My co-star’s arms were wrapped tightly around my body and we shared a deep kiss.

“Will you let me see you tomorrow, after class, Lizzie?” He said after breaking our passionate embrace.

I shot him a playful, sexy smile.

“We’ll see; text me, okay?”

There were a few moments of silence before the director screamed, “Cut,” and a buzzer went off on our large set that looked like the front of an academic building.

“Great scene, you two,” he yelled before directing a question to one of the sound guys who had a large set of headphones on.

My co-star, Daniel Flemming, gave me another little hug.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, 7 a.m. call time, right?”

“Yes, I’ll see you bright and early.”

Just as he turned to leave, my assistant, Gabrielle, approached us and handed me my cell phone.

“It’s Max,” she said, “and trust me, you’re going to want to take this.”

Max Bialystock was my agent, and he knew I didn’t like to be interrupted when I was on the set working, so I knew it must be important.

“Max, how are you?” I said while trying to keep some of the irritated tone out of my voice.

“Great news, Britney. Nielsen just released the numbers for last night’s pilot and your show debuted at number one.”

I took a deep, excited, giddy breath as he continued.

“There were huge numbers in the 18 to 25 demographic and the network just added 10 more sponsors. You have a colossal hit on your hands; congratulations.”

“Thank you so much.”

“I’m already getting some movie offers. I’ll take you out to lunch next week and we can discuss them.”

“Okay, I’ll put Gabrielle back on the phone and you two can set it up; she knows my schedule better than I do.”

I handed the phone to my assistant and my mind drifted back. Suddenly, a chill coursed through my body that shook me to my very core...

Six months ago...

“You don’t have to do this, you still have a few options. You know that, right?”

I rolled my eyes and shot Max a skeptical look. I always hated going to his office and attending these informal meetings.

“Just what options are we talking about?”

“I’m close to getting you an audition for that pilot.”

“It’s a bit part, not even a recurring role,” I said incredulously.

“It could turn into a recurring role if you...”

There were a few seconds of uncomfortable silence before I shot him a cold glare.

“Never mind,” he said.

I cut my eyes at him. “No, you started this ... finish your thought.”

He paused for a moment. I could tell he was trying to choose his words carefully. Then he just abruptly blurted out, “If you develop a work ethic, show up to the set on time, and put a little effort into your craft.”

I felt tears forming in my eyes. Unfortunately, everything he’d said was true.

“I’ve changed, though,” I countered. “I’m an adult now, and I don’t act that way anymore.”

His eyes softened. “People talk in this town, everyone knows you ... and five years is a long time.”

When I was 12, I moved to Hollywood from Enid, Oklahoma, and was cast in a very popular children’s television sitcom on the Disney Channel. Because of my popularity, I got leading roles in two feature movies that did very well at the box office. Now, my world looked very different. A year ago, my show got canceled and the casting directors stopped calling ... my opportunities dried up.

“Maybe we could hire a public relations firm to help with my image,” I said hesitantly.

“Do you have the money for that?”

My shoulders slumped. “Not until I get my settlement.”

“Let’s be realistic here, that money is gone and it’s not coming back.”

The truth of the matter was ... I was broke. My parents had been my business managers, and instead of setting up a trust and taking care of my money, they’d squandered it. I filed a lawsuit against them, but they were just as broke as I was and, as the saying goes, you can’t get blood from a stone. All I had left was my car, my clothes, and my Beverly Hills home. With taxes coming due in a few months, I needed income and I was running out of options.

I felt tears welling up in my eyes again. “I just need someone to give me a chance.”

“I’ll keep working the phones, I’ll try to make something happen for you.”

“You said I have options, but I really don’t, do I?”

There was a full minute of uncomfortable silence. Then, “I can set up the meeting if you want me to.”

“Jonah Goldstein.”

His name, those words, felt like poison on my tongue. The most powerful producer in Hollywood was casting for a new sitcom about a college freshman’s first year at USC. I was perfect for the role and I knew it would revitalize my career ... if I could land the part. Unfortunately, landing the part meant taking a meeting with Jonah Goldstein.

