,” I whisper.
“You—” Jayden pauses, pointing a finger at me. I snap from memory lane, my eyes wide as I stare at Jayden’s accusing finger.
“I know that look in your eye, and let me give you a very viable piece of information, if you are indeed going to sleep with men for money. This game, there’s no room for feelings or emotion. Get that through your head now,” she scolds, her tone serious.
I sigh and head toward the shower.
“I don’t think I’ll be seeing him again anyway, so it won’t be a problem.” I peer up from under my thick lashes, finding Jayden watching me intently. “The way our bodies connected, like we had known each other for so long… I can’t explain that feeling.”
“Charlie, don’t do this to your—”
“It doesn’t matter. He left me with a stack of cash, and some stupid fucking note and without as much as a goodbye. He built a wall of ruthless reality that nobody could bring down,” I interrupt.
“And what reality is that?” Jayden tilts her head to the side.
“This is as good as it gets for me,” I respond softly, glancing around our apartment. Lost in my own torment, I didn’t even realize Jayden moved from her spot toward me until I feel both of her hands grasp mine in comfort. I look down at our joined palms then up at Jayden.
“We can go check this Mick guy out, and if you don’t like it,” she pauses and shifts on her feet, “we’ll figure something out.” She gives my hand a light squeeze. “It’s up to us to climb our way to the top, Charlie, and thanks to our parents and the failed system of family services, it won’t be in a respectful way.”
I nod, knowing exactly what she means, but I want to wait until we have no other option. Which won’t be long.
“Just let me think about it.”
NINE
CHARLIE
Two Weeks Later
“Okay, you distract him with…” Jayden pauses, looking at my chest.
“My tits,” I finish her sentence, laughing.
“Yeah, push them out your top some.” She reaches forward and grabs my boobs, pushing them upward in my black ripped shirt hanging off my shoulder.
“That did nothing.” She bites her lips, still pressing on me. I roll my eyes and place my hands on my hips as she manhandles my small tits.
“I think I could have managed pushing my own boobs up.” I laugh.
“Then do it,” she huffs, taking her palms off me.
I shrug. “It won’t work. I don’t have the massive boobs you need to create cleavage.”
“Okay, I’ll do the distracting.” Jayden pulls her white tank top down and presses her breasts upward. I’d rather do the stealing anyway. I haven’t seen how good Jayden is at stealing, and the last thing we need is to get caught.
“Damn, why don’t you push them up a hint more, give him a nipple shot,” I tease, flicking her tit.
“Ouch, ho!” Jayden hisses, grabbing her boob.
“This calls for desperate times. Rent’s due next week along with utility bills, and we need food with what’s left over. So I’ll distract and you steal the booze,” she instructs, making me laugh. Not being able to afford booze is not a desperate situation, but I could use a drink, that’s for sure.
I nod, knowing the plan. It’s not my first time stealing, after all. I’ve stolen food from markets, clothes for the winter, and I’ve also been caught before, so I know what not to do, as well.