Page 15 of Temporary Vows

My gaze darts between him and Benny, who stops a breath away and lifts the knife in the air. The other man steps closer, and I swear I see my entire life flash before my eyes.

“I’ve been having trouble paying,” I blurt out. “I already told Marcus this. My car broke down, and I need it to get to work—to pay the loan, my living expenses?—”

He holds up both hands and wiggles his fingers. “I’m hearing a load of excuses”—he smirks—“but no solutions. Just excuses, excuses, excuses.”

“I can pay three thousand at the end of the month. Then I’ll try to make up the rest,” I plead.

To my horror, he shakes his head. “That’s not gonna work. Marcus has a business to run. This loan was a hefty one. Twohundred G’s. Marcus gave it to your friend because he trusted her.”

Join the club. I trusted her, too, and look where that got me. We both got screwed over.

“Please, just give me a chance,” I beg. “I’ll be able to make up the money.”

“That’s just the thing, doll.” His smile turns razor-sharp. “You’re struggling now. And you’re aware of the daily interest, I take it?”

“Yes, of course, I’m aware of the daily interest.”

“So, how will you make it up? That interest will just keep going up… and up… and up.”

The man moves even closer—right up in my face.

I step back, and he moves with me until my back hits the wall. Then he slams a fist into the space above my head and rests a heavy hand on my chest.

I gasp, wanting to scream, but no sound comes out. I don’t have the strength.

Benny flicks the knife back and forth, then presses the tip to my jaw.

It’s so sharp I fear he’ll cut the skin. Or worse—cut off my face. Tears stream down my cheeks. I can’t stop them. Can’t even care that I look weak.

All I know is I’m fearing for my life.

“Please,” I whisper. “Don’t hurt me. Please.”

The man glances at Benny. The two of them laugh, as if I’ve said something hilarious.

“I’ll tell you what,” the man croons. “Like I said, you’re a nice girl. I like you.”

He pauses, and Benny drags the knife along my jawline.

“I’m going to give you a chance. But know this—we don’t give out chances easily. So, consider yourself lucky. You have untilMonday at midnight. That’s six days. Pay what you owe and next month’s payment. Then we’ll call it even.”

“Monday?” I choke out.

He nods and leans in, brushing the tip of his nose against mine.

“Monday, doll. And if you don’t pay…” His smile widens. “We’ll be having a very different conversation. Talking about other ways you can make that money back.”

Bile rises in my throat.

It doesn’t take a genius to understand what he means.

Marcus runs a strip club. And everyone knows there’s more to it than that.

“Monday, Miss Harper,” he finishes. “If you don’t show up…” He laughs. “Let’s just say, you shouldshowup. Don’t make that mistake.”

He backs off, and Benny finally tucks the knife away.

“See you then,” the man says, smiling like we’re old friends.