THE ESCORT

SIXTEEN | A RUN-IN WITH THE LAW

"You can't quit, remember?"

Elodie scrubbed her body harder, pulse pounding in time with each swipe of the sponge passing over her skin.

"You signed a contract."

She scrubbed harder, mind numbed to the extent that she hardly noticed that the water had changed from hot to cold, and prinpricks were now evident on her skin.

"I own you for two more years."

Two more years, that's how long she had to work for Boss, enduring whatever was tossed her way.

How stupid had she been to think that she could just up and leave?

Boss had laughed her out of her office with a strict warning not to pull that shit again or she'd be up to her neck in lawsuit.

For the first time since she met the formidable woman, Elodie had a reason to be scared.

By the time she made it out of the bathroom, her skin felt raw to the touch, and she just wanted to fall into bed and sleep the whole day away.

But the thought of not seeing Mace for one more day...

Elodie dressed herself in dark joggers, an equally dark hoodie even though it was bright and sunny, and her old pair of sneaks.

Her hair was tossed into a low ponytail, and she grabbed her backpack, along with the extra wad of cash Angelo had sneaked into her purse.

Once outside her building, she pulled the hood over her head, tucked her hands into her pocket, keeping her head down.

Lisa's face betrayed her surprise when Elodie walked into the home. "Hello, Ms. Evans."

Elodie managed a faint smile. "Hey, Lisa. Sorry I haven't been in for a few days."

"The director got your message, so it's fine," Lisa said, then hesitated a bit before adding, "It's just that you've never gone a day without coming to see Mason."

She heaved out a sigh. "I know, but work's been hectic. And I know I've been a bit behind on the payments, but I've got some money to help clear a bit of it."

Lisa watched her reach into the backpack for the hundreds, and took it with a smile.

While she processed the payment, Elodie rubbed her face with the back of her hands, hoping to stave off the pressure building behind her eyes.

"Here you go."

Elodie accepted the receipt. "Thank you. Can I go and see him now?"

"Of course. He's missed you."

Those words helped her takes the steps to Mace's room, and kept her going until she drew up a chair to the bed.

Mace was awake, staring at her.

Elodie imagined he was asking where she'd gone to.

"I know I said I'd always be around no matter what," she started, not able to bring herself to touch him just yet, "but I had to go for a job."

"And what type of job is that?" Imaginary Mace would ask.

"I've been saving up a lot for us," Elodie replied. "It does not matter that I do what I do, all that matter is that you're here."

"I'll always be here."

She swiped the back of her hand across her face. "I know. Which is why I'm grateful for you, Mace."

Elodie blew out a breath, tilting her face up, and drawing in a deep breath before looking back at her brother.

"There are times when I've wanted to give up—I've lost count. Then I remember you...and I imagine how befuddled you'd be if I stopped showing up all of a sudden. 'Who'd take care of Mace?' I ask myself."