Page 66 of Addicted

I started with the night she came to Velvet and told me she saw Ish on the corner with the dope boys. How I left work immediately and drove to find him. How I found him in an altercation with one of Stone’s soldiers and hit the man with my gun.

Aurora’s mouth fell open, but she didn’t interrupt.

I told her about me and Ish getting kidnapped and taken to a warehouse. About meeting Stone that first night. About how fine he was but how terrifying, how cold and emotionless.

I told her about Ish violating Stone’s territory by trying to sell drugs without permission. About how Stone was going to kill him.

And then I told her about the deal I made.

“I offered myself to him,” I said quietly. “In exchange for Ish’s life. I told Stone he could keep me and fuck me however he wanted, for however long he wanted, as long as he let my brother go.”

Aurora’s hand flew to her mouth.

“Indie...” she whispered.

“Stone agreed,” I continued. “He let Ish go and kept me. I’ve been with him ever since. At first, he kept me at this safe house, this crash pad he has. I was basically his prisoner. He’d come and go, fuck me, then leave. I couldn’t contact anyone, couldn’t leave, couldn’t do shit.”

“Oh my God,” Aurora said, her eyes wide with shock. “Did he hurt you?”

“Bitch, not at all! He was giving me the best dick Iever had in my life,” I admitted.

We both laughed, then I paused, trying to find the right words to explain how things had evolved.

“Anyway, tell me why this nigga moved me and Ish into his estate. He got a big ass mansion with guards and staff and everything. Ish is going to a new school. And Stone and me... we’re still fucking. But it’s different now. It’s more than just sex. I don’t know what we are, but...”

I trailed off, not sure how to explain the complicated mess of emotions I felt about Stone.

Aurora stared at me for a long moment.

Then she said, “Girl, this is some movie shit! What the fuck! You’re being held against your will by a fine ass drug kingpin? And getting the best dick you ever had? Plus draped in designer?”

She paused, then added with a completely serious expression: “Does he have a brother?”

I burst out laughing. I couldn’t help it. Leave it to Aurora to find the humor in my completely fucked up situation.

“No,” I said, still laughing. “He doesn’t have a family, unfortunately. His parents died when he was young.”

“Damn,” Aurora said, shaking her head. “That’s sad. But also, bitch, your life is insane right now. Like, I don’t even know what to say.”

“I know,” I said, my laughter fading. “It’s a lot. And I’m sorry I couldn’t contact you sooner. Stone just gave me a phone today.”

“It’s okay,” Aurora said, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “I’m just glad you’re alive. I was so worried about you, Indie. I went to your condo looking for you,and Ish told me you were out of town, but I knew something was off.”

“Yeah, Ish was trying to cover for me,” I said. “He feels guilty as hell about all this.”

“He should,” Aurora said. “His ass got you into this mess.”

“I know,” I said. “But he’s my brother. I’d do it again if I had to.”

Aurora nodded, understanding in her eyes.

We sat in silence for a moment.

Then I said, “Look, I know this is all crazy. But I want to take you out today. Lunch, shopping, whatever you want. On Stone’s dime.”

I pulled out the thick bands of cash and Aurora’s eyes nearly popped out of her head.

“Girl, how much is that?” she asked.