Chapter 13
CHAPTER 13
ELLIE
I am now officially in hell. I can’t believe what I’m seeing. The poor woman being mauled in public looks as sick as a dog.
I am trying so hard to disguise the disgust in my expression, but I’m failing miserably.
Luckily, Arman acts fast and says firmly, “We should greet the others. Please excuse us, gentlemen.”
He takes my arm and leads me away from the group and I hiss, “I want to leave. Now!”
“And you think I don’t.”
I whisper, “I mean it, Arman. Whatever your reasons are for being here are not mine and quite frankly, I’m appalled at this behavior. I mean, really disgusted and if you think…”
“Mr. Romanov.” A loud voice cuts me off and I notice a distinguished-looking gentleman heading toward us. His arm slipped around the shoulders of a carbon copy of the last girl.
“Mr. Wilson.” Arman replies smoothly, and the man grins.
“Tony, please.”
His gaze lingers on my breasts a little too long, and then he reaches out and shakes Arman’s hand.
“I was sorry to learn about Andrei. He will be sadly missed by so many people.”
“Thank you.”
His comment brings me back to the reason we’re here, and for some reason it tugs on my heartstrings. Losing a loved one is a difficult thing to deal with. I should know. Little memories catch your heart when you least expect it. Grief shrouds your soul in misery and reminds you life is but a fleeting pleasure and is not to be taken for granted. The invisible clock that follows us through life might stop at any time and if we could see the hands ticking away, we would probably do things differently.
“I see you have met Michael and Joel already. Let me introduce you to Ed. He’s been waiting to meet you.”
I glance up as another man heads our way and there is something in his expression that is different from the others. I can’t place it and stare at him with curiosity as he catches my eye and smiles.
“Good evening, ma’am. Mr. Romanov.” He smiles politely and extends his hand to Arman, who is polite but distant around these men.
He is wary. I already sense that and wonder if he’s doing a good enough job of settling these men’s minds. I’m aware a lot is riding on this evening and I should play my part, but it will definitely not involve whoring myself out for the men’s pleasure. I would rather join my grandmother in her dusty grave.
I’m already bored by their talk of business and regard the women standing patiently waiting with interest. I smile at a pretty girl with blonde curls and she returns it with a sad one of her own.
I feel encouraged and say with an urgent smile, “I don’t suppose there are any restrooms in here?”
Ed nudges the girl. “Show our guest to the nearest one, darling.”
She nods and jerks her head toward the door in the corner. The other girl seizes her chance and smiles at Tony.
“May I also be excused?”
“Of course honey, we must talk business, so take as long as you need.”
I breathe a sigh of relief and make to move away and Arman catches my hand and tugs me back, whispering, “I’m trusting you.”
I say nothing and merely grin as I follow the women across the grand reception room.
We reach a carpeted hallway and the blonde girl sighs. “Thanks, hun. These things are so boring and any excuse to get away is most appreciated.”
She smiles. “I’m Carly, by the way.”
“Gabrielle, but my friends call me Ellie.”
I turn to the other girl and she adds, “Jane. Otherwise known as Iris Mahoney.”
Carly giggles. “Me too. What are the odds?”
They share a wicked smile and then Carly says with interest. “I haven’t seen you before, Gabrielle, um, Ellie. Are you new to the agency?”
“What agency?”
Their eyes widen. “Wow. You don’t know then.” Jane gasps .
“What?”
We reach another door and they pull me through it and turn to regard me with wide eyes. It’s as if I’m an exhibit in a zoo and I’m uncomfortable.
Carly says. “Burning Roses.”
Jane adds. “It’s an escort service that supplies girls for parties like this.”
“I’ve never heard of it.” I lie, hoping to delve a little deeper into my mother’s sordid affairs.
“Tell me about it.”
Carly shrugs as she leans back against the wall. “We join and sign an NDA. What goes on inside Burning Roses stays there but I won’t be violating that if I tell you we are expected to do whatever the client wants.”
“And they want a lot,” Jane hisses bitterly.
“Don’t be fooled by these men, Ellie. They are without morals. These parties are just excuses to commit depravity, and I urge you to leave as soon as possible because things are about to get dirty.”
“Why do you do it?” I’m shocked and Carly smiles sadly.
“Money. They pay a lot, and one evening at a Burning Rose party pays your rental for a year.”
“No way.”
I’m shocked and Jane nods. “It pays more than the average person earns in six months and if you attend one party a month, you enjoy a very comfortable living. It’s why we do it. One night in exchange for the rest of the month off.”
“Unless you want more, of course.” Carly interrupts.
“You see, Gabrielle, it’s easy money, really. Most of the men are old and unable to last long and the girls here know the score. Occasionally, the men contact us separately and work out an arrangement. I’ve known girls set up in penthouses, driving sports cars and enjoying expensive vacations if they grab the attention of a powerful man. It’s almost impossible to resist.”
“I can see the attraction.”
I’m stunned and Jane says with curiosity, “What’s your story?”
“There isn’t much to say. I was fired the other day and then, well, bumped into Arman and he offered me a job.”
“What job?” Carly says with interest.
I say impulsively, “His, um, assistant. I mean nothing, um, sexual. Just to help him out, and I never really expected to be here tonight.”
The girls laugh.
“Wow, you must be wondering what the hell is going on.” Carly says with wide eyes.
“You could say that.”
Jane sighs. “We should be heading back.”
“Let them wait a little longer.” Carly’s eyes flash.
“You know, Tony is such a creep. There is something about him that makes my skin crawl and I can’t place it.”
“Ed’s a sweetie.” Jane smiles. “I mean, a depraved sweetie of course, but it could be worse. I could have got that letch Joel.”
“There’s still time.”
“What do you mean?”
I stare at Carly in surprise and she groans. “These men like to swap. I’ve had every man in the room, on occasions in the same room, and something is telling me that’s a possibility tonight.”
“No way.”
My mouth drops open and Jane nods. “I get that impression too.”
She fixes me with a sympathetic smile. “Your, um, date, is new. The men like to make a point. Call it a test if you like. The fact there’s only five of them means they will want to play hard. Test his loyalty even and you are in deep trouble, girl. ”
“Me?”
They nod and Carly says with a warning, “I saw the way they looked at you. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a situation you can’t control. You should really plan for that.”
“They can fuck off if they think I’m letting any one of them near me tonight.”
“Good luck with that.” Jane says with a wry smile. “I’ve seen women refuse, and it gets them nowhere, if you hear what I’m saying.”
I do. Loud and clear and now I feel sick.
Fuck! What the hell has Arman got me into?