Chapter 37

Just before two p.m., Jane heads down to the ballroom, her ballerina outfit covered by a long, cotton overcoat. She stands out from the crowd of people wearing shorts and tank tops, like a princess with an elaborate gown walking through the crowd. People look at her with a feeling of awe, thinking she somehow looks regal.

She opens the doors and a waft of cool air comes out. The floor is made of a fine bamboo, and one of the walls is made of glass, looking out onto the beach. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

She takes off her overcoat and hangs it on the hook. She does a toe-heel step around the room, as well as a few twirls. It feels like she hasn’t danced in ages. She usually dances every day, sometimes twice a day. Her body feels stiff from traveling and all the stress of the past few days.

Jane doesn’t hear the ballroom door open behind her. Brad stands by the wall and watches while she moves and twirls, getting lost in her own world. He moves his head to the side and takes in her delicate nature, so gentle, soft, kind, and graceful, yet bold. Exactly what he saw that night at the theatre.

Jane spins, and spins, and spins, then notices Brad there. She stops, feeling shocked and a bit embarrassed.

“Oh, how long have you been here?” she asks meekly.

“Long enough to see how beautiful and talented you are,” he says.

He knows all the right words to make Jane feel at ease. She gently walks over to him and gives him a peck on the cheek.

“Is that all?” Brad asks, grabbing her by the waist, pulling her into him, and kissing her on the lips. Jane surrenders and feels so safe. She loves being held by him. When they stop, he looks at her and moves her hair aside.

“Jane Bryden, you keep getting more and more beautiful the longer I know you,” he says.

“Well, how can that happen?” she says, with a smile on her face.

“Because you are beautiful inside and out,” he says, grabbing her hand and spinning her out, then back to him.

“Will you dance for me, Jane? My own private dance?” he asks.

“It would be my pleasure,” she says.

Jane starts spinning and twirling, lifting her leg and taking leaps into the air. It’s as if she has wings. She floats and falls so easily, runs and contracts with passion. Jane twirls around Brad and wraps her leg around his, pressing her body against his.

She can feel his cock getting hard against her belly, and she is so pleased that she is able to arouse him this way.

“You really are the sexiest woman alive, Jane. You take my breath away,” whispers Brad in her ear.

His breath sends tingles through her, lifting the hairs on the back of her neck. She pulls away, trying to play a bit hard to get.

Brad smiles, appreciating her willingness to not be too easy.

Brad pulls two invitations out of his pocket.

“Ms. Jane Bryden, I am wondering if you will accompany me tonight for a special, black tie affair,” he asks, waving the cards in the air.

“Whatever will I wear?” she asks.

“Don’t you worry about that, my girl. What you’re wearing right now is perfect,” Brad comments.

“Oh, don’t be silly, Brad. I can’t wear this to a black tie event. Everyone will think I’m a floozy,” she says.

“Well, not at all, because you will be a special feature there,” Brad assures.

“Whatever do you mean?” Jane asks, confused.

Brad shows her the invitation. On the invitation it says, ‘Special Guest Dancer—Jane Bryden,’

Jane feels a bit horrified and confused.

“Do you mean I’ll be dancing in front of your friends?” she asks, feeling a bit icky.

“Well, they aren’t really friends. They are very notable people in the business world, and they are supporters of the arts,” he explains. “I want them to see your talent, Jane. That is why I organized this event.”

Jane feels flattered that he would go to this length for her.

“For real? I thought you were just wanting me for my body,” she says, half-jokingly. “You actually care about my career, too?”

“Of course! Though your body is driving me wild, I see your heart that dreams and aspires. You’ve worked hard to get to where you are, and you deserve the support,” he says, tenderly.

Jane is touched and feels so cared for. Life has been so hard and lonely since she moved to New York. All worries of drugs and sex trafficking have faded away.

“But this isn’t my usual style, Brad, you know that,” Jane says, pointing down to her outfit.

“Well, I think there’s a little wild in you, Jane, and the world is ready to see this in you,” he reassures.

“You think so? I don’t know if I can do it. What if I mess up?” Jane says nervously.

“I know you’ll do just fine. Here, let me give you a little warm up,” Brad says.

He pulls her toward him, her back facing him.

“Do you like this?” he says. He starts kissing the back of her neck and rubbing her breasts from behind.

Jane moans quietly, closing her eyes and taking in the pleasure. She nods as if to say more.

He drops his right hand down and rubs her belly, pressing her closer into him where she can feel his hard cock pressing against her ass.

“And what about this? Do you like this?” he says.

“Oh, God, yeah,” she says, unable to control herself.

He lifts up her tutu and rubs her leggings on top of her pubic bone, his fingers reaching further down, rubbing in circles to get her hips moving. Jane gets all wet and turned on, wanting desperately to put his hands down into her panties and have him rub her clit.

He whispers into her ear, “I’d love to lick your pussy, Jane. I can’t wait to taste you and stroke you until you are trembling with pleasure,” he says.

Jane wants him so badly, but she still feels nervous that she’s going to disappoint him.

“I want nothing more than for you to do that, Brad. Truly. I’m just…” she moans again.

Brad licks her ear and nibbles on it.

“What were you saying?”

“I’m just not… sure… if… I’m…” she says.

He holds her closer. “…ready?” he says, trying to finish her sentence.

“No… not… good… enough,” she says, tears coming to her eyes.

Brad turns her around quickly and looks her straight in the eye.

“Jane Bryden, you turn me on just by being there. You don’t have to do or be more than you are. Trust me, I will take care of you when you are ready.”

Jane lets out a breath of relief and tears start rolling down her cheeks.

“Really?” she says. “I feel like such a fool.”

“You are my dream come true, Jane. I want you to know that,” he says. “You just let me know when you feel comfortable, okay?”

She presses her head against his chest and nods. He holds her head closer so she can feel his heartbeat.