Page 5 of Aurelian Prisoner

But none of the other girls believe that. They think I’m pretending to be better than they are. Brienne, especially, seems to take offence; as if my refusal to sell my body is a personal slight against her.

I look up at the dark-haired beauty, and promise: “Brienne – Iswear. I don’t do any ‘extra’ credit work.”

Brienne stares me down. It probably wouldn’t be hard to stand up to her – I’ve had a hard-knock life, and know how to handle myself – but I know that adding additional conflict to the already simmering cauldron of this workplace wouldn’t be worth it.

It’s frustrating, though. I know with one punch I could knock that stern look off her face. When you grow up as a dirt-poor orphan, you learn to scrap – especially when creepy men see you as an easy target.

Brienne, at least, seems satisfied by my meek response.

“Good,” she warned. “You better not – or we’re going to have a problem.”

You better get out of my face,I think to myself,or you’re going to be the one with a problem… A dental problem, bitch!

It would besosatisfying to say those words, but I’m not going to get into a fight over nothing.

“I only dance,” I reassure Brienne. “I’ve never done anything more, and I never will.”

Satisfied, Brienne turns – just as the door to the changeroom slams open and Obbit barges his way in.

Some of the girls shriek, but for the likes of Brienne and I, this is old news. We’ve never had any privacy from this Toad. Only the newer girls try to cover themselves up. The rest of just leave ourselves bare, letting Obbit leer at us in resigned silence.

I feel Obbit’s eyes fall on me.

“Allie,” he gurgles, his lips wobbling and spraying spittle. I instantly drop my gaze, trying to look obedient and submissive.

Shame burns me as I do so – because I’m no wuss. I just know when to avoid a battle. If Obbit knew I could handle myself in a fight, he’d stop underestimating me. You have to keep your advantages hidden – especially when you have so few of them.

Keep them hidden until youneedthem.

“Allie,” Obbit repeats, and I nod:

“Yes, Obbit?”

“You’re doing extra credit work in the pleasure room,” the Toad gurgles. “Now! Get those heels back on.” The Toad lumbers forward and warns: “Don’t even think of saying fuckingno– not if you want to keep your job. This is an order – coming down straight from Spur.”

Extra credit work?

A knot tightens in my belly.No!

He means the same ‘extra credit’ that Brienne submits to in the VIP rooms… or that I’d walked in on Jenny performing for that disgusting bastard.

The same ‘extra credit work’ that I swore I’dneverdo.

---