Viktor(2)

“Gotcha.” I nod as I get out of the car and close the door.

He rolls down the window and looks at me. “Forgot to tell you something. Don’t look at him.”

I sling my bag over my shoulder. “Why?”

He puts the car into reverse and slams his foot on the gas, yelling at me before leaving. “Just don’t do it if ya wanna stay alive.”

I frown, mumbling, “Okay,” even though I know he can’t hear me.

I walk down the path to a fence, and the huge mansion ahead draws my eyes. Fuck me, castle was the right description. Must be some dude. I shrug. More money is always good for me.

I push the button on the intercom and wait. A buzzer goes off, and the fence opens. Admiring the property, I step onto the stone path. There are so many unkempt flowerbeds and hedges, and the stone path is riddled with weeds. I wonder why he leaves it like this if he’s so rich. Oh, well. Not my problem.

I ring the doorbell, and immediately, the door opens.

An older man with white hair, a mustache, and a tiny set of glasses appears behind.

“Uh, you called for Alexis?” I say.

“Yes, of course, come in, please,” he says, and he opens the door farther, allowing me entry.

“Thanks,” I say, as I take off my coat and bag. “So where do you wanna do this?”

“Oh, no.” The man muffles a laugh and holds up his hand. “It’s not for me.” He smiles when he sees the surprised look on my face. “Follow me, please.”

He walks to a room to the left behind a huge staircase that looks as though it came out of a movie. As he opens the door for me, my eyes find it hard not to look around the place, but I know I have to be careful. One wrong move and I might not make it out alive. It happened before to a girl who was new to the business. She was a little too curious, and when she stumbled into a room where they were weighing crack they shot her. I’d rather not end up lonely in a ditch.

So I swallow back the nerves and focus on the task ahead of me.

Pleasure the man in whatever way he wants, get the money, and get the fuck out of here.

“Before you go inside,” the man behind me suddenly says, “I’ll explain the rules. Strip and dance. You can use the chair if you want. Don’t stop until he says you can. And finally … don’t look behind the curtain.”

I nod but don’t dare look at the man, afraid he’ll see the doubt in my eyes.

“Once he’s done with you, you pack your things and leave. No questions. I’ll pay you at the door.” He places his hand on the small of my back and urges me forward. “Now, go on.”

“Right.”

I step inside and look around briefly. I find a chair to the right and a black curtain to the left. The moment I look at the figure standing behind it, the door closes behind me, and I jolt up a little. I take a small breath and immediately avert my eyes, determined to do exactly as I was told.

So I place my bag by the door and walk toward the middle of the room. I don’t dare look at the curtain as I stand in front of the chair. A bright light turns on and shines down upon me, blinding me. I cover my eyes with my hand a bit until I’m used to the light. When I look around, I can barely see anything, but I can still see the curtain.

The figure behind the curtain moves his hand, and the music starts to play. I close my eyes and take a breath, eliminating my thoughts and transporting myself to another world. At this moment, I am no longer Alexis; I am no longer that girl with all her responsibilities and history. I am simply a woman. A dancer. A seductress.

As the lights dim, my arms start to move to the rhythm of the music. I undress slowly, sensually, putting emphasis on every inch of my skin as if it’s precious. I lick my lips and twirl around the chair, showing off my bare skin, as my dress falls to the floor and all I’m left in is a see-through thong and bra.

My body moves on its own as I dance, almost possessed. Music is the food that feeds my soul and takes the pain away. But when I open my eyes and see him standing there, I can’t help but look. Even through the curtain, which isn’t as thick as I thought it was, I can see his complete silhouette—a big mass of muscles, bigger than any man I’ve ever laid eyes on—and it takes my breath away quite literally.

And all of those muscles are bundled at one spot.

Right in front of his crotch.

I suck in a breath and sway my hips to the music, watching his hands move up and down, front to back. My nipples tighten from the sight as he jerks himself off right in front of me. I shouldn’t be aroused, this isn’t about me, but my body knows what it likes, and it doesn’t care. I wonder if he knows that I can see him … if he even cares.