Chapter song: Born to Die by Lana Del Rey

(Val's pov)

-12pm-

I'm running late to work, because I have to figure out a way to look presentable. I mean, nobody wants to get a lap dance from a bruised up slut like me.

"Hey Val."

Nicole friendly greets me.

"Hey, sorry I'm late."

Hurriedly, I set my stuff down in the back and look through my bag. I put on my white tank top and add my black bottoms, mind racing. It's the only way to cover my stomach bruises. On my way out, I clumsily fall on my butt because of my stubborn heels.

"Fuck."

Butt hurting, I mutter then stand back up. I then sit down quietly, trying to think of a way to do my job without anyone noticing my bruises. They're scattered over my stomach, face, and arms.

Finally I sigh then step outside. Luckily, I have my pack of cigarettes, so I light one up and soothingly breathe it in.

"Fucking bullshit."

I irritably mutter, earning a few side glances from nearby people. I don't give a shit.

"Stupid motherfucker."

Desperately, I want to kill the guy that did this to me. He's so fucking sick in his fucking mind.

"Fuck all this fucking shit."

Full of anger, I sigh the smoke from my lungs.

"Well, someone's got the case of the Mondays."

Out of nowhere, Justin walks up to me with a smirk.

"It's not fucking Monday."

I glare hatefully and inhale the smoke again, surrounding my lungs with the sweet smoke.

"It's a phrase. What's happened to you, baby?"

Welcomingly, He stands closer with a concerned look in his seductive eyes. He must notice my negative attitude for a change. Instead he's talking about my bruised cheek.

"Some dumbass."

I answer carelessly yet honestly. Giving him too much information might make him go over his head.

"Woah, someone did this to you? Val, where is he?"

Unexpectedly, Justin grows perturbed and unbelievably worried, about me? There's no need to be concerned about me.

"I don't know. He's gone. Don't worry about it, Justin."

It's all a lie. I can't help but take a break from being positive. It's impossible to be nice when my world's crashing down on me.

"...Fine."

Hands warm, he grabs my hand and pulls me closer in a suspicious manner.

"I want to be alone right now."

I softly mumble and narrow my eyes to the tattooed crown on his collarbone. When-no-IF I get like this, I'm not myself at all. And I think Justin notices.

"Val, I'm serious. What's up?"

Justin annoyingly grabs my waist, allowing me to recognize the marshmallow in his natural scent.

"Don't touch me."

Without thinking, I move his hands away. See? I'm just not myself. It's all Ben's fault. He makes me want to set the city afire from all the anger and hurt.

"Valerie."

Justin sounds severe and concerned.

"I don't want to talk about it."

I shake my head, letting my lavender bangs cover my eyes. My vision is half clear, half lavender.

"Baby, it won't hurt just to open up a little."

Once again, he steps close to me, brushing the hair out of my eyes. My vision is now fully clear.

"I don't want to."

Reluctantly, I mumble, my voice full of irritation.

"Pleas-"

"Justin, no!"

I regretfully raise my voice. I NEVER raise my voice in anger. But I'm too damaged.

"Valer-"

"I lost everything I had ok?!"

Tears instigating, I shout at him. His eyes widen then fill with sympathy.

"What happened, Val?"

Justin comfortingly pulls me close again. Defeatedly, I sigh then give in on myself.

"I lost my apartment yesterday, and I got robbed. I don't have anything left."

Not able to control my thoughts anymore, I start to cry. It's not easy holding a positive attitude 24/7.

"Where are you staying, babe?"

Justin engulfs me in his tattooed arms, making me feel so much better.

"Nowhere."

I let him hold me as tight as he wants, even if it suffocates me. Therefore, the bruises beaten into my stomach are triggered, but I just want to break down.

"You're staying with me for now."

Justin bountifully takes my hand and doesn't let go.

"I don't want-"

"I don't care. Your coming with me."

He speaks sharply yet thoughtfully.

"I'm not doing anything with you."

I stubbornly push his hands away. As much as I'd love to stay with him, I just can't. He'll be fucking girls back and forth. I don't wanna see that.

"Please, I don't want you out here. It's gonna storm again."

He looks so desperate. It's kinda funny.

"Kiss-ass."

I mutter under my breath, knowing he could hear me.

"Ok, that's it. $200 if you stay with me tonight."

Justin pulls out 2 $100 bills from his pocket. Oh, god no. Don't give in.

"No."

Instantly, I regret my answer.

"$300"

He adds another $100.