I’d actually met him once, three years ago at the kids choice awards when I was 15. Those two minutes were the most creepy, uncomfortable two minutes of my entire life. The way he looked at me, undressed me with his eyes, was nothing short of disturbing. He offered me a part in one of his movies and I flatly turned him down. I was at the height of my career and offers for roles were pouring in. Now, my situation was much different.

“Why don’t you take a week and think about it,” he said.

“I don’t have a week, shooting is supposed to start soon.”

“Shooting starts next month.”

“A week from now he’ll have the part cast, won’t he?”

“Probably.”

I was running out of options. I could always sell my house and move into a small apartment, which would buy me time. There was still a slim possibility Max could find me work and I wouldn’t have to move back to Oklahoma. In the end, I had to face reality. This was my only chance to get my career back on track.

“Make the call, I’ll take the meeting.”

I’d requested to meet Mr. Goldstein at his corporate office in Hollywood, but he refused. He insisted that we have a dinner meeting at his Bel Air mansion and threatened to cancel if I refused. He held the cards, and I relented and agreed to meet him at his home. I’d been spending a lot of time in the gym and I wanted to impress him. After trying on several outfits, I settled on a short little black skirt, a pretty pink top, and four-inch black pumps.

My hands were damp with sweat as I pulled up to a large metal gate outside his compound. It took everything in my power not to turn my car around.

Be strong, you need this.

“Can I help you, Miss?” The security guard said after lowering his newspaper from inside the little guard shack.

“I’m Britney Riley and I’m here to see Mr. Goldstein.”

The security guard shot me a knowing smile. “He’s expecting you, go on in.”

He flipped a switch and the gate began to slowly swing open. I drove for about a hundred yards while admiring acres of perfectly manicured lawn that was beset on all sides with large palm trees. Finally, I pulled up in front of a large mansion that had four giant decorative pillars holding up an extended awning. There were 20 large windows on either side of the enormous, ornate front door. The scale of the colossal house was truly breathtaking and I felt so out of my element.

When I pulled up in front of the door, I was immediately met by a valet who opened my car door.

“Mr. Goldstein is expecting you,” he said. “You can go on up to the main door.”

“Thank you,” I said politely.

I grabbed my purse and walked up the steps and heard my heels click again the marble pavers. Just as I got to the door, it opened and an older Mexican woman greeted me with a warm smile.

“I’ll take you to the sitting room, Ma’am. Mr Goldstein will be joining you shortly.”

“Thank you,” I said in a voice barely above a whisper.

We walked through a great room that was very tastefully decorated with large, ornate, Renaissance-era statues and expensive-looking frescos adorning the walls. We arrived in a large sitting room just off the great room and she directed me to sit on a large sofa. I was so nervous my knees were knocking together and I tried desperately to get my emotions under control.

After waiting several minutes, Jonah Goldstein entered the room. He wore black silk pajamas underneath a bright red robe. It reminded me of pictures I’d seen of Hugh Hefner. However, unlike Jonah, the founder of Playboy was reasonably handsome.

The richest, most powerful producer in Hollywood was at least 75 pounds overweight and had a thinning, almost bald head of brown hair. His nose was just a little too large for his other features and the short, stubbly growth on his face somehow seemed to multiply the creep factor. His eyes roamed over my body for several seconds before he spoke.

“It’s good to see you; I didn’t think you were going to take the meeting.”

“I would’ve rather met at your office, but you have a beautiful home; thank you for agreeing to meet me.”

“I see you’ve been spending time at the gym. I’m glad you’ve found something constructive to do ... since you haven’t been working.”

Smug bastard.

“I’m just in a bit of a lull right now. I know something will come along soon.”

He laughed. “Will it? At least you’re staying positive, that’s something.”

He was being such a condescending prick, I attempted to change the subject.

“You have a beautiful home and I’d love to see the rest of it.”

“I’m famished and we have a lot to discuss.” He quickly turned and walked towards the door. “Let’s go,” he said gruffly over his shoulder.

I followed him to the back of his mansion and we sat underneath a veranda that overlooked an Olympic-size swimming pool. Beyond the sparkling blue water were acres of perfectly manicured grass and a multitude of various trees. There were also three large fountains that gave the space an almost fairytale-like feel. Had I been anywhere else, I would have thought it was beautiful.

