Leah POV

"Sorry, I'm late." I say quietly as Zak's eyes take on the offending blemish on my face. His fingertips lightly touching the mark with an unsure look settled on his face, trying to gauge if it's really a black eye or some make up mistake. "Owh." I whisper softly taking his hand as he placed pressure on it with his thumb.

I look over my shoulder, concerned to see his friend stalking away, his muttering still within earshot as he comments about women and hookers. It seems I hadn't been here a day and already caused problems.

"Is he okay?" I ask looking at Zak who is still looking at me.

"What happened to your face?" He replies completely ignoring my question. "And don't say you–"

"I walked into a door." I lie but his shoulders sag with disappointment as he looks at me.

"Don't lie to me."

I swerve his hand as he reaches for my face again, no doubt trying to work out how sore it is, and if he asked, I'd lie and say it didn't hurt. When in fact I spent most of last night and this morning with ice on it. Trying to relieve the swelling and reverting to banana peels to lighten the bruising. It seems insane, but it had worked.... Kinda.

He reaches down and picks up my bag "Come in. Gracie is in the pool, so if you smell wet dog, you know it's not me." He informs making me smile. I slip into his home, standing awkwardly inside the entrance as he walks in and shuts the door.

I look around at the marble floors and light hallway. Abstract art and dark furniture appear in small bursts accentuating the length of the hallway as well as the iron design of leaves and vines cover the front door glass.

"You have a really nice home... Really nice home." I repeat because it's the first time I've actually came in without having my face attached to Zak's drenched in desire and tearing at each other's clothes.

"First time you've seen it I suppose, we've been too busy any other time." He replies giving me a wink.

I giggle and thread my fingers together "So... What does this month entail?" I question.

"Honesty, starting now. How did you get that bruise on your face?"

I open my mouth to repeat the last excuse when I see the determined look on his face. But it's pointless to lie when he clearly sees through it.

"Where am I sleeping to?"

His scoffs a laugh and shakes his head "Fine, but I'm having it out of you. Otherwise I'm going to assume things.."

His face dips close to mine making my mouth run dry. "And we don't like assumptions.."

I swallow thickly "Bedroom?"

He cocks his head "It wouldn't be the first time we've done it against a wall."

My cheeks blaze at the memory and my thighs tighten at the mere thought of what fire there is between us. He knows he pulls good string, that he leaves me in a mess after we finish. But without Ace, my job or club breathing down my neck, I plan on changing the game. Fast.

"You can decide between the guest room, or my room. I don't care which. Quiet frankly I'd prefer you in with me but whatever makes you comfortable."

I give him a gentle smile at his consideration. He's already thought it all out, where as I was just thinking that this next month was going to be spent in bed, lost in each other. It's also an idea that I've come accustomed to thinking about.

"I'll let you decide that for later." He continues, pulling away. "Let's get the paperwork out the way."

I nod and follow him through his home, the cool air making me want to sigh with relief and after the treacherous walk up to his house from the main gate, the cool air and shade is welcome! Although it's not important right now, I plan to use the shower and change into something more suitable than my clothes. It was something I should have thought about this morning...

Slipping into the kitchen, Zak walks over to the counter and lifts up an envelope. "That's yours."

I accept it, and look inside before almost passing out at the notes inside. "Woah. Umm.. Really? I thought this was going to be a disclosure—"

"I don't need one." He interrupts. "Do I?"

I shake my head "No way. But I figured you'd be more open and comfortable with one?"

"I've managed the last few months and trusted your discretion, I won't question it now." He replied looking at me. But I know he's really looking at my face, and through awkwardness, I lower my head.

"Why have you gave this to me now? How do you know that I won't take this and bolt?"

He shrugs casually "I don't. But something tells me you'll stay for a little while first, for curiosity."

I smile slight wondering if he could read minds or if he could just read mine. Looking at the envelope again, I close it up and hand it back.  "I don't want the money."

Zak steps back with his hands up "Nope, nu-uh. We made a deal, I intend to keep my side of it. Even if you don't. The money is yours now."

"But I—"

"Leah. Don't offend me." He warns making my hand lower.

"Fine. But if I'm staying here for a week or couple of days. I'm paying my way."

He chuckles "Whatever you say sweetie. Now, before I let you lose to explore the house and decide which room.. You're going to tell me what happened to your face."

I sigh gently, but I also know Zak well enough to know that he will not let this lie...

••••••••••••••••••••••

12 hours earlier.

I stepped through the office door to find Ace perched on the end of his desk. His grey suit pressed to an inch of perfection whilst his dark hair was pushed back.

"Leah. Just the girl." He smiles.

I wonder how long he will be smiling for..

"Ace, you wanted to see me?"

He nods "Indeed. Just had a call, your client is on his way. Tonight is the night."

My smile fades instantly as the blood rushes to my feet. "W-what?"

"You heard. Ready to make some big dollars?"

He can't be serious.. I.. Tonight? What day is it? Has the week really gone that fast? It didn't feel like it every night Zak didn't show.

"N-no. No I'm not doing it. I told you."

His eyes flick to my face "What? I'm sorry? Did you just say..."

"I'm not doing it. There's no way. I've told Zak he isn't to come here anymore. I don't want to do it and you said Zak will have to stop coming by. Well... Consider it done."

"Are you fucking with me right now?" He asks standing up off his desk.

"No."

His eyes blaze "Yes. Yes you are because there's no way in holy fucking hell fire that you're turning this down! He is paying big money to sleep with you!"

"With me. Yes. Me. Not you. I don't want to do it and you can't make me. I'm sorry Ace, I'll get more private work, like you asked. I'll even forgo my wage for the next few nights to ensure that you don't lose out. But I'm not sleeping with the guy."

His movements are quick, sharp and fast. His hand is grasping my chin in less than a second in a painful hold.

"Now you listen to me.. I don't give a fuck about your boy. I'm telling you that a client is on his way and you will do it. Now most girls need a little incentive..."

My eyes glare at him as he pulls a small pack from his pocket and shoves it cruelly into my top. "Line up. Get your fucking head straight and fuck the guy. Bring me back the money or else."

His hand pushes me back slightly as he walks away. Looking down, I retrieve the packet from my top and wrinkle my nose is disgust at the small baggie of white powder.

Just as he flops behind his desk, I walk over and slap it down. "Take that shit back. I don't need it because I'm not doing it. There are enough girls on that payroll, I won't be another."

He marches back to me "You are doing it! Or you can get your shit and leave!"

I smile and raise my head feeling a little stronger. "Then take this as my resignation."

His eyes widen "What?! You can't! I don't accept that! Leah... Here. I'll line it up and all you have to do is sniff okay? It's—"

"No. I quit Ace. Thanks but no thanks. I'm out."

His face twists in anger and before I can step away, a solid blow takes my breath away as he strikes me across the face.

"You ungrateful little slut! I gave you money and clothes when you couldn't afford anything! I'm paying your bills!"

Holding the side of my face to relieve the pain, I push my shoulders back "You were paying my bills. Not anymore."

I turn and leave the office quickly, completely stunned at what had just unfolded inside. But nothing comes as a bigger blow than what was to happen when I got home..

And that was unlocking the front door and finding my dead fiancé, sat on the sofa.

Looking not so fucking dead after all!