Page 1 of Sold to the Titan

Chapter 1

Aria

Everything hurts.

I lean heavily against the wall in the locker room with a tired sigh. My legs are sore from walking all night in four-inch stiletto heels and an uncomfortably tight leather skirt.

Not like I have a choice.

Every server at Rose Club has the misfortune of wearing the infamous “little red skirt.”

It’s a full house tonight. I can still hear the rowdy music all the way back here. I will never understand how people can party all night and still manage to function the next day. I feel like crap, and all I want to do right now is go home and sleep.

Home. Will I even still have a home when I get back to my shabby one-room apartment? My landlord was very clear—and loud—this morning when she appeared at my door.Pay up your rent tonight or get thrown out.

I let out another sigh and slowly start to unbutton my shirt. If I could just get another modeling gig like the last one, I wouldn’t have to worry about rent for the next three months. But getting gigs has become impossibly hard with so many fresh faces coming into the industry these days. You have to knowimportant people to get hired. Nobody wants to work with a struggling, broke waitress.

“Hey, Ary!”

I look up as Vivian enters the locker room, looking fabulous as always with her bright red lipstick and large hoop earrings. Vivian is unapologetically pretty and she carries herself with a loud confidence—the kind I wish I had. The patrons love her, and our manager loves her even more because she keeps the customers coming.

“Hi, Vivian.” I muster a tired smile, hoping she doesn’t try to chat because I’m tired as hell.

“Got a minute?”

No, not really.

“Sure, what’s up?” I ask, keeping my smile plastered on my face.I just want to sleep.

Vivian’s face brightens. “Well…you’re a virgin, aren’t you?”

My eyes widen, my face heating up with embarrassment. Stupid me. I drank one glass of beer at the last employees’ hangout and then I went ahead to inform the whole staff about my lack of experience. I’ll never live that moment down.

“W-why do you ask?” I ask, shuffling uncomfortably on my feet.

“Chill, it’s not a big deal,” Vivian says with a dismissive wave of her perfectly manicured fingers. “I have a job for you.”

“A job?”

“Yeah. I know some VIPs willing to pay good money for a modeling gig. I think you’re perfect for the job.”

“What does being a virgin have to do with a modeling gig?” I ask, blinking at her in surprise.

Vivian shrugs. “I don’t know…I think it’s for a high-end campaign or something exclusive. You know how these rich guys are—always obsessed with purity and all that weird crap. I think they just want someone with an innocent look.”

I narrow my eyes. Modeling gigs don’t usually come with personal questions about my sex life.

“Look, it’s fine if you don’t want to do it, but I heard the pay is really good,” Vivian says. “Two grand for just tonight.”

My heart skips a beat. Two thousand dollars is a lot of money for one night. I wouldn’t have to worry about rent for the next couple of months.

“But, what—”

“Look, it’s fine. I understand,” Vivian says, though her eyes flash with irritation. “I’ll just find someone else to—”

“Wait!” I say quickly, awkwardly clearing my throat. “I—I’ll do it.”

She beams, her pearly white teeth gleaming in the semi-dark locker room. “Great decision, Ary! Come on, I’ll introduce you.”

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