Tangled Desires

seduction 6

If I felt like a slut when I walked out of Clifford Monroe's office after selling my dignity to him, I don't know what I feel now. I am numb, as I watch my mother’s pale face.

All I know is that if time can be turned back and I am presented with the same choices, I would still choose to sign that damn contract and save my mother's life. Anything to see her open her beautiful eyes and smile at me again.

I don't care if I have to sell my soul to the devil, which I have already done, I would do it willingly, without hesitation.

After taking care of everything at the hospital which seemed too smooth after Clifford intervened, I leave my mother's ward.

“ Kara, wait!” Carlos calls and I turn to acknowledge him.

“ Your mother will be attended to without any problems now. I am happy for you.” He says, giving me a smile. I smile back, weakly. Yes, the director personally reassured me earlier that my mother will receive the best treatment.

I can't believe how his attitude changed after seeing Cliff.

“ Do you mind if I ask, who are they?” Carlos asks and I don't need anyone to confirm that he is talking about Cliff and Lance.

“ My old friends.” I choose to lie. I don't know if Carlos buys my lie or not. It's actually none of my business if he doesn't. When he nods, I quickly bid him goodbye, walking away.

When I step outside the gates of the hospital, that's when the reality of my situation registers. I am going to be owned by not just one, but two men and one of them is my childhood crush? I don't know what to think about the information I learnt earlier. It's too much for me to digest.

I walk aimlessly to the car parked by the side of the gate. Opening the door to the back passenger seat, I slump in it and lay my head on the backrest. The leather feels cool against my skin. I close my eyes and try to get my erratic thoughts together.

When I finally open my eyes, I meet Lance's eyes, staring at me through the rear view mirror.

" Are you alright?" He asks and I nod. Whether I am alright or not, he doesn't need to know the exact state of my mind. While I appreciate his concern, there's nothing more I want than to lay my head on a comfortable bed and sleep.

" Kara, I know that... " Lance starts but I cut him off.

"I am fine, no need to worry." My voice sounds weak even to my ears.

" Let's take you home, you can rest and then we'll talk. " He says softly, looking at me with the same look he used to give me five years ago. It makes me want to lean into him and tell him to hold me tight until all my worries melt away.

"Where do you live?" He asks and that's when it hits me. I don't have a house, my old car has been my home.

" I... I live in my car. " My voice comes out small and I feel embarrassed for a minute.

Lance looks at me with his brows furrowed, a frown settling on his handsome face.

" Kara, do you realize how dangerous that can be? It's unsafe for a woman to be so reckless." I feel anger and frustration rising inside of me, ready to lash out on him, but the words that come out of his mouth next makes me want to cry.

" You will live with me, until things get settled and you can get your own place. " He offers. I don't refuse. Living in his house is far better than living on the streets. Since the car is no longer functioning and being repared, I don't have many options. I don't have any money to book a hotel room. I don't remember the last time I took a warm shower and slept on a comfortable bed.

I don't say a word, just nodding, too embarrassed. Lance doesn't say anything else as he turns the engine on.

We drive for about fifteen minutes before we stop in front of a two-story modern white building. It's huge and intimidating. Lance parks the car in the garage and gets out, coming around to open my door. I don't protest, getting out of the car and following him silently inside the house.

The whole house is silent and empty, but the decoration is so neat and well-thought of, it feels cozy and comforting.

" Make yourself at home, " Lance says, giving me a warm smile. He walks away and returns a moment later with a glass of water.

" Thank you. " I whisper, drinking the whole glass. My throat feels dry and parched, a side effect of my constant stress and anxiety.

" I'll show you to the guest room. " Lance leads the way, walking up the stairs and down the long hall. He stops by a door and opens it, allowing me to enter.

My eyes roam the whole room, taking in the large double bed with white sheets and matching pillows. I walk over to it and sit down. It feels amazing.

" The bathroom is the door right in front of you. Do you want to eat or shower?" Lance's voice brings my attention back to him. I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips.

" Thank you, this means a lot. " My voice is filled with emotion.

Lance walks towards me and sits on the edge of the bed, his thigh brushing mine. He places a hand on my cheek and cups it, stroking the soft skin with his thumb.

" You're always welcome here, Kara. " His eyes stare intently into mine, a storm raging in his gaze. I look away and stand up, suddenly feeling too warm. No, I can't allow those feelings I have been trying to bury deep inside of me, resurface.

" Thank you. I'll go shower." Without waiting for his reply, I rush to the bathroom and close the door behind me. Leaning against the door, I release a heavy breath.

I turn on the water and undress. The cold water feels like heaven on my hot skin.

" This is just a temporary thing, Kara. They own you. All they want is your body for their pleasure. It's nothing Special, you are not special to them. Keep that in your mind. Don't let Lance make you feel something that's not real." I repeat the words over and over again in my mind. Five years ago, he made it clear that I was not worthy to be his woman, five years later, I am his prized possession.

It takes me a while to come out of the shower and get dressed in a clean white shirt I find placed on the bed. I walk downstairs and find Lance sitting in the living room. His head turns towards me when he hears my footsteps.

" Feeling better?" He asks.

" Yes, thank you."

" Sit with me, let's talk." I don't like the serious tone of his voice. I sit beside him on the couch and wait for him to start talking.

" What did Clifford Monroe offer you?" I flinch at the mention of his name. Why is he asking that? Shouldn't he know better since the two of them seem more than just friends?

" Why do you ask?" Instead of answering, I throw him a question of my own. The look on his face makes it hard for me to decipher what he is thinking about. But then again, I never did before.

" Just answer the damn question Kara!" Lance snaps, " Do you have any idea what you signed up for?" He adds, this time Softening his voice.