Chapter 9 Just a Slut

• Ethan didn’t let her go. “You’re just a slut, so get down from your high horse.” He sneered.
• “You jest, sir. I’m just a lowly singer, so I can’t afford a horse. But even then, I have the right to choose my customers, no? Besides, I’ve slept with too many men, so I don’t want to dirty your hands, sir.” She looked at him, her emotions hidden in a place Ethan couldn’t see.
• Ethan’s expression darkened, but instead of flying into a rage, he cupped her chin and jeered. “I don’t mind, since I’m not the one doing you. But I suppose I have to reward my bodyguards for their hard work.”
• “You’re a kind boss, sir. We have a lot of pretty ladies here. As long as you can pay, you won’t be disappointed.” Lauren was smiling, but her nails were already digging into her flesh, the pain making her frown.
• “But I only want you to entertain them,” he said coldly.
• The color finally started draining from her face, but still Lauren kept calm. A moment later, she whispered beguilingly into his ear, “Thank you for your patronage, sir. How much are you paying? I won’t take it if it’s too little.”
• Her lascivious answer angered him, and he shoved her away, sending her slamming into the wall behind her. Before she could snap out of it, Ethan said, almost angrily, “Have you fallen this far, Collins?”
• Lauren smiled, but she teared up. Fallen? Yeah, I have. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have loved someone who doesn’t love me back. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have nearly given up my life for him. If I hadn’t fallen for you, I wouldn’t be here right now. All her dreams and life were shattered, and the only thing supporting her right now was Riley. If it weren’t for her, Lauren would have taken her own life. A moment later, she slowly got up, leaning against the wall. She was bleeding from her forehead, but still Lauren looked at Ethan with a smile. “You got the wrong person, sir. I’m Mary, not the woman you’re calling.”
• Ethan didn’t know how to feel about that reply, so he condensed all his rage and fury into a punch on the wall. “SCRAM!” he roared.
• Lauren paused. “Aren’t you going to give me some business, sir? Pity. I could have made more.”
• She limped away, but when Lauren went past Simon, she heard him whisper, “Lauren used to be a proud, dazzling woman.”
• Lauren stopped for a moment and smiled wryly. “Is that so? Then Miss Collins must be a talented and gorgeous woman. I’m sorry, but I’m just a lowly singer, not the woman he’s talking about.” My life is ruined. There’s no hope going back to the top anymore. In the end, she left the scene without saying anything.
• Ethan stayed in the same spot, not giving chase after her. He looked at Lauren as she left, his expression stormy.