Chapter 2 The Contract

"But if you sign a contract with me, I might reconsider."

"What kind of contract?"

"Instead of paying back the money in a year, you'll work here for a year."

I stare at him, blinking as I process what he just said. "Work here?... Doing what?"

He smirks. "You know what. Don't be naive."

I take a step back, my breathing uneven. I can't... I can't...

"Dolce peccato, you can. Trust me." His eyes settle on my chest before trailing down and then back up to meet mine.

"You just told me not to trust anyone," I say, breathless.

"You learn fast." He smirks. "That's good. Come back tomorrow night by this time. I'll have the money ready for you."

I move toward the door, desperate to escape from him, but before I reach it, he speaks again.

"One more thing, dolce peccato. When you come tomorrow, wear something more revealing... show more skin."

>>>

The next day.

I step out of the cab and check the time. 9:30 PM it reads. With nervous steps, I cross the street and enter the club.

"Dolce peccato, you're here," Matteo says from behind me.

"Yes, I'm here," I reply, taking in all the life decisions that have led me to this moment.

"I kept doubting if you'd actually come," he says, his gaze sweeping over my outfit.

"Follow me." He leads me to his office and closes the door behind us.

"What are you hiding under that trench coat?"

I glare at him, but he only smirks.

"Here's your money." He hands me a bag.

I unzip it to see neat stacks of bills, more money than I've ever seen in my twenty-three years of life.

"You can count it if you want."

"Do I need to?" I ask.

"No, you don't. All your money will be here after tonight."

He signals for me to follow, leading me underground, where women change into lace and silk, some doing makeup, others fixing their hair.

"Bella," Matteo calls, "this is Nina. She's joining us tonight." He tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear, staring at me like I belong to him.

"Nina," Bella greets, then asks, "Where did you work before this?"

"A restaurant," I answer quickly.

Bella smiles but gives Matteo a questioning look.

Dante comes in and stands beside Matteo-his dark grey eyes lock onto mine before he speaks.

"She's got the face for the floor," his voice smooth like velvet dragged over a blade.

Matteo smirks. "She's new to this brother but luckily, she learns fast." He hooks his finger under my chin, tilting my face up.

"You must follow our rules to work for us," Matteo continues.

Rule 1: You do what we tell you to do. No questions.

Rule 2: You don't act without permission.

Dante leans closer, just enough for me to feel the heat of him. His lips brush against my ear.

"Rule 3: Don't seek pleasure from another. Ever."

"Now, take off your coat."

With trembling hands, I untie the belt and let the coat slide off my shoulders, pooling at my feet.

"Wow," Bella murmurs, while Matteo and Dante smirk.

"What?" I ask.

This is the most revealing thing I own.

The red dress clings to me like a second skin, its V-neck dipping low showing just little of my tits. The hem barely covers my ass.

"You look nice," Dante says.

"Bella, I need to see more skin." Matteo turns to Bella. "Put her in white. The innocence in her eyes will contrast beautifully with it." His gaze lingers on my lips. "She could even be a virgin."

"I'm not a virgin," I snap, scowling.

"Good to know," Matteo says just as Dante mutters, "Thanks for the info," and they stride toward the exit.

"Let's go show more skin," Bella says, leading the way.

I stare at myself in the mirror, tears threatening to fall. The lacy underwear barely covers anything-my ass and tits are on full display beneath the teasing fabric.

I have to get through this... Running away won't give me the money.

Standing in front of other women like this is one thing, but stepping out of the underground and into the main club area is agonizing.

I'm sweating and breathing hard, and I haven't even started working yet. Bella notices this and says,

"Serve drinks tonight. The first time is always hard."

>>>

I move from table to table, serving drinks and trying to keep my cool. Men watch me with hunger in their eyes and It makes my skin crawl, but I keep going.

Onstage is a man and a woman kissing passionately, his hand moving between her legs, rubbing her clit as he thrusts into her. Wet sounds fill the air, matched by the moans of the crowd.

Some men in the audience stroking themselves with pure bliss.

I try to ignore the moans, the wet sounds, the raw erotic display, but it's impossible.

An hour passes before Matteo steps out of a private room. The moment he appears, all eyes turn to him, but he scans the club as if searching for someone, then his eyes lock onto mine.

He crooks his finger, signaling me over.

I set my tray down and walk toward him.

"You look perfect in that lingerie," he says, eyes fixed on my exposed cleavage.

"Come here," he commands.

He leads me into a private room. The scent of cologne and cigar smoke fills the air.

"Matteo," a celebrity I've only seen on TV, greets him. "Hope you're enjoying your night."

"Yes," he replies. "And it's about to get better." He wraps an arm around my waist. "This is Nina."

"She's pretty," another celebrity notes, studying me like art.

"That she is," Matteo agrees, sitting on a plush red couch, spreading his legs. "And she's going to give us a show."

"What?" I choke out, stunned.

"Take off your clothes, dolce peccato."

"No!" The word slips out before I could stop it. "I...I mean...I was supposed to be serving drinks."

"You were," he agrees, voice dangerously low. "And now you're with me."

"I want you to take off your clothes. Slowly," he orders in that same tone.

My hands tremble as I slide the straps off my shoulders slowly, revealing my tits. Next, I hook my thumbs into my waistband and push my panties down, kicking the fabric aside.

Now naked, except for the heels.

"Turn around."

I obey.

"Now bend over. Slowly."

Hesitantly, I do as he says.

"Fuck," Matteo curses under his breath. "Come here."

I straighten and step forward, stopping between his legs.

"Kneel."

A strangled noise escapes me, but I lower myself between his thighs.

His fingers trail slowly from my cheek down to my neck, squeezing lightly before moving lower.

His hand cups one of my breasts, his touch sending a shockwave of pleasure through me. I lean into his touch.

He pinches my nipple between his fingers, and a moan escapes me.

Why am I acting like a horny teenager? I'm supposed to hate this... to hate him. But why do I want him to touch me? Why does this feel so good?

"How much for her?" one of the celebrities asks, his hungry gaze locked on me.

No. No. God, please, no.

"Pick up your clothes and leave. You're done for the night," Matteo snaps.

I scramble to put my lingerie back on and rush out of the room, heading straight for the underground changing area.

I pull on my trench coat, trying to steady my breathing.

Matteo enters without a word. He fixes my hair, then shoves me forward, pressing me face-down against the changing table.

He lifts my coat.

"Do-" spank.

"Not-" spank.

"Ever-" spank.

"Disobey-" spank.

"Me-" spank.

"Again."

His palm rubs slow circles over my stinging skin.

"Do you understand?" he murmurs, bending close to whisper in my ear.

I feel all of him pressing against me-his hard cock and thick thighs.

"Yes," I breathe out, pushing my hips backward.

"You have a lot to learn, dolce peccato."