Love Became Empty, Only Scars
Remain
I was Liam Bradford’s trophy girlfriend,
specifically designed to keep his younger
brother, Chase, in check. The whole ‘love and
concern‘ routine worked wonders, keeping
Chase from street racing, brawling, and
generally acting like a spoiled brat.
And, of course, I was handsomely paid for my
efforts by the Bradford family.
It was a sweet deal, until the night I tearfully
begged, “Chase, please don’t race. I’m really
scared something will happen to you…”
Chase nonchalantly lit a cigarette, and smirked,
“Relax, baby. Your man’s got this.”
I had a sinking feeling and turned to see what
the grand prize was for the night’s race.
It was a girl in a white dress.
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77
HODS
Shit, there goes my double paycheck.
I wordlessly grabbed my phone and texted Liam Bradford my resignation.
1
Chase Bradford was a walking disaster. His
favorite hobbies included:
Totaling cars in illegal street races.
Sending rich kids to the ER after fistfights.
Sleeping around so much that debutantes were constantly pulling each other’s hair out, leading to complaints to the Bradford family.
Chase’s antics were always trending, which
tanked Bradford Enterprises‘ stock.
That’s when a super–intense woman named
Ms. Hayes brought me to Liam Bradford.
1:15
77
Liam, all six–foot–five of him, sat with his legs
crossed, calmly assessing me.
Ms. Hayes said respectfully, “This is the
prettiest girl at The Sapphire Club.”
After a long silence, Liam coolly looked away
and scribbled out a check.
Ms. Hayes handed it to me.
I glanced at the amount and paused.
Then I smirked, “You want to buy me?”
Ms. Hayes jumped in to clarify, “It’s for Mr.
Chase.”
And then she launched into a list of
instructions.
Chase liked girls with long hair, who wore white
dresses
<
He hated girls with too much attitude, or who
challenged him.
Basically, don’t push him.
After Ms. Hayes finished, Liam spoke for the
first time, his tone still icy:
“You’ll get this much every month, wired to your
account.”
He clearly assumed I wouldn’t refuse.
I gripped the check.
Then, I flashed Liam a dazzling smile, “Deal.”
I definitely wasn’t going to refuse.
