by Jayce, Aven
“I don’t text much so tell me what all that means.”
“Things are bigger out here…God help me. I don’t know the last part.”
Cove looks at the message again and tries to help me decipher it. “Not in…now in….”
“Need I say more,” I reveal, realizing the reference is to more than just the Vegas skies and my father’s home. “She’s with someone.”
“She’s with Dayne, I know it. He loves to fuck all the time.”
“Well, so do we.”
“Yeah, but it’s different. It wouldn’t bother him if twenty people were in the room, he’ll fuck a woman anywhere in that house, no matter who’s around. He can be rough too, but women seem to like it.”
“Yeah, Mera does like it that way. She’s done some pretty crazy things.”
“So, you think she’s happy?”
“Hard to tell, but she doesn’t seem to be stressed or begging to leave.”
“What did you write when you texted her back?”
“I asked her if she was okay or if she was in trouble.” My phone beeps as a text comes through in response to mine.
SFETE KITTY HPY!
“Smiling from ear to ear… her kitty’s happy. She’s fine. She’s more than fine. I guess we really are fucked. Now what do we do?”
“She’s not fine, not in that house. Not with your father or Dayne.”
“Well what are we supposed to do? I can’t make her leave if she doesn’t want to.” I look down at my phone and send her one final text before I call Devery. I miss her shitloads.
MUSL
Cove lifts the suitcases onto the bed and we rummage through our clothes. I pull out my short dark-grey striped chiffon skirt and my light-grey hoodie with a t-shirt to wear underneath. “Is this too casual?” I ask.
“Not if this isn’t,” he says, holding a pair of blue jeans and a black hoodie in his hands.
“Ha, two hoodies, we’ll match.”
He slides into his Polo Ralph Lauren boxer briefs and then his jeans, leaving his shirt off for now. Does this man ever look bad?
“What?”
“Super model Cove Everton, at your service,” I joke, giving him a quick flick on his nipple. He pulls away and covers his chest with his hand, surprising me with a burst of laughter. I’m happy when he’s happy.
“Whenever you need me, madam, I’m here for you. And yes, I will service your every need, want, and desire.” He bows with a smile and I join his amusement. “Our food should be here in about twenty minutes, Darling. After we eat we should go for a drive. I’ll take you past your father’s house.”
“Won’t we get in trouble?”
“For what? Driving?”
“Okay, but don’t stop, just a quick drive-by. I’m kind of nervous about getting so close to him after what’s happened.”
“We’ll be fine, besides if he wanted to hurt me, or us, he would have already had people in this room. I know he knows where we are.”
“True,” I say, searching through my phone for the text from Devery. “I’ll make that call now.”
“Put it on speaker, I want to hear what she says.”
“Good idea.”
She picks up on the first ring, as if she’s been waiting for my call.
“Sophia. I’ve been worried about you. I haven’t heard from you in over a week. Are you doing okay?”
“Oh, I’m fine. I’m sorry I missed my last appointment with you. I should’ve called.”
“Where are you, Sophia?”
“What do you mean?” I ask, wondering how she knows that I’m not at home.
“Can you come into my office today so we can talk? I know you’re involved with the Evertons and we should probably have a discussion about that.”
Cove shakes his head and rolls his eyes.
“Why don’t you tell me why you didn’t mention you know Cove and Leondra? You led me on and you lied to me.”
“No. I couldn’t. They’re part of my family and I won’t mention relatives in my sessions. That information is confidential.”
“So you’ve talked to my father?”
“Yes. He was worried about you and he wanted to know if I had heard from you. Can you come in today?”
“No. I’m not available today.”
“Sophia, why don’t you tell me what’s going on. Perhaps I can help you. We can talk on the phone if you’d like.”
“We are talking on the phone.”
“Yes, well let’s continue. Is that alright with you? Do you have time now to sit down and talk with me? I won’t charge you for this phone session.”
I look over at Cove for approval and he nods his head. I sigh so she can hear my aggravation, and I continue on. “Yes, fine. We can talk. But I want to start.”
“Very well.”
“Why did you send me that text at four in the morning? Why don’t you tell me what you know and what’s really going on with you and my father.”
Devery’s silent. I look at Cove and he holds up his finger, signaling that I should give her a moment to respond.
“Are you alone, Sophia?”
“Why don’t you answer my question?”
We sit in silence again as I wait for her response. Devery sighs and I can hear her chair swivel. She must be in her office even though it’s a Saturday evening.
“Have you been hurt by anyone recently, or have you felt threatened?”
“Yes, my father hurt me. He’s an ass.”
“I think your father looks out for you. What about Cove? Has he hurt you in any way?”
I watch Cove tighten his fists. I rest a hand on his leg and rub gently to mollify his anger. “No, absolutely not. He’s kind to me and he loves me. My father’s the dick, not Cove.” Cove relaxes and smiles at my words. He places a soft kiss on my cheek.
“Do you know what his mother does for a living?” she asks.
“No, and it’s none of my business.”
“How about his father? Have you talked to Cove about him?”
Cove looks at me and shakes his head in disgust, irritated by her questions. “Yes, I know about his father, and again, even though we’ve had that conversation, it’s really none of my business.”
