I actually preferred I was out in the streets smuggling cocaine than trying to sneak into the boy's locker room. It smelled so masculine in there I was certain I was going to puke. I waited till I was sure there were no other boys in before sneaking in. Jake wasn't even in there but before I could panic, he tapped me.

"Take this." He said shoving a piece of paper in my face. I collected it and skimmed through.

"What do you mean in case of physical damage? What is this?"

"I drafted a little contract as a way for you to compensate me. "

"You're asking me to be your slave. How does that sound like a compensation?" There was something about Jake that made me want to scream and rip my hair off my head. He was arrogant, rude and an asshole.

"I can tell you something about you. What's with the stubborn facade. You know you're in debt and you're too poor to pay but your pesky pride won't let you. There's nothing to be proud of. Sign the contract."

I was so livid I wanted to scream but I didn't. I couldn't risk being caught in there. Instead, I signed the contract. I forced a smile on my face. "I hope you're happy."

"Elated."

My mood for the rest of the day was ruined.

...

The rain started as early as three a.m and till eight, there wasn't any sign of it subsiding. The gloomy clouds only gave the school a more depressing vibe. Jake hadn't texted or called or talked to me in two days and as much as I wished I could say I was happy, I was petrified.

Another yawn escaped my lips and I needed to sleep urgently. There wasn't anybody in the corridor and I was glad. I made a bed out of my bag and school blazer on one of the benches and closed my eyes, hoping to open them in less that thirty minutes.

They opened not because I pleased but someone kept poking me. I sat up and Jake was squatting to face me. His eyes were on my lips and my foggy brain told me he wanted to kiss me. I was repulsed but as the sleep cleared, it seemed he was too. There was a drool trail on my face. From my lip right to my forehead. Embarrassment was my middle name. Lisa Embarrassment Thompson.

"What?"

"I bought a new jacket."

I forced a smile. "Congratulations on your purchase. Go away let me sleep."

"This is a very dangerous place to sleep. You'll get into trouble."

"Like you care. Why don't you go ahead and report me because it seems that's the only thing you're good at."

There was a look on his face like he was considering something. It disappeared as soon as it appeared. "Whatever. Suit yourself. Go get me a soda from the vending machine."

"Am I your slave?"

"Yes. Preferably something grape. Hurry. "

I had to go. That stupid contract. "

...

We were to have history but our teacher had a family emergency and had to leave. We had nothing to do but gossip. Anastasia and Mona were at my table discussing a new shade of nail polish. We'd have been friends if we had common ground. We had nothing to talk about except Jake and it was obvious I didn't want him to be in my conversation.

I was reading a book when a piece of wet tissue landed on the side of my face. The whole class went silent and I curnsed under my breath. Jake was demanding my attention. I went to his desks, two rows beside mine with a smile. "Yes. How may I be of help to you?". The other members of H4 and two girls were surrounding him.

The girls stared me down even though left to me I wouldn't even breath the same air as him.

"Six cans of grape soda from the hangout. I want the cold ones."

"No way."

"It's legally bound. You'll pay for breach of contract."

I groaned. The hangout was three stories above us and my legs couldn't take the stress. I did have to do it though. I went to the place and I realized that stupid me didn't ask for the code. Taking my phone out, I called Jake a total number of sixteen times. My call was either ignored or declined. I went back down and he told me the code.

Midway, I forgot it so I had to go back down. I cursed myself because not only was I exhausted, I was panting like a dog. I got the sodas (not before resting my legs a bit) and went back down.

"Here are your drinks. You're welcome. "

"Cookies." He said not even bothering to turn to me. I went back up and came down with the whole freaking jar in my hands. It seemed like the only person he didn't acknowledge me was Jake. Elliot even thanked me twice.

"Water. Sparkling." Before I could go for another round of torture, the bell rang. I went to carry my bag for my next class. Jake still barely sent a glance my way.

...

The WiFi in Mabel's house was down and if not for the fact that I was busy with my aimless doom scrolling, I would've never gone to Ryan's room. His was at the farthest end of the corridor. Luckily Mabel wasn't around to sense me lurking around her son's room.

I knocked on the door and it was only after I didn't get a reply that I opened the door. Ryan was on his bed doing exactly what I was doing. Aimless use of the internet.

"The WiFi is working for you? It ain't for me."

"Me neither. I'm using our neighbors'. They're going to throw a tantrum if they find out."

"Can you share the password?"

"And what do I get in return?"

I thought of what he could possibly want and my mind came up almost blank. "Well I can't get out of the house if that's what will make you happy."

He stretched his hand asking for my phone and I gave him without any argument. "If we won't be leaving already. Mom got a promotion."

"No shit. You're moving to a new neighborhood." I didn't know how I was supposed to feel about the news because I was sure I wasn't exactly happy for them.

"No idiot. A new country. I'm going to Hong Kong in less than a month."

My mouth formed an o. There was only one thing on my mind. 'what about me?!'

It was one of those few days I decided to stroll a little before calling a taxi. I didn't get out of the gate before Jake was standing in front of me.

"Come. Let's go." He already started pulling me by my arm.

