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STRIPPED by Ruth D. Kerce copyright © 2008, all rights reserved Published by Ellora's Cave Book Cover Designed by Syneca Order this ebook : Ellora's Cave Kindle return to - electronic bookshelf or print bookshelf | |
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THE BUZZ
Yum! This was a great escape - Chris, Night Owl Romance Definitely got my heart pumping - Signey E. Scott, Just Erotic Romance Reviews As a reader I was totally drawn in... unaware that I was holding my breathe until it was released in an audible whoosh - Rosalynne Writer, The Romance Studio Will keep you glued to the pages and not let you go - William Phenn, Reader Views This is a fantastic read - Sonya, Fallen Angel Reviews |
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“I don’t know if this is a good idea, Lily.” Hannah shuddered, twisting her fingers into a knot. She couldn’t take off her clothes in front of people—men. Strangers. For money. Could she? Not that she condemned those who did. She just didn’t think she’d have the nerve to see it through. “Why not? I’m short a girl. I need the money from this gig to pay my coming-due bills. You’re desperate for money. It’s perfect. Fate.” She did need the money. Trying to keep her mother in a private nursing home had completely drained her bank account and she’d maxed out her credit cards. If she didn’t make the next payment, her mother would be transferred to a state home. No way would she let that happen. She’d seen the place. The staff there was overworked and the home looked downright depressing. Distraught about possibly having to transfer, her mother was already losing her will to live. Hannah had asked the care workers not to mention the move but one had let it slip. She wished homecare was a possibility but her mother needed more treatment than she could handle. Even if she could somehow manage, she still needed to work and her mother couldn’t be left alone. The cost of having a healthcare worker come in, above and beyond what insurance provided, made it impossible. Because of her financial situation, Hannah was also in danger of being kicked out of her apartment and having her car repossessed due to nonpayment. But she’d live under a bridge if necessary, as long as her mother was safe and well taken care of. Her mother was the only family she had left. She held back a sniffle, determined not to break down. She had to find a way to make some money fast. Though Lily ran a high-class stripper-for-hire business, not some cover for prostitution like many joints, she still harbored reservations. “How about you float me a loan instead?” She’d tried for loans elsewhere but everyone had turned her down, due to her bad credit. Her waitress job just didn’t pay enough to take care of the bills. She should have finished college when she’d had the chance, learned more, so she could have gotten a better job. But, like a fool, she’d dropped out, never thinking her life would take this sort of turn. Lily was her best friend and had been since high school. She didn’t know what she would have done without the woman’s emotional support over the last several years. Right before her mother had fallen ill, her father and brother had died in a car crash. She’d felt so alone. Still did, to be honest. But having Lily to lean on helped tremendously. “I don’t have that kind of extra money, sweetie. I can offer you a place to live temporarily, if you get kicked out of your apartment. But that’s the best I can do. I’ve got two mortgage payments coming up for the house and one for the offices here, which I’ll barely be able to cover if you do this job for me. Not to mention having to make a payment on my business loan. Next year I should be doing great, if business keeps up. But right now it’s rough.” Hannah’s hopes died. She didn’t know what to do, where else to turn. “It’s one night, Hannah. I need you and you need the job. It’s not like this party is some rowdy fraternity crowd, just a small bachelor party at a hotel. The guy who booked the date has been a friend of mine for years. Nothing bad is going to happen. If you do this, then we both get the money we need. He even agreed to pay extra if I book him a classy girl. And if you get any tips, those you keep for yourself. It could amount to a hell of a lot of money in the end, for such a small gig.” “Classy, huh?” She supposed it was a compliment that Lily thought she fit the bill. “So, is this guy rich or something?” “He’s been known to splurge for those he cares about.” “I wouldn’t even know how to go about it.” Not to mention, she wouldn’t be up on a stage, away from grabbing hands. “Will you send Jackson with me?” He worked security for Lily and she’d at least met the man. “Jackson is on vacation. And the rest of my security guys are booked that night. Besides, this is a safe job. I promise. I wouldn’t put you up for it alone, if I wasn’t sure.” “How naked would I have to get?” She already knew Lily’s strippers didn’t go completely nude, so maybe this was something she could do. “All the way naked…for this one.” “All the way? You don’t do all-the-way naked.” She wondered at the odd look in Lily’s eyes, like there was something she wasn’t telling her. “This is a special arrangement. That’s why he’s paying so much. You’ll wear this French maid’s uniform. Okay…it’s a little cheesy but it’s what he requested. Just wiggle your hips and slip it off to the music I’ll provide. Wear some sexy underwear and jiggle out of that. Shake your bazooms a little—” “Bazooms?” “Bring a wrap, so after the strip you can cover up fast, grab the costume and the money and then get the hell out of there. I’ll give you a company cell phone so you can call if you need to, for any reason.” Lovely. “Why can’t I just get dressed in their bathroom?” “Better to get out while you can before they start trying to hit on you. Not that I expect a problem with this bunch. But just as a precaution, especially since you’ll be there alone.” “You said, grab the money. Is that just the tips or—” “Just the tips, if you get any. The night has already been pre-paid. If you run out, Hannah, I’ll have to process a refund. So if you go, you need to do the job. We’ll both be in the crapper, money-wise, if you don’t.” “You’re not making this easier.” Though with the money she’d earn, she could probably pay enough down to stall the nursing home for another month. After that, she’d figure out what to do. She’d take things one month at a time. “What if they try to touch me?” “No touching. It’s a rule.” Oh. A rule. Yeah. Of course. Nobody would ever break a rule. Shit. |
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STRIPPED by Ruth D. Kerce copyright © 2008, all rights reserved Published by Ellora's Cave Book Cover Designed by Syneca Order this ebook : Ellora's Cave Kindle return to - electronic bookshelf or print bookshelf |
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS CAPA Nominee for excellence in erotic fiction |
