“Let her go. We can talk about this.”
I’m surprised and relieved when Rhett actually lets me go, but then he walks to the front door and leans against it.
I glare at him as I fight to keep the tears back. I’m both angry and scared out of my mind.
“I just want to talk to you,” Rhett says, giving me a pleading look.
My eyes keep darting from one man to the other, waiting for one of them to attack me.
“Nothing’s going to happen to you,” Carter says suddenly.
I give him a wary look. Just because he helped me doesn’t mean I trust him.
“Listen to what Rhett has to say, and then I’ll take you back to work.”
“Talk,” I hiss, keeping my guard up.
“How old are you?” Rhett asks again.
My anger starts to win out over the fear, and I glare at him wishing I was bigger so I could shove him out of my way.
“Eighteen,” I ground the word out between my teeth. “I’d show you proof, but my bag is in my locker at work.” For the first time since the other girls left without me, I start to worry about losing my job. “I have to go. I can’t afford to lose this job.”
Rhett gives me an incredulous look, and I’m scared that he won’t believe me.
“I really need the money. It’s the only way I’ll get off the street.”
I take a step back when anger tightens Rhett’s features.
“You live on the fucking street?” he whispers darkly.
Ugh, maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned that. Now Rhett knows no one will come looking for me.
Rhett glances at Carter, who shakes his head before Rhett looks back to me. I don’t know what the silent interaction between them means. A fist closes around my heart, and I hold my breath as every muscle in my body tenses.
“Why don’t you go study further instead of cleaning houses topless?” Rhett asks, catching me totally by surprise.
“Study?” I squeak. “I’m trying to earn enough for a place to stay, never mind studying.” Hoping that I’ll get out of here, I quickly add, “But if you keep me here any longer I won’t have a job to go back to.”
“I’ll make you a deal,” Rhett says which makes my eyes bulge and the fear increase tenfold.
“I’m not sleeping with you for money,” I hiss.
Rhett pulls a face as if the idea of sleeping with me disgusts him. I don’t even feel offended at his reaction because I’m too relieved. If he finds me repulsive, then he won’t rape me.
“Like I said before, you’re not my type.”
I wrap my arms around my waist, praying that he will get to the point so I can leave.
“Do you want to go to school?” he asks.
I glance up at the ceiling in frustration. “That doesn’t matter.” I throw my arms wide and scream at him. “I’m going to lose my job!”
“If you had another choice would you go back to school?” Rhett asks again, ignoring my outburst.
“Of course,” I snap. “But I don’t have a choice.”
I suppress the urge to stomp my foot like a ten-year-old or knee him in the junk. With my luck, I’ll get arrested for assaulting him.