Page 14 of Good Girl Gone Bad

Chapter Five

Be ready at 5 p.m. I’ll pick you up.

For the tenth time, Lily read the text message she had received earlier. She hadn’t seen Marco in three days, ever since she’d slept over his place. He’d told her he’d had an emergency business trip to the West Coast, and she completely understood. A man like him, super busy and wealthy, had to prioritize his career.

Earlier that morning, she had just finished cutting an old client’s hair when her phone buzzed. A silly rush of excitement had traveled through her, and it made waves every time she remembered she’d see him again.

She locked the shop’s door and slipped her phone into her bag. She had vacuumed and cleaned up her apartment just in case he stopped by. Sure, they weren’t in a legit relationship, but no reason not to tidy things up before a date. Or a meeting. Meeting was a safer word. A devil-dick appointment.

She could have waited for him inside the shop, but it was too soon to meet him there again. They’d already engaged in sex in the supply room. Though she’d agreed to the conditions of their contract, and she’d done more with him than any other man, she didn’t want to make new memories with him in the place she’d keep forever. Letting go wasn’t in her DNA, and dealing with the images of him screwing her in the supply room was enough.

Lily clutched her bag when she recognized him parking a Lamborghini in the lot. She drew in a breath and paced herself as she walked to him, to make sure he didn’t know how much she’d missed his body on hers. Missed him as if he had come into her life a lot earlier than the few days prior. Missed him like someone who hadn’t been fucked properly until she met Marco.

He slid out of his car and opened the door for her. Dark denim jeans and a black long-sleeved shirt covered his sinfully sexy body. When she was within a few inches of him, she balked, unsure if she should shake his hand, kiss his mouth, or compromise with a hug. Her pulse fluttered at any of those options, and the idea of touching him sent a ball of heat rolling through her.

“Ciao.” He closed the distance between them and deposited a kiss on her cheek. She parted her lips when he brushed his own on her flesh, needing so much more. The tips of her breasts throbbed, seeking a relief only he’d bring. “How’ve you been?”

“Good. How was your trip?” she asked, and slid inside the car, the buttery leather seat caressing her skin. A heat moved through her chest, his nearness enough to tease the little hairs at the back of her neck.

“Longer than expected,” he said, and started the engine.

She worried her bottom lip to keep from babbling. He didn’t pay for an emotionally needy woman or for the girlfriend experience. He wanted good fucks without the baggage. In silence, she mused over those things again, despite the bargain she’d agreed to with him. She looked out the window, thankful for the hustle and bustle of everyday life distracting her from their non-conversation in the car.

“You have your hair down,” he said. “Looks nice.”

Driven by instinct, she touched the ends of her hair, which she had styled with the curling iron earlier. She didn’t mean to look like a freaking Disney princess, but ended up overdoing it. “I like to try new styles.”

“I’m all for trying new things,” he said smoothly.

God. Her nipples tingled, her breasts feeling heavy and full. What the hell did that mean? They hadn’t tried anything she didn’t enjoy, but what if he took her to an orgy? What if he got his rocks off by watching her with another man?

He drove by busy streets downtown, then a number of restaurants and clubs. When the car entered a parking garage, she decided it was time to know his plan. “Where are we going?”

“You know how you stripped for me in my office and teased me about giving me a worthy performance? You said you’d even dance for me.”

She cleared her throat. Sweet lord. Why had she said those things? “Yes.”

“Now we’re going all the way.” Marco parked the car, then slid out and opened her door. “It’s a strip club,” he said, grinning.

She withdrew. “Say what?” She’d never been to one but had seen them in the movies, and she’d heard stories. If he expected her to undress in front of a bunch of strangers, he’d better think again. No amount of money or family legacy would be enough for her to shred the last sliver of decency she had.

He took her hand in his and gave her a light squeeze. “It’s not what you’re thinking. They also rent individual rooms. You’ll have your own pole, and I’ll be the only one watching.”

Oh. “Why didn’t we do this back at your home?”

“Because I fantasized about you taking your clothes off for me, rubbing yourself on a pole… Teasing me while I watch and stroke my cock.”

Her clit throbbed, her walls drenching. “That’s a nice image.” She only hoped she could deliver. Her father always condemned tight or skimpy attire. She’d once been asked to try out for her high school’s cheerleader squad, but declined without even checking with Dad. Why waste her time?

A large security man opened the door for them. The interior reminded her of a nightclub, with a few recessed lights shining down on the otherwise dark space. A blond woman dressed in a cherry-red minidress walked up to her with a key in her hand.

“Hi.” She gave a small smile, looking at Lily. “I’m Dusty. You’ll come with me,” she said, then gave Marco the key. “Make a left and enter the first room.”

Dusty made a gesture for Lily to follow her, and she did, after sharing a sideways glance with Marco. He didn’t seem fazed by the rules. Had he been here before? Her stomach tightened.

Dusty strode with intent, making Lily straighten her shoulders and try to keep up the pace as they turned into a long hallway. A burgundy-colored carpet led the way, and on both sides there were doors, all of them closed.

Lily expected to hear music, or people talking, yet she heard nothing. Tension built in her core, fast-tracking her cells, making her hot and bothered. Finally, Dusty came to a halt in front of the last room and opened the door. Sucking in a breath, Lily entered to find an area about the size of her salon, filled with packed shelves, a collection of hats, and numerous glitzy costumes hanging on the rack.

---