Page 484 of Cheaters: A Dark Romance Anthology

My eyes search for Jackson in every dark shadow we pass and every door we enter, but no sign of him. Then, finally, we arrive in a room with a funny platform in the centre, two meters or so square. The space is how I’d imagine a backstage area of a theatre. There are a few doors leading this way and that, a table with bottles of water, a coat stand with what looks like a robe hanging from it.

“Your time to shine. Step up. You’ll rise through the trapdoor. Show everybody what you have to offer, and that’s it.” She nods to the centre square, and I gingerly take my place. Taking a deep breath, I try to stave off the panic that’s swarming.

Will Jackson be able to get us out of this? And when? Have we missed the chance?

The platform starts to move, and I’m lifted up into a plastic box. I twist to look around, but the lights shining at me are all I can see. Golden yellow illuminates everything, blocking my view.

Perhaps a blessing.

Music begins, a heavy beat, and I know that’s my cue.

I use the confines of the box to my advantage and spread my arms wide to either side, planting my palms out wide and tilting my head back to let my hair fall. With the rhythm of the music, I move, ensuring everyone can see me, twisting, bending, and stretching in as sexy and enticing a way as possible.

My mind flits to Jackson as if I’m enticing him – dancing for him.It eases my awkwardness and smooths some of my movements. I trail my hands up my legs, over my breasts and through my hair, and in my mind, they're his hands running over my skin.

The air grows thick with heat as Ilose myself in my imagination, until, eventually, the music stops. The lights dim as I’m lowered downwards, and I catch glimpses of men, each in their own box, leering towards me. Thankfully, the ceiling slides back into position, blocking my view, and I collapse onto the floor as it hits the ground.Now what?

“That wasn’t so bad, now, was it?” The trainer is back and beckons me to follow her.

“What now? Where’s Miri?” I don’t bother hiding her real name.

“She’ll be up next,” she says.

“I want to wait for her. Stay with her.”

“You’ll do as you’re told and follow me to the suite you’re all waiting in.” Her voice is flat and calm.

“I’ve done everything you’ve asked. It won’t hurt. If anything, it will be better-”

Her hand slices across my cheek, stunning me into silence. My sphere of pain has been forever altered after the branding on my foot, but that doesn’t stop me grabbing my cheek at the sting.

“There is nothing you can do for your sister. Her fate is the same as yours. You will be sold, and the only hope you have is that one of the guests upstairs has more money than sense and purchases both of you. So, take my advice, do as you’re told and get used to the idea that your life is over. Do you hear me?” She tilts her head and gives me a sickening smile. Any indication she was once a woman with feeling evaporates.

“I will never accept that.” My defiance is still as strong, although the reality is closing in on the hope that feeds it.

“Then it will be all the more painful when they finally break you.” She grabs my arm and leads me through the building and tosses me into the nicest room we’ve seen so far.

All the other girls who’ve been through the parade are here.

The door slams behind me, and the key clicks into place.

Now all I can do is wait for Miri. Wait for Miri and pray that Jackson comes through.

Because he’s the only option we have now.

Chapter Thirteen

JACKSON

Poe still isn’t here that I can see.

It’s just Abel and Dragon I’ve got to find a way through.

Or around. Or over.

Heckle appears in my eye line, his body weaving through the dregs of humanity towards me. He steps out to the side of the clients as they make their way to the bar, then quietly slides in beside me.

“Are Jamie and the girls clear?” I mutter.

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