“Have a seat,” he said while pointing at the exquisitely designed outdoor table.

I sat my purse down on the table while he popped the cork on the bottle of what looked to be a very expensive champagne. Then he looked up and his eyes traveled over my body. I was used to people looking at me, studying my every move, but the way he did it ... it made me feel very self-conscious and unsure of myself.

“I’ve been following your career for a long time with great interest,” he said while handing me a glass of champagne.

“I feel very fortunate, this town has been good to me.”

“Max has done a good job guiding your career, but I could have done better.”

“He’s always looked out for me, much more so than my parents.”

He grinned sinisterly. “I would have insisted on a financial advisor, someone to take care of your money.”

“It’s in the past, there’s not much I can do about it now.”

“I agree ... we need to talk about your future.”

I took a sip of my champagne, it tasted delicious and helped to somewhat settle my churning stomach. In a split-second, I decided to seize the moment.

“My future is working for you and starring in your new project.” I hoped the strong, confident inflection in my voice would hide the nervousness I was feeling inside.

He laughed. “You’re getting way ahead of yourself, aren’t you?”

“You need me, this role is perfect for me.”

He took a sip of his champagne, then snickered. “Little blonde bimbo child actresses like you are a dime a dozen in this town.”

It was time for a bluff, one I hoped he’d buy. Calmly, I stood up and turned towards the door. “This is obviously a waste of my time, I should be going.”

“We’re just having a friendly conversation, sit your ass down,” he growled.

I took a deep breath and returned to my seat. “If you’re not going to cast me, why did you want this meeting, Jonah?”

“I’m considering it, but I need to know if you have the right temperament for the part.”

Just as I was about to speak, the door opened and the Mexican woman who’d greeted me at the door brought two plates of food and set them in front of us.

“I hope you like steak and lobster, I had it flown in this morning from Maine.”

“It must have been difficult to get the cow on the plane.”

He laughed and focused his attention on the woman.

“I won’t be needing you for the rest of the evening, Maria,” he said.

She shot him a fake smile then looked apprehensively into my eyes.

“Thank you, Sir,” she said before quickly scurrying back into the house.

My stomach was beyond nauseous and the last thing I wanted to do was eat. However, I didn’t want him to know that and I cut a small piece of lobster.

“I’ve been told by a lot of my friends that you’re unprofessional on the set,” he said while chewing his steak with an open mouth.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

It was a half-hearted and most likely unsuccessful attempt to deflect his obvious criticism. Inwardly, I cursed myself for not coming up with a better retort.

“I’m talking about showing up late to the set, not knowing your lines, and throwing childish temper tantrums,” he sneered.

“That was a long time ago, I’ve changed,” I said defensively.

“No one wants to work with you and I’d be the laughingstock of Hollywood if I hired you for this role.” He picked up his lobster tail with his fingers and shoved half of it into his mouth. Just watching him eat made me cringe.

“You do have a knife and fork, don’t you?”

He stuffed the other half of the lobster tail into his mouth and loudly began to chew it. “Do you think I need to impress you? Trust me, little girl, it’s the other way around.”

I took another sip of champagne and attempted to remain calm. The tension in the air was uncomfortably thick, and because I didn’t know what to say I waited for him to speak.

“This is a very lucrative project. What guarantee do I have that you’re not the spoiled-brat bitch that all my friends warned me about?”

I felt a tear come to my eye and I quickly wiped it away. “I just need a second chance ... I need you to give me a chance.”

For the first time that evening, his hard glare softened. “Perhaps there’s a chance both of us can be reasonable and get what we want.”

“I’ll put my cards on the table ... I need this and I’ll do a good job for you, I swear,” I said desperately.

“So ... I give you the role that revitalizes your career ... what do I get out of the deal?”

I thought for a moment. “Money. This show will be a colossal hit for you.”

He smirked and pushed his empty plate to the middle of the table and raised is arms into the air. “Look around. Do you know what I’m worth, do you think I need the money?”

An uneasy feeling washed over me. “What do you want, then?” I said in a voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes traveled up and down my body. “I’ve watched you, Britney. I’ve watched you for many years. The lanky little girl from Oklahoma who turned into a beautiful young woman.”

