Page 38 of Miss Typed

“You’re positive about this?”

As if I had a lot of choices. If I continued to strip here, Aiden would shut the place down. I couldn’t afford not to send the money to Donald. My family would become homeless. In one night, I could get completely out of debt and be free. And was it a big deal to sleep with a stranger for one night? How many women felt devalued during their first time? At least mine would have value.

“I’m sure.”

At least I was sure until Thursday. I’d passed my “proof of virginity” exam, which had been uncomfortable but not as unpleasant as it could’ve been, given it had been with a female doctor and in the privacy of her office. I’d also endured the photographs. Myra had been enthusiastic about the photo shoot, and true to her word none of the pictures showed my face. Only my white lacy lingerie. Now I had to wait until tomorrow night when I’d be giving my virginity to a stranger.

Things between Aiden and me had been cool all week. Arctic cool. On Sunday morning, he’d asked me if I’d given notice at the club. I’d confirmed I had. And nothing more was said. Except for work-related topics, we hadn’t spoken. Although I was still angry with him, I realized to a man like Aiden, things were black and white. In his mind, he thought he was protecting me.

“What do you want as your last meal?”

I grinned at Teagan’s pop-up question. “This isn’t an execution. It’s just sex. Hopefully super quick.”

“I’m nervous for you.”

I was nervous enough for the both of us, but saying so wouldn’t ease her mind. “It’ll be fine. About time I lose it at 22.”

“I sincerely hope the guy who wins the auction is good in bed.”

“Me too.”

I startled when Aiden’s voice called my name and quickly collapsed the message window. “Yes?” I asked, hastily shutting down messenger. I hated feeling my face heat under his scrutiny.

“I wondered if you could come in to confirm our travel plans for next month.”

In four weeks, I’d be traveling with him to the Abu Dhabi office. To be honest, I was surprised he still wanted me to go. But I was excited about seeing the beautiful city. I hoped we might get some downtime as I’d love to tour the beautiful Grand Mosque while there.

We spent the next ten minutes going over travel logistics. I wrote everything down, but when I looked up, I could see his eyes locked on me.

“Chloe, I know you need the money. If you would tell me—?”

He was a broken record. Deciding to let him off the hook, I tried a different approach.

“Don’t worry. I won’t need the money anymore.”

“Won’t?”

Crap. Leave it to him to pick up on my choice of words. “Don’t. I don’t need it anymore.”

He assessed me. “You’re not working at the club this weekend?”

“I already told you I wasn’t.”

“Or any other club?”

At least it wasn’t a lie when I said, “No, I’m done stripping. If you have nothing else for me, I’ll get the car and hotel rooms booked for the trip.”

He sighed. “I wish you would trust me.”

“And I wish you would’ve meant it when you promised to stay out of my personal business. Have a good weekend, Aiden.”

Chapter Sixteen

Chloe

Nerves hit me hard as I walked through the doors of the hotel. My instructions had been specific. Go to the elevators. Press floor twelve. Go to room 1217.

Once I arrived there, I was put into a production of hair and makeup. After that was done, I got dressed in the same white lingerie I’d donned in the photo shoot.