"...Ok."

I sigh and give in.

"Here."

Justin puts the money in my hand. I just sigh again and shake my head.

"I'll take good care of you, babygirl."

He hugs me again and mumbles in my ear. I smile weakly and walk back into the strip club. I go into the bathroom and redo my makeup. My phone buzzes, and I look at it to see a text.

"I'll pick you up at 11pm tonight."

I know who it is, but I don't respond. I look at the bracelet and grow angry. There's no fucking way in hell that I'm doing this. It's so illegal and fucked up.

When I walk back out, Justin's at the bar waiting for me. I make my way to the back only to see my bag gone. I look around and see Justin holding it up with a smirk. I smile crookedly then walk to him.

"I was carrying your bag for you."

He smiles friendly and gently takes my arm.

"Thanks."

I take the bag from him.

"Your boss said I could take you."

Justin winks at Nicole, making me realize that he fucked her again.

"You're sick, baby."

I shake my head and smile at his reasonable ways.

"She asked for it."

He leads me into his silver Ferrari.

"Just drive."

I smirk and lay my head back against the seat.

"Yes, ma'am."

He chuckles then drives. I keep staring at the bracelet. It's horrifying how someone can be nothing more than property to someone else.

"What does it mean?"

Justin's question makes me freak out. What am I gonna say?

"Nothing."

I take my eyes off the bracelet. If Justin can't take the fact that I'm homeless, why would I tell him about the bullshit going on with the guy that fucked me last night?

"You should think of better excuses, babe."

Justin parks at his mansion.

"You should stay out of my business more often."

I grab my bag and give him a side smirk. He chuckles then opens the door for me. His mansion is spotless and perfect.

He probably hires maids to clean up all his mess, because I know he can't keep this place clean for even a day. I can only imagine the amount of used condoms and panties that are left behind by him.

"Hey, Val."

One of Justin's friends greets me.

"Hi."

I smile at him as Justin pulls me upstairs.

"Justin, I don't want to do anything."

I mumble, knowing he wants sex.

"Ok, I won't."

He pouts then kisses me into a hug.

"You want something to eat, baby?"

He mumbles against my lips.

"What do you have?"

I ask quietly.

"Anything. You name it."

He types something on his phone.

"Tacos?"

I suggest in a question.

"Sure."

He smiles then motions me to sit down.

"Tell me something interesting about yourself."

He stands in front of me while taking his shirt off. He's so fucking hot.

"I think you know enough."

I smirk at him.

"You're turning me on, babe."

He chuckles, flashing his perfect teeth.

"I don't wanna do anything."

I repeat myself.

"I'm just saying."

He shrugs. There's a knock at the door and Justin opens it.

"You requested this?"

A female voice asks.

"Yea, thank you."

Justin smiles then shuts the door.

"This is for you."

He hands me a small stack of clothes.

"Oh, thank you."

I take it thankfully yet uneasily.

"Meet me downstairs."

He brushes his fingers over my bare waist. After he leaves, I sigh and kick off my heels. The stack of clothes contains a pair of jean shorts, a black tank top, and a pair of white laced panties with a black bra. I'm not gonna ask how much this was.

Once I change, I gather my stuff and walk downstairs. Justin's on his phone, probably calling up another girl. He catches my eye then turns around.

"What kind of taco do you want, babe?"

Justin asks, his eyes taking a quick glance at my cleavage.

"Just meat, cheese, and lettuce"

I answer carelessly, even though I can really go for some food right now.

"Ok."

He smiles then puts his phone down.

"Let's talk, Val. I know you're going through a hard time. Is there anything I can do?"

Justin steps close to me.

"No."

I shake my head, remembering last night.

"Valerie, I'm serious. I really do want to help you. I don't want you to live without anything."

His eyes are caring and generous. Bullcrap, yet very sweet.

"I don't need your help."

I sit on his expensive-looking couch.

"What can I give you? Money? I can get you a new apartment. I'll pay the rent. Anything you want."

Justin leans at the edge of the couch.

"That does sound nice."

I think out loud, twirling my hair around my finger.

"Ok, I know the perfect place for you. It has a great view, and you'll have all the silence you want."

He offers: then I start to think. Maybe I'm wrong about Justin. Maybe he really does care.

But I don't know if this is just one of his games. He can be fooling me into this. Instead of avoiding me, he might practically live with me. He's such a kiss-ass, but I love the shit out of him.

(A/N: Sorry it's a little late. I had to edit this. Next post is on Thursday)

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