Chapter 2: The Dare

"Are you ready?" Becca asked me right after her car stopped its engine.

My heart pounded with both excitement and nervousness. We were already here. It was about to happen. I didn't know what to expect once we are already inside, but I was also looking forward to it.

"Yes," I answered, and we both got out of the car. I simply followed Becca's steps, and I saw a bouncer slightly bow his head as Becca passed by. She gestured something to the bouncer, and he looked at me and nodded.

I didn't know what it meant, but I assumed it was for them to allow me to enter the bar. I could see some people handing them a ticket before entering, and I didn't have one.

As we entered the bar, we were greeted by loud music and a lot of people dancing and drinking. All of them looked fancy and rich. I glanced at what I was wearing – just a red silk dress Becca had lent me. I didn't own any expensive dresses like what they were wearing, so she let me borrow one from her.

I had worried before that Becca might judge me because I didn't turn out to be rich. People from our old town had expected a lot for my future, but here I was, struggling for money every day.

"Just enjoy this night, babe! I can tell you've got a lot on your mind. Let yourself enjoy for once in a while!" Becca said loudly, enough for me to hear over the blaring disco music.

"Don't worry, Becca! I'm going to be just fine!" I responded to her almost shouting and smiled. She tapped my shoulder and walked past me to mingle with some of her friends.

I remained standing in my spot and took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter holding a tray. I felt too shy to talk to other people, thinking they might ignore or humiliate me. I didn't know anyone here aside from Becca.

The host for the night drew everyone's attention by announcing it was time for the games.

"Attention, everyone, you're about to get wet. Welcome to the Velvet Lounge's grand opening! Whoo!" He said energetically, and all people went wild and noisy, along with the livelier music.

"Now, who's ready for the games?!" the host exclaimed loudly, causing the people in the bar to cheer even more. "Prepare yourselves! The game of dares starts now!"

I smiled. The games were about to begin.

According to the host, the games were all about dares. He explained the rules and instructions. Each dare cost ten thousand dollars. The amount of money that could be won for just playing a dare was staggering. He also outlined the rules, such as not being allowed to refuse a dare, or else the one who refused would have to pay the dare cost.

I was here for the money, so I couldn't afford to refuse any dare, no matter what it was. These games were harmless, right? Surely, I wouldn't be asked to do anything dangerous or hurtful.

They gave everyone in the bar a red piece of paper. We wrote our names on it according to the instructions. The host would draw the names, and whoever was drawn would get to play.

I realized I might have a chance to not participate in the game. I quickly looked for Becca and found her kissing a guy in what I assumed was the VIP area of the bar.

She immediately saw me approaching, so she left the guy to come to me.

"Hey, is everything alright?" She asked.

"Becca, this might sound desperate, but what if I don't get picked for the game? I can't go home without any money. That's the reason why I came here," I said.

"I know that. Don't worry, I am prepared. Just in case you don't get to play, I'll cover one dare cost for you. Don't refuse it. I guarantee it," she said and winked.

Wait, what? She's willing to cover one dare cost for me? That's ten thousand dollars. I felt embarrassed, but before I could say anything, she returned to kissing the guy.

"For the first dare, come on stage Daniel Mendez!" I heard the host say, and the people in the bar cheered as the guy made his way to the mini stage.

"For ten thousand dollars, jerk off in front of the people until you cum!"

Loud screams from the almost drunk people filled the air with excitement, and the lights turned red to create the ambiance they needed for the dare. I froze. Was this the kind of dare we had to do? I never expected this.

I honestly thought that Daniel would pass, but he didn't, and in a flash, he was masturbating in full view of a screaming crowd. I immediately turned my eyes away, disgusted by his lewdness. After he finished, he was handed an envelope with ten thousand dollars in cash.

I swallowed hard. This wasn't what I had signed up for. This wasn't the game I had expected. I remembered what Becca had said and silently prayed to every god above that my name wouldn't be drawn because I couldn't handle it. I'd rather not play if my friend was going to cover for me anyway.

But my prayers went unanswered.

"For the next person, Paige Evans, come up on stage!" The host said.

My body went cold, as if icy water had been poured over me. It was scary, and I feared they might make me do something obscene. I knew I couldn't refuse whatever they asked because I had no money to pay the dare cost.

Slowly and hesitantly, I walked towards the stage. I heard the deafening cheers of the people in the bar, but instead of feeling excited, I felt even more nervous.

"For ten thousand, you have to kiss any guy inside the club until he gets a hard on!" He said, and the crowd went wild.

"K-kiss? Hard on?" I stuttered.

"Yes, dear! Don't forget, choosing to pass means paying the dare cost," he said and winked.

I gulped and began to scan the surroundings. I had to find a man. Any man inside this place. I looked at them one by one, and I could see the desire in their eyes, hoping to be chosen.

Until my eyes landed on a guy with his back turned to me, sitting alone at the bar counter, drinking by himself. It was clear he wasn't participating in the game and had no interest in it.

I found myself walking in his direction. "Ooooh. She found her target!" I heard the host say.

Ten thousand dollars was too much to lose tonight, especially with bills already overwhelming me. Besides, it was just going to be one kiss.

I swiveled the guy's chair, and in an instant, we were facing each other. I tiptoed, and without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.

I felt relieved when he responded to my kiss, and I immediately felt the warmth of his body with each kiss.

I could smell his expensive cologne and taste the whiskey on his lips that made me turn on.

This sensation with his kiss was something I had never experienced with my boyfriend... Wait.

Fuck, I have a boyfriend, and I'm enjoying this kiss!