Thread: Indecent Proposal [Traveler et dearestdarling]

As much as she didn't like it, the man had a point. It had been risky to jump into the limo, even with with text she had shot Danielle, but she had done it. As soon as he had offered her the cash, her hesitation had melted away, but what did that say about her...? The thought that he had chosen her over the others because she had 'heart'? She wanted to laugh. He had probably seen how hungry she looked, and not just for food, but for some life better than the hell she was living in. That was the real reason. She wasn't foolish enough to believe the sappy words he said. She felt his gaze travel down her bare legs. There was that, too. How could she hope to seduce someone, anyone? Seth was the only guy she had ever been with, and after Evie was born, their physical relationship had deteriorated nearly as quickly as their emotional one. She couldn't even remember the last time she had had sex, and it was usually the furthest thing from her mind. Would she have to sleep with this guy, this murderer? Could she do that? Amir didn't seem to care if she had the answers now. She took the card, but it offered no more information than the name she already had, and a phone number to reach him by, shiny black print over matte black cardstock. She studied it until he said that she could take the money, then stuffed it quickly into her purse, along with the cash, as if he might change his mind at any moment. You don't need to drop me off at my... at my place. Here is fine, I can walk the rest of the way. She didn't want him to know where she lived. She didn't wait for the door to be opened for her, electing to get it herself, clutching her bag tightly. For once, there was something worth stealing inside. Ah... Thank you, for the opportunity, Mr. Amir. What an opportunity it was. She turned and began walking down the street, texting Danielle to let her know that she was okay, her heels clicking against the pavement as she crossed the few, dark blocks to her apartment complex. She hadn't bargained for what had transpired, and she had no idea what to make of the 'interview' she'd just had, but for now she had a nice bundle of cash, and that had saved the night from being a total disaster. You're late. Mrs. Stanton spoke through the chain-locked door, peering up at her through round glasses. How did the interview at the hospital go? Not so good, Mrs. Stanton, I think they already hired enough dishwashers and just spoke to me to be polite. She felt bad for lying to the old woman, but what was she supposed to say? If she'd said she auditioned to work the pole, Sadie was certain she would give her a heart attack. With trembling hands, the small, elderly lady unlatched the door, ushering Sadie inside. It smelled like cats and wool, and maybe cabbage soup, but she had come to think of it as a sort of second home. Well, never mind. You're too pretty to be pruning your hands up at some dirty sink anyway. There'll be something else out there for you, something only you can do. Everything happens for a reason... But next time, you might want to borrow something nicer to wear. I'll keep that in mind. She forced a smile, crossing into the small living room. Is Evie asleep? Yes. Poor little Evelyn. She tried to wait up for you, but her little eyes just couldn't stay open. Sadie followed her neighbor down the dark hallway, taking care to open the last door on the right quietly. Dim light spilled through the doorway, illuminating the little girl, curled up on the daybed. A fluffy white cat had curled up beside her, daring Sadie to disturb them. The furball swiped at her as she reached for her sleeping daughter, transferring her into her arms without waking her. Mrs. Stanton tsked from the doorway. She's old enough to walk. I don't want to wake her. She squeezed Evie gently, positioning her so that her little head rested on her shoulder. Thank you for watching her. Are you sure you don't want me to pay you? She actually could afford to, this time. No, no... She's a joy to have around. My own grandchildren live across the country. Sadie smiled, nodding. Okay. I'll let you know when I have another interview lined up? Of course, dear. And good luck to you. I hate to see you struggle. Their apartment was three flights of stairs up, and the elevator had been broken as long as they had lived there, but Sadie didn't really mind. She took care not to jostle the little girl in her arms as she started the steep climb, each step sure and careful. What was she going to do? The man, Amir, had rubbed her the wrong way something about the way he looked at her was devious and creepy. But he was right about one thing an offer like the one he had given her wouldn't come again. It was easy money... What if she took the job at the office, and she didn't catch this 'target's' eye? At least that paycheck would be somewhat honest, right? She could learn whatever basics she needed to, to keep the office job, and they could find some other helpless girl to be their actress once it was clear that Sadie didn't have what it took. That could work.... Maybe. Mama, what's 'asunto' mean? 'Asunto'? Evie picked her head up from Sadie's shoulder, rubbing at her eyes. Julio and Marguerite are supposed to be getting married . But Julio kissed Roquelle on the mouth ... Sadie unlocked the apartment door, sighing. Mrs. Stanton let you stay up watching those trashy telenovellas again... Okay. Baby, those shows are not for little girls. Tell her to let you watch those movies I sent with you, okay? Tangled? You like Tangled... No, I like Pasion del Corazn .... At least you're learning Spanish, I guess. By the time she had tucked Evie into bed, she had already made up her mind. She took the card from her purse, black on black, and stared at it for a long moment. She sighed, then dialed the number. Her heart was pounding as she waited for him to pick up, part of her still wondering if maybe she was being punked, or set up for something. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she fidgeted with the card, picking at the corner with a fingernail. Hello, Mr. Amir? It's Sadie. If he wouldn't offer a last name, neither would she. I want to talk details.