11
I frown. “What?”
“I said, he wants a night alone with you… tonight.”
“Where?”
“In one of our Escape apartments.”
What the hell?
I don’t know whether to be flattered or horrified. Does he want to see me because he wants to see me, or does he want to pay to have sex with me so he can treat me like the hooker he obviously thinks I am?
“I’m sorry, Eliza, but can you tell him that I’m not a prostitute for sale, and make sure you tell him in those exact words.”
“I’ll give him the message, but you know you don’t have to sleep with him, and he knows that, too.”
I think for a moment. What should I do? I want to see him tonight, but not under these circumstances.
“No. I’m sorry.”
“Okay. I’ll pass on the message.”
“Thank you.” I hang up as the bartender puts my drink on the counter. I pick it up and drink it down. Shit, what fucking next? I would have loved to have had a chance to talk to Cameron, but who in the hell does he think he is?
I sit and stare as I think about the night we could have had if he wasn’t such an asshole. Eventually, I click into Facebook and scroll through my feed. A message pops up from ‘Mechanic’.
I narrow my eyes and open it.
Why don’t you want to see me?
I roll my eyes and I reply.
For a smart man, you really are quite stupid.
He responds.
I want a night with you.
I shake my head and drink my drink as I think of something to reply with. Who the hell does he think he is? I text back.
And I want respect.
A reply arrives quickly.
I do respect you.
What are you talking about?
I shake my head and reply.
No. You demanded I leave my job.
AND
You told me that you couldn’t stop thinking about me, and then you went to a strip club to sleep with someone else!
I imagine him reading my response, and the angry look no doubt on his face.
You told me you were having dinner with your mother…
And then I find you working half naked at the same strip club.
You’re not exactly innocent here.
GIVE ME A BETTER ARGUMENT!
I smirk. He is kind of cute when he’s throwing a tantrum. I bite my thumbnail as I think, what will I write. I text.
Why haven’t you called me?
I wait for his reply.
I don’t have your phone number.
Your file is kept in Jameson’s office.
I can’t exactly go and ask him for it.
I sip my drink and write back.
Whose fault is that?
Oh, that’s right. Yours. You lost your phone.
Oopsie.
I laugh into my glass as I imagine his face.
Don’t make me come over there.
I am so angry with you right now.
Stop fucking with my head.
I think for a moment. He is making an effort, so what should I do? I write back.
I’ve been thinking about you.
“Would you like another drink?” the bartender asks.
I nod. “Yes, please.”
A reply comes in.
I can guarantee you that you haven’t been thinking about me as much as I’ve been thinking about you.
Spend the night with me, Ashley.
My breath catches and I frown as I write back.
I’m not a prostitute, Cameron.
You can’t buy me.
A reply comes in.
I know that.
If I could take you out for dinner, I would.
I can’t, so… think of this as a date in a protected environment.
I smile. A date in a protected environment. I think on it for a while, This could either be really, really stupid, or it could be really, really good. I don’t know what to do. I sip my drink while I sit and think. He messages me again.
So… I will meet you in the Exotic lounge at 9pm?
I inhale sharply as nerves flutter in my stomach. Why am I even contemplating this? I take out my phone and ring Eliza.
“Hello.”
“Hello, Eliza. It’s Ashley…” I murmur.
“Hey, Ashley.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “I’ve been thinking about your offer.”
“Yes.”
“Is it too late to accept?”
“I’ll call him back right away and let him know you’ve changed your mind.”
I smile. “Thank you.”
“Come in two hours earlier tonight and I’ll be here. We can go through everything then.”
I nod. “That would be great. I’m very nervous.”
“Don’t be nervous, dear. He clearly had his heart set on you. He’ll be a very happy man.”
I smile as I imagine the night we’re going to have together. “Thank you. See you tonight.”
“Just turn right there, darling.”
I close my eyes in horror and turn to face Eliza. “I don’t think I can do this.”
