Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 39

Her offer was almost too good to turn down. For a second, I actually thought about saying yes. Still, I knew deep down that being with her would mean giving up any bit of self-respect I had left.

Catherine noticed my hesitation and started to get annoyed.

“Has Claire put some kind of spell on you? Or is she just paying you more than I am?”

I shook my head, keeping my voice calm.

“It’s not that, Catherine. You’re being more than generous.”

She relaxed a little, a sly smile curving her lips.

“Then why don’t you name your price?”

She leaned in, her tone sharper.

“But don’t take too long. I’m not exactly patient, and let’s be honest, it wouldn’t take much for me to find someone even better looking.”

“One hundred thousand a month? Two hundred? Just tell me your number.”

I couldn’t say a word. The numbers she tossed out were unreal to me, and honestly, the money was tempting. Just a month or two at that rate would take care of so many of my problems. But I doubted Claire would let me go that easily.

Catherine noticed my silence and pressed harder.

“I heard you were desperate for cash and even got fired by your boss. Don’t tell me you’re suddenly rolling in money.”

For people like her, ten or twenty grand a month was nothing. But I also knew how quickly they’d toss me aside once they got bored. When that happened, I wouldn’t even be worth a hundred bucks.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to meet her eyes.

“I do need money, Catherine. Honestly, I need it badly. Are you really able to help me out?”

She immediately brightened, her confidence returning.

“Of course I can. If you can ask for it, I can make it happen.”

She paused, her smile turning calculating.

“But I want to hear your conditions too. It’s got to be a fair trade, right?”

Claire wouldn’t help me, so what choice did I have? Even if this meant breaking a promise, even if Claire would hate me for it or look down on me even more, I had to ask.

I took a breath and nodded.

“So, Catherine, you’ve got your eye on my guy?”

Claire walked up right between us, giving me a look that could freeze water.

“Catherine, planning to outbid me for my own man? Is he really worth that much to you?” Her voice was cold and full of contempt as she glanced at me.

Catherine clearly hadn’t expected Claire to show up.

“Claire, didn’t realize you were here,” she said, all smooth confidence. “Since you’re listening, this actually makes things easier. Why not let me have him? Next time there’s a good deal, I’ll send it your way.”

I stood there like an object being bartered over. It felt like none of this was up to me. I couldn’t even fight it.

Claire looked me over, her gaze sharp.

“So, Catherine wants you. What do you think?”

She made it sound like I had a choice, but I knew she was really just trying to see where I stood.

I met her eyes, answering slowly.

“It’s not every day someone like Catherine shows this much interest in me. She’s offering a lot, and honestly, it would solve everything I’m dealing with right now.”