Aurora's Pov
"You make a good slut," he slurred, his foul tongue dragging across my neck.
The stench hit me instantly—vodka and someone else's sweat. Disgusting.
I wanted to shove him off me, scream maybe, but I didn't have a choice. In a few minutes, he'd be snoring like all the others. They were always the same. Husbands who didn't give a damn about their wives but couldn't keep their hands off girls young enough to be their daughters.
Soon enough, his breathing grew heavier. Then came the snore. My cue.
Carefully, I slid his arm from around my waist and sat up. My panties and dress were on the floor, crumpled like they didn't matter. I pulled them on quickly, then tiptoed to the drawer beside the bed.
As expected. They always kept their money close—like a reminder of the power they thought they owned. I slipped out a neat stack, just enough so he wouldn't notice. I wasn't greedy. I wanted to take it all, but I knew better.
They'd find me. They always did. And I had too much ahead of me to risk that.
Besides, he was supposed to pay me anyway. This was just me helping myself.
He coughed in his sleep. My heart stopped for a second.
Then I grabbed my heels, clutching them in my hand, and walked out of the goddamn mansion.
---
"Aren't you going to school?"
I flinched. My mom was standing right by my bed when I opened my eyes. I hadn't even heard her come in.
"My head hurts," I muttered. Truth was, I just didn't feel like it. I loved learning, sure. But this morning? No.
"I'm going," I finally said, pushing myself upright. "I'll just be a little late."
She stood there in her favorite apron, spatula in hand. That apron usually meant she was happy—or she had good news. But good news hadn't walked into our house in years.
People said I looked like my mom. I wish I believed it. She was stunning. She had piercing blue eyes, the kind that drew people in without trying. I had honey brown eyes, the kind that… Well, did nothing.
She was forty-three but could pass for my sister. No surprise—she had me at eighteen.
"You better get up and eat. You're taking Lily to school today," she said, pointing the spatula at me.
"What? Why?"
"I have an important meeting. Please, Aurora." Her tone softened, and that was the end of it.
"Fine." I pulled the blanket back over me.
"I mean now, Aurora."
I groaned. "I'm coming."
By the time I got to the living room, Lily was already waiting.
"Let's go! I'm going to be late," she said, tugging my hand.
"Relax, I haven't even eaten."
She stomped back to the couch and crossed her arms, pouting like the little annoying sister she was.
I grabbed my food and carried it with me. Eating at home was always a battlefield, so I'd learned to eat on the go.
I dropped Lily off, then headed to campus. Graduation was so close, I could taste it. I couldn't wait to make my own money—the kind that didn't reek of vodka and regret. I wanted the cars, the clothes, the shopping trips for Mom and I, toys stacked to the ceiling for my little sister.
I was lost in that daydream when someone called my name.
"Hey, Aurora!"
I turned to see a girl I didn't recognize.
"Hi," I said politely.
"I'm Diana." She held out her hand. I shook it.
"Nice to meet you. How can I help you?"
"Dr. Kayla asked me to meet you."
My stomach tightened. "Am I in trouble?"
"Oh no, not at all!" She laughed nervously. "I'm the one in trouble. She told me you could help me. I'm failing her course, and if I don't pass this semester… I'm finished."
I adjusted my bag. "I'm actually really busy."
"Please," she begged, eyes pleading. "I'll do anything."
I hesitated.
"Just give me your number? We can talk later."
"Fine." I gave it to her.
"Thank you so much!" she squealed before running off.
I sighed. I hadn't even agreed to tutor her.
---
After lectures, I went to the town library. My sanctuary. The only place where I didn't have to hear anyone's voice or feel their breath on my skin.
It was my heaven.
I picked up The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. A psychological mystery—smart, sharp, twisting. I'd started it last week, almost done now. I always made time for my books, no matter what else my nights looked like.
I was so deep into it that I barely noticed my phone buzzing. Over
and over.
"Goddammit," I muttered. I should've turned it off.
Finally, I grabbed it, eyes landing on the first message.
:Bitch, where's my money???