Kaith's mind was racing as she tried to process the phone call. Her father, kidnapped? It couldn't be true. But the voice on the phone had sounded so convincing, so menacing.
She tried to think clearly, but her thoughts were a jumbled mess. She needed to act fast, but what could she do?
Kaith's eyes landed on her phone, still clutched in her hand.
She needed to call someone, but who? The police? Rachel?
As she hesitated, the phone rang again. The same unknown number.
"Hello?" Kaith answered, her voice shaking.
"You have 24 hours to deliver the ransom," the voice said.
"Or your father will suffer the consequences."
Kaith's heart sank. "What do you want me to do?"
"We'll send you the details. Just remember, Kaith - we're watching you."
The line went dead again, leaving Kaith feeling helpless and alone.
A few minutes later, a text message arrived with a single attachment - a photo of her father, bound and gagged. Kaith's heart skipped a beat as she read the message:
"Deliver $1 million to the old warehouse on 5th and Main by midnight. Come alone. Or your father will pay the price."
Kaith felt like she'd been punched in the gut. $1 million? She didn't have that kind of money. And even if she did, she wouldn't be able to withdraw it in time.
With a sinking feeling, Kaith realized she had only one option - Drake. He was the only person she knew with that kind of money.
But could she really ask him? After everything he'd done to her?
Kaith hesitated, torn. But the thought of her father in danger pushed her to make the call.
"Drake, I need to talk to you," Kaith said, trying to keep her voice steady.
"What is it, Kaith?" Drake's voice was smooth, but Kaith could sense a hint of curiosity.
"It's my father. He's been kidnapped. They're demanding $1 million in ransom."
There was a pause on the other end of the line.
"I see. And you want me to pay it?"
Kaith swallowed hard.
"I don't have a choice. Please, Drake. I'll do anything."
Drake sighed.
"Fine. I'll get the money. But Kaith? You owe me."
Kaith's heart raced as she waited for Drake's response. She knew she was taking a risk, but she had no other choice.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, you'll do what I say. When I say it. And how I say it."
Kaith's instincts screamed at her to run, but her father's face flashed in her mind. She had to save him.
"What exactly do you want me to do, Drake?" Kaith asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"I want you to be my call girl. My personal escort. You'll attend events with me, entertain my clients... and do whatever I ask of you."
Kaith felt like she'd been punched in the gut. She couldn't believe what Drake was asking of her.
"Drake, I... I don't know if I can do that," Kaith stammered.
Drake chuckled.
"Oh, I think you can. You see, Kaith, I know all about your little secrets. Your father's secrets too. And I'm willing to keep them quiet... for a price."
Kaith's mind raced. She had no choice. She had to save her father.
"Okay, Drake. I'll do it," Kaith said, the words tasting like bile in her mouth.
Drake's voice dripped with triumph.
"Excellent choice, Kaith. I'll send the money to the kidnappers. And then... you're mine."
Kaith felt a cold dread creeping up her spine as she realized what she'd just agreed to. But she pushed it aside, focusing on one thing - saving her father.
She had sold herself to Drake, and she didn't know how to escape.
"What do I need to do?" Kaith asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"I'll send a car for you at 8pm. Be ready," Drake said, his voice firm.
Kaith nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "Okay."
The line went dead, leaving Kaith feeling trapped and alone.
She spent the rest of the day in a daze, trying to process what she'd just agreed to. She knew she had to save her father, but at what cost?
As the clock ticked closer to 8pm, Kaith's anxiety grew. She didn't know what Drake had planned for her, but she knew it couldn't be good.
At 8pm sharp, a black limousine pulled up outside Kaith's apartment. She took a deep breath and stepped inside, leaving her old life behind.
As the limousine pulled away from the curb, Kaith felt a sense of trepidation wash over her. She was in this now, and she didn't know how to escape.
The driver, a silent figure with a stern expression, handed her a glass of champagne. Kaith took it, trying to calm her nerves.
The limousine glided through the city streets, eventually stopping in front of a luxurious high-rise building. Drake stepped out, resplendent in a tailored suit, and opened the door for Kaith.
"Welcome, my dear," he said, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "You look stunning tonight."
Kaith felt a shiver run down her spine as she took his arm. She was trapped in this nightmare, and she didn't know how to wake up.
As they entered the building, Kaith saw that they were heading to a private penthouse suite. The room was filled with wealthy business associates, all of whom seemed to know Drake intimately.
"Kaith, this is my associate, Mr. Johnson," Drake said, introducing her to a portly man with a leering gaze.
Kaith forced a smile, trying to play the part. But inside, she was screaming.
As the night wore on, Kaith found herself being passed from one man to another, forced to make small talk and laugh at their jokes. She felt like a piece of property, a commodity to be bought and sold.
And through it all, Drake watched her, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. He had won, and Kaith had lost.