Page 50 of Ashes

“Thank you, sir!” the guy says.

And then I realize something.

Maybe I know exactly how to dethrone my father and build loyalty.

He always talks about rules and tradition and blind obedience, but maybe these people need something else.

A better leader.

Someone who’ll take care of them too and not just demand, demand, and demand.

Chapter 21

DANCING WITH VICTORfeels strangely liberating. We practiced a lot, and now that we’re in front of an audience, it feels even better.

His lips brush my shoulder as he slides the strap of my red dress down my arm. Everyone’s eyes are glued to us as we keep dancing.

I let the music overtake me.

When Victor tugs my dress down, revealing my bare breasts, I hear someone gasp.

Maybe I don’t really want to entrain all these men here, but if impressing them is what it takes to get to Gianni, then it’s worth it.

Victor kneads my breasts as I throw my head back, and then his hands go lower down my stomach before he spins me around.

I’m pressed against his chest, and his hands end up on my ass, squeezing.

My dress pools at my feet and I step out of it as I hold Victor’s hand.

He lifts me up then, just as the song is about to come to its end.

I sit on a table spreading my legs wide for the audience, and just as the song stops, Victor gives my pussy a light slap.

Someone claps.

Another guy keeps nodding his head.