Chapter 7

The next morning, I handed my mom a crumpled bankbook.

My mom was overjoyed, quickly flipping it open. “How much is in here? Enough for Caleb to pay off his debts?”

I nodded. “Enough…”

“Good!” My mom excitedly stood up, clutching the bankbook, and put on her coat to leave. But as she was about to close the door, she turned back and shot me a venomous glare. “I knew you were hiding money! Just you wait till I get back, I’ll deal with you!”

I stood meekly in place, head bowed. Once my mom truly left, I picked out a gaudy, floral dress my mom had bought for my streams, put it on, and pushed open the front door.

This neighborhood was full of old apartment buildings, and a maze of alleyways snaked out the back. As I stepped into one, someone eagerly wrapped their arms around me from behind. The man’s scent instantly filled my nostrils, his stubbled face pressed tightly against mine. “Baby, you’re finally here. I missed you so much.”

I remained stiff in his embrace, my voice dripping with honey. “Here I am, aren’t I?”

The man chuckled, then moved to face me, lifting my chin to kiss me. But his eyes widened when he saw the bruise on my lip.

“Caleb did this?” His eyes filled with concern.

I lowered my gaze, not answering.

The man understood my silence and cursed loudly. “He came begging me for an extension this morning! And he dared to hit you! If I don’t beat the hell out of that bastard, what’s my name, Jax, even worth?!”

But I gently covered his mouth with my hand, shaking my head. “Don’t, Ash. He’s my brother.”

Jax held my hand, caressing it carefully. “Baby, you’re too kind! You treat him like a brother, but he doesn’t see you as a sister. He hit you so hard, it breaks my heart to see it!”

My face showed distress. After thinking for a moment, I stood on my tiptoes and lightly kissed the corner of his mouth, comforting him. “Be good.”