THE SOLDIER

“Today. She said anytime between noon and three. You just show up at Black Diamond and ask to see Claire Peacock. She’s the casting director.”

“Great! I’ll get ready now.” I run to my closet and start frantically throwing clothes out on the bed.

“What time should I tell her?”

“Um…” I try to put on a pair of panties one-headed while I hold the phone. “Twelve-thirty. I don’t want to look too eager. Or do I?”

Lara gives a throaty laugh. “Twelve-thirty sounds good. I’ll give her the message. Call me when it’s over to let me know how it went.”

“Will do.”

I hang up, a goofy grin stretching across my face. Lara doesn’t usually ask for a report on how things went, so that must be a sign that she has high hopes for me. For this.

“Oh my God, you guys!” I run out of my room in nothing but my black panties, looking for my housemates. “I got another call-back!”

“Whoop whoop!” Kimberly calls from the kitchen. “You did something right.”

The sickening memory of Ensign’s office tries to crowd into my brain and dampen my enthusiasm, but I shove it away. I did something right at the first audition, and that’s why I got this call-back. Ensign’s an ass who doesn’t know good talent, and fortunately, he had nothing to do with this.

“Yep. I didn’t even have to suck anyone’s dick,” I say, trying to make light of it. My words choke me a little, though, and Kimberly cocks her head.

I didn’t tell them about what happened. How could I? They’d want me to hashtag me-too it, but I don’t want to be famous for being sexually harassed. I want to be famous based on my skill.

Besides, I didn’t think I could talk about it without spilling Pavel’s reaction to it. What he did. I’m still alternating between being queasy and weak-kneed over it. Pavel’s a bad boy, no doubt about it, but that’s the attraction. He gives me his undivided attention. His protection. His possessive dominance.

He’s a fantasy dom. After living in Los Angeles for five years trying to get discovered, to catch someone’s eye and finding I’m just another petite blonde in a whole sea of them, Pavel’s attention heals me.

He makes me feel special when I’d started to think I was nothing. He makes me feel beautiful. Hot. Alluring. He takes care of me.

And yes, he’s leaving for Russia. He lives in another city. So I know it can’t go on, that he’s not going to stick, but I’m falling hard for him, anyway.

“Well, when’s your call-back?” Kimberly asks.

“Today! Twelve-thirty. Come help me pick out an outfit?”

“Wear your turquoise blouse with the open shoulders-it brings out your eyes.”

I run back to my room. “With what pants?” I shout from there.

“Black pencil-legs. And your high-heeled black boots. You’re going to rock this.”

I am going to rock this. I throw on the outfit Kimberly suggested and start blow-drying my hair. I’m already picturing the phone calls I’ll make if I actually land a part. The first one will be to my mom. Her cheerleading is the reason I’m still in Los Angeles trying to make it happen.

In my scenario, Pavel would already know. He would know because he’s been with me every step of the way. I pick up the phone to text him. I got another call-back at the studio. Don’t worry, not the same director.

The phone rings immediately.

“Hi.” I’m instantly shy. That’s what this man does to me. He makes my heart pound every time we talk. It’s like a shot of adrenaline straight to my arm. I should have called him this morning when I felt down, but I didn’t want to be a clingy mess. Now I have something to share.

“Little slave.” Pavel’s voice is gravelly and soft. I picture him, heavy-lidded and hungry for me.

“I’m going back in to read lines at twelve-thirty-for a different show.”

“They’re going to love you.”NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

“I think this is all because-Pavel, you helped me.”

He stays quiet, so I go on.

“When I went to that first audition, I was scared that I wasn’t confident enough and didn’t know who or how to be. When you told me to just go in open like that-well, I think it made a difference. That’s why this casting director keeps calling me back.”

“There’s no human being on the planet who wouldn’t feel your magnetism. You are a natural. Go be that again.”

“I wish I had you here to open me back up again.” I lower my voice, leaning into one hip, projecting myself through the phone, all the way to Chicago.

“Where are you?”

“In my bathroom, putting on makeup.”

“Wash your hands.”

A little thrill runs through me at the simple command. The signal that Pavel’s taking the reins, even from a distance.

I turn on the water and obey. “Okay.”

“Now I want you to lean your back against the wall and close your eyes.”

I totter backward on my heels until my ass hits the door. “Okay.” My voice is breathy. Excited.

“Slide your fingers into your panties. Are you wearing panties?”

“Yes. Black panties.”

“Good. Put your fingers inside those panties and tap your clit for me.” I tap the pad of my index finger over my clit again and again.

Pavel waits, so I don’t stop. Quivers start to move through me and heat blooms.

“Now circle it. Feather-light touch.”

“Oh.” I suck my lower lip into my mouth as I barely trace a light circle around my clit. “Mmm.” Another tremor makes my knees give out.

“Rub a little harder. Make it good, little slave, or the next time I’m there, I will spend all night punishing you. That’s my pussy you’re touching right now, and I want it touched right.”

“Oh my God,” I breathe, my fingers quickening.