Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 28488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 142(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 142(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
“And I guess you feel that way about your cleaners and other servants, then.” She shakes her head, desperate to think of something to make me feel better as we step out of the shower and dry off. “What about your extended family? I’ve got some aunts and uncles, but they're so far away that it’s hard to stay in touch with them.”
“Don’t have much of an extended family. The Montgomerys never cared much for having big families. I’m an only child, my father was one, and so was my mother. I’m sure I have distant relatives, but if I have to take a DNA test to determine if I’m related to them, are they really family?”
I sigh. “It’s sad. I’ve always wanted a brother or sister. I’ve grown up mostly alone. I’ve got my friend Debbie, but beyond her and my dad, I don’t have anything resembling a family.”
“You have me now, Clara.”
She laughs. I wouldn’t have noticed before due to the shower, but there are tears in her eyes when she talks of her own loneliness. It’s like no one has ever asked her about this or shown her care before. “You’re my employer. Just like with Irene.”
“You’re a whole lot different than her. Prettier, for one.”
She chuckles. “I won’t tell her you said that.”
“And you’re more than an employee to me. I may be paying you but I can’t pretend this is nothing but professional.”
“You’re really something, Sebastian.” She sniffles. I take her into my arms, holding her as the hot water rains down on us. “I never would have expected the weird rich guy putting up creepy internet ads would be the first guy to actually treat me well.”
“I’ve roughly taken your virginity, fucked you over my dining table, handcuffed you and fucked your ass. I continually call you my willing vessel and captive. You call that treating you well, Clara?”
She laughs and flashes me a slight smile. “Context matters a whole lot there, Sebastian. Despite all that, I don’t think I’ve felt happier in my whole life.”
Holding her tight, I take a deep sigh.
I don’t think I’ve ever been happier either.
11
CLARA
Settling into my new routine proves to be pretty easy.
Sebastian doesn’t demand much of me. Lots of sex, yes, but that isn’t some great sacrifice on my part. I enjoy every moment of it.
I can sit back and breathe for a change. I don’t have to worry about being thrown out in the street, I actually have money in my bank account, and I don’t feel the crushing need to go and do something productive at all times.
I can veg out in front of a TV or my laptop and be guilt-free about it if I want.
This is something I can definitely get used to.
But as Sebastian has complained while explaining his situation, you can’t do nothing forever.
And I can’t shake the knowledge that all of this won’t last forever.
Maybe with the money I make for this, I can pursue something I want to do, not just a degree in something I only care about for its paycheck potential.
The question is what.
I like drawing, but do I really want to be a professional artist? Writing is nice too, but do I have it in me to be a professional? Am I really the creative type at all?
Do I like taking care of kids? Maybe I can be a teacher. Or do daycare stuff.
I honestly had no idea if I would like that. I’ve never been around kids who weren’t my own age. Debbie has a little sister, but she’s two years younger than us, so it doesn’t count.
As I continue to contemplate my future, my phone rings. I grab hold of it and slump down onto the nearby sofa. “Hey Deb, what’s going on?”
“Nothing much. Just figured I’d feed you a little update since you’re living the high life and might be out of touch with us little people now.”
I shake my head. “I’m still in the same ratty t-shirt and sweatpants I’ve always been in.”
“I know you are. And I know you’re still you, Clara. It doesn’t mean I’m not going to give you shit about it.”
I did hope it’d remain light teasing. I value Deb’s friendship greatly. “So what’s the news?”
“Your father got out on bail.”
“Good for him,” I reply, making it clear I don’t care. This time away from him has given me the ability to reflect on our relationship whether it should continue. When you see someone every day, the idea of breaking ties with them seems absurd. Now I can see that maybe it would be for the best if I go no-contact with my father. “And I don’t think he cares if I know anyway.”
“He might now,” Deb says.
“Why? He’s neglected me at every opportunity. He’s never done anything for me. I haven’t gotten a birthday present from him since I was thirteen. I’ve always just been someone for him to use.”