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ChapterTwo
Ava
I’m still mad at Roman when I go down to one of the hotel’s business centers to look through the extensive online music catalog to pick my song.How dare he spank me, make me wet and needy, and then tell me if I perform well, he might let me come.But only if I beg for it!Of all the egotistical, controlling, arrogant bastards!If I could kill him right now, I would.I’m done with his games and the sadistic pleasure he takes in punishing me, playing me, arousing me, and then leaving me wanting.If this is what being a submissive means, I’m not sure I’m going to make it through the next six weeks.I’m almost as angry at myself for the way I react to him as I am at him for making me feel things—things I don’t want to feel, things I shouldn’t feel.Like getting turned on by a spanking.
“Hey, Ava.”
I look up in surprise to see Tessa at one of the computers.
“Hey,” I say crossly.
“Are you okay?”
I count to three as I let my breath out slowly and then nod.“Sure.”
She gets up and comes over to me, searching my face.“No, you’re not.What’s wrong?”
I almost laugh.What’s wrong?Only everything, from the way Roman makes me feel to the way my body seems intent on betraying me.I’m here to win the games and hurt my stepfather, not get caught up in this emotional maelstrom that Roman seems to unleash.I need to focus on the prize.Which is looking further and further from my grasp since I can’t even manage to strip in front of Roman, much less a room full of men I don’t know.I sigh.
“I have no idea how to do a striptease.Roman tried to help me, but I’m too self-conscious, and I’m probably going to get voted off after today.”It’s a truthful answer, even if it only scratches the surface.
“I can help you,” she offers.“I grew up dancing.I was on the drill team in high school, which is about as close to stripping as you can get without taking your clothes off.”She laughs.“I actually took pole-dancing classes in college for fun.I can help you with a routine if you want.”
“Really?”I look at her in surprise.“Why would you do that?We’re competitors.”
“We’re also friends,” she says gently.“And friends help each other.Besides, I’m not letting you get voted off.You’re the only friend I have here.”
She hugs me, and I once again feel tears prick my eyelids.I’d been certain all my tears dried up two years ago, but this makes twice in less than a week.Other than Emmett, no one has ever offered me unconditional friendship like this.
“Okay,” I agree with a wan smile.
Luckily, no one else comes in, and an hour later Tessa’s tutored me on how to move my body seductively, given me the immensely helpful tip to pretend I’m someone else while I perform—someone who’s confident and sexy—and helped me work out a basic routine.
“Thank you so much!”I say as we both collapse on the floor.“I think I might actually be able to do this.Now if I could just get over my shyness…”
Tessa pats my hand.“It’ll be okay.Luke says everyone’s allowed one drink tonight prior to the show.I’ll save mine and give it to you.That’ll help.Now help me pick my song.Judging by the outfit Luke picked for me, it had better be something sexy and country.”
* * *
“Are you almost ready?”Roman’s impatient voice floats through the closed door of the bathroom where I’ve been getting ready for the past hour.“It’s almost eight.”
I open the door and revel in the look on his face as he takes in the outfit he chose for me for the group event tonight.He’d shown it to me briefly before I went downstairs to choose my music, but I hadn’t tried it on for him, and I’m suddenly almost looking forward to performing when I see the thinly veiled desire in his eyes.Particularly since I’m planning to turn the tables on him tonight.
In what I’m guessing is Roman’s attempt to exploit my natural shyness or at least to mitigate the damage it might cause, he’s chosen a schoolgirl outfit complete with a short, flirty plaid skirt; a fairly see-through cropped white blouse that ties in front between my breasts, exposing my entire midriff; thigh-high socks; and black patent-leather Mary Jane stilettos.I suppose I should be grateful he hasn’t given me that much to take off.I’ve put my long dark hair in two pigtails, and in a moment of inspiration, I’d gone down to the gift shop and bought a lollipop to use judiciously during my dance.
“Let’s go,” I say breezily, giving him a tantalizing glimpse of the white thong under the ridiculously short skirt as I precede him out the door of our suite and downstairs to the Diamond Lounge.
The place is packed, mostly with men, but there are a few couples in the audience as well, including Logan and his wife Rachel.The contestants stand out, dressed in an assortment of outfits from trench coats to corsets to elaborate burlesque outfits.
Roman finds us a table, and while he goes to the bar to get us a drink, I scan the crowd, looking for Tessa.I finally find her several tables away, looking like a sexy cowgirl in chaps, a fringed halter top, and a cowboy hat.We make eye contact, and she says something to Luke before coming over to my table, slipping into the chair next to me.
“Here,” she says, nudging a shot glass toward me.“It’s tequila.It’s the strongest thing I could think of to order.Luke probably thinks I’m an alcoholic.”She giggles.
I throw back the alcohol, grimacing as it scorches my throat.“Liquid courage,” I say with a smile.“Thank you, Tessa.For everything.”
She gives me a wink and is gone.
Roman returns with a Cape Cod for me and a tulip-shaped glass of whiskey for himself.“Are you doing okay?”he asks, his eyes warm with concern.
