Page 39 of Merciless

“No, Ella.”

“Please.”

“No. Absolutely not. You need your money.”

“This is for you.”

She holds a hand up. “I said no.”

“And I heard you.” I place the money on the side table beside her tea. “Add it to the treatment fund.”

Her eyes fill, and she looks away quickly. “I can’t take this from you.”

“Yes, you can.”

“I won’t.”

“You will.”

“Ellie—”

“Mom.” My voice breaks a little. I hate that. “Please. The clinic won’t even schedule the first appointment without the deposit.”

Her mouth trembles. “I know that.”

“Then take it.”

She stares at the money as if it might burn her. “Where did it come from?”

I knew she’d ask. Still, the lie sticks in my throat. “A bonus,” I say.

“A bonus?”

“Yes.”

“For what?”

“For doing a good job.”

Mom tilts her head. “Arthur Vexley gave you a five-hundred-dollar bonus for doing a good job?”

“Nathaniel did.”

“Nathaniel?”

“Nathaniel Vexley.”

“Not Arthur Vexley?”

My stomach drops. That would have made more sense, but I’m in too deep now. She’ll think I’m lying. Which, of course, I am.

“No,” I say. “Nathaniel.”

Mom leans back slowly. “What did you do for Nathaniel Vexley that earned you five hundred dollars?”

“Nothing like what you’re thinking.”

“I didn’t say it was.”