CHAPTER TWELVE - CARRIE
We’d had an amazing time on the plane and in Paris, and on the way back, I realized it felt like another date. Not only that, but as much as I’d hoped not to fall for him, I couldn’t help it. I hadn’t ever spent this kind of time with anyone before, and he was so easy to talk to. He’d even gotten a little rougher with me and that had made me feel like a woman, like I wasn’t some delicate little girl, even though he’d been scolding.
We’d made it back in time to greet Nate when he arrived two hours after our return, and though I wished we’d had that time alone, it was nice to see someone from home, as if I’d been in a fantasy and it had brought me back to reality.
Chance had arranged for a late dinner, and I was starving, so we sat down to dine in the large dining hall. The intimate table in the kitchen had been a small bistro style set with two chairs, but this was a massive table that stretched at least twenty feet across the room with chairs that were so large I could barely pull mine forward. Chance had helped me, and as he pushed me forward, Nate had given us a strange look.
“You two seem to be getting along. Are you enjoying your time here, Carrie?” He glanced at Chance who gave him what seemed like a warning glare, and I shifted uncomfortably in my cushioned seat.
“Yes, it’s been a wonderful time, actually.”
He grinned at his friend and Chance quickly filled the silence with conversation. “We’ve spent some time in the gallery across the way. Carrie is an artist, and I told her about my mother.” That seemed to surprise Nate, but he kept his mouth busy with food instead of more chatter, at least until the silence stretched on too long for his comfort.
“So, about that but of business,” Nate said, but Chance held up his hand to cut him off.
“Not now. We’ll talk after I’ve enjoyed my dinner.”
“Yes, sir.” Nate’s sarcastic tone earned an ugly look from Chance, and after a moment the tension in the room grew too heavy for me.
“May I be excused?” I realized I’d asked for permission and wished I could kick my own ass.
Chance smiled up at Nate who looked equally amused. “Of course,” said Chance who pushed back his chair and helped me out of the confines of mine. I got to my feet and he leaned close, his mouth next to my ear. “That’s going to cost you,” he whispered roughly.
I nodded almost imperceptibly, a jolt speeding right to my core, and hurried out to leave the two free to talk business. I wandered the house, my curiosity getting the best of me. I thought back to my “punishment” on the plane, and was almost glad I’d broken another rule at dinner. The more I thought about what the consequences might be, the wetter I became.
I studied the paintings in the rest of the house and found the library. I studied the painting of the young boy who I would have sworn was Chance as a child playing in the rain and splashing in a puddle. I sat on the comfortable lounger and flipped through an old entomology book. I had always loved insects and thought they were fascinating creatures. I was nearly asleep when two voices from a room nearby roused me. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but something caught my ear.
“The other women you’ve brought here surely didn’t get that kind of treatment and most left wanting more. You’re treading on dangerous grounds with that one.” It was Nate’s voice.
“It’ll be fine. I’m prepared to follow the contract if that’s what she wants, but I can’t help it, it’s different. She was a virgin, Nate. What kind of monster would I be if I treated her like all the rest.”
My heart started to race and my stomach turned at the words. Of course, I’d known there’d been others, I wasn’t stupid. Or maybe I was. I’d let myself forget what this was; forget that I wasn’t special. I was just one in a long line.
“I’m just saying, you’ve got a good thing going. Why fuck it up? Because you feel guilty you popped her cherry? You’re swimming in pussy, my friend, is it worth the trade off?”
“I’m not fucking anything up.” Chance’s tone assured me that I was nothing more to him than a piece of ass. I realized I was trapped in the room and the one I’d heard them in, the office, was my only way out. I took a deep breath and hurried out, the entomology book still tight in my grasp as I stormed past them.
“Fuck, do you think she heard?” Nate’s voice carried down the hall, and as I rounded the corner, Chance called after me.
“Carrie! Fuck!” he yelled behind me.
I didn’t stop. I hurried up the stairs leaving them to tend to business or plan his next fucking tryst. I had to sit tight for another few days, and then I would be free with a $100,000 and a tough lesson learned. I didn’t even want to see him. If it hadn’t been for the airfare, I would have left immediately, but I’d be damned if I let him cost me a dime.
I decided to call Rick and arrange another call home.
Twenty minutes later I was on with Lindy, unsure if what we were saying was being recorded. I decided I didn’t care. I needed to tell her what was going on. If Nate could know things, then so could my best friend.
“Are you okay?” Lindy’s voice made me feel even further from home.
“No, I should’ve listened to you.”
The sound of her breath hit the phone as she sighed. “I know it’s bad when you think listening to me was a better option, and I won’t make it worse by saying I told you so.”
“You just did.”
“Yeah, I guess I did.”
“His friend showed up today because of some business situation, and I overheard them talking. The dickhead actually said Chance was “swimming in pussy.” I feel sick, Lindy. I was actually starting to think I was special. Oh my God, I’m so stupid,” I said, a tear slipping down my cheek.
“Oh honey,” was all she could say, her voice full of sympathy.
“Once I’m home, the money will be in my account. I think I’ll go somewhere else. Maybe sell the house as is and move Dad and I somewhere else. I feel like I need a fresh start.”
“Sure, I get it. I’ll meet you at the airport when you get back.”
“Thanks, Lindy. I knew I could count on you.” The tears ran down my cheeks, and I wiped them away angrily. No, I would not cry over him. I would lay back, spread my legs, and earn my money—like all the others. I tried not to vomit as I thought about it.