Page 50 of The Prom

“It soon spiraled into a crazy, destructive path I wasn’t prepared for.”

He heaves a huff of frustration. “She fed me drugs in my drink, forced me into situations I would never have done had I been conscious, and then threatened to leak the videos online if I told anyone.”

“Jesse, I..,”

“It’s okay, baby, I should have been stronger, but every time I attempted to cut ties, she came up with another threat. Soon, she controlled me, calling me to her home, plying me with drugs and, well, using me for sex.”

“Using you?” Imogen’s voice shakes. “But you could have said no, walked away, surely.”

“Not when you’re as high as a kite and desperate for more. Not when you are so addicted to what she’s providing, you can’t even think straight. The most shocking thing of all was how quickly it happened. What started out as a kick soon became an obsession.”

They fall silent and I notice Imogen reach up and stroke his face and I can only imagine the caring smile she is giving him right now. Jesse leans into her hand and whispers, “I tried so many times to break the tie. To ignore her calls, to tell her I was done and to threaten to expose her myself. That one worked well.”

His laugh is bitter. “She played her trump card.”

“Which was?”

“Threatening to tell my folks.”

He falls silent and slumps forward, his forearms resting on his knees as Imogen pats him reassuringly on the back.

“I’m not sure who I’m more afraid of. Jenna Sloane or the place I call home.”

“Tell me about that?” Imogen’s question is encouraging, and he groans.

“I told you how it is. When I graduate, I must marry a local girl and work a farm for the good of the community. I will only receive a standard wage for my efforts and it’s a lifetime commitment. Do you know what’s it like to face years of hard labor with little reward? To lie with a woman chosen for you by the town council and produce no more than two children.”

“Why only two?”

“Because it’s all that’s allowed.”

“What happens if more than two come along? I mean, twins or triplets or just a mistake?”

“You don’t want to know.”

My blood chills as Imogen’s voice falters. “I do.”

Jesse‘s voice is delivered wrapped in steel as he scoffs, “They are sold at auction.”

Imogen’s shocked gasp spears my heart and my anger is sharpened as I imagine the scene played out several times over the years. Couples forced to give up their babies with no say and a lifetime to wonder if they are even alive. It’s sick as fuck and a small part of me understands exactly why Jenna Sloane targeted him. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain and is the perfect student.

“Did you tell Miss Sloane this?” Imogen voices my thoughts, and it strikes me at how in sync we are.

“Yes.” Jesse’s voice is loaded with regret.

“We talked about it a lot. She was appalled, devastated for me, and told me she would help. That she knew a man who could help me and to leave it with her to arrange a meeting, if I was up for it.”

I stiffen as the picture enlarges to reveal another image and Jesse hisses, “It turns out the man she was referring to was an even bigger monster than the one I am running from.”

“In what way?”

“If you think Jenna is depraved, allow me to introduce you to Christian Duprey.”

Thank God I am recording this call because Ryder will be extremely interested in this.

Imogen asks, “Why, what happened?”

“I’m sorry, baby.” Jesse heaves out a sigh. “I really don’t want you to hear any details about that man. Just understand I am no longer interested in his solution, Jenna’s help, or any of the sick games they play. I’m out and–”

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