**Chapter 37: Danger** The opulent façade of the five-star hotel loomed ahead, promising a world of luxury and indulgence. Janet stepped through the revolving doors, her heart racing, unsure of what awaited her on the other side. Following closely behind Ike, she entered a lavishly decorated private room that exuded an air of hedonistic revelry. What greeted her was a scene straight from a wild night out in the city, but instead of distinguished clients as she had expected, she found herself surrounded by a group of Ike’s friends. They had gathered around a massive round table, laden with an extravagant array of sushi and sashimi, glistening temptingly under the dim lights. At the center, an ornate carved flagon sat, ready to drown them in their indulgences. The men were a motley crew, dressed in peculiar outfits that echoed a kind of flamboyant debauchery. Each one clutched a glass of wine in one hand while their other arms coiled possessively around the waists of women who looked as if they'd stepped straight from a twisted fantasy. Their heavy makeup and revealing dresses painted a picture of desperate allure, their faces flushed from the effects of drink. As they caught sight of Ike, excitement ignited in their eyes. One of the men, his voice booming with mirth, called out, “Oh, finally! Get over here, I! We’ve all been waiting for you!” Janet, maintaining a façade of composure, took a seat among the raucous crowd, painfully aware that the women around her were professionals in a game she never wanted to play. Their eyes danced with mischief, welcoming her as if she were one of their own. A few even winked at her, a playful challenge beneath their seductive smiles. The atmosphere was charged with an intoxicating energy, underscored by low moans and giggles that bounced off the walls like drugging melodies. Janet felt as though she were perched on a knife's edge, each second escalating her discomfort. A desperate urge to flee surged within her. “What’s got you all nervous?” Ike inquired, a glimmer of wicked amusement in his gaze, his cheeks flushed from drink. With a hand that felt anything but welcome, he gripped her thigh, his intentions unmistakable. Panic coursed through Janet. In a surge of defiance, she shot up and flung her glass of wine into his face. “You’re such a lecher! Don’t touch me!” Laughter erupted around them, an eerie chorus that only twisted the knife deeper. “Ike, looks like the girl you brought is a bit hot-tempered. You better teach her a lesson tonight so she knows her place,” a friend jeered, a smirk on his lips. Though it was evident Ike had consumed too much, his amusement was palpable as he leaned back with a chuckle. “What’s wrong with a little touch? You’re not worth much more than those girls, unless…” His voice dropped, dripping with lewdness, “Unless you’re still a virgin. Hey, if you let me pop that cherry, I’d be willing to pay you much, much more. What do you say? Sounds tempting, right?” Each word he spoke slid out like sludge, and with every gesture, he descended further into indecency. Janet felt a storm of rage bubble within her, battling against an overwhelming need to escape this nightmare. “Excuse me, Mr. Lyman,” she said, clenching her jaw, forcing a smile she didn’t feel. “I think I've had too much water. I need to go to the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back.” “Sure, but don’t take too long. You still have to serve me.” Ike reached out to stroke her cheek, an invasion that made her skin crawl. He buried his face in her neck, inhaling deeply. “You smell so good.” Adrenaline skyrocketing, Janet shoved him aside, grabbed her purse, and bolted for the door. Her heart pounded in her ears as she raced toward the elevators, jabbing the down button with urgency. She’d sacrifice her job if it meant escaping this man’s clutches; her life was far more precious than her employment. In her haste, she didn’t see the danger until it was too late. Just as the elevator doors began to open, a vice-like grip seized her from behind. “Let’s go to the bathroom together, then we can have some real fun right inside the stall, how’d you like that?” Ike’s breath reeked of alcohol, a vile reminder of how low he had sunk. He leaned heavily against her, his intentions clear. “Get off me, you bastard!” Janet screamed, panic setting in as she struggled against him. Her thin frame was no match for his strength, and in a frenzy, he locked her in a crushing embrace. “Don’t be so difficult. Many women in the company have shared my bed, and the next day, they walked right back into work with promotions and raises to show for it. They had it easy—all they did was sleep with me,” he taunted, dragging her towards an empty room that loomed like a dark abyss before her. Despair clawed at Janet's chest as she searched for a way out, her mind racing in overdrive. She knew she had to escape this nightmare before it consumed her whole. Desperation surged through her veins, and she steeled herself for the fight of her life.