Page 36 of Downfall

“What do you think it is?” Sofia asks.

“We should scope it out.” I reply.

Ben nods but his focus seems less on the new information and more on the woman and what she had to do to get it.

She glances at him and rolls her eyes. “You can stop that.”

“Stop what?” He snaps.

“Looking at me like a hurt puppy.” She states.

Ben snarls, opening his mouth to retort.

“I’m not yours to protect.” She says clenching her fists. “And even if I was I have as much right to be here, to be taking risks as you do.”

“I never said…”

“No but your face does. You’re acting like I’m whoring myself out.”

“Aren’t you?” He snaps.

“No.” She cries getting up and padding over to where the drinks are. She doesn’t even bother to pour one out, just takes a swig straight from the bottle, wiping her mouth after.

“Tell us about Otto then.” I say. I probably have no right to ask, in fact I know I don’t but perhaps if we lance this wound Ben will get over his issue or better still, he’ll grow some balls and admit to what he feels.

“He’s exactly what we think he is.” She says smirking.

“How is that a good thing?” Ben retorts.

“Because he’s easy to play. So easy.” Sofia half laughs in a way that shocks me. “Oh shut up Roman.” She says waving her hand when she sees my reaction. “It’s not like that. I’ve kept myself to myself so long I can be whoever I want to be, create a completely new persona, and what better one to be than the innocent virginal heiress?”

“Excuse me?” Ben snarls.

Sofia takes the moment to swig another mouthful. It’s dramatic and I wonder if she’s doing it to taunt Ben more. To make some sort of point.

“Think about it.” She says. “He’s fucked half the city. If I’m dating him then he’s going to expect me to put out right? Well, if I play the whole ‘virgin trope’ not only do I side step that entire sickfest but I make myself more desirable to him. Men like him love that shit. They get off on it.”

“Fucking hell Sofia.” I mutter.

“What?” She laughs at her own ingenuity. “He wants my money right? And I want information. But I sure as hell will not be whoring any part of me except my time in exchange for it.”

If she wasn’t my sister she’d scare the shit out of me. She grins like she can tell what I’m thinking.

“I’m going to shower. He had his hands on me all night and I stink.” She says.

“If he…” Ben begins.

“Relax Benvolio.” She says making a huge play of his full name. “I can take care of myself.” And then she waltzes out of the room while he stares after her and I can’t help but laugh.

Rose

The window slides open and I hear the soft thump as his feet hit the carpet. I bite my lip, staying perfectly still. It’s late but I know somewhere in the house my father is still up, no doubt plotting away.

As I feel the covers shift I let out a whimper full of need.

He chuckles in response. “How long have you been lying there waiting for me Trouble?” He whispers.

“Too long.” I pout.

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