Relinquish(56)

I scamper down the stairs and head to Landon’s office. I don’t notice any lights on under the door so I open it, finding it empty. Running to his desk, I start opening drawers, my palms sweating nervously. I find paperwork on other escorts and their earnings. My eyes turn as wide as saucers seeing some woman named Clarity made ten thousand just last week, and that isn’t even the highest number I’ve come across on the chart. I close it and open the next drawer, finding a gun. I gasp and stare at it. My legs begin to tremble, and my mouth parts. Why does he have a gun? I’ve never seen a gun before. I slowly close it and open the last drawer, containing receipts, menus for takeout, and a map.

I loll my head back and sigh. What was I thinking? That Landon would just hide all of the estate’s dirty secrets right here in his unlocked desk? I slam the drawer shut angrily, wincing at the noise it causes. My back begins to sweat with nerves, scared the loud bang caused unwanted attention. I run out of the office, up the stairs and back to my room, my heart racing faster and faster with every step. As soon as I make it into my room, I shut the door and slide against the back of it till my bottom hits the floor, my body heaving for air.

I got nothing. I clench my hands in my hair. Landon having a gun goes to show this place is not as top-notch as he makes it seem.

***

“Time to wake up, Charlie.” A blossoming warmth ignites in my chest as the deep voice wakes me. I roll over, a small smile across my face as I open my eyes and find Landon hovering over me with a smirk. My face falls, and I groan in irritation.

“I got you a client for tonight. You need to train today.”

“A client?” I ask, sitting up.

“I have someone who needs a female appearance tonight at a gala. Therefore, you will need to learn to dance.” Landon sits at the end of the bed, adjusting his blue tie. He looks so big sitting at the foot of the bed, it makes me feel small. The smell of him is so alluring, I’m forced to clench my legs. Luckily, they’re under the blanket so he can’t see them and call me out on it.

“So, I’m arm candy?” I twist my face in question.

“Yes. No sex. Now, find a beautiful dress and meet me in the ballroom.” Landon stands with a panty-dropping smile. I sag in relief, glad I’m not sleeping with anyone for money. A small, na?ve piece inside me is hoping Landon is taking his time training me on purpose. I know that same small piece is what’s going to get me hurt in the end, too.

“Wait, meet you?” I ask in shock.

“Considering my last trainer had his nose broken, yes, you will be training with me.” Landon turns and rests both hands behind his neck, a devious grin across his face as he leaves.

My God, he’s going to be the end of me.

***

I slide a white dress down my frame, the bottom of it skirting around my ankles with a small, brown braided belt secured around my waist. I flip open some boxes, find a pair of heels that match the color of the belt, and slip them on. The smell of new shoes is amazing. I never knew shoes even had a brand new smell. I head toward the door when the phone rings, making me jump and grab my chest in panic.

“Shit,” I mutter, taking the phone from the night stand and answering it.

“Hello?”

“Hey!” Jayden greets.

“Hey, how are you?” I question, a smile on my face. It feels so good to hear her voice. It’s only been a few days, but I miss her.

“I’m doing good.” Jayden’s voice cracks with emotion.

“How’s everything going?” I ask, sitting down on the bed.

“Good, I guess. You?”

I sigh, looking at the door, thinking of Landon and my place at the estate.

“I’m trying to settle in,” I mutter. I am trying, but it can be difficult. My emotions for Landon interfere with the reality of my situation.

“I woke to some men in suits delivering me a beautiful short green dress and an invite to the Blackwell Estate for a party tonight. It was from Landon,” Jayden informs. My mouth parts in surprise at the information. The gala! It’s here, and I get to see Jayden. It’s acts like this that tell me he’s not the bad guy he wants everyone to think he is.

“I’m asking Mick for the night off. I just hope he lets me,” Jayden mutters.

“Oh, you have to come, I haven’t seen you in forever,” I beg, my face scrunched while I plead.

Jayden giggles. “I’ll see what I can do,” she promises.

“Yes! I can’t wait,” I cheer, nearly bouncing on the mattress.

“Besides, a dress this gorgeous needs to be worn at least once,” Jayden whispers.

“How is everything at Mick’s?”

“Eh, I’m still working the motel, but it’s all right. I was up all night, so I’m tired as hell.” She yawns into the phone for emphasis.

“I’ll let you go then. It was good to hear from you, though.” I smile but hate to hang up.

“See you tonight, babe,” Jayden mumbles.

“See you tonight. Go get some sleep,” I laugh, hanging up.

I make my way toward the staircase and find Jean the housekeeper dusting some paintings along the wall.

“Um, Jean?” I murmur.

“Charlie! You look beautiful, darling,” Jean lights up when she sees me, making me grin.