Chapter 6: I'm In Trouble.

Audrey.

“Oops, sorry.” I apologize to the woman I had stepped on. I almost regret leaving Xavier's house because right now, I don't have a destination in mind.

I just felt the urge to leave the house after he left for work. At the moment, I'm praying I remember my way back to his house.

Manhattan streets are a far cry from the quiet, dusty roads of my small Texas town, where everyone knew everyone. Here, I'm in a sea of people and I feel like I'm suffocating.

The noises—shouts, horns, sirens and the rest are overwhelming and I need a minute from it all.

There's a boutique to my right and as I pass, my eye catches the vacancy sign on the window. Without hesitation, I push open the door, and a soft bell above it announces my arrival.

The interior is sleek and modern, with rows of designer clothing and accessories that scream luxury.

The lady behind the front desk looks up, her eyes narrowing as she takes in my appearance. Her smile falters, and her voice becomes clipped.

“Welcome to Ru's Collections. How can I help you?” she asks, her tone dripping with disdain.

I take a deep breath and ask, “I saw the vacancy sign in the window. I'd love to apply for the job.”

The lady's expression turns icy, her voice condescension as she replies, “I'm afraid the position has been filled.”

I force a tight smile onto my face. “Is there a way I could speak with the manager?”

Her smile widens.

“I’m afraid the manager is...indisposed. I'll have to ask you to leave. Now. Before I call security.”

Defeated, I keep my head down as I exit the store. I'd have loved to plead my case more but at the moment, I'm avoiding anything drama that could put me in social media.

I'm not a fool to think Brandon would just let me go scot free. I'm sure he's actively searching for me which is why I need to keep a low profile.

I spot an alleyway to my right and duck into it, seeking refuge from the crowds. The air is thick with the stench of garbage and decay, and I wrinkle my nose in distaste.

The people in the alley look disheveled and homeless and I stiffen when someone approaches me.

“Hey, got some molly?” He whispers, stepping closer than I'd like.

I don't bother replying him, irritated by the fact that he'd thinking I'm dealing drugs. I push him away and get out of there as fast as I can.

But instead of going the way I came, I decide to go the other way. Crossing the alley, I burst out on a street more peaceful than the other.

I take a minute to compose myself before continuing forward, my heart beating in my chest as I glance behind me to make sure I'm not being followed.

As I pass by a shop, I catch a glimpse of myself in the window reflection. My eyes widen as I take in my appearance. Xavier's clothes are wrinkled and stained, and my hair looks like a tangled mess.

I recall the boutique lady's disdainful expression, and it clicks into place—I must have looked like a homeless person to her. I quickly twist my hair into a knot, smoothing out the tangles as best I can.

Hopefully, I look more presentable now.

When my legs start to ache, I find a spot on one of the benches outside and try to rest for a while.

There's no rest for me though as my thoughts drift to Brandon. I could remember the first time I saw him in the brothel where I worked. I was to service him in his room but when I got there, he was already with someone else.

I recall the dimly lit room, the scent of stale cigarettes and cheap perfume hanging heavy in the air. I remember standing awkwardly in the doorway, unsure what to do as Brandon kissed the other woman.

“What are you doing, standing over there like a creep?” He had asked me when he finally managed to wrench his mouth away from the woman he was kissing.

“Well, you requested for me, asshole.”

At that time, I had wits and a sharp tongue and I wasn't afraid to use them. At that time, I believed that I was the master of my own destiny.

“Hey, you okay?” A voice snaps me out of my thoughts. I snap my eyes to the left where a blond boy sat.

Not able to form words, I nod and snap my head back.

“You just seemed lost in thought,” he replies. From the corner of my eyes, I see him hand me a burger and I raise my brows at him in suspicion.

“You can have it. I promise it's not poisoned,” he says with a smile. He has a boyish innocence around him and while I don't trust him, I'm in fact hungry.

As I contemplate collecting it, he muses, “You look like you need it more than I do.”

In a flash, I rip the burger away from his hand and start shoving it into my mouth. Ever since Xavier brought me to Manhattan last night, I haven't eaten anything and it's noon already.

A chuckle beside me makes me stop my chewing. I glance sideways to see an amused smile on the boy's face as he hands me a bottle of water.

“Thank you,” I mumble with my mouth full as I accept the water.

“No biggie. My name's Lucas. What's yours?”

I straighten immediately. Was this a ploy to get me to let down my defenses? Was he one of Brandon's men?

But when I see the genuine curiosity on his face and the fact that he has shown me kindness, I shrug and reply to his question.

“Are you new to the city?” He asks again, leaning forward to look at me as he rests his elbows on his knees.

“Uh uh,” I nod, busy stuffing my face.

He chuckles and stands up to leave. I quickly swallow and call after him, “Thank you for the meal.”

He turns and smiles at me, “You're welcome, Audrey.”

But then, I stop him again.

“I'm actually looking for a job.” Yes, I was that desperate.

“Can you work the counter?” He asks.

“Of course,” I reply eagerly.

He offers me his hand. “Well, come on then. You can work with me in that cafe.”

He points to the building just beside us. Then he leans in and winks, “The manager happens to be my uncle.”

I smile as I follow him round the building to the back. The next few minutes pass by in a blur and the next thing I know, I'm given a uniform and taken to the counter.

Lucas stays with me to put me through and by the time I'm done, it's 6 in the evening. The manager looks me up and down before he says, “Be here tomorrow by 8. We'll discuss your shifts and payment then.”

I thank him profusely, then proceed to thank Lucas too before hurrying back to Xavier's phone. Fortunately for me, I remember the way back.

But as I open the door, the first thing I see is Xavier's face. He's pissed and with the way he's glaring at me, that anger is definitely directed to me.

“Seems like I'm in trouble,” I shrug, although my heart is thudding against my chest.