InvitingTheDevil by Gabriella Bradley Page B

show is going to charity. Tons of big names here tonight from what I’ve heard.”
    “Really?” My heart sped up. I hadn’t had time to become nervous, but looking at the fancy décor and all the tables, I felt flutters and nauseated. “I feel sick,” I muttered.
    “I don’t doubt it. It’s all happened so fast for you. I have some antacids. I’ll give you some when we’re in the changing room.”
    The change room was at the back of the ballroom beside the stage. It wasn’t overly big so it was very cluttered with the racks of clothing, the seamstress, Hans, Sheldon and us girls. “Kalem is not attending?” I asked Odette.
    “Oh, don’t worry. He’ll be here. He very seldom comes into the changing room.”
    Sheldon hurried toward me, my dresses draped over an arm, a bag in his other hand. “Hon, you look scrumptious enough to eat. Here are your dresses. Hang them on a rack near you. Start with the blue. You’ll find accessories in the bag.”
    I was glad Odette stayed near me. I took my clothes off, my panties last. A few small spots of blood stained them. Odette’s gaze glued to the V at the top of my legs. Though I kept them tightly together as I searched for the matching panties to the dress, she noticed.
    “Nice,” she said softly, gazing pointedly at my clit ring. Heat rushed to my face.
    “Don’t worry. We’ve all had our share of piercings, although I didn’t get a clit ring.”
    I looked at Odette’s beautiful, ebony body and noticed her bellybutton piercing and nipple rings. “What’s the purpose of it?”
    “As you know, some of his designs are see-through. He claims clients like to see the pierced nipples and bellybuttons.”
    “Mm, maybe male clients?”
    “Probably. Who knows?” She grinned. “My fiancé doesn’t have any objections. He says it turns him on. I’ll be so glad when I receive the keys to my locks. I presume you got those, too?”
    I nodded.
    “I guess it’s kinda cool. I’ll be a virgin until my wedding night.”
    “You are? How old are you?”
    “I’m twenty. I was only eighteen when Kalem signed me.”
    “Has he ever…I mean…does he—”
    “No. He doesn’t have relations with any of his models, if that’s what you’re trying to ask,” Odette said, stopping me before I could ask the question.
    I’d been correct in my assumption. It had all been a test.
    “Girls, stop chatting. Odette, hurry up. You’re first. Danea, you’re last each round because you’re wearing Kalem’s exclusive designs, but hurry and get ready in case there’s a last minute glitch, girl.”
    I’d almost forgotten I was still naked. I pulled the blue G-string out of the bag and put it on, followed by the shoes. The dress was next. I carefully let it slide over my head trying not to muss my hair. Hans was already by my side with a brush.
    The wait seemed long before it was my turn. Sheldon had me standing by the door. I waited for the narrator to finish and Sheldon gave me a little nudge. I walked onto the stage. The music was loud, deafening. At first, I was blinded by the spotlight aimed at me, then I noticed a sea of faces waiting expectantly. I almost froze, then remembered Sheldon’s instructions. Phaze out. Pretend you’re there alone and modeling for the love of your life. I imagined Kalem among the faces. He was probably there, somewhere. I concentrated on him and stepped forward. I paused when I got back to the stage and swiveled several times, loud clapping overshadowed the music. Still doing the model walk, I swayed to the door and slipped through as another model slipped past me onto the stage.
    I let out a deep breath. Sheldon was beside me instantly.
    “You did well. Matter of fact, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear you’d done this before. You’re a natural, darling. Now go and change. The black is next.”
    I dug in the bag. No G-string to wear with the black dress. I slipped into it and waited for Sheldon to fasten the collar for me.