Page 33 of Deliverance

I couldn't believe Ric had slept with Madam. Talk about sleeping with the enemy. But why would he do that? He didn't seem to have enjoyed it. Maybe he was drunk and regretted it. He’d said hehadto do it, though. Did Madam threaten him? I wouldn't be surprised if she had. She had a way about her that made me fear her.

Zell ran off to her room when we got back to the penthouse. I looked at Ric, wanting to continue our conversation. Instead, he shook his head. I sighed and went to my room—and stopped, staring at the lingerie on my bed. The women only wore lingerie when a client came for them. Was a client waiting for me? How did they choose me?

I fingered the white bra and panty set, my heart hammering in my chest. I instantly felt nauseous. I'd never slept with anyone I didn't want to sleep with before. How was I going to pretend to like it? Was he going to be old and fat? Was it going to be a woman? A man and a woman? I didn't know how it worked because this would be my first time. How long would it last? What would I have to do?

"You need to put that on and be in the main room in an hour."

I turned at Emily's voice. "Did someone pick me?"

"Not yet. There's a party tonight."

"A party?" I furrowed my brow.

"Yeah. VIPs come and"—she shrugged—"you know, pick a girl to be with."

"How is that different than coming whenever they want to come?"

"Because Madam doesn't charge, and they can pick a new girl if they want."

"Who are the VIPs?" I questioned.

"I don't know. Rich people, I guess."

Was there a chance I wouldn't get picked? Did all the girls have to go with someone? What if someone wanted the same girl as someone else? Could I somehow hide so no one could see me?

"How does it work?" I inquired.

"We mingle with the VIPs, and then, when they're ready, they tell us, and we take them to a room."

"But I've never done this before. What do I do?"

Her green eyes widened. "You're a virgin?"

"What?" I balked. "No. I'm saying that I haven't been with a client yet."

"Oh, well, each client wants different things. Just ask him."

I hung on to her last word. It would only be men? "And we have to do whatever they want?"

Emily frowned. "Yeah, rule number seven. If you don't, Madam gets mad."

"What will she do?"

"She'll send us back to the warehouse."

* * *

Of course, the lingerie fit perfectly because Madam knew my measurements.

On our one year anniversary, I’d worn a black lace nightie to surprise Steven. I'd felt sexy and powerful and confident. Dressed in the white bra set, I felt none of those things. I was scared and sick to my stomach. My entire body was sweating.

"Are you okay?"

I looked up to see Ric in the doorway. Shaking my head, I said, "No."

He walked to me and opened his arms. I stepped into them. "It's going to be okay."

My throat started to close. "I was really hoping you could get me out of here before this happened."