Ruin Me, Gently

I chuckled, staring down at the empty glass shot before me. It’s crazy how loyalty and honesty don’t count in today’s world. I’ve always been a good girl, and yet I was betrayed by the people I trusted and loved the most in the world.

I honestly had no idea why I thought I could cover up for the ladies who were trained to entertain very important guests.

“I don’t remember telling you my story.” I attacked.

The moment I got here, I spent a good amount of time in the restroom, crying my eyes out, before I finally came to sit by the counter for drinks.

Harry gave me an obvious look. “This is a club. Happy people come here; sad people also. So I can tell what’s up with you. I bet someone is going to replace you after you take your leave.” He gestured to where I was seated.

“Wow!!! Men must really be dickheads!”

“If you say so! But why do you even think I’ll choose you!”

“Because I am a virgin.”

Harry stared at me as though I had horns in my head.

“You are really untouched, and you let me waste my time in engaging in conversation with you?”

“You’ve had quite a number to drink, how come your speech is still clear?” He added.

“I’m a good girl, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to do the bad stuff.”

Harry parted his lips to say something, but I guess words failed him.

I had no power over the words that were rolling off my tongue. All I knew was that I was tired of being trampled on and, most importantly, I needed something to take my mind off this betrayal.

“Don is not having it. He said he’s going to leave in five minutes.” The staff from earlier said, looking worried as hell. “Did you get through to Nancy?”

“We need to act fast. Our job is at stake.” He panicked.

I could feel Harry’s eyes on me.

I continued to stare at the empty glass shot before me, pretending I had no idea what was going on around me.

“Are you sure you are up to the task?” Harry directed at me.

“I don’t do business with people who look down on me,” I answered, still not looking into his eyes.

“Look, sorry if I was harsh! Don is our biggest client. We only give him the best.”

“Then good luck with finding him the best!” I picked up my purse, then was almost getting off the stool when his voice came through again.

“Why go home and continue to sob on your couch when there’s an opportunity to have the time of your life?”

I finally looked into Harry’s eyes. “So now you believe in me?”

He shrugged! “Don is not into men, so there’s little I can do. I let you have a good time with a man anyone would die to have. In return, you help me keep my job.”

I rolled my eyes as I got off the stool.

“Don’t be a sucker! What better way to get revenge against your ex than screwing someone richer, hotter, and sexier than him?”

“Don doesn’t do virgins!” I mocked.

“You can take your leave. Let him know that someone will be there in a few.” He said to the staff who obeyed.

“You didn’t have to say that out loud.”

I arched a brow at the dude before me.

“Keep that between us. Don doesn’t have to know.”

I folded my arms. “And who says I’m in?”

“I don’t trust people, but I’m going to give you a chance,” Harry said, but before I could say a word to defend myself, he disappeared from my face.

“Asshole!” I mumbled as I opened my purse, trying to see if I still had some cash in there to take a taxi home.

Sadly, there was nothing there—just my phone, which I had run out of battery on.

“Perfect!” I huffed! I spent all my money on alcohol, and here I was. Stranded.

“Let’s go!” That familiar voice said, bringing me out of my thoughts.

It was Harry who was now standing beside me with his apron discarded.

“Huh?”

He grabbed my hand and let me out of the bar through a “staff only” door.

We got into the dressing room, and then he let go of my hand.

A lady in a very short dress and wine hair approached us. “Her dress is perfect, but please do something to her face and hair. Simple but classy. You got just one minute.”

Before I could have a say, the lady called Mary pushed me into a chair and began to work on my face. Through the mirror before me, I could see Harry standing behind us, watching Mary closely.

Mary was done with my face in no time, then she moved to my hair, fixing the curls as fast as she could.

“All done, Boss.” She said to Harry as she turned the chair around so I could face him.

“Better! Let’s go.”

“Huh?!” At this point, my reality dawned on me.

What the hell did I agree to?

“You have only one option. Getting the job done.” Harry said sternly. “I also do not forgive easily, so think twice before you ruin things.”

“You’re threatening me?” I said in disbelief. I was literally helping out here. Shouldn’t he be more grateful than commanding?

“I’m just being realistic, Amore. I need you to channel the betrayal into something positive. Make the best of this night. Look back and have no regrets!” Harry said, then took slow steps toward me. “I think I know your type, and it’s time to bring to life all the fiery and beastly desires that you’ve buried inside of you! Forget about me and my job. Go in there and make yourself proud. This is all about you.”

I swallowed painfully.

“After what felt like forever, Harry brought me before a door. “Don is all yours! He doesn’t need to know this is your first time. Bon appétit!” Harry reminded, then disappeared in a flash.

My heart began to race as I stared at the door before me. I was trying so hard not to think of the consequences of what was about to happen. I agree that I used to be a very calculated person, but where has that gotten me? I was done playing by the ethical rules of life. Even though it was just for tonight.

I heaved a silent sigh as I connected my hand to the door handle and pushed the door open.