Mated to the Unknown

Freedom

Violet's POV:

I was thankful for the shirt on my back to protect me from the chill of the night. His scent was mesmerizing as it radiated off of the shirt.

All I wanted to do was get a hotel room and down my sorrows with a bottle of wine.

Freedom, such an odd feeling. Knowing I was free from Nicholas and his work. I no longer had to sleep in the basement he kept all of us in. No longer stuck eating a strict diet and workout routine to look our best for the clients, and no more strict birth control regimes.

I kept it together back there, but I felt safe the whole time. I surprised even myself with my demands. I couldn't explain my actions and now that I was out walking the streets at night, I couldn't help but feel like Nicholas was going to come out and take me back any second.

I walked into the first liquor store, practically half naked except for the shirt that was thankfully a dress on me.

The bell dinged, alerting the clerk a customer had arrived. I looked around, locating the wine but got sidetracked when I saw the premixed tequila options. A better option to completely forget. Maybe I was my mother's daughter.

"My my, look what beauty just walked into my store. You looking for a good time?" the clerk asked. I was immediately turned off. He just radiated creep energy, his shirt dirtied and snaggle tooth sticking out as he licked his teeth.

I upturned my lip in disgust. "No, I'm not looking for a good time. I am too expensive," I said, letting him know my worth. But then kicking myself, I am free. I am priceless. No one can have me.

"Oh, a woman that can be bought. What, $100, $200?" he asked, stepping around the counter.

I fake laughed, "That would get you a one-minute dance. But I'm off the clock."

"Oh, you're one of the dancers at King V," he held his hands up in surrender. So our reputation was known that we were off limits. I'll use that to my advantage. "My apologies. Take what you like."

"Just this, thanks," I said then hightailing it out of there. I can't use that excuse anymore though, I did not want Nicholas to be able to track me down. He knew my real name too.

I hugged the shirt tighter against my body. I did not know my way around beyond the liquor store. But whatever hotel I landed upon first would be my place for the night.

Something did not feel right as I kept walking. Street lights were flickering, making the path dimly lit but thankfully I could still see fairly well. And I could see a man walking eerily slowly towards me. I would have ignored him and kept walking, he could just be on a liquor run for some friends and too drunk to drive, but my gut told me otherwise.

I slowed my pace, prepared to turn in a different direction, but before I had to think through my next moves, a sleek black Porsche stopped right next to me and I immediately felt safe for some reason.

The driver rolled down the window, it was the man from earlier. And oh he looked good shirtless. "May I offer you a ride somewhere?" he asked.

"What about the deal I made with Nicholas?"

"He knew the deal would be broken the moment it was made, he was just trying to attack me so I threatened him back," he answered. I felt he was speaking the truth.

"So why was he trying to attack you? Why should I trust you?" I asked, testing how much he would tell.

"Because there was someone following you just a moment ago and if you do not come with me, Nicholas plans to take you back unwilling," he said bluntly. So he knew, he knew Nicholas took prisoners.