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