C
eline writhed on the carpet. Her back felt as though it would snap in two at any moment as powerful limbs bent her body beyond its limits. Her mind raced --
what was I thinking, can I survive?
A mere month earlier, Celine had been at her restaurant overseeing the day's board of fare. She had started as a chef herself, and through willpower, drive, and
a bit of subtle manuvering, had managed to start her own restaurant.
Things had gone magnificently at first. The food and service got rave reviews from local papers. And she quickly developed a devoted clientele. But it was more difficult
than she had imagined to maintain a top notch staff. Elite employees knew their |
|
own worth, and just as Celine had done, they moved on to more lucrative jobs when the opportunity arose.
Now she was suffering the businessman's equivalent of the sophmore curse. As service slipped, so did her reputation. And the list of creditors grew longer and more impatient. She
was using a bit of prime real estate in downtown Pittsburgh. One that could be quickly and easily sold for a profit after foreclosure. Celine need a quick infusion of cash.
Her mistake was to whom she turned for help.
Anatoly was a charming and handsome man. But there was a hint of something lurking beneath the surface. Celine had met the young Russian at her restaurant, of course. There was the
usual sophisticated flirting that goes on |
|
between customer and hostess when they met. Unfortunately, Celine mistakenly believed that she was the dominant personality of the two. As had been the case
most of her life.
But once he had bailed the beautiful woman out, Anatoly let her know that he expected more than his money in return. He had something in mind for Celine and it wasn't sex.
"Have you heard of apartment house wrestling?" he asked, as they sat in a corner booth of the once again popular restaurant.
"I think I have." she replied, "I overheard a couple of businessmen talking about a fight between two women in a penthouse somewhere. At first I thought they were talking about a girlfight
or something. But then I realized it was an organized affair. Why?" |