“Well, I think it is if you’re involved with these people.”
“So, Devery… do you know what my father does for a living?” Cove finally smiles, nodding in approval at my response. He takes the pen and notepad off the secretary desk and passes me a note. Stay strong, Baby. I smile back and hold onto his hand.
“What your father is involved in is different than what the Evertons have done. Your father keeps his work clean and legal. Cove’s father was involved in illegal activity.”
“You’re wrong. He plays you just like he plays everyone else. He set the Evertons up.”
“What makes you say that? Did Cove tell you that?”
I look into his eyes and he throws his hands up in the air to gesture that it’s my call as to where I want to take the conversation. “He told me a few things, but no, nothing was illegal… but I’ve experienced something first hand with him. I saw him beat Cove to a pulp, and he took my friend. He’s evil.”
“Cove must have done something terribly wrong for your father to beat him. Think about that for a moment, Sophia. You’ve fallen for the wrong person.”
Cove sits back and pulls his foot up, resting it on his thigh. He begins shaking it frantically, trying his best to stay quiet.
“Who’s the right person?” I rage. “Did you even hear me, Devery? He took my friend.”
“Did he? Or did your friend leave on her own?”
I feel like I’m in her office. She’s in control, twisting my words around. This is what she always does, she manipulates me until I surrender and see things her way. Cove writes another note and passes it over to me. Play her game. Bring up the twins.
He’s right. I don’t have to always be nice to Devery. I can beat her this time. “I’m sure your brother, probably both
brothers, have fucked Mera.”
I hear a click and then silence. My brow furrows as I question the sound. I wonder if she hung up. “Devery?”
“Give me a moment,” she says in a soft voice.
Cove passes another note. He believes she may be recording the conversation and I should be careful what I say. I wait, wondering if that’s true…and legal. Is it even appropriate for us to speak to one another like this on the phone? I could probably get her license revoked, or at least suspended.
“Sophia. I’m sorry I called you.” There’s another click and she’s gone.
“She hung up.”
“Call her back.”
I call but there’s no answer. The phone goes to voicemail and I hang up without leaving a message.
“What just happened?”
“We found a weakness in Devery Rosen. Her brothers. Either she knows more than she lets on and didn’t want their names recorded, or you just rocked her world. Now she has something to think about. Either way you did great, Baby.”
There’s a knock at the door as I put my phone away. Must be the food. “That was fast. I’m so hungry.”
“Me too,” he says, opening the door and wheeling the cart next to the table. “Voila!” He uncovers the lid and places the plates on the table. Two chicken sandwiches with French fries. He also ordered two cans of Coke and a large slice of cherry pie. The man knows the other way to my heart. Dessert.
“Looks great, let’s eat and then I’ll let you take me on that drive. I’m curious as to where my dad lives. Maybe we’ll even see Mera.”
“I doubt it, if she goes outside at all she’ll only be allowed out back.”
“Really?”
“Yup. Paul doesn’t like anyone to see the number of women who drift in and out of his house. It’s not good in terms of the neighborhood. The less talk the better.”
“I see.” I take a bite of the sandwich and sink into the chair, in ecstasy over the flavors in my mouth. Melted swiss and honey mustard. Perfect.
“You like?”
I nod and take another bite, relaxed and proud that I made the call to Devery. Everything she said was true. My father hasn’t incriminated himself, and he beat Cove because of the live cam. Plus, it does sound like Mera left on her own accord. I can see how someone on the outside would view me as a fool. I have to believe I’m not being conned by the Evertons. They wouldn’t use me to get back at my father. They’re better than him. I have to believe that. I do.
***
“We’re almost there. It’ll be on your right.”
“You’re sure he won’t recognize the vehicle?”
“Sophia, really? It’s a rental.”
“But he won’t see us in it, right?”
“No, he’s at the expo. It’s in full swing right now, there’s no way he’s home.”
“Wait, I thought this expo thingy is tomorrow? Why aren’t we there?”
“Because I’m no longer welcome, at least not for now.”
“I don’t understand. Then how will we get in?”
“It’s a weekend event. Friday evening is a private party for Paul’s biggest clients. Saturday evenings are open for everyone, but you don’t normally see people from the general population there on that night. The tickets are pricey so it’s more for wealthy businessmen and women. Those are the two days I usually attend. Sundays are more low-key. Paul tends to gear the first two events to sell his employees as products, by Sunday he’s just focused on the sales from actual merchandise; posters, autographed photos, magazines, videos, toys, lingerie. It will be about twenty dollars to get in on that day, and we’ll be able to enter with all the trash, as your father calls them.”
“Is that what you call them?”
“I don’t know. I’ve seen a few of them slip in on a Saturday night. They stand out like a sore thumb, in blue jeans and t-shirts, trying to get photos on their phones of some of the women. The other attendees on those nights are well dressed. They sip wine and never bother with any photos. They’re classier, and in turn the employees are more relaxed around them. But I guess in the end they all want the same thing. The only difference is the wealthy can actually buy some of us, where the general population doesn’t have a chance. They attend more for the fantasy aspect of it all.”