Why in the hell didn’t I remember the stupid fashion parade? I’ve been walking up and down this damn catwalk for twenty minutes now and I still can’t get it. I’m wobbling all over the place in these ridiculously high shoes.
“Of course you can. You’re a natural.” She smiles calmly.
I look at her, deadpan.
“We’re just perfecting the delivery, that’s all.”
It’s 9.30 and the Escape Lounge is just about to open. Quite clearly, I didn’t think this through at all. I have to do a fashion parade before I get to see him, and now I wish I’d paid more attention to what the girls do in this stupid line up.
“Ashley, come with me.” Eliza holds her hand out. I nervously take it and follow her out the back where she takes me into a room filled with mirrors. She stands behind me and smiles. “Look at yourself. Take a good look at yourself.”
My eyes rise to the mirror and I stare at my reflection. My honey colored hair is loose and full from my earlier hair appointment. They applied my makeup model style, and because I was so early to arrive here, I got to choose my dress first. It’s amazing—white spaghetti strapped, fitted with tiny crystals that are embedded around the neckline, before it then drops softly to the floor with crystals scattered all over.
It’s super sexy without being cheap. In fact, it kind of looks like a dress you’d see at The Grammy Awards. I have sky-high, silver, strappy heels on. Underneath, I’m wearing a white, lace suspender belt and sheer white stockings with a sexy, matching strapless bra.
“Look at how beautiful you look?” Eliza smiles. “Do you know how blessed the man is going to be who gets you tonight?”
I smile.
“Now, as this is your first night, the men may be quite aggressive in securing your company. I want you to prepare yourself for that.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“New blood—new beautiful blood—means the men will be circling and competing against one another. This is a power game to them, but it’s you who gets to chose who you want.”
I frown.
“You don’t have to pick the man who invited you here. You can choose anyone you want.”
My eyes hold hers. I only want him.
“So, how does it work?” I ask.
“Well, you now can go in and have a few cocktails with the girls, half strength cocktails, of course. You’re not permitted to get drunk while working, but you are expected to drink for pleasure and to relax. Then the fashion show will begin.”
I nod. “Okay.”
“Once that’s finished, the Escape men are invited into the private lounge area for cocktails and that’s when it becomes interesting.”
“What do you mean?”
“You get to choose, and they know that, so they will be asserting their power over you.”
I feel a nervous flutter in my stomach.
“Some men won’t compete for you at all because they have their favorite girl and will be too busy pursuing her. Some men will be breaking their neck to be with you on your first night.”
I blow out a deep breath. This is hectic. What if nobody competes for me at all?
Oh my God. Horror dawns. What if Cameron doesn’t show up at all and I have to choose someone else?
Holy fuck.
“I don’t want you to be rattled. Just take your time and choose who you want.” She smiles calmly. Is she kidding? This is just a walk in the park for her.
“What happens then?” I ask nervously. The thought that Cameron might not be here sets my heart into overdrive.
“It happens quite quickly from there. You will leave alone with him and go to your room.”
I swallow the lump in my throat.
“You will have champagne and canapés, and you may order dinner, cocktails, or anything you want from room service. We have butlers at your service.”
I watch her intently as my mind goes wild.
“You don’t have to have sex with him. You don’t even have to kiss him, but you are expected to be good company, make him laugh, make him feel sexy. Give him intelligent conversation.”
“How many of the women end up having sex with the clients?” I ask.
Her eyes hold mine. “To be honest… all of them. The men are gorgeous and powerful. This is a gift that our girls are given—a night with a beautiful man without consequence or judgement. A night where they can leave their morals at the door and enjoy being a virile woman and have their sexual fantasies met for a change. But, Ashley, beware and listen to this very carefully: these men, if you let them, will have you under their spell in a minute. Don’t ever fall in love. It’s dangerous to your sanity.”
I frown, because I’m already under his spell.
“There’s a spa bath and a pool on the rooftop. Whoever you choose is yours to do what you wish with,” she continues.
