Page 15 of Sold to the Investor

He ducks his head in shame, but I know it’s all for show. A ploy to get me back.

But I’m not the Sophia he knows. “Well, I can’t go back with you. Grayson paid for me, and I belong to him now. Besides, I love it here. Grayson treats me better than anyone else ever has.”

He raises his head and a sneer twists his mouth. This is the Daryl I know. “Just listen to yourself. Are you really that stupid?” His disgust thickens his voice. “Or do you only think with your body? You think you’ve found your prince charming?” He let out an evillaugh. “Look at you, you’re dressed like a common whore. Or is that what you are now? His little whore?”

I stay silent and he continues, “What do you know about love? You’re nothing to him. Just another plaything he’ll get bored with when he’s done. No man will ever want you. The same way Mom didn’t want you. You’re the reason Dad left and the reason she’s dead,” he rants.

Normally when he goes on a rampage like this, I would try to act small and soothe him, trying to make it seem like his words don’t affect me. This time, his words are harsher. Meaner. And they only show his desperation, so I just watch him with pity.

I’m stronger now. Grayson has made me realize my strength.

“I’m not going back with you, Daryl, no matter what you say,” I declare softly. “I don’t believe a word that comes out of you. You can’t make me feel worthless. Not anymore. Grayson has shown me what it really means to be loved. I’ll never go back to that old version of myself.” My resolve is unyielding.

“I don’t care,” he says. “Now, go and get your things, if you have anything. I’ll ransack this dude’s house for cash and anything valuable.” Daryl’s tone has turned threatening.

I freeze. I don’t answer him and I don’t move. I haven’t forgotten about the dark side that he has. It’s so bad that when he comes to he doesn’t always remember his actions.

A cold sweat breaks out on the back of my neck and rolls down my back. “Daryl. Please, stop this,” I try to reason with him. I’m almost shaking now. I have the feeling that something bad is about to happen. My mind is blank, and it’s difficult getting my thoughts together into anything coherent.

He takes a threatening step toward me, and I quickly put a sofa between us. Though I doubt it will keep him away for long.

“You stupid little girl!” He raises his voice now and smashes his fist into the wall.

I jump, feeling helpless. “Daryl, you’re scaring me.” I feel tears clouding at the back of my eyes and I hate it. I feel like the helpless little girl that he thinks I am.

I know I’m a different person now, yet I can’t summon the courage to stand up to him outright.

He sighs again. “I’m sorry. You’ve always been too stupid. But haven’t I always known better? Haven’t I always looked after you? I’m telling you—this guy is bad news. I heard he paid millions for you. You think people pay that much forlove? What kind of people do you think attend those auctions? How many girls do you think he’s bought and used before you? And you’re not going to be the last.”

“You don’t know him. He’s a better person than you’ve ever been.” I feel bits of courage welling up inside me.

I need to keep him occupied.

“What?”

“You sold me to the chapel to pay for your stupid debt, even though you’re my big brother and you’re supposed to protect me from the kind of men you’re talking about. I was lucky Grayson was there to save me.”

“I promised you I would come back for you once I paid my debt. It was never my intention for you to be sold.”

“Have you paid it back?”

“What?”

“Your debt,” I say calmly. “Have you paid it back?”

He goes quiet, but I can hear the wheels turning in his head.

“You’ve known thisGraysonfor how long? A few days? Well, I’ve known you your entire life. I’m your brother, and I’ve always looked after you and I’m going to keep doing it. Now get— You know what? There’s no need, we’re leaving now.”

“No! I won’t go with you.” I dart my eyes around, looking for a way to escape.

“I’m not asking.” His voice is like steel. “I’m not leaving here without you. One way or another, you’re going to come with me.” He takes a step toward me.

“No, I think you should leave now.”

Before I know what’s happening, Daryl lunges forward to grab me. I gasp and try to duck back, but my movements are too slow. He catches my hand and begins to drag me toward the door. I stiffen my body and struggle to free my hand from his grip.

He turns around and throws a heavy slap across my face. The force of the slap snaps my head to the side. It almost feels as if my neck has snapped too.

---