“Jesus. So you’ve been sold?”
“One night, Paul auctioned off the four of us who were in NOVA. It was a long time ago.”
“How much?”
“Huh?”
“How much did you sell for?”
“A lot. I was the face of NOVA. The others that night didn’t do quite as well.”
“So my father made a shitload in an hour?”
“A few times.”
“Oh, God Cove. What did he do to you?”
“I got to keep a thousand.”
“Big fucking deal.”
“Hey, Sophia, it’s not like there was anything I could do about it. Besides, most of the people were nice to me.”
“Stop it. Stop being so nonchalant about all of this. I would’ve killed him.”
Cove pulls over, slams the car into park and looks straight into my eyes. “You have a lot of questions and you either need to let them all out right now, or keep them to yourself when I drive. What I don’t want to do is get upset and have an accident with you in the car. I don’t know what I would do if I ever hurt you again. I need to keep you safe, so let’s sit here and talk about this. I’m nonchalant about this shit because I’m focused on the road, but also, can you fucking blame me? I’ve been angry, punched walls, thought about suicide, I even took a gun once to Paul’s house. I’m past all of that unless it involves you or my father. I don’t care anymore what he’s done to me. Ask away, but not while I drive.”
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
He places his head into his hand and rubs his eyes with his fingers, trying to clear his mind.
“Ask me,” he says, his head down.
“What happened to the other people in NOVA?”
Cove sighs and shakes his head. “Two died. In a car accident. No connection to your father. They were drunk. The other lives in Vegas. I haven’t seen him in years. I heard he lives on the streets. He snorted his money away, what little Paul gave him.”
“That was it? There were four of you?”
“Yeah, that’s it.”
“What did you do with the money my father gave you? How did you keep that a secret from your mother?”
“I always gave it to my father. He put it in an account for me. My mother took control of it after my father was arrested. We used some of it to open the Scarlett and for rent over the years. My mother makes a good amount from Paul, so she bought her penthouse on her own. That money didn’t come from me.”
“And your mother?” I ask in a soft tone.
“She’s Paul’s main photographer for his magazine and poster lines. The employees feel comfortable around her. You know…she has that warm motherly personality that everyone seems to love. They trust her and she puts people at ease, which is important to the younger employees who may be nervous on their first shoot.”
“How did my father keep you from having sex?”
“What do you mean?”
“I understand that you did what you were told to do in the videos and online sites, but how did he keep people, the ones who paid money for you, from having sex with you?”
“A few ways. Details aren’t important.”
“Well, if you don’t want to tell me.”
“It’s not that, Sophia. I’m just afraid that the more specifics that I give, the more you’ll visualize me in those situations, and if you view me that way in your head… well, what if I begin to repulse you? What if you’re no longer turned on by me because all you can picture is my past?”
“I’m not like that. I’m not that type of person.”
“Neither is my mother,” he mumbles. “But it took her a year before she could even look at me after I told her a few things.
”
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Yeah. I don’t need to know. I thought I might be able to help you if I learned more about what happened, but not if it makes you this uneasy. I’m sorry.” I take his hand and kiss his knuckle then give it a good squeeze.
“Thank you,” he sighs. “I really don’t ever want to talk about the particulars with anyone.”
“So, shall we continue on?”
Cove looks into my eyes. He smiles and points out the window. “Turn around. We’re here.”
I turn slowly, in disbelief that we’ve been in front of my father’s house for a good five minutes.
My eyes follow vast steps that lead to a covered stucco entryway and a knotty Alder double entry door with two round black iron doorknockers. There are no windows around the entry, providing my father with complete privacy.
“Wow,” I spit out as my mouth drops open.
I see a row of four garage doors to the far left of the house and a set of two on the opposite side. There’s a second entrance next to the two and I believe that must be Dayne’s suite. The home rises up two stories, with rows of small windows spaced evenly along the top. It emanates wealth and seclusion.
The exterior alternates between stone and stucco and there are decorative iron bars covering some of the windows. The iron is a southwestern contemporary Mediterranean style. I’ve seen it a lot out here. There are marble statues set into niches along the first floor, and balconies above. The roof is dark brown and made of clay tiles. Expensive. I see two small turrets, each one with a copper top blending perfectly into the rest of the architecture. It’s huge, the size of five houses in a well-to-do neighborhood.
“Wow.”
I’m in awe. The grounds are well manicured with tall green palms and flowering cacti. I see a fireplace…or two…wait, there are three. Three fireplaces. Wooden vigas stick out of the stucco above the entryway and on top of all six garages. Shit, there’s another floor. That has to be a third floor up there.
“You okay?” Cove asks.
“Uh huh,” I nod, still speechless.
“That’s Dayne’s private area to the right, with the two garage doors.”
“That’s what I thought.”
“The rest of the house is your dad’s. He has a private bedroom suite and an office above the four-car garage, separate from his offices at the casinos. The third floor is off limits. I’ve never been up there,” Cove says, pointing up to the small windows that run along the top. “Two guest suites are on the second floor. There are a few private rooms as well; a massage room, and other small rooms you don’t need to know about.”