Paid To Love

Episode 11

Paid To Love EPISODE 11

Henry's POV

"Henry, why are you hesitating?"

My gaze lingered on the doorway through which Victoria had just exited, my astonishment evident. I was rendered speechless, not only by the harsh words she had thrown at me but also by her boldness. It was a level of audacity I hadn't encountered before, not even from my closest friend. Did the dramatic hair flip really serve a purpose?

"Henry," James insisted, a hint of firmness in his voice.

Turning to him, I cleared my throat and straightened up in my seat. "W-what?"

His eyebrows raised slightly, but he swiftly composed himself into a disapproving expression. "Why are you just sitting there? Go after her."

Go after her? "Why would I do that? You heard what she just said to me—"

"Have you even been paying attention to yourself tonight?" he interrupted. "Honestly, Henry, I knew you were oblivious, but I didn't realize it was this bad."

Trying to recall my words, none struck me as outrageously offensive. Perhaps a few could have been phrased better, but I didn't intend to be cruel. "How is it my problem if she takes offense to the truth?"

James sighed. "Henry, I understand you're not accustomed to people like Victoria, and I know you value your honesty. But you need to think before you speak, especially around her. Yes, she may not be as affluent, but she's working hard, and I doubt she appreciates having her financial situation thrown in her face. You've been unkind to her all night, whether you realize it or not. Go apologize."

Considering James rarely used strong language, I sensed I might have been overly rude. But if Victoria didn't mind my words before, why did it matter now? Or had she been harboring resentment all along, and the alcohol fueled her outburst?

I stared at her empty plate, reflecting on my choice of words. Guilt, an unfamiliar sensation, crept in. I didn't like it. James started to stand, and I looked at him. "What are you doing?"

"There's an attractive, inebriated girl in heels navigating New York alone right now. Where do you think I'm going?"

Tossing down bills to cover the check, I stood. "I'll go find her."

"I'm coming with you," he insisted.

Initially hesitant, I questioned why it mattered if James accompanied me. It wasn't like I wanted to be alone with Victoria. If she already disliked me this much, imposing on her further seemed unwise. Inviting James tonight was the right decision. Maybe he could help diffuse the situation, even though part of me wished to handle it on my own.

But did I really possess the skills and compassion to do so? I couldn't recall the last time a woman was genuinely upset with me; my interactions were typically brief.

"Let's go," I said, hurrying the process by leaving money on the table. "She couldn't have gone far. A drunk girl in unfamiliar heels."

"While we're at it, reconsider your idea of a date," James remarked as we passed other patrons. Ferdinand waved, and I reciprocated quickly.

His words surprised me. Previous dates had generally been enjoyable for the women involved. "What do you mean?"

"Forcing your fashion preferences on her? Inviting your best friend? I know you two are just pretending to date, but she's still a girl, and you should treat her with respect."

"The other women I've been with—"

"You didn't date those girls, Henry. You spent one night and moved on. This is different," he cut in, grinning. "You've got a lot to learn about dating, especially with Victoria. She's unlike anyone you've met."

I withheld my response, questioning what made Victoria so special. Why was James already taking her side? Sure, she was attractive, but there were many attractive women. Yet, he seemed genuinely fond of her, and I braced myself for the ongoing discussions.

She was different, and not many attractive women would speak to me in that manner.

I attempted to silence the voice in my head, even though it held some truth. I couldn't help but admire her courage.

As we descended the stairs and stepped into the street, the temperature had dropped significantly. I briefly wished I'd bought her a jacket, despite the city's consistent warmth. As we reached her downtown street, it grew cooler.

"We should split up," James suggested, scanning both sides of the street.

"Right," I agreed, rolling up my sleeves. "I'll head this way. Call me if you find her."

"Same to you," James replied, hurrying in the opposite direction.

Setting off at a brisk pace, I checked my watch; it was nearly midnight. Passing another restaurant with drunken patrons, unease crept in. Victoria was petite; would she be able to defend herself if someone tried to harm her?

I dialed her number, but she didn't answer. Trying again, still no response. Annoyance mingled with worry. Was she deliberately ignoring my calls, or was she in danger?

I ran a hand through my hair, checking bars and coffee houses along the street. No sign of her.

Maybe she'd already called a cab. Could she afford it? I decided to send a text, even if she avoided answering calls.

Don't spend money on a cab. You can't afford the whole trip. Where are you? Call me.

A glint of a black dress caught my eye, and I turned, only to find it wasn't Victoria. Sighing, I continued.

Searching the city for her seemed futile. I started back toward my hotel, questioning why I was bothering. She had left willingly. She was an adult, yet petite and vulnerable. She looked stunning tonight.

I dialed her number again, and as it rang, I noticed a phone screen lighting up a few steps away. Grabbing it, I saw my name flashing on the screen.

It was Victoria's phone.

My heart raced, frozen. Victoria couldn't be in trouble already. Why was her phone on the ground with her nowhere in sight?

"Hey!" a sharp, high-pitched voice called.

Clutching the phone, I turned. Victoria's voice, unmistakable. She was close. I glanced around; how had I missed her? The group of men still stood on the sidewalk, and I slowed, listening for her voice.

"Don't touch me; I'm fine!"

I stopped. Her voice emanated from the group. "We're just trying to help," one of the men said. Victoria, disheveled, appeared in front of him.

"Let go," she demanded, her voice small.

What were they doing? Jaw clenched, I stepped forward. "Excuse me."

Victoria's wide eyes met mine. The guy holding her arm turned to me. "What?" he said.

I pointed to Victoria. "She's with me."

The chubby guy, Zack, opened his mouth, but Victoria spoke first. "Wait, what? Am I your property now?"

Her defiance caught me off guard. Couldn't she see I was rescuing her? Deciding not to engage in an argument, I focused on Zack. "Let her go."

"Don't let me go; he's out to get me," Victoria quickly added.