She’d go somewhere where she could blend in and start over.
She’d survive because she had to, because survival was the
only option she was willing to contemplate.
Chapter 2
Cassia
Cassia knew it was the bottom of the barrel—the very
thing she’d always promised herself she wouldn’t do. She had
to remind herself she wasn’t selling her virginity or her soul.
Just her body, and only then for men to look at. Never to
touch. Never to use. She’d become like those damaged women
she’d always pitied. She realized now she had no idea what
drove those women. No idea the strength of their souls. They
weren’t always damaged, it wasn’t a prerequisite. Some of
them had to be powerful. Driven. Some of them had to be
looking to the future and they’d do what they had to do and
forget it when it was done.
“That’s it, dear. Tilt your head to the side.” Rodger snapped
his fingers at his assistant, a younger man wearing a crisp
white shirt and the tightest skinny jeans Cassia had ever seen.
He scuttled over with a metallic gold disc to reflect the light.
Rodger sighed, adjusted his camera, then pointed it back at
her. There was a series of clicks, and when Rodger studied the
images this time, he smiled. “That’s great. You look beautiful.
A goddess. Men will worship you.”
That was the last thing Cassia wanted. But she nodded
politely and smiled sweetly.
Rodger went back to clicking away, motioning her to
change positions a few times, giving her instructions to smile
or not smile. Look down. Look up. Pout. Make them want it.
Cassia didn’t want anyone to want her, but she knew she