L. A. Connections by Jackie Collins

Author:Jackie Collins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Published: 2012-01-31T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Three

Kristin Carr sat in front of her dressing-table mirror, staring at her reflection. She knew that at twenty-three she was undeniably gorgeous, but she also knew that what was reflected was merely her outer image. Inside she was a whore, and she was certain that everyone knew it.

Prostitute, hooker, call-girl, whore. All names that described her profession. Not that it was a profession she’d deliberately chosen. No, it was something she’d taken up because it was the only thing she could do to make enough money to keep Cherie at the private nursing home.

I sell my body for the almighty dollar, Kristin thought sadly. I allow men to use me any way they want. I’m meat. They devour me. And everyone is happy. Everyone except me.

The sinister Mr X crossed her mind and she shuddered. His sick demands were beyond the merely kinky, but he paid well for the privilege of humiliating her. And that’s why Darlene had phoned the night before, leaving her the message that Mr X wanted to see her again – even though she’d been with him earlier that same evening.

The problem was that Kristin had taken it upon herself to have a life – much as her inner voice had warned her not to. Instead of listening to her gut feeling, she’d gone ahead and fallen in lust with Jake. A bad move, because their relationship – such as it was – could go nowhere. Especially now, after he’d heard the message from Darlene – loud and clear.

Kristin had felt Jake shrivel up inside her before he’d rolled away.

She hadn’t known what to say. In fact, neither of them said a word. After a moment or two, Jake had gotten off the bed and hurried into the bathroom.

Punishment, she’d thought. Punishment for imagining I could have a life.

She’d reached for her silk robe at the end of the bed, sat up and put it on. When Jake emerged, he was fully dressed and ready to leave.

‘I forgot,’ he’d said, hardly able to look at her, ‘I’m expecting an important call.’

Disappointment had flooded over her. Didn’t he want to discuss it?

So what? she’d thought defensively. Maybe this is best. What could he say? Excuse me, Kristin, why didn’t you tell me you were a hooker?

Sorry, Jake, I forgot.

‘Uh, I’d like to explain,’ she’d ventured, hoping for at least a chance to say something – even if it was only an apology.

‘No, Kristin, really,’ he’d said, anxious to leave. ‘There’s nothing you have to explain to me. The truth is, your lifestyle and mine, they uh . . . simply don’t mesh.’

Was that it? Was the non-paying customer leaving?

‘I understand,’ she’d said stiffly, thinking that if he didn’t want to get into it he wasn’t worth having anyway. ‘I’ll see you around.’

‘Yeah,’ he’d replied. ‘Guess so.’ Then he’d stopped at the door, turned and stared at her accusingly. ‘I wish you’d told me,’ he’d said.

‘Why?’ she’d said, filled with hurt.

‘Because it isn’t fair you didn’t. I would’ve used a condom.

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