Art of Misalignment

Chapter 36 Exhibit and the Scale

The heavy bass from the main stage rattled the walls of the VIP lounge. Maya stood in the corner, her knuckles white as she gripped the silver chain of a quilted leather bag. She was wearing a tailored blazer that cost more than her first cello.

Jessie Meg pushed through the crowd, beer in hand. She stopped in front of Maya with a cynical smirk.

"Look who decided to show up," Jessie said, her voice cutting through the music. "Barely recognized you without the sheet music and the thrift-store sweaters."

"I’m just here to drop off my keys," Maya said, keeping her voice level.

"Sure you are," Jessie scoffed. "Cut the crap, Maya. I see the jacket. I heard Ethan Gill wiped out Dylan’s mess. You hit the jackpot."

"It’s not a jackpot, Jessie. It’s a transaction. He treats me like property."

Jessie rolled her eyes and leaned in. "Oh, cry me a river. You’re living in a penthouse. No more worrying about rent, or auditions. Do you know how many girls in the orchestra would kill for a shortcut like this?"

"You don't understand what it costs," Maya murmured.

"I understand that pride doesn't pay the bills," Jessie said flatly. "Drop the starving artist act. Classical music wasn't going to save you. Ethan is the golden ticket. Stop crying about your dignity and learn how to use him."

Maya didn't argue. Jessie’s words were still echoing in her head hours later.

The air around the heated pool at Ethan’s mansion was thick and humid. Underwater lights cast a rippling blue glow across the patio. Ethan sat in a lounge chair, smoking a cigar with two investment execs.

"Maya," Ethan called, his voice cutting through the hum of the filter. "Bring the bourbon."

Maya stepped through the glass doors. She was wearing the black swimsuit Ethan had laid out for her—thin, tight, and leaving nothing to the imagination. She carried a heavy silver tray with the bottle and crystal glasses.

"Ethan, your portfolio is always impressive," one executive noted, his eyes tracking Maya’s legs. "A very fine acquisition."

"I only invest in premium assets," Ethan replied, his tone detached. "Pour the drinks, Maya."

Maya knelt by the low table. She felt their eyes crawling over her skin, stripping away whatever self-respect she had left. A week ago, she would’ve thrown the tray at them. Tonight, she just poured the bourbon.

"Does she talk?" the second executive asked, letting out a rough laugh.

"Only when she's told to," Ethan answered. He took a glass from her hand, his fingers deliberately brushing her skin—a silent reminder of who owned the room. "Right, Maya?"

"Yes, Ethan," Maya murmured, her head lowered.

She stood and retreated into the shadows. Watching them discuss million-dollar deals, something in her mind went cold.

The sliding glass door hummed as Maya stepped onto the penthouse terrace.

A moment later, Ethan walked out. He didn’t say anything at first, just stood there breathing in the cool air. He held two glasses of ice water, handing one to her.

"Did those guys bother you tonight?" Ethan asked.

Maya took the glass, the condensation wetting her fingers. She didn’t look at him. "I don’t mind. Evaluating value is their job, right? That’s how they operate."

Ethan took a casual sip. "Exactly. Don't take it personally. They look at everything—art, property, people—as a set of numbers. It’s just business."

Ethan walked in, loosening his silk tie with one hand. “Tonight I’m in a great mood. I just closed a big deal. We should celebrate.”

He grabbed Maya by the waist, pulled her up against him, and kissed her hard. His other hand slipped under her nightgown, cupping her breast and squeezing roughly, thumb brushing over her n****e.

Maya pulled back, breathing fast. “Let’s go inside… not here on the terrace.”

Ethan smiled against her mouth, still kneading her breast. “Why? It’s nice out here. No one’s watching.”

“I’m not comfortable on the terrace,” Maya whispered, turning her face away. She slipped out of his arms and walked quickly inside.

When she stepped into the living room, Kelly Dolly was still sitting on the sofa in her tight silver dress, legs crossed.

“Kelly, you can go home now,” Maya said, voice unsteady.

Kelly laughed softly and shook her head. “Sorry, I can’t. I still have a task tonight.”

Ethan walked in right behind Maya, closing the door with a soft click. “Kelly has a job to do. She’s not leaving yet.”

Maya’s stomach twisted. “What task?”

Ethan stepped closer, his body pressing against her back. “Remember last time you watched me with her? Tonight she’s returning the favor.”

Maya’s eyes widened in shock. “What? No… I can’t… I’m not used to this…”

Ethan wrapped his arms around her from behind, one hand sliding up to squeeze her breast again while the other held her waist firmly. “You’ll get used to it. Slowly.”

He kissed the side of her neck, teeth grazing her skin, while his fingers pinched her n****e. Maya tried to twist away, pushing at his arms, but he only held her tighter. With one swift motion he yanked the nightgown up and over her head, tossing it aside. She stood completely naked, arms instinctively moving to cover herself.

“Sit in that chair, Kelly,” Ethan ordered, voice low. “Watch.”

Kelly smiled and moved to the armchair, crossing her legs slowly.

Ethan pushed Maya backward onto the bed. He unbuckled his belt, shoved his pants down, and thrust his c**k deep inside her in one hard stroke.

Maya let out a muffled groan, her body jerking. “Really… do we have to do it like this?”

Ethan didn’t pause. He gripped her thighs and started moving. “It’s already inside you. Stop fighting it.”

He glanced at Kelly. “Last time, how did we do it?”

Kelly pressed her lips together and giggled. “Last time I was holding the chair while Maya watched.”

“Oh right,” Ethan said. He pulled out suddenly, flipped Maya onto her stomach, and dragged her to the edge of the bed so she was bent over in front of Kelly, hands gripping the chair arms.

Maya’s face burned bright red — a mix of shame and unwanted heat. “Ethan… please… don’t…” she begged, voice trembling.

Ethan gripped her hips tightly and slammed back into her, f*****g her harder and faster. Each deep thrust pushed her forward, her breasts swaying, her fingers digging into the chair.

With one final, brutal thrust he buried himself deep and came inside her, filling her completely.

Kelly leaned forward, cupped Maya’s chin with her fingers, and kissed her slowly on the mouth. “This one’s for you.”