Chapter 4: Undress

“Earth to Georgina.”

Georgina hears Matthew’s voice with his hand waving in front of her face, bringing her back to the present. Why am I remembering the past now?

She looked away. That homecoming night was the first and last time she spoke to Matthew after his parents got divorced. They both went to the same school but while she found new friends, he spent his school days alone, enough to be outcasted and feared because of his bad temper. But there were still a few girls who liked him. Like her friend, Katrina. They are even leaving chocolates and love letters on his desk and locker but he just throws them away.

”Yes, I'm fine.” She lied, clearing her throat.

He points at himself. ”Do you still remember me?"

She faced him with her chin up. ”Yes. I remember you." She confirmed. “You knew it was me who’s coming over?"

He shakes his head. "No. There are a lot of ‘Georgina Frays’ in the world. How would I know it’s actually you?”

She still held her chin up but couldn’t look straight in his eyes. “Fine. So, uh," She stutters, clearly not comfortable with the reason she's at his place.

He sighed. "Don't worry. I do things professionally. You don't have to feel uncomfortable." He assured her as he walked towards a shelf. "Would you like a glass of water, cup of tea or coffee before we start? You look pale.” He asked but it sounded more sarcastic than him being concerned.

She blushed in embarrassment. She can tell that he already guessed why she’s acting weird, spacing out and stuttering. And she felt like she needed to explain why she accepted the job and feeling a little hopeful that he’ll just lend her some money considering they’re old friends and won’t ask her to strip naked. That would be perfect! But— She glances at him. Who am I kidding? I told him to fuck off that homecoming night. ”I’m fine. I just need... the money.” She finally told him, looking away.

He looked at her for a moment before he answered. ”Alright. I need to do this session for my commissioned work and I have a deadline to meet. So, how about we get this over with?"

She closed her eyes, anxiously anticipating what she’ll be doing next. But isn’t this better? Stripping in front of a dangerously gorgeous, rich artist? She tries to console herself, her desperation convincing her pride. And she started having conversations inside her head.

But he’s my childhood best friend!

No! He was! That friendship is long gone.

She needs to calm her nerves and set her eyes to her only goal. She needs the money so badly, she can't afford to piss him off right now. She sighed and the moment she opened her eyes, her determination is all fired up. "What do I do?” She asked bravely.

"Undress." He instructed without blinking.

Georgina's mouth dropped as she met Matthew's intimidating gaze after he asked her to undress. She never imagined how that single word could be so sexy coming out of his mouth, with his eyes piercing through her and making her body feel warm.

"W—What? Here?"

"My bedroom is available." He smirked.

What a pervert! She stopped herself from rolling her eyes and smiled at him instead. As soon as he turned his back on her, she started making faces and raising her clenched fist, wanting to punch him while mouthing curses behind his back. She only stopped when he suddenly turned to check on her.

“What are you waiting for?” His left eyebrow raised. “Do you want me to do it for you? I’m more than happy to. Just ask.” He grinned.

And she almost fainted seeing that sexy grin on his lips. She held her breath and she could feel her cheeks getting warm.

She watched him as he brushed his hair with his hand and tied it in a messy bun. He’s even more handsome now that his hair is not hiding his face.

Those beautiful eyes. This is bad!

He pulled a drawer from the shelf, grabbed a sketch pad and a pencil. ”Just to let you know," He paused and glanced at her. "Every minute wasted costs a dollar. And ten minutes had already passed since our scheduled session started. I’d like to get my money’s worth if you don’t mind."

“Y—Yes.” She puts her handbag on the couch and started stripping in front of him. She saw her hand trembling as she reaches for the zipper on the back of her dress. “Shit.” She mumbled to herself.

Why am I trembling so much? This isn’t the first time I stripped but having him watch me do it is a different thing.

“Need help with that?” Matthew asked, walking towards her. “I told you, just ask.” He smirked.