Finn: Sweet Treats, #4

1

Four years earlier

Dangriga, Belize

"You’ll get a thousand dollars in cash just for walking in. A slender hand pointed toward a tall, iron door. And don’t forget my cut. You owe me for this gig."

Jewel blinked rapidly. One thousand dollars? Is it… safe?

Anastasia narrowed her eyes. It’s just a door.

I meant what’s behind it.

Silence.

Jewel’s gaze slid from Anastasia to her friends who were staring her down like they knew a secret she didn’t. They were all older than her, juniors in high school. After years of being ignored, Jewel was grateful that they’d even paid her the time of day.

But this…?

It was too risky. She shuffled back. I-I don’t think I can.

If you were gonna back out like a little rat, why the hell did you waste my time? Anastasia shoved her roughly. He’s waited long enough.

Jewel slammed against the wall. Sparks exploded behind her eyes. "Please… I just… I need a minute."

Anastasia sneered. You acted all desperate today at school. I thought you said you’d do anything to help your family?

Jewel stared at the door again. One thousand dollars…

Anastasia’s lips curled up in a menacing sneer. That was all talk. You’re not big enough to handle this. She swung around, motioning to her friends. Her long black hair slid against her lower back, pointing to the exaggerated dip in her tight dress. Let’s go, guys.

Wait! Jewel pushed off the wall and held a hand out to them.

Anastasia paused. Looked over her shoulder. Her tongue rattled against the back of her teeth like a snake. Yessss?

Jewel lifted her chin, hoping she sounded braver than she felt. I’ll go.

Are you sure? Anastasia bared her gums in a feral smile. I wouldn’t want you to feel pressured…

Just open the door, Jewel snapped.

First, let’s look you over. Anastasia drilled her fingers into Jewel’s cheeks. She winced as pain shot through her mouth, but she didn’t make a sound. Anastasia’s brown eyes narrowed. She turned her head left, right, up and down.

Jewel stood frozen, like a statue. This month’s bills stumbled through her head—electricity, Juney’s school fees, her textbooks…

One grand. I can do whatever they want for that much cash.

She’s flawless, Anastasia spit and then she threw her back so violently, Jewel skittered. He’ll like that.

She tried to catch her balance, arms wind-milling at her sides, but gravity turned its back on her. The heels Anastasia’s friends had loaned her were too small and pinched her feet. Her fingernails scratched the surface of the wall. Unable to regain her footing, Jewel collapsed on the floor. Pain ricocheted up her palms and shuttled up her neck.

Everyone snickered.

Shame burning into her dark cheeks, Jewel clamored to her feet, hand against the grimy wall to keep her balance. Her heart trembled. Pounded. Adrenaline rushed through her veins.

A voice in her head screamed ‘run’.

And not towards that big, wooden door with the scary bouncers standing in front of it.

Away. Past the drugged-up men and women dancing aimlessly to songs that made her ears bleed. Past the parking lot and the warehouse that hid this underground club from the cops. Past the river and the school, until she made it home.

But Jewel ignored her own fright.

She had to do this.

There was no other way.

Anastasia’s heels clipped against the concrete. Jewel winced with every step she made. Click. Click. Click. Three shots to the heart. She pressed a hand to her chest, hoping that the contact would slow down her pulse.

It didn’t.

Anastasia’s tan fingers circled the knob. She pulled. The lever snapped. The door swung open, a yawning gap that leaked into a hazy, dim hallway.

Fear swallowed Jewel whole.

Panicked, she turned to Anastasia and begged, C-can’t you come with me?

You have to go alone.

Her throat pulled tight. Jewel shot another nervous look at the older girls. You promise no one will touch me?

Yes. I swear. Anastasia nodded soberly.

Jewel sucked in a shuddering breath. Deep inside, she knew that Anastasia was lying. What kind of gig paid so much money and required nothing? But she was too desperate, too pathetic, to listen to that voice.

Go on. Anastasia tilted her head. The lone bulb splayed against her honey-brown skin and shrewd brown eyes. She whisked her fingers in the air. I’ll see you soon.

Jewel opened her mouth to ask what that meant when Anastasia thrust her forward and slammed the door behind her.

Darkness swallowed her whole. A scream barreled its way up her stomach, but just before she let it loose, Jewel noticed a light at the end of the corridor. She shuffled forward, drawn to the light and to the money awaiting her there.

Think of Juney, she mumbled, trembling. Think of him.

Her little brother hadn’t asked to be born to such a loser family. Juney was smarter than her, braver, armed with straight A’s and glowing report cards.

"He’ll do great things," his teachers said. "Great things."

So Jewel could do all the dirty, ugly things instead.

The light grew brighter. She felt the warmth of it and yet goosebumps popped over her skin as if she was about to dive into frigid waters. Maybe she was. But she didn’t care.

Nothing mattered.

She didn’t matter. Not after all she’d been through. Whatever was waiting in that room couldn’t be worse than what her mom’s boyfriend had done, what her own boyfriend had done.

They’d taken away her choice, but now she was the one in control.

