Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22420 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22420 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
“Two,” I say in a fake-polite tone. “Why?”
He smirks.
“Well, I’ve got a bit of a business proposition for you.”
Those beady blue eyes drop to my breasts again and it takes all my willpower to keep from vomiting in revulsion. I can guess what kind of proposition he’s thinking of, and I’m damn well not interested. But conscious that this is my manager, I muster up a smile and shake my head.
“No, I’m good thanks. Club Z has treated me well, so I’m not looking to moonlight or anything.”
But Benny doesn’t move. Instead, he sniggers again.
“Hear me out, Sierra,” he lisps. “Because this opportunity is very special, and you’d be perfect for it. In fact, when I first heard of the opportunity, I immediately thought of you.”
Oh gross. This is even worse than I thought. However, I manage a tight smile.
“Sure, what is it?”
He sucks his lip before grinning toothily.
“It’s for a private auction of sorts, actually. It’s something that you’d really enjoy.”
I’m confused and my forehead wrinkles.
“You mean, like a private wine auction? I know some of the members here are serious wine collectors, and there’s an extensive cellar at Club Z. Or maybe a jewelry sale? Is that what you mean?”
Benny waves his hands, chuckling in a high-pitched voice.
“No, no, it’s a different type of auction. For body parts, so to say.”
I stare at him.
“Organ donation is a business unto itself, Benny, and there are non-profits that handle this. Also, organ donation is strictly regulated by the government, from what I understand. You could go to jail for sidestepping the regular processes.”
Benny lets out a huff of laughter.
“No, no, not organs. I want you to participate in a virgin auction. You know how the club holds these sometimes, right? But of course, the women aren’t virgins, not at Club Z at least.”
I stare at him. It’s true, I have heard of virgin auctions taking place on premises. All that happens is that wealthy male members bid enormous sums to spend a night with one of the Club Z hostesses. One girl who’s done it a few times confided that it was really fun, actually. Her billionaire bidder was insanely handsome, and they had dinner together before engaging in a long night of debauchery. But I’m a bartender, and not a hostess. In fact, I’ve never considered even working as one of the hostesses here, and this would be a big step.
“Um,” I say. “I don’t know.”
Benny puts his hand up on top of the lockers beside me so that I’m basically trapped between those enormous biceps. He flexes them with a cheesy grin, like he thinks he’s impressing me.
“How can you know if it’s for you without the details?” he asks in a lofty voice. I manage a wan smile.
“Oh okay. Sure. Please tell me.”
Benny steps back and puts his hands in his pockets, sighing a bit.
“Well, this auction is different from any of the other auctions the club because it’s private. It’s not just for anyone. Instead, some friends of mine have asked me to arrange an intimate party for them, and they’ve got the specifics of they’re looking for.”
I stare at him warily.
“What specifics?”
Benny shrugs.
“These men want to inspect the woman they’re paying for up close so they know exactly what they’re getting. You know that usually, the club doesn’t allow inspection. In general, the girls just go up on stage and dance around, but these guys like to be hands on. Hardy har har, get it? They want to see and feel what they’re touching before they shell out their hard-earned cash.”
Eyebrows drawn together, I glare a hole into my manager.
“Um, it’s not going to happen. You know I’m not a hostess here. I’m a bartender, and that means that guys don’t touch me.”
Benny shrugs, turning his head and taking a moment to admire his muscles like my refusal is of no consequence to him.
“Are you sure about that? I thought I saw Mr. Atherton squeeze your ass the other day while you were on shift. And didn’t Miles Spence jiggle your boobies last week?”
I blush fire red because in fact, those things did happen. But Neal Atherton and Miles Spence are regulars who happen to be handsome and very generous with their tips, so I don’t mind fooling around with them a little. But Benny just continues, looking bored as he studies his nails.
“Besides, I thought you wanted to make money, and you know that bartending will never get you anywhere. You’ve got to work as a hostess to make the big bucks.”
Shit, my manager’s touched on my weak spot, and I bite my lip. I know I should say no again and walk away; in fact, I should run away from what he’s offering, but my mind won’t stop reeling because he’s right. My mom needs her medication, and me taking extra shifts isn’t enough. I fix him with a look.