Chapter 3 Hannah The morning sun filtered through the curtain , casting patterns across my bedroom floor . I buried my face deeper into the pillow , savoring these last few moments of peace before facing another day of classes , work , and the constant juggling act that was my life . BANG H BANG . BANG . → chest . The pounding on my apartment door jolted me awake like an electric shock . I sat bolt upright , heart hammering in my BANG . BANG , BANG . " Coming ! " I shouted , scrambling out of bed . I glanced at my phone . , Who the hell was trying to break down my door at this hour ? I grabbed a robe to throw over my sleep shorts and tank top , quickly checking my mom's room as I passed . Empty , as expected . She'd already left for work despite how exhausted she'd looked last night . The woman never stopped , even when she should . The pounding continued , each impact making the door rattle in its frame . " I said I'm coming yelled , fumbling with the chain lock . I yanked open the door , ready to tell off whoever was on the other side . My stomach dropped to my feet . Vincent Graves stood in my doorway , filling the frame with his broad shoulders and permanent scowl . His salt - and - pepper hair was slicked back , and his expensive suit couldn't quite hide the fact that he was built like a bouncer . Which he had been before moving up to more lucrative ventures in debt collection . " Hannah Mitchell , " he said , his voice deceptively soft . " Surprised to see me ? " I swallowed hard . " Mr. Graves . What are you doing here ? " He smiled , all teeth and no warmth . " Did you forget something ? A little financial arrangement between friends ? " My mind raced . The loan . The money I'd borrowed three months ago when Mom's medical bills had piled op faster than I could manage . The money I'd promised to pay back by now . " I didn't forget , " I said , trying to keep my voice steady . " I just need a little more time . " Vincent's face darkened as he stepped closer , forcing me back into my apartment . He shut the door behind him with a soft click that somehow felt more threatening than if he'd slammed it . " Time ? " He laughed , the sound like gravel under tires . " You think I'm running a charity here , princess ? Did you forget our arrangement ? You came to me , all teary - eyed , about your mommy's medical bills . You needed cash fast . I gave it to you . Three months , you said . 1 promise , Mr. Graves , just three months . His imitation of my voice was high - pitched , mocking . I wrapped my robe tighter around myself , suddenly aware of how thin the fabric was . " I know what I said . Things have been complicated . " " Complicated ? What's complicated is explaining to my boss why some college girl hasn't paid back what she owes . You think I enjoy making house calls at 9 AM ? " My mouth went dry . I knew Vincent worked for someone bigger , someone whose name was never mentioned . That's why I'd gone to him in the first place - he was the middleman , the face of an operation that stayed in the shadows . get your money , " I said , my voice firmer now . " One month . " He held up a single finger so close to my face I could see the dirt under his nall . " That's what you get . Thirty days to pay back every cent . " I nodded quickly . " I can do that . " Vincent's eyes traveled down my body , lingering in places that made my skin crawl . " You know , there are other ways to pay off debts . Pretty girl like you could make that money back in a weekend . " 1/2 Chapter 3 My stomach turned . " I'll get the cash . " He smirked . " You sure ? Lots of men would pay top dollar for a piece of what you're hiding debt just for one night with those tits . " e under that robe . Hell , I've got clients who'd clear your I crossed my arms over my chest , feeling naked despite being covered . That's not happening . " - " No ? " He stepped closes , and I could smell his cologne too strong , too cheap . " What's the difference between what I'm suggesting and what you college girls do anyway ? Fucking some frat boy for free or fucking a businessman for cash at least one pays the hills . " I bit back the urge to slap him . " I said I get your money , " - " One month , " he repeated , his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper . " Or I start exploring other options , Maybe your mommy needs another loan ? Maybe I should start visiting her at work ? Or maybe I just sell your debt to someone who doesn't mind getting rough with pretty little bitches who don't pay up . " My heart hammered against my ribs . " That won't be necessary . " " For your sake , I hope not . He reached out and twirled a strand of my hair around his finger . I froze , not daring to pull away . " Because if I don't get my money , I'll make sure someone gets their money's worth from that sweet pussy of yours , One way or another , the debt gets paid . " He released my hair and stepped back , straightening his jacket . " One month , Hannah Mitchell . Tick - tock . " With that , he turned and walked out , leaving the door open behind him . I slammed it shut and locked it , then sank to the floor , my back against the door . My hands trembled as I pulled out my phone and checked my bank balance : 532.47 . Nowhere near the $ 15,000 I owed . I closed my eyes , trying to think . How the hell was I going to come up with that kind of money in thirty days ? Vincent's threats echoed in my mind , making my my skin crawl . The way he'd looked at me like I was merchandise to be hartered or sold …. 1 shuddered and pulled my robe tighter . " Fucking pervert , " I muttered , wiping away angry tears . His suggestion about " other ways " to pay my debt made me want to scrub my skin raw . The casual way he'd talked about selling me to his clients turned my stomach . I'd rather work myself to death than let that happen .