Page 82 of Payback
“I’d rather starve to death,” I muttered into the bed.
“What?”
I raised my head and glared at him. “Yes, starving.”
“Great, so am I. The hunt has actually given me an appetite.”
This time he threw me some lingerie, and I raised an eyebrow, but he followed it up with an apron to protect the clothing while I cooked.
“You do realize I’m not the best cook, right?” I asked.
“Yes, my taste buds haven’t been thrilled yet, but where’s the fun in hiring a chef?”
As I dressed, I put on underwear that concealed my upper body yet covered nothing. It was entirely transparent, leaving nothing to the imagination. I donned the apron, braiding my hair to keep it out of the way.
“Can you afford it?” I questioned.
He gestured dramatically. “Alison, whose house is this?”
“I don’t know. Maybe you broke into it while the owners were on vacation. Maybe none of this is actually yours.”
He offered a slight smile. “Yes, because stealing strangers’ houses is much easier than simply buying my own and customizing it.”
“I have no idea what you do or how you managed to get this kind of wealth,” I retorted. “What am I supposed to think?”
He shrugged. “I don’t care about your thoughts. Now I’m hungry.”
Jared turned on his heel, and I reluctantly followed suit, prepared to make us both some food. He remained an enigma, and I pondered over it as I ate and observed him. However, he didn’t seem particularly focused on me, engrossed instead in his phone, wearing an odd expression.
“What’s up?” I asked.
He glanced up from his phone.
“What?”
“You’re looking a bit strange,” I commented.
“Nothing important. Or should I say, nothing that concerns a slave.”
I rolled my eyes, tidied up the area, and turned to him again.
“To cleaning, then,” I remarked sarcastically
“No, I have something I want to show you,” he informed me.
“What?”
“You’ll see.”
Chapter 42
-Jared-
I observed a drunken college guy as he vomited into a nearby bush, shaking my head slowly at the pathetic sight. The party was in full swing, yet I was only present to gather evidence necessary to take down Alison’s former high school boyfriend, Kyle. I was aware that he and a few others from the old team were concealing something quite significant. Rumors had circulated about them, reaching my curious ears. Could it be true that due to their prowess in sports, they were safeguarded to provide certain services at such gatherings? I had to uncover the truth, hence my decision to attend the party at a fraternity house and investigate myself. I scanned my surroundings, dressed similarly to the others. A sense of repulsion filled me as I watched it all unfold. It was hard to believe that I once actually wanted to be a part of this. Since joining Vince, I might have compromised my integrity, but nobody could use me in the way they had. People now feared me rather than looking down on me, and tonight, I was the one hunting my former enemies.
I began to explore the various rooms filled with drunk people, witnessing them grinding against one another, participating in drinking games, and engaging in make-out sessions. A group of drunk college girls approached me, urging me to join them. I allowed them to pull me along, blending into the sea of people. One of the girls displayed particular interest, sticking close to me and encouraging me to drink with her. However, I had no intention of consuming alcohol tonight. I needed a clear mind for what lay ahead. Despite my lack of interest in drinking, the girl seemed unfazed. Instead, she leaned in closer as we settled on a couch, inquiring whether I’d like to accompany her upstairs. I agreed, hoping to gain a vantage point without drawing any attention. I had to keep in mind that appearing as a loner would attract unwanted attention. Although I doubted they would recognize me—years had passed and much had transpired—I couldn’t take the risk. I needed to blend in.
The intoxicated college girl took my hand, leading me away from the crowd. We ascended a crowded staircase to the next floor. It seemed like anyone was willing to engage in sexual activity wherever they could find space, and I raised an eyebrow at the scene, shaking my head in mild disbelief.
