by C. J. Thomas
Her neck stretched to the ceiling and she grew an inch taller.
“The passports and airline tickets are all ready for takeoff.” She smiled.
Lighting flipped the switch on a dark corner nearby, and that was when I saw it. Val’s face was noticeably red and swollen. There was no doubt that Alex really let her have it.
I caught her by the chin and angled her face up toward the light. “You doin’ all right?”
Her eyes hooded over as she inched closer to me, closing the safe gap that kept our bodies separated. “It’s a little tender, but I’ll live.” She bit her bottom lip.
My thumb stroked her cheek and she flinched.
“Now you know that I’m not the crazy one.”
Her skin was soft and hot and I wasn’t sure if I should be proud of Alex or worried that Val was right; with Alex in the state of distress she’s been in, we should all be a little worried with what she might do next.
“What are you going to do about it?” She raised her hand and let it cover mine.
“I’ll take care of it.”
“I hope so.” She pulled my hand away. “Because if you don’t, I will.”
82
Alex
MY PHONE BUZZED WITH A TEXT. I stopped mid-stride to palm my device and swipe it alive.
Wonderful news, Miss Alex Grace. I look forward to it.
I let out a sigh of relief and closed my phone. My thumb hooked the shoulder strap to my handbag and kept walking. I couldn’t afford to be late.
I was starting to get worried that I had the wrong number. Or that he was ignoring me on purpose.
Mr. Lopez didn’t respond right away after I let him know that this would all be cleared up soon. But now that he had messaged back, it was time to push those worries to the side and get ready to sell myself to the Madam.
Rodeo Drive was a place that made people like me feel unwelcome. At least, if you weren’t rich or famous or a member of Hollywood’s elite upper crust. Tourists flocked here to have a taste, but stood out like a sore thumb.
Today, of all days, I was probably dressed in attire considered most appropriate for blending in with the clientele that deserved to shop these boutique stores and eat the world-class cuisine at these fine restaurants. The only other time I might have fit in was maybe the night Kendra dragged me down here to have drinks at Mojito.
My heels clacked on the pavement and I hoped to God that the Madam would find me just as attractive as I felt. Christ knew I needed to give my best first impression.
Kendra had helped me decide on an outfit. It was one that I’d purchased with Nash in mind. It was also one I wasn’t entirely convinced was appropriate to wear when meeting with a potential employer.
But considering the job description, maybe it was the most suitable thing I could have worn.
It was a sexy V-neck, long sleeve, black lace, sheath mini dress that cut just below my sternum, leaving a good portion of my chest exposed. I felt confident and sexy and was convinced that I could take on the world from the first moment I put it on.
Though, now, I wasn’t feeling the superhuman strength I knew I needed to get me through this meeting with the Madam.
My stomach fluttered and my nerves were jumpy as I approached the quaint bakery. A tall, slim-legged woman turned and curled the corners of her lips into a knowing smile.
My steps shortened as I moved toward her. It had to be her, hiding behind the large, dark, circle-framed sunglasses and wide-brimmed sunhat. “Alex Grace.” She held out her hand.
I bit the inside of my cheek and let my eyes drift from her fingertips up, taking in the glowing white gloves that covered half her arm before taking her hand inside my own.
“It’s me, hun. Madam.” She smiled and I got lost in her cherry red lipstick.
Her voice was a calming presence and was a nice contrast to what my wild imagination sketched out over the course of the past twenty-four hours.
I swore I’d thought of everything. Playing out how this exact moment would go, over and over inside my head, worrying myself into a restless sleep.
And now I was finally here.
The dress she wore rolled over her slim frame flawlessly. And with how covered up she was, it was impossible for me not to wonder what it was she was hiding behind all that fabric and jewelry.
Whatever it was, I was sure she was as beautiful as she smelled.
“Thanks for meeting me.” My words came out in quick breaths. “It’s nice to meet you . . . in person.”
She tilted her head, squeezed my hand, and let her free palm come to rest on my shoulder. “You’re as beautiful as the pictures.”
My eyes fell to my feet. “Thank you.”
“And those eyes,” she pinched my chin and pulled my face up, “are as sad as one would expect an orphan’s to be.”
I blinked and felt my throat close up.
“Every girl needs a mother.”
Tears swelled behind my eyes. How did she know? My neck drew back as my eyes continued to dance across her face. I couldn’t see anything. She gave me nothing to study. Only necklaces and silver dangling earrings that sparkled beneath the sun.
“To be forced such a tough hand, and at such a young age. Pity it is.”
My breaths quickened. I was at a loss for words.
“And now you’re here.” She tipped her head back and looked around. “Pursuing your dreams.” Her hand smoothed down my upper arm, stopping at my elbow. “This, right here, and what you’re about to do for me,” she leaned closer and dropped her voice down to a whisper, “is what dreams are made of.”
I brushed my bangs back and tugged on my ponytail.
