Menu

Less Than Zero - Page 53/60

“I know. Shut up,” Julian screams, choking, covering his head with his hands.

“You act like an arrogant, selfish, ungrateful—”

“Fuck off, you—”

“—little prick.”

“—asshole pimp.”

“Don’t you appreciate what I’ve done for you?” Finn pushes Julian harder against the door. “Huh? Don’t you?”

“Stop it, you ass**le pimp.”

“Don’t you? Answer me. Don’t you?”

“Done for me? You’ve turned me into a whore.” Julian’s face is all red and his eyes are wet and I’m freaking out, just trying to stare at the floor whenever Julian or Finn looks over at me.

“No. I haven’t done that, man,” Finn says quietly.

“What?”

“I didn’t turn you into a whore. You did it yourself.”

The music’s pumping through the walls and I can actually feel it vibrate against my back, almost through me, and Julian’s still looking down and he tries to move or turn away but Finn holds his shoulders back and Julian starts to laugh-cry softly and he tells Finn that he’s sorry.

“I can’t do it anymore .… Please, Finn …”

“Sorry, babe, I just can’t let you go that easily.”

Julian slowly falls to the floor in a sitting position.

Finn has taken out a syringe and a spoon and a book of matches from Le Dome.

“What are you doing?” Julian sniffs.

“My best boy has got to cool down tonight.”

“Finn … But I’m leaving.” Julian starts to laugh. “I really am. I’ve paid my f**king debt. No more. This is it.”

But Finn isn’t listening and he squats down and grabs Julian’s arm and pushes back the jacket sleeve and the shirt and he takes off his own belt and ties it around the arm and slaps at his arm to find a vein and gets one after a while and while he’s heating up something in the deep, silver spoon all Julian keeps saying is “Finn. Don’t.” Finn jabs the needle into Julian’s arm and jiggles it.

“What are you gonna do? You have nowhere to go. You going to tell everyone? That you whored yourself to pay off a drug debt? Man, you are more naive than I thought. But come on, baby, you’ll feel better.”

Disappear Here.

The syringe fills with blood.

You’re a beautiful boy and that’s all that matters.

Wonder if he’s for sale.

People are afraid to merge. To merge.

Finn finally leads Julian out of the bathroom and I follow them and Finn begins to lead Julian up the stairs and, as the two of them make their way up the long staircase, I can see that there’s a door open just a crack at the top of the stairs and the music stops for a minute and I can hear low moans coming from the room, and as Finn leads Julian into the room, a scream suddenly bursts out, and Julian disappears with Finn and the door slams shut. I turn away and leave the house.

After I leave the party, I head for The Roxy, where X is playing. It’s almost midnight and The Roxy is crowded and I find Trent standing near the entrance and he asks me where I’ve been and I don’t say anything and then he hands me a drink. It’s hot in the club and I hold the drink up to my forehead, my face. Trent mentions that Rip’s here and I walk with Trent over to where Rip is, and Trent tells me that they’re going to be singing “Sex and Dying in High Society” any minute now and I say “That’s great.” Rip’s wearing black 501’s and a white X T-shirt and Spin’s wearing a T-shirt that reads: “Gumby. Pokey. The Blockheads” and black 501’s also. Rip comes up to me and the first thing he says is, “There are too many f**king Mexicans here, dude.”

Spin snorts and says, “Let’s kill ’em all.”

Trent must think that this is a pretty good idea because he laughs and nods.

Rip glances at me and says, “Jesus, dude. You look real bad. What’s wrong? Want some coke?”

I manage to actually shake my head and finish Trent’s drink.

A dark boy with a thin mustache and an “Under The Big Black Sun” T-shirt bumps into me and Rip grabs his shoulders and pushes him back into the dancing crowd and shouts “Fuckin’ Spic!”

Spin’s talking to somebody named Ross, and Spin turns to Rip after Rip’s turned away from the stage.

“Listen, Ross has found something in the alley behind Flip.”

“What?” Rip shouts, interested.

“A body.”



Category

Discovering the World of Free Online Novels

In an age where digital access is at our fingertips, the world of literature has evolved significantly. For book lovers and avid readers, the prospect of finding and reading novels for free online is not only exciting but also incredibly convenient. Whether you're looking for classic literature, contemporary fiction, or niche genres, there are countless resources available where you can indulge in your reading passion without spending a dime. Let's explore how you can dive into this literary treasure trove.

Why Read Novels Online for Free?

Reading novels online for free offers numerous advantages. For one, it eliminates the need to purchase physical books, saving you money and space. Additionally, with instant access, you can start reading as soon as you find a novel that piques your interest. Online platforms also allow for a vast selection of genres and authors, including rare or out-of-print titles that might be hard to find elsewhere.

Top Websites to Read Novels for Free

Several websites offer free access to novels, whether you're interested in classics, contemporary works, or indie publications. Here are a few reliable sites:

Legal Considerations

While the idea of free books is appealing, it's essential to ensure you're downloading or reading novels legally. Many websites, like those mentioned above, offer books that are in the public domain or have been released for free distribution by the authors. Always check the licensing terms of a book before downloading it to avoid any legal issues.

Genres to Explore

Whether you’re into romance, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, or historical fiction, there’s a wealth of free online novels available in every genre. Sites like Wattpad and ManyBooks categorize novels by genre, making it easy to find what you’re interested in. If you’re in the mood for something classic, Project Gutenberg has a treasure trove of time-honored works from authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain.

The Rise of Indie Authors

One of the most exciting aspects of reading novels online for free is discovering new voices. Many independent authors publish their work online for free to build an audience. Platforms like Wattpad have become launchpads for these writers, some of whom have gone on to publish bestsellers. By reading these novels, you’re supporting up-and-coming authors and getting in on the ground floor of potentially the next big literary sensation.

Community and Interaction

Reading novels online often comes with the added benefit of community interaction. Platforms like Wattpad allow readers to comment on chapters, interact with authors, and even contribute to the story's development in some cases. This level of engagement can enhance your reading experience, as you become part of a community of like-minded readers.

Accessibility and Convenience

With the ability to read on various devices—be it a smartphone, tablet, or computer—free online novels offer unparalleled convenience. You can carry an entire library in your pocket, ready to be accessed anytime, anywhere. This is particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently or have limited physical space for books.

Conclusion

The availability of free online novels has transformed the reading experience, making it more accessible and diverse than ever before. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature or looking to discover new indie authors, there’s something out there for everyone. By exploring the many free resources available, you can immerse yourself in the world of literature without any cost, and enjoy the freedom to read whatever, whenever you want.

So why wait? Start your journey into the world of free online novels today and discover a universe of stories waiting to be explored.