Jewel squared her shoulders and walked in.

The room was surprisingly large. It had a plush, red sofa lying in front of a white rug. Fancy lamps thrust a golden glow on the bare concrete walls that seemed stark in comparison to the lush furniture.

She glanced around, looking for… Jewel didn’t even know what she was looking for. The roaring in her head subsided when she realized there was no immediate threat.

Had Anastasia played a trick on her? Was this some prank to make fun of her, the freak who ate alone at lunch?

Amidst the swirling anger, she felt a glimmer of relief. No one would hurt her.

And no one will be handing you any cash.

So what? She’d move on. There had to be another way to make that kind of money. She couldn’t do it in one night, but…

The door she’d entered through creaked open.

Jewel spun and saw Anastasia. Her slender body seemed to glide over the floor. An excited glimmer sparkled in her brown eyes. She lifted her chin confidently, as if she’d won some grand prize.

The door creaked open again, spitting out someone else.

A man.

He was… beautiful. Thick, luscious brown hair. Sandy-colored skin. Deep, soulful brown eyes. Thin lips. A jaw carved by an expert sculptor.

Jewel blinked rapidly. He was younger than she’d expected. Couldn’t be more than twenty-four or twenty-five.

Is this her? he asked. His voice was deep, causing her to second guess his age. That voice and the searing gaze belonged to an older man with a hundred years of experience under his belt.

Anastasia planted slim hands on her hips. What do you think?

Instead of responding to her, the handsome man stared at Jewel. It wasn’t a lecherous gaze. Unlike Stanley, her mother’s ex-boyfriend, who’d undressed her with his eyes, this man’s gaze was slightly removed, as if he were admiring a statue.

Suddenly, he nodded and spoke in a low voice. Take your clothes off.

Her heart exploded with a mixture of unease and nerves. Jewel stiffened but, strangely, she felt no horror, no fear. Something about this man made her usual resistance melt away. She wanted to please him.

What was wrong with her?

Jewel’s fingers trembled as she raised her arms to find the button at the back of her dress, but when she heard the sound of fabric thumping against the ground, she whipped her head to the left.

Anastasia stood in the golden light. Buck naked. Her dress pooled around her bare feet.

Confusion spread in Jewel’s head as she watched Anastasia walk over to the man. He offered his hand. Anastasia took it and lowered herself to the rug, splaying her long black hair behind her.

The man glanced at Jewel, smoothly ignoring the young girl prostrate in the thick fibers. His deep voice washed over the back of her neck and down to the tips of her toes. Watch.

Jewel nodded her understanding.

The man took his shirt off, revealing a lean back that rippled golden in the light. He unbuttoned his pants and slipped them off, folding them neatly over the arm of the sofa.

Jewel watched it all as if she’d never seen the sequence before, as if her life hadn’t been riddled with men who couldn’t control their lusts and their zippers.

The man dropped to the rug, caressed Anastasia’s cheek and thrust himself inside her. Jewel listened to Anastasia’s moans, watched them buck against each other—all without blinking. All without moving.

Memories of her own sexual experiences struggled to crowd her mind. But she didn’t have a chance to delve into those dark places. Not because she was strong enough or because they hadn’t scarred her.

It was the man.

Even though his body was connected with Anastasia’s, his eyes were glued to hers. She wondered if he found more pleasure in the sight of her staring at them than in the fact that he was having sex.

A minute passed.

Two.

Four.

Anastasia let out a howling cry and the man pulled out.

Slowly, reverently, he climbed on top of Anastasia, his hands around her throat. He finally tore his gaze away from Jewel and muttered to the woman shuddering beneath his weight, Good job, my pet.

Anastasia’s moans shifted from unabashed pleasure to snorts of horror as the man tightened his fingers around her neck. Her scrawny knees trembled; her legs kicked.

Jewel’s nerves skittered with fear as the man calmly choked Anastasia in front of her. Was this a part of their agreement? She’d never seen anything like it before. Should she run? Push him off? Call the police?

Before she could decide on anything, Anastasia went still.

The man climbed off her and threw away the condom. Next, he wiped his fingers on a cloth that had been folded neatly on the sofa. His chest heaved and when he looked at her, a warm, almost friendly smile glittered on his stunning face.

Jewel pushed past her anxiety and demanded, Is she alive?

Let me see. He pressed two fingers to Anastasia’s neck and cocked his head to the side. After a beat, he nodded. This one is stronger than the rest.

This one? Jewel’s head started spinning. She hadn’t signed up for this. Any of this. As beautiful as this guy looked, he was deranged.

What’s your name? he asked.

Afraid that he would choke her too, she answered. Jewel.

Jewel? He offered a tender smile. Jewel. A precious stone. He walked over to her, his manhood still hard and taunt. Do you know who I am?

She shook her head and wrung her hands together. Fear had taken a while to make an appearance, but it was raging in full force now. She felt tears pricking the back of her eyes. What was this man going to do to her?