Her chin rocked back and forth like the bow of a boat on a less than settled ocean surface. Even from behind her dark lenses I could feel her eyes dancing across my face, looking for clues into my emotional state. How she appeared to know so much about my past was beyond comprehension, and I wouldn’t dare ask.
“Shall we get a drink and talk?” I made a move for the front entrance.
“You know what—”
I stopped and turned back to her.
“I decided I’m not in the mood for this place after all.”
I flashed her a questioning look just as a stretch-limo with dark tinted windows rolled up and stopped at the curb.
“That’s right, hun.” She nodded once. “That’s for us.”
I moved to stand next to her. Together, we watched the driver round the back of the vehicle and open the door to the inside. Her hand landed on the small of my back as she nudged me to the open door.
The abrupt change of plans threw me for a loop. Suddenly, I questioned my decision to come at all.
Nash had given me a way out, and I was too proud a woman to accept.
Now I wondered whether or not that was a wise decision, and who the Madam really was.
If there was anything I’d learned about Hollywood and L.A., it was that this city was full of people ready to take advantage of young dreamers like me. As difficult as it was to admit, I’d already fallen into a trap once before, and sure as hell didn’t want to do it again. I had to watch myself.
I bent forward and slid inside.
My insides jumped when she shut the door. I closed my eyes and inhaled a deep, calming breath through my nose. A second later, the engine purred to life and we rolled out.
I no longer had a choice.
It was too late to tuck my tail and run.
The Madam settled into her seat and pulled her sunglasses away from her eyes, finally revealing her face. There was a glimmer in her eye that reminded me of Val—the master manipulator.
My pulse throbbed so hard in my neck I could feel it. “Where are we going?”
“Not far.” She smiled. “It shouldn’t be long.”
“Can I trust you?”
She chuckled. “Hun, I think I’m the one who should be asking you that very same question. Don’t you?”
I slumped further into my seat
and turned to stare out the window.
She was right. She was the one with the most to lose. Not me. I was a risk she was flirting with taking. Her business, reputation, everything depended on me being okay with whatever she had in store for me.
She stared straight ahead without saying a word.
My stomach was still heavy, knowing that she knew an awful lot about me. I didn’t know anything about her. And she probably knew that. Knew that I was willing to do just about anything. And because of that, she could use my vulnerability against me and ask me to do whatever she wanted without fearing that I’d say no.
I had no alternative.
“We’re here.” The Madam reached to the side and grabbed her things.
The limo pulled to the curb, and once we were stopped, the driver opened my door first, taking me by the hand and assisting me to my feet. I planted my heels on the hot concrete and tipped my head back, staring up at the beautifully constructed red brick building that stood several stories tall.
I followed the Madam inside. We skirted reception and headed for the stairs. One flight up, we made our way down the hall where a man stepped out of the office and greeted us.
He was tall, muscular, and wore a designer suit that fit him extremely well. “Alex, so good to finally see you in person.” His smile was friendly and perfect.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.” He was easy on the eyes.
He looked back at the Madam. She stepped forward and said, “He’s a friend of mine and his name isn’t important.”
I wet my lips.
My stomach flipped.
I didn’t like all these secrets, leaving my mind to make plenty of assumptions.
“He’s here to help me during your evaluation.”
“My evaluation?”
The man stepped forward and rested his heavy hand on my shoulder. “It’s nothing, really. We just need to get a better feel for what we’re offering our clientele.” He winked.
My heart slowed to a slow drumroll.
“First, we’ll need to work on your wardrobe.” The Madam crossed her arms and gave me a once-over.
“What’s wrong with the way I dress?” My voice cracked.
“Today, the dress is fine. You look amazing in it.” The man dropped his chin and reassured me with the way he took me in with his heated eyes. “Now, take it off.”
I gulped down a breath of air and glanced at the Madam. She nodded.
I reached behind my back and pulled the zipper down. I let the fabric fall to the floor.
Instantly, my nipples hardened into tiny pebbles. Because of the deep V-neck, I wasn’t wearing a bra. I was left standing in only my matching black laced panties and strap heels.
He groaned, and it was safe for me to assume he liked what he saw. I wasn’t sure how I should feel about that.
The Madam gave a crisp nod when he turned to look at her. He turned back to me and pointed to the floor. “Now your panties.” His voice was a low rumble that made the hairs on my arms stand on end.
My cheeks burned with shame as I slid out of my last layer of clothing.
I caught his crotch swell and pitch behind his zipper.
“Any tattoos?” The Madam stepped forward.
I shook my head.
The man took my hand and lifted it above my head, twirling me around.
The Madam slapped my ass and I gasped.
He smiled and nodded while he threaded his fingers through mine.
“Now spread your legs,” the Madam said, close to my ear.
I widened my stance and planted my feet further apart than my shoulders. The Madam bent over and took a closer look at my snatch. The air drifted between my thighs and I suddenly felt like I had the flu.
This was beyond embarrassing. It was disgraceful. What the hell was I doing?
“Very nice.” She came back up and looked me in the eye. “You have a gorgeous pussy. You know that, Alex?”
“Thanks.” I could barely look her in the eye.
