Chapter 6

Chapter Six

Ana

As soon as I hear the snick of the front door closing, I dive for the food bag Patrick left on the bed. My mouth has been watering since he handed it to me. I don't care that it's cold by now. It could be rotten, and I'd still eat it. It took every ounce of willpower not to stuff my face in the car—it would have shown weakness. The last thing I want to do is give these guys more power than they already have over me.

He says I'm safe, but he's also right about me not believing him. He traded me for half a million dollars. I might be sheltered but I'm under no delusion that he won't expect anything from me. Perhaps I can clean for him. I'd have to clean until I'm dead to work off that amount of money, but maybe he'll make a deal with me like he did my father.

The burger tastes like heaven. Greasy, fatty heaven. I devour every single bite before moving on to the fries. If food orgasms were a thing, I'd be having one. I probably look like a rabid animal right now with the way I'm shoving it into my mouth.

By the time I finish, my stomach hurts, but I don't regret it. I can't remember the last time I had a fast-food cheeseburger. It's probably a good thing he only got me one because I'd probably eat another and make myself sick.

When the endorphins from the food start to clear, reality sets in, and bile rises in my throat. My father used me to pay off his debt. He told Patrick to put me on the streets. I've known for a long time my father doesn't like me because I look like my mom. I didn't realize he hated me so much though. It shouldn't hurt me because I hate him, too, but it still stings.

I look around the spacious room, taking it all in. There are worse places I could've ended up. Just because I'm here right now doesn't mean it's not coming.

Who is Patrick exactly? What kind of business is he in that he trades money for women? He's dangerous, that's for sure. So why do I have a sense of safety around him?

I smooth my palms over the thick bedding. It's like sitting on a fluffy cloud. I could sleep well on a bed like this. And the fact I'm thinking that instead of trying to think of an escape plan is disturbing.

Slowly, I lower myself to lie down. Maybe I'll just close my eyes for a second. Then I'll start planning how to get out of here.