The Mistress ✓

4

I squeeze my arms tighter around myself, and Megan returns a few moments later.

"I only have a hundred liquid. I could borrow another two, maybe two and a half from my connections, but I can't pull together five hundred in a week."

I blink twice and stare at my best friend until I realize she's talking about giving me the money. "I didn't come here for that. I couldn't take--"

"Of course you wouldn't come here with your hand out, because that's not the kind of girl you are. But I would give it up for you if I could. Your ass isn't on the line by itself, sweet thing. If you default, we all go down with you."

Yesterday morning, I woke up feeling like I normally do–determined to take on the world of whiskey and make Seven Sinners the household name it has never been. Today, I'm worried about whether I'll be alive in another week.

All because of Robyn Fenty. No. Because of Meek.

"I already told her I don't have the money. She knows."

Megan nods, her teeth skimming her lower lip. "Doesn't surprise me at all. The woman knows everything that happens in this town. What does surprise me is that she's willing to take pussy for payment on a half-mil debt."

I cringe at her crass language, but one thing I've always respected about Megan is she calls a spade a spade.

"I've heard of her taking property, houses, boats, racehorses, and cars, but never a woman. This isn't her normal behavior."

The gears in my brain turn slowly, as though rusted together from information overload. "Why change now?"

Megan tilts her head to one side and studies the wreck I surely am. "Have you looked in the mirror lately? I mean, when you weren't puking your guts up?"

I roll my eyes.

"Nicki, you are a hot girl. I could book you out every night of the week and twice on weekends."

"I know you mean that as a compliment, but--"

"But nothing. You got tits, ass, and those gorgeous curls. And don't get me started on yo big ass eyes. You've cornered the market on untouchable class. And what's more, you're totally and completely oblivious to it."

"Meek clearly didn't think so." I don't even know why I say it. Reminding myself my husband was cheating on me sucks more every time.

"Meek was a asshole and never deserved you. And right now, you need to quit worrying about him and start worrying about Fenty."

I unwrap one arm from around my chest and pinch the bridge of my nose. "I don't even know where to start."

Megan cocks a hip to the side. "I have a feeling she'll be calling all the shots, so it won't matter anyway. Actually...maybe that's what'll save your ass. From what I've heard, the others were all meek and submissive."

I jerk back into the couch cushions. "That's definitely not me."

She holds up a hand. "No shit. And maybe that's it. You're full of fire and sass to match that ass of yours. You gotta use it."