Page 69 of The Obvious Check

“Me?” I choke out, my voice faint. “Why would he want me? I can’t even dance.”

He shrugs. “Lots of guys want you. I’ve always turned them down before. But this guy, well, he’s good for business. I’ve earned a lot from him, and I’d like to keep him sweet, so if you give him a little extra, I wouldn’t be too upset, either.”

Good for business. Does he want me to entertain Cal or Mark? I gulp, my flesh crawling at the mere idea of it.

What would Cade think when he found out I was forced to do this? He’d lose any respect for me, no doubt. Would he rescind his offer? He might always be trying to crack my outer shell, but will this make him stop? Will this make him hate me?

“I-I don’t know what to do in there. I’ve never—”

He raises his hand, stopping me from embarrassing myself and begging anymore. It’s not like it will make a difference. “Ask one of the girls. They’ll tell you, but it’s pretty self-explanatory once you engage that college-educated brain of yours.”

“Do you want me to have sex with him?” My voice is barely a whisper, but the weight of the question hangs between us like a ticking bomb.

Luke snorts, shaking his head. “Do you really think I’d offer up one of my best girls for sex?” His gaze hardens, daring me to challenge him.

Yes. Yes, I do. It’s only a matter of time, but I bite my tongue, knowing better than to say it out loud.

“You show them a good time like you do on stage,” he continues smoothly, his tone all business. “But this way, you can get more… intimate.” He pauses, watching me closely, letting the words settle like a threat. “The guy knows the rules. You can touch him all you want. He can’t touch you under any circumstance.”

I swallow. I’m definitely going to puke at any second. “H-how would you know if he did? We’re in a private room.”

“There’s a camera in the corner.” His smirk is slow and knowing. “Cal will watch and make sure everything goes to plan.”

So it’s not Cal, but that doesn’t stop the cold shiver from running down my spine. My world feels like it’s collapsing in on itself, the walls of this place closing tighter and tighter around me.

I don’t want to do this.

I don’t want to face Cade after doing this.

But do I have a choice?

“No.” The word escapes before I can stop it, firm and final, and for a fleeting second, it feels incredible, but then I see the slow curl of his lips, the easy grin that doesn’t reach his eyes, and my stomach plummets. I’ve pissed him off, something I’ve never done before, and I know I’ve made a huge mistake.

“Like I said, girlie. You don’t have a choice.” He sounds almost amused, but the undercurrent of venom is unmistakable. “Youhave a debt to pay.” Luke takes a slow step closer, his presence suffocating. “If I see you doing anything other than making this guy’s night, I’ll increase your interest to match the rest of the girls. You think you owe me now? Wait until you cross me.” He tilts his head, his smirk sharpening into something cruel. “And the only way to pay off that kind of debt?” He leans in. “Is through a whole lot of favorsforme.”

Favors.

The words feel like a heavy stone in my stomach, and I know why he’s doing this. This isn’t about the money. It never was. This is punishment. A warning for pushing him after he stole my hockey tickets. It’s his way of reminding me I have no control.

I should’ve known better and seen this coming. I opened the door for him to change the deal, and now there’s no shutting it.

He checks his watch, tapping the face like he’s already bored with this conversation. “If you aren’t in Door One in five minutes, I’ll come in and personally escort you.” His voice is calm, detached, but the promise beneath it sends ice down my spine. “Do you understand?”

I clench my jaw, looking away as my vision blurs with unshed tears. I nod furiously, swallowing the lump rising in my throat. I just want him gone. I need him to leave so I can fall apart in peace.

Behind my closed eyes, I listen to his heavy footsteps retreating, each one slow and deliberate, like he’s giving me time to stew in my own misery. The door creaks open, and I hold my breath, waiting for the moment he’s finally out of my space.

But relief is fleeting.

“Oh, and, Savannah.”

His voice slides through the air like a blade, slicing through the fragile hold I have on my emotions.

“Mhm,” I manage, barely more than a sound.

“Wear the red wig. This guy loves you in it.”

My stomach clenches, bile creeping up my throat as I nod again, biting down on my bottom lip so hard I taste blood. I don’t trust myself to speak.

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