I swallow nervously.
She turns me back to face the mirror. “Now look at yourself, Ashley.”
I stare at the girl in front of me, and I hate to admit it, but I’m kind of excited. This is so far from anything I could have ever imagined, and I look good. I know I look good… but this catwalk thing is freaking me out.
“I’m just nervous, Eliza. Do I really have to do the walk?”
She thinks for a moment. “What if you come out on stage, but don’t actually do the catwalk?”
“Could I?” I ask hopefully. “It’s just these shoes. I’m not used to them and I don’t want to wobble and make a fool of myself.”
“Fine,” she concedes. “But you will have to learn how to walk properly before the next time.”
I smile. “Okay. Deal.” There won’t be a next time, but she doesn’t have to know that.
She smiles warmly. “Let’s go and get those cocktails.”
I stand at the side of the stage as I watch the girls float up and down the catwalk. Club Exotic has come to a stand still as the crowd watch the Escape Girl show in awe. The bottom level of the club is filled with men, and as I glance out behind the curtain, I realize I can’t see mine.
What if he’s not here?
What if I have to choose someone else?
I glance around nervously as I try to calm down.
He will come… stop it. Of course he will come.
The second track comes on, and I know at the end of this song, on track three, I have to show myself to the men. My heart starts to pound and I close my eyes as I try to block out the fear.
How the fuck did he talk me into this?
Protected environment. How the fuck is this a protected environment?
Oh my God. Oh my God. I’m about to hyperventilate.
“You’re up.”
I glance around to the girl who just tapped me on the shoulder. “What?”
“It’s your turn.”
I close my eyes in horror as the song changes. Candy Shop
The sexy beat blasts through the club.
I'll take you to the candy shop
I'll let you lick the lollipop
Go 'head girl don't you stop
Keep going 'til you hit the spot
I walk out onto the stage to find all of the girls lined up on the catwalk, and I stand as I put both of my hands on my hips in the center of them.
The men’s eyes hungrily scan my body, and then I see their chins all lift as if accepting the challenge they’ve just been issued. The girls smile sexily as they face me, and in a well-rehearsed move, they all gift me with a welcoming round of applause.
I smile and nod in thanks. Two girls on the end of the catwalk walk up and take my hand to lead me to the end of the catwalk, and the sexy beat blares out as I stand still. Finally, after what seems like an hour, I’m lead from the stage.
“Holy shit,” I whisper. “That was bizarre.” I shake my head in disbelief that I actually went through with it.
“You did great.” They all laugh.
“Oh my God, he’s here,” one girl gushes as she peeks around the curtain. “I knew it was him.”
“I didn’t see him,” another girl says.
“Who?” I frown.
“Blake Stevens,” another whispers as she takes her place to spy through the crack of the black velvet curtain.
My eyes widen. “Blake Stevens. The formula one driver?” What the hell? This guy is one of the most eligible bachelors in the world. What in the world is he doing here?
He’s gorgeous, too.
“Yes. Oh my God!” The girls all chatter excitedly and practically run back to makeup to reapply their lip gloss.
I didn’t see Cameron, and I’m feeling like I want to run out of here as fast as I can.
“Vivienne,” Eliza calls me from the other room. “You’re needed in here, please?”
I close my eyes as I try to mentally prepare myself. “Okay,” I call.
I walk into the adjoining room to see the girls all in a group near the large, black double doors that go out into the Escape Lounge. They are laughing and jovial, like this is the most fun they have ever had in their lives.
I suppose it would be if you weren’t so nervous that you felt like you were going to throw up.
You can do this, but you need to get over yourself, Ashley.
The double doors are soon opened, and the girls all breeze out into the lounge. I hear the men’s jovial chatter float through from the other room. I stand quietly at the back of the group.
Eliza notices my trepidation and walks up to me. “You doing okay?”
