— Ah, yes, Lexie — it's just a stage name, you know. Your new body's real name is Lena Barko. A sexy girl from Eastern Europe who slipped across the border looking for a "better future." — He turned, fixing his gaze on Donaldson again. — So, if you decide to play the rebel, I can hand your case over to the right people. In no time, you'll find yourself in a detention center, and there... — He paused, letting the threat hang in the air. — They'll quickly explain just how powerless you are. And don’t forget, sweetheart, you’re not a man anymore. People like you are in special demand over there. So you should be grateful to me for everything.
Smith took a sip of whiskey and waved a hand indifferently toward the door.
— Now get out. Caramel’s waiting to teach you something useful. I hope you can move at least a little, because if not, you’ve got no place in this club.
Donaldson stood frozen, stunned and humiliated. His heart pounded violently, his throat tightened with anger, but he knew any outburst could lead to even worse consequences. Swallowing his pride, he spun on his heels and headed for the door. Each step echoed the pain in his feet and the humiliation in his soul.
Just as he reached the door, it swung open, and a girl walked in. Her eyes were thickly lined with makeup, and her hair was a vivid pink. She wore a tight corset and leather pants that highlighted her slender figure.
— Caramel, — Smith said, nodding lazily. — Just in time. Lexie here has forgotten how to behave properly. I think you’ll do a better job of teaching her the ropes since it’s in your best interest to get her up to speed quickly.
Caramel frowned as she looked Donaldson over, who still stood in the center of the room like a trapped animal.
— Hey, boss, let’s not push her too hard, — Caramel said, throwing a quick glance at Donaldson. Her voice was soft, but there was a hint of irritation in it. — If you want her to get back to work, you’ll need a bit of patience. It’s not her fault things turned out... unusual. — She stared at Smith as if challenging him.
Smith snorted, crossing his arms, but said nothing.
Caramel stepped closer to Donaldson, her eyes scanning him from head to toe. Her gaze lingered on his hands, still clenched into fists, and the tense line of his jaw. Then she raised her eyes to meet his.
— Lexie, — she began with a slight smirk, — I know you want to throw it all to hell right now. But we have rules here, and if you don’t start following them, things are only going to get worse for you. Got it?
— Don’t call me that, — Donaldson growled, stepping back. — I’m not Lexie, damn it! I’m...
— You’re exactly what the doctor ordered, — Caramel interrupted, shaking her head. — So suck it up, sweetheart. Or would you rather have him deal with you again? — She nodded toward Smith, whose gaze still drilled into Donaldson.
— Do you... do you even know who I am? — he asked, trying to keep his voice steady, though it betrayed his inner tension.
— Of course, I do, — Caramel replied, her face growing serious. — But that doesn’t matter here. Smith already told you how things work. And if you don’t want things to get even worse, you’d better start listening.
Donaldson swallowed hard, feeling a lump of humiliation and helplessness rise in his throat.
— Fine. What do I have to do? — he asked, forcing his voice to sound firm.
Caramel smiled, but it was a cold smile.
— For starters — follow me. I’ll at least teach you how to move so you don’t look pathetic. You’re working in my club, Lexie, and as long as I’m in charge of your training, you’ll do everything I say. Otherwise... — She hesitated for a second, then turned to Smith. — Boss, you could always hand her over to the "special clients" if she doesn’t behave, right?
Smith nodded with a smirk.
— Exactly, Caramel. She’s all yours.
Caramel looked back at Donaldson, her gaze turning icy.
— Got it, sweetheart? You’re my trainee now. So get used to it. — She nodded toward the door. — Come on, shake those hips. We’ve got a lot of work to do.
Donaldson gritted his teeth, barely holding back his anger, and followed Caramel toward the exit. His heels still clicked traitorously against the floor, and his heart felt like it was tearing apart from the humiliation.
"I won’t forgive this," he thought, glancing back at Smith, who still stood by the table, watching him leave with a smug grin.