I thought I was going to throw up. Quickly, I took another sip of champagne.

“I guess it comes down to this, young lady ... how badly do you want this part?”

Tears formed in my eyes and I didn’t attempt to wipe them away. “There has to be another way,” I said solemnly.

“How much longer do you have before you’re forced to sell that cute little house ... three months, maybe six?”

“I don’t know, something like that.”

He refilled his champagne glass and looked deep into my eyes. “I’m the last chance you have to work in this town, little girl.”

There was a gnawing, sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I’d feared it would come down to this. The rumors I’d heard over the years were obviously true ... it was decision time, but I decided to play coy.

“Let’s just cut to the chase, what do you want?”

His eyes brazenly roamed up and down my body. “What I’ve wanted for years... you.”

“If I do this, the role is mine?”

“Yes, of course.”

I thought for a moment, then quickly added, “Only once, this is a one-time thing, Jonah.”

“Only once,” he repeated in agreement.

“Okay,” I said solemnly, resigning myself to the fact that this was going to happen.

A sly grin broke over his face. “Excellent, follow me.”

He led me to the east wing of his mansion. While I followed him down the long winding hall, I couldn’t help but notice the expensive paintings and sculptures that adorned the walls. It was an ostentatious, gaudy display of his wealth and status.

When he opened the door to his master bedroom, I took a moment to survey my surroundings. There was a king-size four-post bed in the back of the massive room that was constructed from dark oak. The dressers and nightstands were made from the same dark oak, which gave the room a very masculine feel. The walls were painted an off-white and there was a red accent wall behind the bed. For whatever reason, I remembered reading that the color red bespoke anger and aggression, which only added my nervous, uneasy feeling.

After he entered the room, he walked to the bed and sat down on the edge, and our eyes met. While his back was turned, I nonchalantly placed my purse on a chair near the door.

“Do you want me to join you?” I said nervously.

“No,” he said curtly. “You can do a little dance for me while you’re taking off your clothes.”

He reached into his pajamas, pulled out his cell phone and hit a few buttons, and smooth jazz music began playing through the speakers in the ceiling of the room.

“Get to it,” he growled.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and resigned myself to the fact that for me to get what I wanted, this was going to happen.

Hesitantly, I began moving my hips to the sensual rhythm of the music. Slowly, I removed my top, revealing my pretty pink-lace bra.

“Open your eyes,” he snarled, “and keep them on mine.”

I complied and calmly unhooked the little latch of my skirt and slowly slid it down my tan thighs. It was so difficult looking into his beady little eyes. Just a thought of being semi-naked in front of him disgusted me.

You need this ... You need this... I told myself over and over, summoning every bit of strength I could muster.

I swayed my hips seductively in time with the music and slowly turned, facing away from him. Deliberately, I reached behind my back, unhooked my bra, and let it fall to the floor. I turned and faced him again, but before he could see the upper portion of my body I slid my hands over my breasts, making a “hand bra” and denying him the view I knew he was intent on seeing.

While I continued to seductively sway to the music, he removed his robe and the top of his pajamas, exposing a thick mat of hair on his chest. Inwardly, I winced when his full round belly came into view. At least one of us knows what a gym is, I thought to myself.

Unfortunately, it was now or never. Hesitantly, I moved my hands lower, exposing my 34C breasts, and slid my thumbs underneath the elastic band of my little thong. Gradually, I slid the thong down my thighs, exposing my naked body to his lustful, peering eyes. While I continued to rhythmically sway my hips to the music, he slid off the bottoms of his pajamas, exposing his tight black boxer briefs. Just like his chest, his legs were covered with a thick patch of hair. His body reminded me of a gorilla I’d seen at a zoo.

His eyes never left mine as he slid his boxers down his thighs, exposing his hard cock. It wasn’t overly long, but it had a large, mushroom-shaped head and pre-cum was seeping from the tip. Just as I started to kick off my heels, he spoke.

“No ... leave them on,” he growled.

“Okay...” I said demurely.

“Come over here ... I want a lap dance.”

Hesitantly, I walked towards him and he extended his thigh.

“I’ve never done this before...” I said in a voice barely above a whisper.