"Where are we going?"

"Shopping."

"No thank you." I hurriedly changed my mind before I was forced to remember my terrible fate. "I mean sure. "

We reached the parking lot where his car was and I got in before even he could. He got in too and started the ignition.

"We won't be long right? I'm so hungry I could eat a horse." I already started tapping my huge ass belly.

"You ate two mega burgers not up to an hour ago. That's not healthy."

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "What are you? My nutritionist. I have to be strong and healthy you know. That's achieved by eating."

That was the last thing either of us said till we left the school area. Jake drove pass all the stores down into the more suburban part of the city and I was confused.

"Is this some sort of kidnap. Where are we going?"

"Your home." He said like it was an absurd thing of me to ask that question.

"W-what do you mean my home? How do you know my home?"

There was a lopsided grin on his face I came to conclude was fake. "How don't I know your home? I do my research Miss. Thompson."

"I can accuse you of stalking me. You'll get your ass arrested."

"I have no problem with that as long as you submit evidence. "

He didn't respond and I came to the conclusion it was a Jake thing to make sure I was left hanging. Mabel wasn't at home and neither was Ryan and man was I sure glad. I came down first but Jake didn't make any attempt to even undo his seatbelt.

"You're not coming in?"

"There's no need to. You're just changing clothes." I watched his gaze as he stared at the house. There was nothing demeaning about it.

"So why couldn't I have followed you in my school uniform? I would've just come back and slept naked."

"You sleep naked?"

A blush climbed up my neck. "Shut up. I'll be back in less than 20 minutes." I dismissed before the conversation could get awkward.

"If you're not out here in thirty seconds, I'll file a missing persons report."

I hoped he was joking. I came back in a pair of jeans and the jumper I wore the first day we met. Since it'd gotten colder, I had a coat and scarf round my neck.

"Did I take too long?" I asked getting back in his car.

"Yes. I thought you were abducted by aliens."

Jake put the car in drive and we went to the mall. It was only when he parked and we alighted the vehicle that he looked at my clothing.

"Take fashion advice from someone who actually knows how to dress okay? Try darker colours. They match your skin shade."

"Understood Christian Dior."

He rolled his eyes at my snarky comment. We went inside and the first store Jake was entering was one my father almost broke my legs for because I asked if we could go there on my birthday. They sold the coolest most beautiful jackets known to man.

"Listen up. I'm about to teach you fashion."

I smiled faintly, still greatly fascinated at the beauty. "No thanks. I'm good".

"Well I don't care."

All the time we were going through stores, I had to listen to a very irrelevant fashion lesson. 'the collar is too high.' 'the seams look better if you match it with blue'. By the time I had eight bags in my hand, I was exhausted. We were currently in the dressing room where Jake was trying on a shirt.

The attendant gave us a look as if asking why I was there. I wondered the same thing too. My stomach rumled and I figured it was high time to tell the truth. "I'm starving."

"Fair enough. You've had enough time to digest your meal. Help me get this shirt on." That was the first time I actually turned to look at him as he changed. My mouth was wide opened and it wasn't because Jake had a hot body , it was the fact that this hot body was littered with scars.

"You take up pro wrestling? What's with all the wounds?"

"You'll understand when you're a Demidov."

"I knew you were in the mafia."

Jake did something that sounded like laughing but wasn't . "You're an idiot." He didn't wear the shirt anymore but still bought it. We finally went to a nice fancy restaurant in the heart of the complex.

"What do you want to eat?" Jake asked flipping through the menu. Something told me he knew it by heart but still checked out of habit.

"Uh anything you're having. I'm not familiar with the menu."

He scoffed. "That's fancy talk for I've never been here before and I don't know what to order because all these foods sound weird."

"Oh my god a mind reader."

"I'm having a salad. Is that what you'd like also?"

"No. Get me something that'll make me add fifty pounds by tonight."

"Glutton."

A waitress came to attend to us and I was fascinated by her freckles. I was too engrossed in them I didn't realize she was asking for our orders. Luckily Jake did all the talking. She smiled politely and left.

"Why did you look at her like that?"

"Because she is beautiful. God I could stare at her all day."

"Please don't be weird."

Another waiter brought us water and wine - as per Jake's request. I didn't see myself drinking that thing. The waitress came back with our order and I dug in. It wasn't amazing but anything to make me sated was well accepted.

We ate in silence because Jake was too busy updating his Instagram feed. I wondered if we would've talked if he wasn't busy. I doubted.

"Okay let's go. We don't have all day." He said signalling the waitress got our bill.

"Where are we going?"

"My home. You have a whole list of chores to do."

"Excuse you what?"

During the drive to Jake's house, I was expecting us to stop at an apartment complex and not an actual house. It was two stories high, two garage doors and a garden big enough to build another house on. I could see a pool in the distance too.

"Wait, are your parents home? I don't really flow well with adults. Won't they ask questions?"

"No."

"To what?"

"Please shut up and collect these bags. "

Knowing my place, I collected the bags and followed him inside. The interior of the house had almost everything in glass. A very huge contrast to what I was expecting.

