Huricain- thanks for your review and watch out...lots more to come

'you lying, double faced, backstabbing, bastard! How could you?' I was seething. My mind seeing red completely gone insane with deep rooted loathing. I'd trusted him, with everything. And he'd betrayed me. I was thrashing wildly my hands itching to wrap themselves around his thick neck and squeeze until all breath left his body, until he was squirming like an insect at my feet pleading mercy. My jagged nails were dreaming of embedding themselves on his face and scratch at every square inch, hurt him in every place possible. And I would have mind you, if my hands would not be tied securely behind my back – courtesy of Luke traitorous Castellan who knew me too well.

He looked at me imploringly. His face the picture of perfect innocence and regret. Faker. No more would I fall for his savage looks.

'Annabeth don't you see? I had to do it! I had to escape, I have accomplices in the right places, a chance at life, I have to leave you and embrace the future you were hindering me from.' His eyebrows were drawn together in sympathy, voice soft, with an edge, reprimanding me like a child. Does he really believe this crap? What happened to my warm loving Luke? Had I been anonymously harbouring a mad man?

'What about my future?' I let a strangled cry 'my chance at life? Luke, I thought we were friends, I thought you cared about me. 7 years! 7 years we've fought together and on occasions almost died together. What happened to you? Why are you doing this to me? How could you? Will you seriously leave me here to rot in some old bachelor's home?' by now the tears were free flowing down my face. But I didn't care. I was useless, defenceless and weak.

'Annabeth of course I care about you. Can't you see this is the best for you under the circumstances. Think about it a little. You'll get to marry some rich guy and live in comfort more than what you could have attained on your own. Look what you've come from. You were born through suspicions – ah- questionable methods, brought up on the streets- a slum girl, you've spent your life like a homeless- squatting at least this way someone actually wants you! Annie I've given you the best future you could ever have even in freedom.'

Wow! You know the saying stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt…! Well whoever said that is a brainless idiot. Each word's like a dagger to the heart, piercing its way through every barrier I'd worked so hard to construct around my heart. Thudding, over and over again with each insult. And the worst thing? It was true, every word. I was a nobody destined for nothing. Luke meanwhile was a rich escapee with broad horizons, his looks bringing many a wealthy woman to fall for him.

'And besides' He adds ' I only have enough money for 2 tickets.'

'just a second' I shot back my anger rekindled 'I only have enough money for 2 tickets? I? can I remind you Mr high and mighty that I was the whore who slaved like a dog, got beaten, mocked, whipped' my voice cracked with the entourage of memories that engulfed me. 'and abused on a daily basis so you could pay off your crime debt and get the both of us the hell away from here. 'my eyes narrowed. 'There was no crime debt Luke, was there?' he smiled.

'you're learning fast Annie' a single tear escaped my eye as I clenched them shut, the last of my self control slipping away into the oblivion. I knew we couldn't escape with the astronomical fee on his head, so I'd pushed myself to the breaking point to scrape together the amount. But as evident there was no debt.

I'd cared so much for him, I'd given up so much for him, but for what? My feelings were quite one sided as he exploited my weaknesses. He'd never wanted me but rather needed me, milking me out till I had no value, he disposes of me now.

'Remember my pretty circus friend Annie? Kelly the equestrian?'

Flashback

'happy birthday dear Annabeth, happy birthday dear Annabeth, happy birthday to you.' Luke sang warmly, eyes dancing in the glow of the fire. ' come on, open up your present already.' Turning all but 12 on the streets, I knew that whatever he would give me would be worthless but priceless. Much to my shock however as I striped the brown paper two slips of white parchment feathered to the ground. I couldn't read and he knew it, what game was he playing? He smiled broadly jumping up and down.

'Its tickets Annie, to the circus!' I laughed, giddy with happiness, punching the air euphorically.

'Yes!yes!yes! Oh, Luke' I ran and embraced him 'I love you so much, this is the best present ever!' he held me tighter.

'Aww, love you too princess.'

'How did you get the tickets?' I knew they didn't come cheap. He chuckled, the sound reverberating in his chest.

'Don't ask, darling.'

The circus night was the most magical night of my life (a/n this is the greatest show…). Flying women, cowboys, strongmen, talking puppets you name it the circus had it all. Lights blinded me, music deafened me and the circus just amazed me. Oh, how I'd love to run away with them, break free of my sufferings. As the show drew to a halt Luke and I faltered to approach some of the artist. I eagerly approached Daedalus, his genius astounding me. He explained how he'd worked the radii of the ring in order to fully encompass the circumference the monkeys could leap to attain the most force. Amazing. I turned to look for Luke and to my amazement I saw he was flirting with one of the ladies. Around 15 she was the stunner of the show. Black glossy hair falling in torrents around her snow-white neck, her eyes encased in equally glossy goth lashes, her lips the perfect shade of pink, eyes as black as the darkest of nights. She was stunning. And she knew it. She flaunted her body in a tight silver spangled costume, thrusting her breasts at every remotely good looking guy, especially now with Luke. He was getting the royal tour of her. I watched as he kissed her goodnight – on her cheek but still- and bid her farewell. And I fumed. He always said I was the only girl in his life. I didn't speak to him for the rest of the night. The crime debts began 2 weeks later.

'The busty teen, with an alter ego? What about her?' I asked, uptight.

'we've been going out for a while now sponsored by you dear Annie. Oh, the places we've been, the things we did…' he smirked. My angry spark was fully extinguished now, replaced by a sad melancholy feeling of emptiness. The cuddles, the warmth, experiences we've been through together, were they all for naught? As worthless and baseless as his conscious and soul? I'd been well tricked, well duped. And now he was leaving me to rot in his own sh*t. like every other 'gentleman' I'd ever known.

What was wrong with me? How did this always happen to me? How was I able to be betrayed by every man I know? By the ones I thought cared about me. First there was father; Fredrik. Brilliant, eccentric and uninterested in anything that had to do with his daughter. Ditching his wife for a flashier more attractive one, sidestepping his daughter for two fine sons and then finally fully abandoning her with no note, no goodbye. Then Bob her master who'd forced her to work for him under false monetary pretence only to run to the police and fabricate a story when she demanded her wages. And then there was Dylan. Sweet, cocky, dreamy Dylan – her first boyfriend who'd asked her out on a date only to then nick her wallet and disappear. And now here again. Luke. Handsome, amazing, caring Luke was selling her off on the sex market, like cattle. Worthless. Betrayal must be stamped on my face, I decided. He was going to use my blood money to take him and his girlfriend to safety, freedom in another country.

'Just go' I whispered 'And don't let me ever see you again you snivelling coward'

Wow! Chapter 3, I loved writing this chapter. Feisty, tempers and drama, yep a recipe for disaster. Pls review and keep in mind – This is my first fanfic ever! Be nice…. Feel free to PM me with any queries or advice.