Only if you give him what he wants.

“So… you need a place to hide you say?”

You can’t place it, but there’s something about his tone you don’t like; a certain smugness that you’ve heard come from those with something to gain from another’s misfortune. It even reminded you of Steve.

“Yes... Can I stay here…?”

You hate having to ask. You already have an inkling as to how this’ll go down - something deep inside of you suspected this would happen ever since you wound up in this part of town.

“That depends…” he replies, the modicum of respect you thought he had instantly evaporating.

You can hear it in his voice... You know what he wants. You can’t blame him… but to think it would happen with someone like this…? The thought repulses you, but what’s the alternative? Refuse and have him kick you out? Then you’d be at the mercy of all the men out there! Surely this is the lesser of two evils, right? The group out there would ravage you thoroughly and without restraint, railing you in every hole you had throughout the night. It would be a ****-sentence for your old self. You could do this… it would be nothing but a bad memory in a few days but at least you’d be able to have sex and go back to being-

“Hey, I was askin’ if you got any cash on you? Hello?” he interrupts, placing a hand on your arm.

“Oh… r-right…” You chuckle out, nervously.

Right... He wouldn’t ask for something like that. Of course not. You let a sigh escape your lips, relief washing over you, but also… disappointment? You push it aside and try to forget it.

You open up your purse and reach in, pushing aside the condom and the note Alicia left, trying to find-

You don’t have any cash.

How could you forget!? What is this guy going to do once he finds out you can't pay him off? Will he rat you out? Will he demand something else…? The subtle spike of adrenaline courses through your chest at the thought. Your mind says it’s panic, but another part of you says excitement. Your mind races at the possibilities. What can I do…? How will he respond? You feel a small jostle as he shakes your arm.

“Hello…?”

You open your mouth to reply, but no sound escapes. You need to think of something quick…!