Redemption

A/N This story takes place in modern America. It will involve child prostitution, sex trafficking, and underage sex. Don't like don't read.

Redemption. The action of being saved. For most people redemption is just another word. A noun they might use in school. But to Mark, redemption was all he thought of. What he dreamed of. Longed for.

Mark had a pretty normal childhood for the most part. His parents never divorced. He had two younger brothers and two younger sisters. They lived in a rather nice house on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Mark seemed to be the main caregiver to his siblings. His parents were gone most of the time at work.

Mark was very mature for his age. He had to be to raise his siblings. Because of his long jet black hair, most of the kids assumed he was emo. He received taunts daily because of it. But actually, his dark hair was quite handsome. It fell just above his stunning blue eyes. His eyes were a stark contrast from his hair. He reached up to be about 5'10. Most people Mark met thought he was 18 instead of 15.

It all started going downhill from there. Fast. You see Greg, Mark's father, was a heavy gambler. He lost the families entire life savings and more. He took out all the equity in the house and lost that too. He continued losing money for months. Eventually the bills started catching up to him. When the bank threatened foreclosure and the city shut off the utilities, Greg knew he need money and fast. And that's how Mark ended up in this mess.

"Dad? Where are we going this time?" Mark asked from the front seat of Greg's truck. Greg had said they were going away for a guys weekend. Translation, mom wasn't putting out and dad needed an excuse to go get laid.

This time seemed different though. Maureen, Mark's mother, had been in tears most of the day. She wouldn't tell Mark why. And when Greg and Mark left she gave him a huge bear hug. Strange.

Mark had brought with him a large duffel bag. He figured once they got to hotel and dad had a woman, he'd be sleeping on the floor. So he brought several blankets and pillows. He also brought several books to keep himself entertained. He brought along his notebook and sketch pad along with his pencils. He never went far without the two. There were a few other things in the bag as well.

Mark sighed and settled back into his seat when Greg didn't reply. He seemed anxious. Watching both sides of the road and behind him as if someone might be following him.

As they drove into the heart of downtown LA, Mark figured he was right about the getting laid. It wasn't hard to find a willing slut in downtown LA at night.

Greg abruptly pulled to the left down an alley. "Dad? Where are we going?" Mark repeated. Instead of replying, Greg pulled in to where they were going.

The building had seen better days. Much better days. It was a six story apartment complex. Most of the windows were broken and glass was scattered on the ground below. The paint on the siding was chipping off. The roof looked like it was about to cave in.

"D-dad? What is this place?" Mark asked quietly as he looked up at the building.

"Just shut up and quit asking." Greg replied sharply. Laughter rang out loudly from the shadowy entrance to the complex. Sharp, ringing, and fierce laughter.

Mark's arms started to get goosebumps from the laughter. The man stepped out from the shadows. Mark nearly gasped.

A long jagged scar ran vertical down the right side of the mans face. It started beside his right eye and went down before curving left under his chin. He was wearing a tuxedo. Other than his bow tie leaning to the left a bit, he looked perfect. He was sporting a sick grin that made Mark shiver.

"W-who are you?" Mark asked trying to keep the fear from showing in his voice. He failed.

The man chuckled with a sneer. "My real name or a fake one? You can call me Tyrel, boy."

"Why are we here?" Mark asked looking over at his father who remained silent. Tyrel looked in Greg's direction as well.

"You haven't told him yet?" Tyrel asked as his sneer turned into a grin. "This is turning out better than I thought."

"I thought it best not to tell him." Greg said with a smirk of his own. "Then he wouldn't beg for me to take him back. I don't want the little bastard back."

Tyrel laughed hard again. "Heartless. I like it. You could make it in this business easy."

Mark was determined not to cry. He was still confused as to what was going on. Tyrel, seeing the confusion on Mark's face, started to explain. "Boy, once your father gets his money and leaves, you will be my property. And with your looks I think I got the better end of the deal. You'll make me millions."

Mark looked over at Greg with his eyes wide. "Y-you're selling me..?" He stammered out.

"Would you rather your mother and siblings starve? Damn you're the most selfish boy I've ever met." Greg said harshly.

Bike rose in Mark's throat. He wanted to scream but it wouldn't come. He wanted to sob but the tears wouldn't come. He was in shock.

Tyrel turned from Mark and sauntered over to Greg and handed him an envelope. He walked back over to Mark.

Greg grinned in anticipation as he opened the envelope and started to count the money. When he finished, he looked up at Tyrel with rage flaring in his eyes. "Where's the rest? We agreed on 300 not 200."

Tyrel just laughed. "$200,000 is a great deal. Take it or leave it."

Greg started raising his voice and the veins on his neck were popping out. "You said if I brought the boy you'd give me 300 big ones."

"Deals change." Tyrel said as he pulled a gun from a holster hidden behind his suit coat. He drew the pistol up and aimed for Greg's head. "And I think you better leave with the 200 before you don't leave at all."

Greg raised his hands in surrender. He took one more look at Mark, then walked to the truck. He threw the duffel bag out the window to Mark. Mark bent down to pick it up, but Tyrel grabbed him by the hair and pulled him back up. He put his hands on both cheeks so Mark would look him in the eye.

"You belong to me now, Boy."

A/N I hope you like it! I've written it three times now and Wattpad kept deleting it. Votes and comments are welcome!