Avery pulls the handcuffs. She envisions, pulling them hard enough to cut through Andrew's wrist and sever his hand. She smiles grimly as she imagines the gory image. Andrew leans into the motion, pressing the side of his body tightly against hers. Now we really look like young lovers, she thinks with a frown.

"Since this is a competition, there should be rewards and punishments," Andrew says.

Evan smiles mockingly as if he's been expecting some sort of trick all along.

Andrew smiles, possessively at Avery, "If I win, you have to kiss me."

Avery wants to stand up and walk right out of the room, but Andrew jerks his arm and forces her to stay seated.

"Do you think Evan will lose?" Andrew asks her in a stage whisper.

Though Avery refuses to admit it to Andrew, she's not confident in Evan's abilities to resist the seduction. She thinks again about the image of his body entwined with Leonie's. The sounds of their moans echoed in her head. "It's none of my business who wins," Avery says, pretending to be calm.

"Who says it's none of your business?" Andrew asks, pausing dramatically. "If I lose, I will give you the right to choose."

Andrew observes Avery's expression, smirking at her. The mole in the corner of his eye moves slightly. Avery raises her eyebrows impatiently, waiting for him to explain when he sees that she's not going to ask, Andrew sighs. "You can choose to go with him or with me," Andrew finally says.

Avery is baffled. Obviously, I'd prefer to go with Evan, she thinks. He may not want me anymore, but anything is better than staying with this disgusting man. But there must be some trick. Andrew may be many things, but he's not a careless gambler. He must be sure he won't lose. Or worse, he's sure I'll choose him no matter what.

"What do you think, Mr. Howel?" Andrew asks.

Evan smiles, icily, "What makes you think I'll take her if she chooses to come with me?"

Avery bites her lower lip and tries to fight the tears that inadvertently begin to form.

Andrew laughs loudly, "No worries then. This should be fun." He nods at the male manager, signaling for him to begin the competition.

I can't believe this designer shop is allowing these men to do whatever they want, Avery thinks. I know they're both powerful and influential, but the shop has a classy reputation, and this little competition is definitely the furthest thing from classy.

The model swings her hips and starts a chair dance. She's changed into a new set of lingerie: a lacy black bra, thong underwear, and a matching garter belt. The bra cups her round breasts perfectly, and they heave dramatically as if they might burst free at any moment. The underwear does little to hide her taut rear, and she spreads her long legs, revealing the small triangle of fabric between them.

Avery looks down with embarrassment as the model gyrates against the chair. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees the manager standing on the right. He looks far more nervous than the model. He watches her striptease carefully, and a sheen of sweat breaks out across his forehead. He tugs at his shirt and rips the first button.

Emboldened by the manager's reaction, the model slowly sashays toward Andrew. She shimmies her hips and shakes her breasts. She strokes his face and neck and then reaches through his open neckline to caress his strong chest. Slowly she lowers herself onto him and grinds against his lap. Andrew still smiles but his eyes look bored. His face seems emotionless—he definitely doesn't look like a man overcome with desire.

Looking discouraged, the model shifts her attention to Evan. She licks her lips and presses her breasts onto Evan's chest, rubbing herself against him. She tosses her hair and blows in his ear before grabbing him by the tie and straddling his lap. She grinds herself against him and arches her back like she's about to orgasm.

Leonie sits next to Evan and grips her knees with her hands. Avery is pleased to see Leonie's stiff posture and an uncomfortable smile. At least she's as uncomfortable as I am, Avery thinks.

Avery fights the urge to shove the model away from Evan, but she can't move. The model grabs Evan's hand and places it on her ass, and Avery gnashes her teeth in frustration. She looks up at Evan but he seems completely composed. Then the model moves Evan's hand to her breast.

Maybe it's because there are so many people present or maybe he's determined to win, Avery thinks. Evan's determination is certainly legendary. But perhaps he only seems calm. Maybe that's not actually the case.

She can't help sneaking a peek at his trousers. There's no obvious erection. She raises her eyes and meets Evan's sarcastic gaze—he's clearly caught her looking. She sheepishly looks away.

The model is clearly frustrated by the men's restraint, but she doesn't give up. With one hand she reaches to her back and unclasped her bra. She slowly slides the bra away and cups her bare breasts with her hands. The manager turns his whole body around, trying to hide his very obvious erection. Avery can't stand it anymore. "That's enough!" she shouts.

"Jealous?" Andrew asks, placing his large hand over her small one. "Can't bear to watch another woman seduce me?"

"Unlock the cuffs," Avery snaps angrily. "I need to go to the bathroom."

"Give me a kiss, and I'll unlock the handcuffs," Andrew whispers against her ear.

"Then I won't go," Avery whispers back.

"Right cheek," Andrew instructs.

Avery wants to slap him across the face, but she restrains herself and quickly kisses his right cheek. Andrew looks defiantly at Evan, but Evan keeps a straight face. Avery desperately wants to know what he's thinking.

Andrew finally takes the key out of his pocket and unlocks the handcuffs. As soon as the metal leaves her wrist, Avery jumps to her feet and runs from the room. As she leaves, she hears the sound of glass shattering.

"Are you all right, Mr. Howel?" the manager asks affably.

Avery looks back and sees Evan grinding the remnants of a delicate champagne glass underfoot. The manager smiles professionally and asks Leonie and the model to leave the room so he can examine the men and determine if the seduction has been successful. Avery walks away before she can hear anything else.

I don't even care about the results anymore—I'm sure they won't matter, she thinks. Andrew has probably found some way to rig things in his favor, and I know I can't count on Evan to think up some heroic plan. I have to find my own way out of this hellish place.

She goes to the front desk to pay the bill. After swiping Andrew's credit card and signing the receipt, she scribbles something on the back of the paper. She wraps the paper around a one hundred dollar bill and slides it to the cashier. Avery lowers her voice, "Please, get this message to a man named Robert."

She glances at the door to the shop and sees dozens of bodyguards waiting patiently. Some work for Andrew and others for Evan. Andrew's bodyguards follow her to the bathroom and wait outside the door.

Avery looks around the bathroom, but she knows escape is futile. The store is on the seventh floor of the shopping center, so it's impossible to climb out of the window. She sits on the toilet seat and listens for footsteps. Maybe if another woman comes in, I can persuade her to change clothes with me, she thinks, She can create a distraction, and I can escape.

Soon, she hears the door open, and footsteps echoed across the marble floor. Avery stands and quietly opens the stall door to peek at the newcomer.