“I’ll tell him now.”
My body freezes as I hear the conversation. All signs of sleep are gone. I’m wide awake now and halfway into a panic attack. It takes all I have to keep my breathing even. I can’t let Skull know that I heard them. Inside, I’m filled with panic and despair. I won’t get one more night with Skull. The pain hits me so hard it robs me of breath. I keep my eyes closed tight and try to tune out the sounds of Skull getting dressed. I try to still the heavy beating of my heart as he leans on the bed behind me to kiss the top of my head.
“Mi cielo… I will return soon to you. I miss you too much to stay away too long,” he whispers, and I block out the pain the words cause. The last two days and nights with Skull have been so wonderful that I’ve tried to convince myself there was a way for this to work out. After hearing this conversation, all my hopes die.
I manage to keep it bottled up until Skull closes the door. I sit up in bed the minute he’s gone. I count to twenty in silence as the tears run down my face. When I think I’m in the clear, I allow my sobs to take over. My cries echo in the room as I accept that this is the end. I don’t know how long I cry, but I make myself stop. I need to figure a way to get out of here.
Skull left Beast in charge of me, which means I need to figure out a way to distract him. Sadly, for Beast at least, I think I know how to do just that. I get up and try to use makeup to cover up the damage the tears caused. Then, I head to the kitchen, praying luck is on my side.
When I make it to the kitchen, Jan’s there with one of the club girls that I heard Torch call Carla. They look at me with that barely disguised hate that I’m coming to expect from them.
They should be glad to help me leave.
“I figured Skull would have grown tired of your pussy by now,” says Carla with a sneer. “He doesn’t usually do repeats.”
“Actually, I need to leave,” I respond, keeping the pain out of my voice; I can’t afford to show any weakness.
“Oh, poor thing. Did Skull kick your ass out?” Jan speaks up. Not for the first time, I think of what a bitch she is. From everything I’ve seen of Beast, he’s a great guy. I don’t understand how he got saddled with her.
“I just need to go home, but I need help.”
“What the fuck for?” Carla asks.
“I need someone to distract, Beast. Skull has him watching me. I need him occupied so I can get away. I thought you might be able to help with that,” I tell Jan, waiting for her response.
“What’s in it for me?” she asks, her greed evident in her words and the way she watches me.
“Fifty dollars?”
I wait for her answer. I’ve only been here a couple of days and Skull’s been keeping me busy, but even I have heard of Jan’s problem. She’s addicted to coke. It’s not my place to worry, but I feel bad for Beast.
“It’s going to cost more than a fifty to do what you’re asking. Fucker won’t ignore an order given to him by Skull. I’ll have to suck his dick to even stand a chance.”
“I’ll suck his cock for a fifty,” says Carla.
“Damn fucker won’t let you. He hasn’t been with another woman since he put a fucking ring on my finger. Shit, I leave just to get a break from giving him pussy. Drives me fucking crazy. He’s the most boring fuck around.”
I wince, feeling bad for Beast. I wish he could see what a bitch he’s hooked up with. I may not know him that well, but no man deserves to put up with this kind of stuff.
“So, how much?” I ask, anxious to end this conversation.
“A hundred.”
Guilt hits me as I hand her the money. I know it will go for drugs. Still, I try and justify it by admitting that if I don’t get away, no one will survive. Colin won’t quit until he makes sure of that.
“I’ll be going in there in ten minutes. You better do what you have to do because I’m not about to make sure you’re gone to finish him off.”
She’s just so freaking sweet, I think to myself. I listen as she gives me directions on how to get out of here and exactly what she will arrange, then hurry towards Skull’s room, desperate to get away from her.
“Everything okay, Beth?” asks Beast, and I come to a stop right before I can make my escape.
“Sure,” I say, trying to avoid eye contact. “Why do you ask?”
“Just checking. Skull and the boys will be back late this evening.”
“Yeah, he told me. Hey, Beast?”
“What’s up?”
“You’re a nice guy, you know. I mean… I don’t know you that well, but I can tell.” I feel my cheeks flushing.
“Uh… thanks, Beth.”
“Sure. Anytime. I… better go and take a bath. You can’t be too clean, you know.”
He grins. It’s a stiff grin, but a grin nonetheless. I’m being an idiot. It’s a wonder he’s not laughing and making fun of me.
“Bye, Beth.”