Pennies (Dollar #1)(28)

But this man…

He was treacherous.

Taking a deep breath, I nudged the penny back to him with my pinkie.

The urge to shake my head crept over me. Nonverbal was almost as bad as audible.

I fought the urge, gathering my final mouthful of noodles and doing my best not to hyperventilate as Mr. Prest forced the penny toward me.

He didn’t say the phrase again.

He didn’t need to. I heard it loudly.

A penny for your thoughts.

Fucking speak.

Master A slammed the table with his palm, making Tony, Darryl, and Monty jump.

But not Mr. Prest.

He moved like the slickness of oil on water, cocking an eyebrow at his host. “Yes?”

Master A bared his teeth, his hand fisted around his knife. “I’m done with whatever games you’re playing. Forget about her. She’s nothing. Let’s talk business.” Stabbing the air with his food-soiled blade, he yelled, “Pim, clear the f*cking table. You’re done. Get out of my sight.”

Immediately, I shot to my feet.

Luckily, I’d wolfed down my dinner and didn’t mourn the lack of time to finish. My empty plate glowed with reminders that my belly was full, but I hadn’t earned it without pain.

Already, my middle cramped with indigestion from eating such rich meat, joining the symphony of all the other kicks and punches I’d endured.

Keeping my eyes down, I dutifully collected the empty containers and plucked the paper bags under my arms. Mr. Prest’s blazer kept getting in the way, but until he stole it from me, I wouldn’t take it off.

It was mine.

If only for a little while.

Mr. Prest watched me as I took the packaging to the kitchen, rinsed, and placed them in the recycling bin. Returning, I did my best to stay out of reach of the men’s probing hands as I collected soiled plates.

Mr. Prest glowered as Monty slapped my ass and Darryl gathered strands of my hair to sniff dramatically. Master A didn’t notice his guest vibrating with rage, and I wouldn’t tell him. I’d become invisible again as I did my servantly duties.

Master A leaned back in his chair. “So, we’ve broken bread together. Let’s get down to it.”

Mr. Prest placed his hands on the table, his fingers steepled with poise and power. “Before we do, I have conditions.”

“What conditions?”

“I don’t discuss details in front of others.” Cocking his chin at the three rapists, he growled, “I want them gone.”

Darryl sniffed. “Hey, loser. We’re here for our buddy. We’ve got his back.”

“Yeah. No us equals no deal.” Monty crossed his arms.

I carried my embrace of dirtiness to the kitchen as Mr. Prest stood so fast his chair screeched against the tiles. “Understood.”

Stalking from the table, he passed me. His eyes sparked with black violence, glittering harder as he looked me up and down. “Keep the jacket.”

My mouth fell open as he stormed toward the exit.

I wanted to scream that he couldn’t go.

I wouldn’t let him.

With him here, I didn’t have to fear Master A nearly as much. I hadn’t had enough time to figure out if I could use him for my benefit. Could he help me? Free me?

Don’t go…

Master A kept him from vanishing.

Launching from the table, he snapped his fingers. “You lot. Out.” Chasing after Mr. Prest, he caught him as he reached the front door. “Don’t be like that, Elder. You win. No company. Just you and me.”

Mr. Prest paused with his hand on the doorknob. His shoulders remained tight and bunched. I didn’t know if he’d accept Master A’s offer or just disappear.

I took a gulp of air, the tower of crockery in my arms clinking together.

Finally, Mr. Prest turned around, his hands balling by his sides. “Don’t make me remind you about using my first name, Alrik. Last f*cking warning. As for our discussion, I want you, me, and her.” His smouldering gaze locked onto mine.

Oh, no…

No, no, no.

I didn't want to be privy to their chat. I didn’t want Master A to have any more reason to think I valued myself too highly.

Depositing the plates in the sink, I bent over in an awkward bow, backing out of the room toward the corridor and the staircase.

Please, let me get there before he stops me.

Then I could bolt upstairs and write to No One and plug my ears so I never had to know what illegal things Master A was up to.

But of course, that didn’t work in my favour.

Nothing ever did.

Mr. Prest was the one to stop me. “Stay, girl. And take your penny. You might not give up your thoughts for so cheap, but you’re not leaving until I say so.”

My eyes flickered to Master A’s, looking for permission.

Mr. Prest might be the top hunter in this pack of animals, but he wasn’t the one who’d bought me. He wasn’t the one I had to live with after he’d gone.

Master A clenched his teeth, suffering a few goodbye slaps of his friends as they donned removed clothing and let themselves out.

Anger permeated him, swirling like toxic smog. Raking a hand through blond hair, he grunted. “Fuck, all right. Stay, Pimlico. Get the shot glasses and bourbon.

“Mr. Prest and I have something to discuss.”