"Go to the kitchen and ask for Nancy." He said climbing up the stairs and apparently forgetting I didn't even know where the kitchen was. I walked randomly what thebk my amazing sense of direction because I found it. There was a lady no more than five years older than me in there.

"Uh. Nancy? Jake sent me here."

She gave me the strangest look I had ever seen on a human being before. I had to pinch my cheeks to check if even I was real. "Is there something on my face?"

"Jake? As in Jake Demidov sent you here? Are you sure you're not an intruder?"

"I'm not. We went shopping before coming here. I can show you the receipts if you please."

Surprisingly, she does ask for it and I have to fish them out of my pocket. They actually matched my story like I knew they would. "Why do you seem so surprised to see me." I said taking the receipts back.

"Um because Jake has never brought any one home let alone a girl. I'm astonished to say the least."

"Are you Nancy?"

There was a look on her face I understood seconds later. "I'm not. I'm her granddaughter. Nancy died a few weeks ago."

"Oh my god I'm so sorry."

She dismissed my concern with a shrug. "You didn't kill her so why are you apologizing? It's alright. Come let's go up to his room. I'm sure those bags are heavy."

"They are. My hands are almost shaking."

She laughed a little as she led me out of the large space. The stairs was found with very little difficulty and off we went. "Are you his girlfriend?"

I sputtered. "No, I just ruined his sixteen million jacket and now I'm a slave to him till I graduate."

"The pogo jacket I'm guessing. You're lucky he didn't ask for your soul."

It was my turn to laugh and then it hit me. "I don't even know your name."

"I'm Marlene. You're?"

"Lisa."

"Good. Then I can leave Jake to you then."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Grandma asked I take care of him till someone else does. That's you then."

"Wait, can't he take care of himself?"

"No wonder my eyes have been twitching. You're gossiping about me." Jake was standing in the doorway of the room opposite the one Marlene and I were standing.

"Was showing Lisa around. I'll leave her to you then. You'll have to microwave dinner whenever you and Hazel are hungry."

"Who's Hazel?" Jake spared me a glance but didn't answer the question.

He turned back to Marlene. "Thanks. I'm sorry I suspended your schooling. You don't have to come over anymore."

"Don't have to doesn't mean I can't. Bye then. Lisa, nice meeting you."

Jake and I smiled at her, just mine looked more human than whatever facial contortion he had on.

"So, who's Hazel?"

A little girl ran out of the room. "I'm Hazel."

I squatted to her level and ruffled her hair. I noticed she and Jake had similar features, save the fact she was missing a few teeth. "Aren't you the cutest thing ever."

She smiled at me briefly. "Who are you?" she asked half paying attention to the iPad in her hands.

"She's the new nanny". Jake answered instead. I smacked his leg granted it was the only place I could reach.

"No. I'm your brother's friend. Lisa."

"Hi Lisa -" Jake cut her off maybe to prevent her from saying something rude or embarrassing.

"Go back inside okay. I'll show Lisa something."

"Okay. Bring more candy." She said shutting the door.

"She's cute. How old is she?"

The pleasantness on his face waned a bit. Guess we weren't that close. "I'll leave the bags here then. I've gotta have dinner anyways."

"Not so fast. You have chores. Get a move at it. You'll eat here when you're done."

I never considered myself a hard worker at all so the thought of doing chores irked me. I barely did anything in Mabel's home. He signalled me to follow him and after a few steps, we stopped at a door with a huge J sign on it.

"Well go on in. It won't clean itself."

I opened the door and I swear my eyes watered. "It smells like something died in here. You sleep here."

"No, he sleeps with me." Hazel said resurfacing. Her iPad was replaced with a huge bag of popcorn.

"Why? He should be a big boy and clean his room. Don't let him sleep in there anymore."

"I have nightmares. Jakey stays with me so I won't be afraid."

I glanced at said Jakey. Still the same old bored expression. I walked inside the moist and smelly room making sure to open the windows first. A gush of fresh air came in and I didn't have to hold my breath anymore.

"Why were the windows closed?"

"To hide the smell of the corpse." There was a mischievous grin on his face I hoped was just a joke. The thought of him being in the mafia wasn't completely eliminated from my thoughts. "Well, get cleaning. Come Hazel time for a bath."

The went back to the other room leaving me with a mini city junkyard. There were heaps of dirty clothes in every corner. Some were even covered in vomit or blood. That was the leading cause of the smell. I put the soiled clothes in one pile for burning and another for washing. The other reason for the smell was the rotten box of pizza. It was untouched and I could only assume why it was.

Getting that out, I cleared the floor of the empty wrappers, random papers and equally soiled tissues. Changing the sheets was the hardest thing to do probably. Jake had such a big bed, I couldn't move from one end to the other with ease. After grunting and a little pep talk, the room was finally habitable.

"I see you're done. Dinner's ready." The Demidov children seemed to have the ability to walk silently. I turned round startled but Jake was already out the door. We walked downstairs in silence and even sat - not at the table mind you, but on the floor - and ate in silence. When I was done, I thanked Jake for the meal, told Hazel goodbye, and was out the door.