Page 36 of Miss Typed

Anger turned my vision red while I sat there at my desk, trying to calm down. My confrontation hadn’t gone as planned. Aiden sitting there in his thousand-dollar suit and threatening my livelihood was the last straw. I could’ve told him the truth about why I needed the money, but unexpected pride had taken a front seat in this production. Even if Aiden had the money to offer to pay off the loan, I couldn’t stand becoming a burden to him. That was exactly the way I viewed my brother for passing his debt on to me.

Unfortunately, I had to find another way to earn the two thousand dollars a week I currently wired to Donald. If I didn’t, I’d lose my family’s home, not to mention the substantial balance I’d already paid off.

Desperate times were creating desperate thoughts. Thoughts about something I’d promised myself I wouldn’t do. Something Teagan would probably kill me for. But since her livelihood was being threatened, too, what choice did I have? If I quit the club, I’d leave it safe for her and the other girls to continue earning money.

“I can’t believe I flew back in time for tonight, only to have it cancelled.” Teagan’s instant message flashed on my computer screen.

Guilt hit me hard. I was the reason she wouldn’t be able to send as much money to her sister this week. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry for? Ugh. This sucks for both of us. I hope things are normal by Thursday. Otherwise we may need to look someplace else.”

“I have a feeling it will be OK by then.” At least it would be if my boss was a man of his word. I simply didn’t know anymore.

By Thursday, Teagan and I had received text messages confirming the club was open for business. We suited up together that night, but I was unable to reveal it would be my last weekend stripping with her. I just couldn’t tell her about Aiden and his threat, because she might tell someone else at the club, and who knew what type of mess would ensue.

Nope. Instead, I’d come up with a different solution. Now I just had to go through with it.

A few minutes before showtime, I slipped away from Teagan and knocked on Myra’s door. My heart was in my throat. Myra was in charge of the girls and did all of the scheduling.

Once she called out for me to come, I walked inside her office, and took a seat across from her small desk, trying not to let her intimidate me. It was tough. She was always put together. Beautiful brown skin, flawless makeup, and always gorgeous designer clothing.

“Jem. How can I help you?” We went by our stage names even in private.

“I need money faster than what I’m getting on the floor. A couple of the girls indicated you might have some ideas.”

In addition to the stripping, there were escort services. Word was escort paid twice as much, and it would get me off the floor so Aiden would believe I’d held up my side of the bargain.

Her brow lifted. “You want to become an escort? Do you know what it entails?”

I took a deep breath, my stomach threatening to flip. “Not exactly, but I need the money.”

“How many men have you slept with?”

I licked my lips, tempted to lie, but realizing it would do me no favors. “I’m a virgin.”

I expected her to frown, but instead she lit up. “Your hymen is intact?”

Jesus. How did one answer that? “I assume so.”

Her shrewd eyes studied me as if she was assessing my worth. “Do you have any idea what a man will pay for a virgin these days? Especially one as beautiful as you.”

“Seriously?” I would’ve assumed they’d prefer a woman with the experience to pleasure them, but what the hell did I know?

“Yes. You would be okay with an auction? You could make a lot of money in the one night. Of course, you’d have to pass the doctor’s exam first.”

No way this actually happened in the modern world. Yet she wasn’t joking. She was serious. “How much money?”

“Last girl went home with over thirty thousand in her pocket. And with your blond hair and fair skin, you’d be even more desirable. If we make you look innocent enough, I have no doubt you could get more.”

Holy shit. I’d be able to pay off my debt if I could get even the minimum. Yet I had a lot of apprehension. “What about my safety?”

“We do everything we can to screen the bidders. These men, they like to come back. To ensure a repeat, they cannot hurt the women.”

“Can I think about it?”

“Of course. But if you need the money quickly, you don’t have a lot of time. Auctions are only held monthly, and the next one is a week from Friday night. We’d need to schedule your exam and get some photos before then.”

“Photos?”