“I’m not sure I can do this,” I whisper. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”
She smiles warmly. “Of course you can and you picked exactly the right night to debut. We have some very powerful men here tonight.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “The race car driver?” I whisper.
She leans into me. “We have the president of one of USA’s allies.”
My eyes widen.
“We have two men who are in the wealthiest list.” She smiles knowingly. “We have two famous actors, three well known football players, and we have the head of the United States Marine Corps.” She winks sexily. “All gorgeous. All experienced at bestowing pleasure upon our lucky ladies.”
Holy crap. What about a doctor? Do you have any doctors?
“You get first choice, Vivienne. Decide on the man you want to please you tonight.”
I swallow nervously.
“Come on, dear.” She smiles as she takes my hand in hers and leads me into the other room where I am handed a Margarita. The men’s eyes all fall to me and I nearly slide down onto the floor to hide. I feel like I’m the newest exhibit in a zoo.
I can feel the hungry eyes roam over my body as they imagine what they could do with me.
“Gentlemen.” Eliza smiles as she holds her hands up to me. “I’m sure you have all noticed that we have someone debuting tonight. May I introduce you to the delectable Vivienne Jones.”
I smile and drop my eyes to the ground in embarrassment.
“As you all know, she will be picking first tonight, and will be making her choice in five minutes.” She smiles and tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear. “It will be quite a night for one of you. She has something very special.”
The men fall silent and, without making eye contact with any of them, I sip my drink.
Where’s Cameron? Why can’t I see him?
I down my drink and grab another from a passing tray.
Eliza smiles and the group go silent. “Gentlemen, make your intentions known.”
What does that mean?
Most of the men come and stand in front of me and I instantly feel myself frown. What the hell are they doing? And then, one by one, they introduce themselves. The first two are older, distinguished, and handsome. The next man has longish dark hair and doesn’t take my fancy at all.
The next man is blonde and gorgeous. He picks up my hand and kisses the back of it.
“My name is Blake Stevens.” His lips linger on the back of my hand, and I feel myself flutter. Oh my… I know who you are.
“Nice to meet you, Blake,” I whisper.
The next two men are obviously the gridiron players and are huge and muscular. Holy crap… they could do some damage. Those are some lucky girls who get them tonight.
The next group of men are all gorgeous and well mannered… but where is he? Why isn’t he here?
I start to hear my heartbeat in my ears as I begin to panic.
The next man is a face I know. It’s the man who has followed me around out in the lounge a few times.
Oh no. He picks up my hand and kisses it. “Miss Vivienne, I’m looking forward to our night together.”
“I don’t think so,” a voice snaps, and I turn to see Cameron standing behind me.
I smile with relief. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to see someone in my life.
“Hello,” he whispers as our eyes hold each other’s.
I smile softly. “Hello,” I breathe.
He came.
Oh, he’s so beautiful, he’s wearing a dark grey suit, a light blue shirt, and a tie. He looks orgasmic. Standing taller than the other men, I instantly feel myself drawn to him.
“Who will it be, Vivienne?” Eliza smiles.
What… now? I have to choose now? “Oh—” I’m cut off by the man I sort of know from outside in the club.
“I would like to offer a twenty-five thousand dollar tip to Vivienne if she picks me,” he announces.
My face falls. What? Twenty-five thousand dollars?
The girls around me gasp and my eyes flicker to Eliza. She smirks knowingly.
“Fifty thousand,” one of the other men snaps.
My eyes widen as the girls begin to gasp. Is this uncommon? What the hell is going on here? Fifty thousand dollars to spend a night with me? Is this a joke?
“One-hundred thousand,” Blake Steven’s adds.
“One twenty,” the first bidder bites back.
I swallow the lump in my throat as the room begins to spin. That is so much money.
The room falls silent as they all wait for my reply.
“Who will it be, Vivienne?” Eliza asks. “The gentleman are all more than willing to pay a hefty tip to you for your company.”
I look around the room and my eyes find Cameron’s. “What’s your offer, sir?” I ask softly.
