Page 92 of Ruthless Beast

“We live in the real world, honey. Not the one you’re used to,” Elena chirps.

“My life hasn’t been smooth sailing either, Elena.”

“Oh, come on. Look at you. Everything about you screams money and privilege. Has anyone ever beaten the shit out of you?”

“No, but there are other ways to hurt someone.”

“Like what?” Elena insists.

“Well, my parents died when I was a young girl, and my brother was murdered a few months ago. And, now I’m here with you. Not exactly the dream life, is it?”

I have four sets of eyes on me now and for the first time I don’t see abject loathing and judgment in them.

“I’m sorry that happened to you, Emily,” Maria says.

“Thank you, Maria. I’m sorry about your mother.”

“My uncle raped me for years before I ran away,” one of the other women says softly.

“Hey, we all have sad stories,” Elena crows. “No point in feeling sorry for ourselves. It will only make us weak.”

“There must be something we can do if we work together,” I say with renewed conviction.

“Yeah? Like what? Paolo’s men watch us 24/7.”

“That didn’t stop you from running away, Elena,” I insist.

“Yet, here I am again. Back where I started.”

“You can’t give up, Elena,” Maria pleads. “You can get us help once you’re free.”

“So can I,” I insist. “But I’ll need help.”

“Stop it! This kind of talk will get us all killed,” Elena barks.

The rest of the women clearly see her as the leader, so they stop talking. I can see that the discussion is done for today.

22

EMILY

Another day in hell. It’s early, and I’m awake despite the long night of dancing and dodging grubby paws. I have to talk to Elena again. It is vital that I explain my situation to her without giving away the fact that I’m pregnant. I can’t have Paolo find out. Not yet, anyway. Not until I’ve figured out a way to escape this nightmare.

It’s going to take a miracle to get out from under the watchful eyes of the bouncers and bodyguards, but I’m determined to do something to save myself. Seeing as the father of my child has failed me.

Perhaps I’ll host a little party in my room tonight. Let’s call it a little soiree for my fellow strippers. We’ll all be wired after the night’s dancing anyway. The barman is well disposed toward me. I’ll ask him todonatea bottle or two of wine and some bar snacks toward my cause. I’m sure he won’t mind. I’ll mention it in passing to the women who were in Elena’s room yesterday. They seem to be a tight unit, and they trust each other.

It’s lunchtime when I bump into Elena and Maria on my way to the kitchen.

“Hi. I was wondering if you ladies were in the mood for a little party after work tonight.”

“Party?” Elena asks.

“Yeah. In my room. I’ve arranged a little wine,” I whisper, hoping to entice the duo.

“Ooh, yes. I could do with a little fun,” Maria beams. “I’ll bring my CD player.”

“CD player? What, have you gone mad?” Elena sneers. “Paolo will shit himself if we drink on the sly.”

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