Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
It’s not a big deal, to be honest. Kiting checks is non-violent and only hurts the big banks that destroyed our economy in 2008. But my dad was caught, unfortunately, and law enforcement came down on him like a ton of bricks. I have no idea why the prosecutor was such an asshole, but evidently he needed a “win” on the books, and so now, Willy’s serving a prison sentence at Ardsley Correctional Facility. Can you believe it? Willy’s in there with people who are violent offenders. People who literally have killed other people. And all my dad did was try to put food on the table.
But after my father was locked up, I was left at loose ends. I’m trying to finish high school at the moment, and although I babysit sometimes, there’s no way my meager earnings were going to cover the rent on our trailer. As a result, I had no choice but to track Mom down and ask if I could stay with her. Just until graduation, anyways.
At first, Lily said no. She asked if I could stay with my Aunt Cathy, whom we haven’t seen in fifteen years. I said there was no way. Then, she asked if there was a friend I could crash with. I said no. Finally, Lily explained that she was living in a woman’s collective here in New Jersey, and that it wouldn’t be a good fit because overnight guests are discouraged. I couldn’t understand why. My mom mumbled something about the “group consciousness” and “meditative tranquility,” but I broke through those defenses. I stated that I was her underage daughter, and that her ex had just gone to jail. She owed it to me, and besides, it’s only until graduation. I’d be out of her hair in no time. I suppose those were the key words because Lily relented soon afterwards. To be honest, the entire exchange was puzzling and a little hurtful, and I arrived at the estate expecting the worst.
My spidey sense wasn’t far off because now, I understand why Mom doesn’t want me to live here. This isn’t a woman's collective. Or, I guess it could be called a women’s collective, sort of, because there’s technically a “collection” of women. It’s just that the ladies live at the whim of a man. A handsome, powerful, very wealthy man who expects them to walk around in bikinis and be available for sex on demand. Yep, this is a harem, right here in the bowels of New Jersey. Not in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or a fantastical, made-up far-away country. Right here, in the Garden State, there are powerful men keeping private harems for their pleasure.
At first, I was shocked that mom lives here because WTF? The whole idea is an affront to women’s lib, not to mention the entire feminist movement. But it’s clear this is a good life for Lily and her friends because they live in the utmost luxury, with everything paid for. Meals, clothing, housing and accommodations are all provided free of charge.
Even better, the women have no responsibilities. No one has a job, and there’s no housework because Logan Daniels keeps a staff on premises. As a result, from what I can tell, most of the ladies do nothing all day. They lounge around by the pool wearing tiny thong bikinis while sipping cocktails and gossiping. Then, a few are called away each night to service our benefactor, while the rest of us retire to the women’s quarters for a good night’s rest.
Plus, Lily seems happy for the first time in her life, which is saying something. My mom’s always been somewhat depressed and anxious, and I don’t want to ruin this for her with any unnecessary commentary. As a result, I keep my mouth shut, and my plan is to just stay here, under the radar and out of sight, until I graduate and get a job.
But now, I’ve totally screwed it up. I’ve only been here a few days, and I was just trying to get some breakfast, I swear! Usually, Mr. Daniels doesn’t show up until late afternoon. Or at least that’s what I heard. But now, I’m seated across from the man himself at the breakfast table, and my heart’s going at ninety miles an hour. No one told me Logan Daniels was so handsome, or so charming either.
“Jasmine?” he asks with a raised brow. “Are you listening?”
I jerk forwards, almost spilling my juice. Oh shit! I was staring at the billionaire with a dreamy smile and probably looking like a complete idiot.
“I’m sorry?” I ask.
Logan smirks, like he can read my mind.
“I was saying that I’m hosting a movie screening tonight in my private quarters. Since you’re new, you should join because it’ll be a great way to get to know each other. Bring your friend, too.”