Chapter 23 #3
If only this money was going to what they’re promoting it is…
It’s as equally heartbreaking as it is loathsome.
I glance at my shoulder to check how much money has been raised and am met with an inconceivable amount just as I’m pulled abruptly down into someone’s lap.
The tray lay discarded on the floor, but blessedly, it had been emptied just moments prior.
“Why don’t you join us for a drink, Addison?
” Hot breath hits my neck as one of the men who I hadn’t spoken with earlier speaks.
Harrison is seated across from him, eyes trailing my form, and I wonder if he’s going to oppose the behavior, but instead his lips quirk up to one side, ignoring it.
I attempt to stand up when I feel the man’s cock hard against my ass, but he holds onto my waist, preventing my escape. “I really shouldn’t. I’m supposed to be serving until the room clears tonight.”
Harrison finally chimes in. “You’ve been working hard enough, I say you deserve a well-earned break.”
“See, and that’s coming from the man himself. Take a break with us, have a drink. Tell us more about your passion for our youth,” the man muses. “We may have some more opportunities for you. Some more exclusive.”
Forcing myself to remain poised, I pretend to weigh the question. “Exclusive? But I’m only a volunteer. There are multiple other girls here to choose from. Why me?”
The chuckle that Harrison exhales is borderline sinister.
“Oftentimes, when we host events such as these, we also use them as a recruitment method. We like to be on the lookout for those who show potential and have the same interests as we do. This is an ever-expanding network, and there is always so much to do that we are always needing…an extra hand. Not to mention, you seem like someone who understands the value of discretion.”
“Oh?” The laugh I force out is hoarse. “Why would discretion need to be used in this scenario?” I need to be careful how I ask my questions or this could blow up in my face.
One of the other gentlemen at the table leans forward, his elbows resting on the table.
“Think of the homes some of these kids come from. Do you honestly think their parents would be willing to let some of them go to start their own futures? When they might be providing for them? No. The kids in these scenarios are often acting as the guardian figure; raising money for the household, doing whatever they can just to avoid going hungry or being on the other end of a fist.”
The fact that they’re targeting already struggling children causes my world to spin slightly on its axis. No wonder it’s so easy to manipulate them. If I was a normal bystander, I would think the world of them…
“Woah there, you’re looking a little sick. Are you okay?” Harrison stands up and takes a few steps over to where I’m still seated on his friend’s lap. He kneels before me, placing his hand on my knee.
I guess my world really was spinning because my skin washes over with ice at his touch, bringing me back to the present.
“I’m sorry…” I search my brain for something convincing.
“You just never realize how terrible something really is until faced with conversations like this from people who have firsthand experience.”
Who have firsthand experience. Oh, fuck.
I know I’ve said the wrong thing by the way the four men glance at each other and I can feel the shift in Harrison when he squeezes my knee a little tighter.
Because this is a new charity. There has been no illusions or ties to these men that they’ve been involved with children in any way, shape, or form in the past.
“I-I mean it seems like you would have to because there obviously has to be some form of inspiration for the charity, right?” I swallow roughly as I try to correct my mistake.
The silence at our table makes my heart start to palpitate and I really do fear that I’ll pass out if they don’t respond soon.
But just as my panic is about to take a front seat, Harrison simply nods.
His grip on my knee loosens as he stands up again, straightening his tie.
“Right. So much of the world turns a blind eye to their suffering, so if it’s the price we have to pay to get them out, then so be it.
Because nothing worth having comes easy and not everyone is willing to cash in on it. ”
I fear that he isn’t just talking about the children anymore. “Of course,” I murmur.
“It’s good to know you understand,” Harrison says.
“Because we don’t waste time on those who don’t,” the man whose lap I’m still perched on says against my neck.
I nod, but before I have a chance to answer, Harrison pins me with his gaze. “It’s also important to note that conversations like this don’t take place with just anyone, either. I mean, if we were to offer this opportunity to just anyone, it wouldn’t be so exclusive now, would it?”
There it is. This is no longer a test of interest. The hint of warning in his tone tells me to accept.
I wish I had Nathan’s guidance in my ear right now because accepting or refusing could put me in an early grave.
It’s clear that even the mention of an exclusive opportunity wouldn’t be something they would throw out to just anyone because it would cause noses to sniff where they’re unwanted if people gauged an interest in their…
extracurricular activities. “Well, I wouldn’t dream of wasting anyone’s time.
I’d be honored to be a part of such important work. ”
I’m in way over my head.