“Lainey, what the fuck is wrong with you? You’ve got a house, but you’d rather check into a hotel? Are you trying to run away from turning yourself in?”
I stared at him, calm and unshaken.
“Jeremiah, what exactly do you want from me?”
“I wasn’t the one who hurt that person. Once was already enough. What right do you—”
Slap.
The sting exploded across my face. My skin burned, and the taste of blood crept onto my tongue.
Jeremiah’s glare was laced with fury and scorn.
“I told you, it was you who did it. You need to pay for your sins.”
“Anyway, you’re just some cheap slut who’s already been used by thousands. You’re useless on your own. Might as well put you to use. When you’re out of prison, maybe I’ll toss you a job as a nanny. Just enough to keep you breathing.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “As if I’d ever want that.”
“You’re just an orphan with no one. What right do you have to throw a tantrum in front of me? Remember this, Lainey, if I hadn’t pitied you, you wouldn’t even be alive right now.”
Jeremiah sneered, gripping my chin and forcing my face up toward his. His voice dropped into a chilling whisper.
I pressed my lips together and said nothing.