Page 113 of Cam Girl

I hurt one woman. Can I make up for it by helping this one?

“I don’t understand why any of you are being so nice to me. No, scratch that. I know why Soren took a break from his bullshit, but you and Tase, you guys have been decent without expecting anything in return. Why?”

“Do you want us to be transactional? Would you feel better knowing we want something from you, so we’ve acted accordingly?”

It’s fucked up, but not unheard of.

She shrugs. “It’s usually the way things work. It’s not right. It’s just easier.”

Does she expect Soren to be the same now that they fucked? Probably not, because he was shitty to her before. I’m the one who’s interested in seeing how this will play outbetween them. Will he let go of his vendetta, though? I’m invested enough to wonder.

“Maybe it’s worked that way with the assholes you’ve dated in the past.” I pause, waiting for her to correct me, and when she doesn’t I know I’m right. “But that’s not how I work. And Tase is a good man. It’s not how he operates, either.”

“I’m sorry.” She shakes her head. “I’m not trying to insult you.”

She curls in on herself and I squeeze her knuckles.Come back to me.

“You’re shaken up, and it’s understandable to feel like you can’t find your footing. I’ve fucking been there. But I care about you, Gilli. So whatever it takes to make sure you never have that expression on your face again, I’ll do it.”

She laces our fingers together. “You’re too much.”

“Or am I just enough?” I joke.

“You’re better off without me.”

“You know, you keep saying that, but you have no idea what I’m better off doing unless you give me a chance.” I lean in to force her to look at me. “Who hurt you?”

Whoever they are, I’ll make sure they stop breathing. I’ve never been violent before but now it feels like the only option.

Her eyes go glassy. “Someone I’m afraid of. He’s hurt other people.”

“Whoever it is, if I ever get my hands on them, they’re dead.”

She shivers but this time it’s for a different reason. I know it.

“You’re not afraid of getting hurt? If you cross paths with these people because of me, I’ll never forgive myself. They’re bad news. And the police didn’t give a shit when I called.”

“I’ve already been hurt. What’s one more injury? Besides, there are three of us and however many of them.I’m sure we’ll be fine. Now, who is coming for you? I need to know who I’m up against,” I insist.

If this is the way to show her I’m not going anywhere, then I’ll take it. Because damn it, I’m here to stay. These feelings are new, different, but we deserve to take this to the end and see where we land.

“I’m not sure how many there are,” she finally admits, chewing on her lower lip. “A man sent me threats, online. And then two men broke into my apartment. No. Three. Three of them.”

My gut twists.

“What the fuck did you say?”

I stiffen. Neither of us heard his approach, but when we turn around, there’s Soren, staring hard at both of us. He clenches the fishing pole in hand hard enough to snap it.

If she still isn’t in the mood for honesty, my gut tells me she’s about to be pushed into it. Because whatever Soren overheard, he isn’t going to let it drop.

He stomps toward us and pulls up another chair, dropping into it like his knees have been taken out and tossing the rod.

“Talk.”

A single word of pure demand.

Gilli opens her mouth but then snaps it shut before anything squeaks out.

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