He touched her shoulder. She yanked it away from him. His low chuckle coursed over her skin, evoking a strange yet potent mixture of desire and disgust. I am your owner. You belong to me.

N-no. Jewel had no idea who’d said those words until she saw the man blinking at her, an eyebrow arched.

Did I just say that?

Suddenly, he threw his head back and laughed. I like you, Jewel. He backed away from her and reached for his clothes. Go outside and collect your payment from the bar. I’ll tell them to put in extra. You’ve pleased me very much tonight.

Jewel stood frozen. She didn’t want his money. Didn’t want to touch anything associated with him. But this was what she’d come for. And even if he was crazy, he hadn’t put his hands on her.

She glanced at Anastasia, who still hadn’t woken. Like a coward, Jewel spun and shot out the door.

2

Present Day

Belize City, Belize

"Let’s get this pawdy started!" Champagne gushed through the air and skittered across the tiled floor. Jewel ducked out of the way before her head got doused and smirked at her excited friends.

Joana Lee Gregory shoved three champagne glasses over the counter. She was a small, slim woman with light brown skin and the most exotic eyes Jewel had ever seen.

Joana was part black and part Korean, but it was her effervescent thirst for life that made her stand out.

Jo laughed evilly as she filled the champagne glasses to the rim and handed it over to a gorgeous dark-skinned woman with long black hair.

Carrie Lockwood.

Most of their group’s crazy plans started right there in Carrie’s pretty head. She was the bar manager of Hidden Reef at night and attended business school during the day.

Tonight, Carrie wore jeans and a tight black T-shirt that said, THIS BRIDESMAID SAW NOTHING.

To a new chapter! Carrie hiked her champagne glass. And to Joon, who’s getting the shorter end of the stick. I hope he’s prepared to have a wife who’ll spend all his money on charity cases.

Sky Johnson—the blushing bride—shot a quick, anxious look at her before shoving Carrie away. That’s not true.

Jewel’s smile was tinged with sadness. Yes it is.

She was one of those charity cases.

Sky had found her struggling to sell fudge in the market and plucked her out of the tropical heat to work in Sweet Treats Café. Not only had Sky given her a job, but also a makeshift family.

Jewel would do anything for these women.

They’d saved her and they had no idea.

Here, Jewls. Carrie used her nickname and shoved a champagne glass filled with orange juice toward her. I know you don’t drink, but we should still clink glasses anyway.

To Sky! Jo yelled, thrusting a slender hand in the air. Champagne sloshed over the rim of her cup.

To Sky! Everyone met her glass.

Their smiles were contagious and Jewel found herself laughing without restraint. She’d never experienced such warmth and genuine friendship. To be honest, she hadn’t thought she could smile this hard after… everything.

Thanks, guys. Sky tossed a short, bouncy curl away from her cheek. Warm, brown eyes sparkled. I can’t imagine celebrating my bachelorette party with anyone else.

I still think we should have gone clubbing, Carrie said, draining her glass.

We go dancing every month, Car. Jo rolled her eyes.

Carrie snorted. We hang out at Sweet Treats way more than that.

It’s fine. I love this place. Sky smacked Carrie’s arm. Stop complaining.

Jewel slinked to a corner and sighed. Last week, they’d batted around bachelorette party ideas. Jo and Carrie toyed with going dancing, hiring a party bus with strippers or relaxing at a spa.

Sky had knocked them all down, claiming she didn’t want to do anything special. But Jewel knew why she’d rejected those ideas.

It was her fault.

Jewel couldn’t stand to be touched, so dancing in a crowd or hiring male strippers wasn’t an option for her. Going to a spa would be a nightmare. She’d been prepared to quietly back out of whatever plans were made so she didn’t spoil anyone’s fun.

Sky hadn’t given her the opportunity.

Jewel had never met a soul as pure and good-hearted as Sky Johnson. Her boss didn’t know the details of her past, but she’d protected her anyway and looked out for her so Jewel could avoid uncomfortable situations.

Sticking around Sweet Treats had been a selfish move, but Jewel had never felt such acceptance. Just the thought of moving away from these women was akin to torture.

Last year, she’d broken down and shared a glimpse of her past with Carrie, but what she’d revealed hadn’t even scratched the surface.

It was better if they thought she was just a strange, socially awkward woman who’d been abused as a child. In fact, this past year had been so perfect that she’d started to believe her own lie.

Jewel, what are you doing over in the corner! Carrie yelled.

Here. Jo pulled up a chair. The legs scraped against the ground, moaning in protest. Jo slapped the seat and tucked her legs under her, head tilted toward Sky who lounged in the chair across from them.

Jewel jogged over and took her place in the circle.

So, I’ll ask the question on everyone’s mind, Carrie said, munching on one of Sky’s savory chocolate brownies. How are you and Joon holding up with the no-sex rule?

Sky’s light brown skin reddened.

Jewel pulled her lips in and tried to hide her amusement.

Jo wiggled her eyebrows. Have you caved yet?

No. Sky rolled her eyes. "And neither has he. We both agreed that staying abstinent until the wedding night