His by Brenda Rothert Read Free Book Online Page B

shit.”
    Those are the first words out of Bean’s mouth when I tell him about Andrew’s proposal.
    “Look,” I say, “this is a chance—”
    “A chance for you to become some rich guy’s slut ,” he says bitterly.
    I take a step closer to him. “Don’t you ever say that word to me again. Not ever, Bean. We’ve both done things we’re not proud of in the name of survival.”
    “Not that, though.” There’s a pleading note in his tone now. “One night was bad enough, but six months?”
    Bethy is curled up on the bed, crying softly. I go to her, sitting down and wrapping my arms around her lithe body.
    “It’s okay,” I say. “I haven’t said yes or no yet. This is our chance to talk about it.”
    “I say hell no ,” Bean says. “This is some bullshit if you—”
    I cut him off with a glance. “Give Bethy a chance to talk.”
    She sniffles and takes a few seconds to compose herself. “I don’t want to eat food paid for by you having to sell yourself. I’d rather be hungry.”
    Bean nods approvingly.
    “It’s not like that, though, you guys. We didn’t even do anything last night. He only wants sex if I want to do it.”
    “So do you want to? Do you like him?” Bethy asks.
    “No.” Bean answers for me. “She got too much integrity to like that sort of man.”
    He means well. I know he does. Bean has had our backs through times when it would have been much easier for him to dump us off and just take care of himself. And he tends to be a knee-jerk reaction kind of person.
    “He seems pretty okay,” I say, choosing my words carefully. “And if I don’t like being there, I can just leave.”
    Bean scoffs angrily. “Yeah, this dude just gonna let his investment walk out the door?”
    “I’ll leave on my own terms if I have to.”
    Bethy sighs and meets my eyes. “I’d just miss you so much.”
    “Me too.” I run a hand over her dark hair. “But it’s only six months, and the money would last us until you’re eighteen. When I’m done, I’ll meet you guys in Mexico, and we can all start a new life.”
    My sister nods slightly. “That’s where Bean and I would go from here?”
    “Yes. That little town there he’s always talking about. The one by the beach. We can write letters. I want you guys to write me through Anna, and I’ll do the same.”
    “Why?” Bethy’s voice quakes nervously.
    “Just to be safe. I don’t want anyone able to track your location. This way, if someone finds me, they won’t be able to find you, too.”
    “You’re doing this, aren’t you?” Bean asks, a vein popping out on his forehead. “This is just some bullshit to make us feel like we all decided.”
    “What do you think I should do?” I shoot back at him. “Bethy needs a better life than this. We all do. I’m fucking tired of eating trash and being cold. Aren’t you?”
    He’s quiet for a few seconds. “Yeah. But I’d rather us be cold and safe together.”
    “I’ll be safe. I promise you. You know how good I am at taking care of myself, Bean. I just need to know you’ll take care of Bethy.”
    He nods. “’Course I will. You two’s all I got in this world.”
    The emotion in his voice tugs at my heart. “This is a job. An easy job I’m being paid extremely well for. It’s the break we’ve been waiting for.”
    “Does Andrew know who you are?” Bethy asks me.
    “No. And he won’t.”
    “What if this guy wants you more than six months?” Bean asks.
    “I’m done after six months,” I say emphatically. “That’ll be enough money to last us.”
    Silence settles around the small, poshly decorated hotel suite. It’s broken by a deep, hacking cough from Bethy. I lock eyes with Bean as I rub a hand over her back.
    “So we’ll do it?” I ask when she finally stops coughing.
    Bean nods but looks crestfallen, his shoulders sagging.
    “I trust you,” Bethy says. “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it.”
    “Good girl.” I bend down to kiss her forehead. “I