“No tip.” A trace of amusement crosses his face. “And no sex.”
The men who have been bidding all burst into laughter. “No sex,” one calls. “Are you fucking mad?”
My heart starts to beat harder and harder.
He gets it.
This isn’t about the sex or the money.
I slowly walk closer and stand before him as the room falls silent again.
“Are you a betting man, sir?” I ask him.
He raises a brow. “I am.”
I pick up his tie and gently run it between my fingers. “I would like to bet you fifty dollars that I can get you to do whatever I want tonight.”
He smirks. “I think we both know that that’s a bet you have already won.”
I smile softly as emotion overcomes me. “I pick you,” I whisper
“I pick you, too.” He carefully lifts my hand and kisses the back of it. Our eyes are locked on each other and I can hardly breathe. Suddenly, we remember where we are and he takes my hand in his before he leads me out of the room, while the other men move their attention to the next girl. We stand and wait in silence for the elevator to arrive to take us to our room. The electricity running between us is like nothing I have ever experienced before. I look up at him and he smiles softly down on me.
“You look beautiful,” he whispers as his eyes drop to my lips.
“So do you,” I breathe.
The elevator doors open and he leads me in. I turn to face the door and he stands behind me. The door slowly shuts and he pushes my hair to one side as his lips drop to my neck. My eyes close instantly. The feel of his lips gently kissing my skin is so damn good.
He kisses my neck, softly at first, again and again and then, as if losing control, he bites me hard and I whimper. He grabs my hipbone and pulls me back so I can feel how hard he is behind me.
“You have no idea how badly I want you,” he whispers in my ear causing goosebumps to erupt, and whether it’s his breath on my skin or the sound of his words that nearly make me convulse, I will never know.
He sucks my skin as my knees nearly buckle from underneath me. “Cameron,” I whimper.
I’ve never had this—had a man that is so in tune with my body before. It’s as if he knows exactly what to do, exactly where to touch me, and exactly what to say.
The door of the elevator opens and he snaps out of his daydream, takes my hand, and retrieves the key to the room from his pocket.
I frown as a sense of sadness swipes through me that he knows the drill here.
How many times has he done this before? Has he slept with any women that were downstairs with me?
“What’s wrong?” he asks, sensing my disapproval.
Get a grip of yourself. He doesn’t need to explain his past. God knows you haven’t even scratched the surface of yours, I remind myself.
I fake a smile. “Nothing.”
He watches me for a moment. “Just say it.”
I shrug, embarrassed.
“What?”
“How many times have you been here before, Cameron?”
He shrugs and rolls his lips as he contemplates his answer.
“It doesn’t matter,” I whisper. “Sorry for asking. I know it doesn’t matter.”
“Does it matter to you?”
I drop my eyes to the carpet in front of me. “It shouldn’t.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
He’s got me. I nod softly.
He cups my face with his hand and lifts it so that our eyes meet. “I only wanted to meet you here because I knew you needed the money.”
I frown.
“This is the last place on Earth I want to see you.”
A lump forms in my throat.
“You belong in my home.” He pauses and kisses me gently. “In my bed.”
Of all the things he could have said, that’s what I needed to hear the most.
“I don’t want you to judge me because I work here,” I murmur.
“I won’t.”
“I’m not here for the money tonight,” I whisper as he kisses me softly. “I’m here for you.”
He stills for a moment and looks up the hall toward our room, and then back down on me. “I don’t want you staying here.”
I frown.
“Come home with me.”
“What? I can’t. I’ll get into trouble.” I frown.
“Nobody will know. There’s a separate exit.”
“Cam…”
“If we stay here...” He frowns as he thinks. “This is always where our first date will be.”
I smile softly. Why does he insist on getting better and better? I put both of my arms around his neck and lean in to kiss him gently. “I like how you think,” I whisper through a smile.
He smirks against my lips and drops his hand to my ass. “I like you more. Now let’s get out of here.”