Chapter 6

Crystal POV

I squatted on the floor and began picking up the money.

One bill, two bills, three bills...

My movements were slow, but deliberate.

Each bill I smoothed out, folded neatly, and placed in my inner pocket. This money would buy my brother two more days in the ICU.

Damian stood nearby, looking down at me.

I guessed he wanted to see me break down, see me crying and begging, or perhaps throw the money back in his face, like I used to.

Unfortunately, the Crystal of today had only knees, no spine.

After picking up the last bill, I stood up and bowed to him. "Thank you for the reward, Damian."

With that, I turned and walked towards the room he indicated - the only luxurious suite on this plane.

Closing the door, I leaned against the doorframe, and my body finally began to tremble uncontrollably.

"Inspect the goods." Was he trying to humiliate me, or did he genuinely want... I dared not think deeper.

The phone in my pocket suddenly vibrated. It was a text message from the hospital.

"Crystal, your brother's account balance is less than two thousand. Please renew the payment as soon as possible, or some life-sustaining equipment will be disconnected."

Two thousand. Not even enough for one day's expenses.

I clutched the phone, my knuckles white.

That small tip was just a drop in the ocean.

I had to get more. If one night with him could buy my brother's life-saving money, then so be it.

After all, this body used to be his too.

I walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower.

Hot water poured over me, but it couldn't wash away the bone-deep chill. After showering, I emerged wrapped in a bathrobe.

Damian hadn't come in yet.

I sat on the edge of the bed, looking out at the clouds.

It was pitch black, nothing to see, just like my future.

I don't know how much time passed, but the doorknob turned.

Damian walked in.

He had taken off his suit jacket, wearing only a black shirt, collar open, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He held a glass of wine, carrying the faint scent of tobacco. He hadn't turned on the main lights, leaving only a dim bedside lamp.

The light and shadow cast on his face made his features appear even more defined and sharp.

"Cleaned up?" He walked to the bed, placed the wine glass on the nightstand. His gaze swept over me.

That look wasn't like someone looking at a woman; it was like someone looking at an item for sale, waiting for its price.

I nodded, then actively untied the sash of my bathrobe. If I was selling, I had to embrace the role.

The bathrobe slipped, revealing a silk slip dress underneath. Damian's pupils contracted sharply.

I guessed he remembered; this slip dress, he had given it to me three years ago. I'd kept it, and today, on a whim, I'd worn it underneath.

"This dress..." He reached out, his fingertips touching my collarbone, so cold it made me shiver. "Still wearing it?"

"Because it's cheap and durable." I lied.

"Is that so?" He scoffed, his palm sliding down my waistline, finally stopping at my lower back, pulling me abruptly closer.

I was forced to press against him.

"Crystal, is that billionaire tired of this body of yours yet?"

"I heard rich men like to play kinky games; he didn't break you, did he?" His words were crass and piercing.

I bit my lip, forcing a seductive smile, and wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Damian wants to try, doesn't he?"

"As long as the money is right, I'll do any position."

The words had barely left my lips when I felt his muscles tense.

The next second, as if he'd touched something foul, he violently pushed me away. I fell onto the bed, a little dazed.

"Disgusting." He spat the word through clenched teeth. "You think you're worthy of my touch?"

He turned, picked up the wad of money I'd just collected, and flung it onto the bed. "Take your money and go sleep on the couch."

"Don't soil my bed."

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