Judge Me Not - Maggie Cole Page 0,8

in a disapproving tone.

"Yes. The members are vetted. They understand what they have here can be taken away. They won't risk it."

I tap my fingers on my drink. "What does he want from me?"

To sleep with me.

Star raises her eyebrows. "I don't know. You'll have to ask him. But the other girls will be jealous."

"Why?"

She snorts. "Did you look at him?"

My face flushes.

"Ah. I don't need to explain any further."

"What do you get out of this?" Cee Cee asks.

Star takes another drink and smiles at her. "You ask smart questions. I am the manager. I get ten percent of anything anyone makes. The girls, the bartenders, etc."

"So, you don't dance?" I ask.

"I do, but I only have specific men I dance for. They pay me extra to be exclusive to them."

"What does Jasmine get for your ten percent?"

Star laughs. "She gets my guidance and support. She gets my protection. And no one comes through the door without paying the house. I am the house."

I take a sip of the drink.

Could I do it?

There are so many men.

I survey the room again. The diversity of women surprises me. All sizes, shapes, and ethnicities are represented.

Star leans forward. "I suggest you always negotiate for your gentleman to pay me my fee. Then you don't get a cut."

"They will pay more?"

She snorts. "What they pay us is pocket change. It's hard to comprehend but the truth. Always negotiate higher. Always have them pay my fee."

"And that's why she makes the big bucks," Cee Cee teases.

I lock eyes with her. "What do you think?"

Cee Cee shakes her head. "I can't make this decision for you."

"But if you were me?"

She says nothing. I already know the answer. There is no choice. My daughter needs to live and stop being sick all the time. This is the answer to my money problems.

I turn to Star and put on a brave smile. "Okay. I'll do it. But I'm not sleeping with any of them."

She rises. "Come with me. It's time for your first job."

"Tonight?"

She tilts her head and squints. "You don't want to make money tonight?"

"I... I wasn't... I'm not even wearing anything sexy."

Star nods to the window. Colton is still staring at us, and I wonder if he's looked anywhere else while we've been talking. "I don't think it matters what you wear. I suggest you take his money while he's interested. The one thing Colton Ash doesn't do is come back here unless he's entertaining business associates. So if you've caught his eye, I'd cash in on that while you can."

4

Jasmine

Star drops me off at Colton's suite and leaves. My stomach flips faster.

Colton's cocky expression does nothing to cool the heat burning between my legs. "Are you going to come in or stand by the door the entire time?"

I twist my fingers. Think about Abby. I manage a smile. "Should I sit?"

"Do you want to sit?" he asks in a teasing tone.

I tighten the grip on my hands. "I...um... I'm not..." I glance out the window. Cee Cee is sitting at the table with Star, watching me.

What am I doing here?

Colton steps forward, and his scent wafts in my nose. "Why don't we sit down and talk."

I glance up. "Talk?"

His lips twitch. He steps closer and twists a lock of my hair around his fist and lightly tugs it. "Do you want to do something else right now?"

I open my mouth and shake my head, not sure what to say.

He laughs then releases my hair. "I'm teasing you." He steps back and holds his arm out for me to take a seat.

I perch myself on the end of the couch and cross my legs.

Colton's eyes drift to my thighs. He studies every part of my body. His eyes could be lasers, burning heat straight to my core. He reaches my face. "Do you want a drink?"

"No. Yes. No. I'm not sure." I bite my lip, not sure if I should be drinking or not.

Probably not.

He continues assessing me then picks up a metal pitcher of water and a glass. He fills it and hands it to me. "Maybe water is better right now?"

"Yes. Thank you." I accept the water, immediately taking a cool drink.

He chooses the seat next to me so our bodies touch. A trail of tingles races up my thigh. I inhale sharply. He leans into my ear and says, "You should never go into a man's suite until you've agreed upon your terms."

I turn quickly, and he glances at my lips. "I