Author's Note: This is a chapter in a multi-part story and is not intended to stand alone. This is my first attempt at writing erotica, so feedback is highly encouraged.
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My first stop turns out to be a tired looking janitor. Luckily, he's alone in a small hallway that leads to the restrooms. J urges me forward, saying I have to do this myself. She will hang back and watch from a distance.
As I look at him, I realize I have no idea what to say. I can't just walk up and say "How can I entice you to give up that compromising picture of me?" J senses my hesitation and offers her twisted version of support. She wraps one arm around my shoulder in a show of comfort. With her free hand she once again opens the top two buttons of the sundress, causing it to gape provocatively. "You've got this, Little Butterfly," she whispers while gently pressing me forward. As her hand slides from my shoulder, it drags the strap of the sundress down my arm. I'm still completely covered, but the offer couldn't be more clear.
I walk forward on numb legs, unable to believe my situation. As I approach the janitor, he turns to look at me and I see recognition in his expression. "Hello, Ma'am. Can I help you?" he says, looking almost as nervous as I am. He's a small man, probably in his sixties. The lines on his face speak of a life of few luxuries, but also of frequent laughter. I look in his eyes and see kindness, but I also see desire. I glance down to his name tag.
"Hi, Gus." I say nervously. "I think you have something that belongs to me." I give him my most disarming smile.
"Yes, Ma'am," he says with some trepidation as his disbelieving eyes scan my body. "I was told you might offer me something in return." His words sound forced, almost scripted.
"Is that so, Gus? What do you think would be a fair trade?" I hope that he will be too embarrassed to ask for anything and just give the picture to me. No such luck.
"Well, Ma'am, the picture shows your, um... bare breasts." He stammers slightly and then continues. "It's not often that a pretty young woman like yourself pays me any mind. I reckon showing me those breasts in person would be worth giving you the picture back."
I had fully expected this response, or even worse. But hearing the words spoken aloud somehow makes them real. "They're just breasts," I tell myself. But they're my breasts... and Gus is a stranger... and I'm in a mall for goodness sake! The same flutter I felt with Lisa returns and I know there's only one path forward.
The moment of truth. I can do this. "Okay, Gus, you have a deal. But you just get to look. No touching, okay?" In all honesty, I'm starting to get turned on by this situation. He's so polite that this feels more like a favor than the lewd bargain it is. His obvious desire fuels my own. I don't desire him, but I do desire his appreciation and his lustful gaze. The fact that at this moment he wants nothing more than to see my naked body makes me feel beautiful and powerful. A calm confidence settles over my frazzled nerves.
