Fighting Dirty: A Stepbrother Romance (When The Gloves Come Off Book 2) Read Free Page A

could teach you a thing or two.”
    “You’re wrong. When I look at those women I don’t see whores. I see victims. Most of them were forced into this life through no fault of their own. They’re captives of the lifestyle.”
    The woman laughs quietly and regards me over her shoulder.
    “You think that’s funny?” I ask. “I’m a literal captive here, and I doubt I’m the first.”
    “Many of these women come to Tony begging for a chance to work here. Do you have any idea how much money they make?”
    “I don’t care about money.”
    “Of course you do. Everyone cares about money.”
    “Whatever their situation is doesn’t change the fact that I was forced to come here and…”
    “And…?”
    “Just look at me.”
    I uncross my arms from in front of my chest for the first time since putting on the negligee. The woman gives me a bored look.
    “So?”
    “It’s dehumanizing. I’ve been turned into a sex object and not a very good one,” I mutter.
    Why Tony thought I’d make a good addition to his brothel was a mystery to me. I’d caught a glimpse of the girls he employed. They were skinny with tans and huge fake tits. They looked like they were trying to turn themselves into Barbie dolls. I’m a pale, curvy girl who’d spend the rest of her life in yoga pants and sweatshirts if she could.
    “What is that?”
    A hint of an accent purred at the edge of her words. I couldn’t place it, but it was strangely seductive.
    “What?”
    “When your tough exterior disappears the little girl emerges. You think you are ugly? Fat? No man would want you?”
    “Don’t mock me. My situation is bad enough.”
    “Do you think those women down there care about what you think of them?”
    I don’t answer.
    “You could learn a lesson from them.”
    The door swings open and Tony enters. I never thought I’d be grateful to see him, but I’m desperate to get out of this conversation. Then I remember how I’m dressed. Tony gives me an appraising look.
    “Better than I thought,” he says.
    What does that mean? He expected me to look terrible? Of course. I cross my hands in front of my chest. Maybe the Madame was right. I could learn a thing or two from the girls here. The women who work in the brothel put up with worse than this on a daily basis and they survive. I was going to have to toughen up.
    “Leave,” Tony says, dismissing the Madame.
    She gives me a look that almost resembles sympathy. For a moment, I almost feel connected to her. Then I remember who she works for. I don’t want to be left alone with Tony, but even if she did stay behind, it wouldn’t matter. Tony sees me as his property now.
    I watch as she saunters out of the room like a cat. I wonder how long it took her to master that walk. I roll my eyes.
    “You girls playing nice?”
    “I’m not here to make friends,” I reply.
    “No, you’re not.”
    The coolness in his voice is frightening. This is all business as usual for him.
    “So, why am I here?”
    “Turn around,” he says with a smile. I don’t move. “Are we going to play this game? When I tell you to do something: do it.”
    “I’m not playing a game.”
    “Good. Now turn around so I can get a look at you.”
    I close my eyes, then slowly turn in a circle. I brace myself for criticism or a smartass remark, but it never comes. I open my eyes to find Tony sitting behind his desk.
    “What kind of experience do you have?” he asks, as if this is a normal job interview.
    “Excuse me?”
    “With men- or women. Tell me about your sex life.”
    I stare at him blankly. I am not having this conversation with anyone, let alone my kidnapper.
    “If you’re okay with fucking your stepbrother you must be in to some kinky shit.”
    I turn around and run for the door. I throw the door open and run straight into a bodyguard. Crashing into his chest is like running straight into a brick wall. I stumble back and he frowns down at me. The man grabs my arm and leads me back into the