Hunger (Damnation Book 1)

Chapter 25 - My Prerogative

The incident with Mr. Pedophile, I think, took more out of me than I expected. Pretending everything is fine and normal is taking more energy than I thought it would. Plus, this whole going to class thing is getting so old. So instead of going to Pre-Cal, I head to the counselor's office. I knock on Ms. Kelly's door and she smiles when she sees me. "I was wondering when you would be wandering into my office, Miss Chevalier."

"Yeah," I start hesitantly. I really don't want to talk feelings and I can tell that's where Ms. Psychoanalyze wants to go. "I wanted to talk about my schedule."

She starts and shuffles through some files on her desk until she pulls out one. "Yes? What is wrong with it? We put you back in right where you left off," she tells me.

"I want to graduate with my class still. I know it will be a lot of work, but don't we have some kind of credit recovery or independent study I could do?" It's only half a lie. I only omitted the fact that I hate my classes and want to get the hell out of here as fast as possible.

"Well, we don't have a credit recovery program due to the fact you have to maintain a certain GPA to stay in the school. So, failure is not an option, but I'm sure we could work out some kind of independent study with your teachers," she says. "It may take a week to get it started."

I smile broadly and say, "No, that's great. It would be great."

"Have you spoken with your father about this, Rosaline?" she asks.

"Not exactly," I say slowly. "He's been busy with work lately, but I will talk to him tonight. I promise."

She nods and asks, "What if you start having problems? Do you have someone to tutor you if needed?"

"Yes, ma'am. Damien Martin is already tutoring me in Physics."

"And if it becomes too much, you will come back to me?"

I nod. Just say yes already, damn.

"Very well. Speak with your father and I will get things started."

"Thank you," I say before running out to my math class.

Later at home, Daddy isn't there. This makes things really hard. What is he so busy with? I go change into a pair of yoga pants and a tank top and wait in the lounge watching trashy reality TV. I still don't understand how people get famous for absolutely nothing. Like, seriously, who are they selling their souls to? When the door does finally open, I run out to meet him. I slide to a halt in the hallway. He's got company. I start to apologize, but my father holds up his hand and I shut my mouth quickly.

"Rosaline, this is Amon," he says introducing us. I smile and give a small wave. "He will be staying in town for a while. I would like for you to keep him comfortable and happy."

Great, now I'm an escort. I've juggled multiple guys before, I can do this. "Sure," I say slowly. "I have some business with a soul Saturday night, but otherwise I'm free."

He nods and waits. "Oh yeah, I want to do independent study so I can graduate on time. Is that okay?" I ask, getting straight to the point.

Daddy nods and I say, "I should probably go change. I'm assuming you want to do something tonight?"

"Dinner would be lovely," he replies with a small dip of his head.

I leave them alone and head to my room. What's Damien going to say about this? I'm not stealing anyone's soul but I'm basically getting whored out again. Somehow I feel I should be happy. This is a step up from stripping but it's still not something Damien is going to like. I go put on a cute pair of skinny jeans and ballet flats with a form fitting sweater. The clothes are tight and uncomfortable, but I know it's what Amon would want. I fluff my curls and head back downstairs. Amon is waiting at the door with Daddy. "Ready?" he asks holding out his hand.

"Yes, I'm famished," I lie taking his hand. I try to squash the unease I feel through his touch. He's not the worst demon I've met, but he's not exactly the best. I can feel the evil he's done, wafting off of him in almost smoke like tendrils. He's powerful. Daddy wouldn't be asking me to do this if he didn't need to keep this demon happy for some weird reason I don't know about. He leads me outside to a nice little BMW. Driving to a fancy new restaurant in the Warehouse District, I say very little. We eat and drink in somewhat comfortable silence. I smile at the appropriate times and give him the eye so he thinks I'm interested.

"Do you have plans for your week off of school?" he asks looking me up and down.

"Nothing definite yet, but it's early. Why do you ask?" I ask back.

"A few of the fellows and I are going to take my yacht to St. Lucia if you would like to join?"

"If I would like to join?" I repeat flatly.

He smiles warmly and says, "Let me rephrase. I would like for you to join me."

"Very well, then. I'm going with you to St. Lucia," I say lifting my glass to him. Before he drops me off, he pulls a pretty pale blue box from his glove compartment. "Just something to remember me by," he says, placing a kiss on my hand.

"Shouldn't I be giving you something? Not the other way around?" I ask confused. Usually I don't get gifts until I've done something to earn them in some way. Dinner doesn't earn me whatever this is.

He smiles and says, "I like the women I associate with to look the best and have the best. Don't worry. We will get there."