She squared her shoulders with mine and cupped my breasts in the palms of each hand. “Firm breasts. They feel amazing in my hands.”
When my eyes closed, I could see Nash, reminding me that they were his and no one else’s. He’d kill me if he knew what I was doing, especially without his permission. An ache found its way to my heart. I missed him already and my job as an escort hadn’t even begun.
Despite the warnings from Sylvia and Professor Fields, I deeply regretted not taking Nash’s money. And that decision had put me here, making myself an item to be inspected and approved for market.
“Well?” I moved my curious gaze between the two of them.
The man’s eyes lit up.
The Madam nodded. “Give her the contract.”
83
Nash
I PULLED my headphones off my ears and set them down in my lap.
“Great job, Brooks. That was perfect.” A crew member patted me on the back as he walked by. We couldn’t have nailed that scene any better. Everyone was on point and, finally, something had gone my way.
Except there was one dark cloud still looming over my head now that today’s scene was complete—Alex.
She still hadn’t shown up and that had me assuming the worst.
I pulled my phone from my pocket and quickly messaged her.
Alex, baby. Please let me know that everything is all right.
The doors behind me opened and I twisted around to see if it was her. All day I’d anticipated her arrival. It was a miracle that we’d finished filming as fast—and as flawlessly—as we did with my thoughts constantly drifting back to her. I hoped to God this was her.
I held my breath and stared.
He wasn’t halfway through the door by the time I knew that it wasn’t her, but rather the last person I wanted to see come walking my way.
I stood and hung my headphones up before turning on a heel and meeting Ted halfway to the door. “I’m not sure I like you showing up on set unannounced like this.”
He stuffed his hands inside his pockets and looked around. “Since when did I have to be invited?” His brows knitted together as he turned his head and met my stare with equal intensity.
“Since I learned you were doing business with Blake Stone.” I widened my stance.
His skin flushed as he looked away.
“Wes wasn’t happy to learn about your secret connection, either.” My voice was firm but quiet.
His jaw muscle flexed.
Ted might not give two shits about me or what I thought, but I knew that he sure as shit cared about what Wes thought of him. Hell, everyone did. With the power Premier held over this town, if you weren’t fighting for Wes, you were fighting against him. Simple as that. There was no middle ground. That was the truth in business, and in life. I knew what side I was on, but did Ted?
My gaze shifted over to Ted. “What is it with you, anyway?”
He turned his head and gave me the crooked eye. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this.”
My brows rose. “Then why ask Stone for money in the first place?”
“It wasn’t about the money. Sure, I needed it to fund my project—” His shoulders tensed. “Hell, I still do. But initially there was more to it than just dollars.”
“I’d love to hear it.” I took one step closer to him.
I wondered what other secrets he’d been hiding from me all this time. Just when you think you know someone, an evil shade of truth emerges and you see them in a whole new light.
“Stone had the connections I needed that no else did.”
“Sorry, Ted, but I’m having a hard time following.” I paused to put more pressure on him. “If it wasn’t about the money, then why are you so concerned with what Alex is up to?”
His eyes narrowed as he continued staring straight ahead. “Even if I told you the truth, you wouldn’t believe me.”
“Try me.” My head tipped back.
“Forget it.” He looked away.
/>
“You know I can’t do that.” I stroked the stubble on my chin. “Where is she?”
He turned and gave me a questioning look.
“Alex never showed today.”
His eyes sparkled like he knew something he wasn’t willing to share. “It’s probably for the best.” He slapped my back. “See you around, Nash.”
“What was that about?” Val’s slim hand hooked over my shoulder and I wondered how much of our conversation she’d overheard.
“Nothing.” I watched Ted disappear into the back.
“This stress is going to kill you.” She began kneading the tight balls of muscle in my neck.
It was like she could sense the anguish I harbored inside.
“By the way, great work today.” She ran her nails across the nape of my neck. “We killed it.”
I turned to find her eyes dancing with mine.
“No, you killed it.” She dropped her hand away and turned her attention forward. “Everyone did.”
“Yeah.” I sighed just as my phone dinged with a text. I pulled it from my pocket and swiped it alive. It was Alex. “If you don’t mind, I need to check in on someone.”
Her pupils shrank to tiny dots. “Alex.”
I turned my back, read her text, and wrote up a quick reply, telling her I needed to see her.
“You know there’s a rumor spreading that says she’s sleeping her way into the assistant director’s position.”
I hit send and turned back to face Val. Her bottom lip pouted and her chin poked forward.
“Like the time you showed up to my office wearing nothing underneath a raincoat?” I stepped forward, challenging her.
Her face reddened.
“Oh, that’s right. That was different. Wasn’t it?”
“I’m better than her.” The corners of her lips curved into a knowing smile. “You can do better, too.” She trailed her finger down the center of my chest. “Just say the words, Nash, and all this,” she pointed at her tits, “could be yours.”
84
Alex
NASH WANTED me to meet him at Mint.
I couldn’t do it.
After my meeting with the Madam, I was exhausted.
