Nurturing Britney (Surrender Book 7) by Becca Jameson (best books to read fiction .TXT) 📗

pants and plain shirts, people were less likely to look at me. I stopped wearing anything girly. No dresses. Nothing pink or purple or pastel.”

My chest is tight again, but I sit very still.

She licks her lips and continues. “I couldn’t bring myself to cut my hair again. I break out in a cold sweat even seeing a pair of scissors. But I just hid behind it or put it in a ponytail. I never wore makeup until I started at the club and I don’t own revealing clothes.”

I grip her back with my fingers.

She looks at me again. “I bet you’re wondering how I could possibly have been a stripper.”

I nod. “A little. It’s impressive.” It also hurts my soul to picture her. I can, however, visualize more than she knows because her damn boss gave me several photos in that file. It’s at the office. I didn’t risk bringing it home, nor did I spend much time looking at this sweet girl’s naked body.

She shrugs. “I disassociated. I had no choice. It pays well.”

“How did you get the job in the first place?”

“I met one of the women at the thrift store one day a year ago. She gushed over me. Usually, that stresses me out, but this time it wasn’t a man. Women don’t bother me as much unless their jealousy comes through.”

I smile. Makes sense.

“Anyway, her name is Licorice.” She giggles. “Her stage name anyway. She told me with my looks I could be making a ton of money. She’s the one who arranged for me to meet my boss. I was scared out of my mind at first, but Mr. Lazinski was so nice. He let me start slow. The other women taught me to dance. They said I was a natural. I assume I’m good enough because the customers always whistle at me.”

The flush on her cheeks would be adorable if the subject matter weren’t making me want to punch someone. Lazinski to start with.

“You really want to hear all this?”

“Yes, sweetie. I want to know everything about what makes you tick. It’s interesting. Really.”

“Okay, then.” She draws in another breath. “Anyway, I disassociated. It’s like I became two people. The Britney who isn’t at work is still quiet and shy and reserved and hiding from attention. When I get to the club, I change into my costumes and pretend I’m another woman. I even wear makeup and heels. I do it because it pays the bills. Over time, my boss has encouraged me to come out of my shell. At first, I couldn’t imagine why he kept me on since I wasn’t willing to get completely naked, but eventually, I realized some men found that attractive too. Innocence or something. The forbidden.”

“I understand. I’m sure a lot of women separate themselves from the job.”

She shrugs. “It pays the rent, but I’m betting it backfired on me. My innocent routine, I mean.” She bites her lip.

I frown. “What?” There’s something she’s holding back.

“There’s something I haven’t told you.”

I give her an encouraging squeeze, realizing my hands have drifted down so that I’m partially gripping her bottom now. She doesn’t seem to notice. “I’m not going to judge you, sweetie. You did what you needed to do to pay the bills. You’re a strong woman. I’m proud of you.”

Redness creeps up her cheeks. “I’m a bit of a freak actually. I suspect my boss wasn’t just selling my looks to a willing buyer. I mean, I know he wasn’t.”

“What was he selling, Britney?” I know the answer, but I want her to tell me, and I don’t want her to know I went to the club yet.

“My virginity,” she murmurs.

I shouldn’t be shocked, and I’m not, but the way she says the word makes me swallow anyway. It packs a punch when she says it out loud. I slide my hands up to her shoulder blades and wait for her to look at me. When she does, her blue eyes are bluer and her cheeks are redder. “You’re safe here,” I remind her.

Her next move shocks me. She leans in and kisses me on the lips. It’s a gentle swipe of her mouth, but it’s heaven to me. It’s also over in a second, and she jerks her gaze away. “Shit. Sorry.”

I’m reeling from the effect she’s had on me and give her a little shake again. “What are you sorry for?” My God, she’s precious. Every inch of her. Now that I’ve tasted her sweet lips, I’m going to have a hard time controlling myself.

She shrugs. “I’m being ridiculous. You’re trying to help me out, and I’m hitting on you. You must think I’m just some young girl who got herself into a heap of trouble. I didn’t mean to…be so bold.”

I slide one hand up to the back of her neck and turn her face toward me. “Look at me, sweetie.”

She finally lifts her gaze.

“You are precious, and I’m humbled that you feel that way about me. I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I’m attracted to you too. A lot, sweetie. But I’m not going to take advantage of you. You’ve only known me a day. You’re hurting, and you’ve had a rough life. Naturally, you’d think you’re attracted to me. Don’t be embarrassed. It’s flattering, and I’d be delighted if you still feel this way in a week or a month or a year.”

She scrunches up her face. “You’re just being nice.”

If she had any idea how hard I’m working to keep from lowering her onto her back and taking that small, sweet kiss to a stratospheric level… “Not at all. I mean every word. But there’s a lot you don’t know about me yet, and you’re not ready to hear most of it. You’re also stuck here for a while, so we’ll get to know each other and see what happens.” To reassure her I mean what I’m saying, I lean forward and kiss her back, my lips lingering