ᴇQᴜᴀʟʟʏ ᴅᴇʀᴀɴɢᴇᴅ

𝟲

Anthony^

Kai. I bit my fingernail, my mind racing as I thought about the Korean boy in my dreams, trying to link him to Kaito. Was it just a dream, or were these fragments of memories? I tried to focus, but a sharp headache hit me, blocking my thoughts.

I glanced at my alarm clock—10 a.m. I had a lecture at 11, so I quickly jumped out of bed.

Wait. I froze. Wasn't Kaito here last night? I wondered, but I shrugged it off, heading into the bathroom to start my daily routine. I slipped into a dark red tank top, ripped jeans, and a pair of dark red Nike Air Force 1s. After applying my makeup and fixing my hair, I heard a ping on my phone.

I checked the message.

SD Sent $6000 To Your Bank Account.

A smile tugged at my lips as I quickly texted Anthony.

Me: Thank you, baby 😍

Before anyone starts wondering, let me explain: Anthony is my Sugar Daddy. He's 36, and I met him seven months ago. We have an arrangement. I do things for him, and he gives me money. Simple. We both benefit from it. He sends me $6,000 every month and pays my rent, so I'm doing just fine.

I walked downstairs and saw a note on the microwave.

Breakfast is inside. Morning, Beautiful. Love, Kaito ❤

I smiled. He knew exactly how to win me over. I dug into the food, enjoying every bite. Once I finished, I locked up my apartment and walked to the bus stop. Slipping my earphones in, memories of last night flashed through my mind—seeing him lifeless on the bed, the knife in his back, my bloodied hands. I inhaled sharply, exhaled, and reached into my bag for my pill, swallowing it with a sip of water. I began listening to Doja Casual, singing along to the lyrics to push the thoughts away.

I arrived at class and saw Professor Cunningham looking at me.

Yup, I'm late.

I took my seat beside Tia.

"Bitch, what the fuck?" Tia whispered, eyes wide.

"Bitch, beauty takes time," I replied, rolling my eyes and turning to face the professor.

During the lecture, I could feel his eyes on me, heavy, but I ignored it.

⸻

Two hours later, the lecture ended.

"Movie night tonight?" Tia asked, her voice excited. "Hold up, why am I asking? Expect me at your apartment at 7 p.m."

"Well damn, sure since you own the place," I replied, throwing my book into my bag.

"Miss Huley, I need to talk to you," Mr. Cunningham called as Tia was walking out.

I rolled my eyes. "I'll see you later, Tia," I said as she exited, leaving me alone with Mr. Cunningham.

"Yes, sir," I said, my voice low, jokingly.

"Come here," he called, motioning with his index finger.

I walked toward him slowly, and before I knew it, he leaned in and kissed my neck. I bit my lip, letting out a soft moan, my body betraying me. His hand slid down, gripping my body through my jeans, then his fingers wrapped around my neck, choking me slightly as he kissed me again. A faint voice in the back of my mind screamed to stop, but I pushed it away. I needed to secure my bag. But then, the discomfort grew, and I pulled back.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice deep, almost a whisper.

"I just remembered my mom wants to meet me after my lecture," I lied.

He frowned. "Okay, I'm coming over tonight."

This is why I shouldn't have let him pay for my rent. He thought he could show up anytime. I mentally rolled my eyes.

"Anthony, I won't be home, sorry," I said. "I'll let you know when to come over."

"Okay," he mumbled.

"Well, later," I said, walking out.

⸻

I find Anthony attractive, sure, but I don't like him like that, and he knows it too. When we started this, it was all about no feelings attached. He needed a distraction from his divorce, and I needed the money. We both got what we wanted.

I walked to the cafeteria, almost knocking someone over.

"Shit, I'm sorry," I said.

"It's coo—Desiree, bitch, wassup?" My friend Mauri greeted me with a wide smile.

"Not much, just about to get something to eat. Hungry as fuck. You?" I asked.

"Nothing much, was gonna ask my dad for cash. I need $200," she replied.

"You coming over tonight for movie night?" I asked.

"Of course, free food, I'll be there. Now lemme tax this man, see ya sis," she said, walking away.

Yeah, Mauri's dad is also my Sugar Daddy. Mauri's one of my good friends, and I don't want her to ever find out. I met her dad before her, so she has no clue. And she never will. That's going to the grave with me. I've been thinking lately that it might be time to get a part-time job and cut ties with Anthony.

My phone started ringing. It was Kaito.

I answered.

"Hello?" I said.

"Where were you last night?" Kaito asked.