Jade finished writing down her notes on the film script. She was once again back in Will Turner's office, where he had just spent the past two hours discussing her character's story arc with her. They had broken down key scenes and really dug into her character's psychology. It had been mostly exhilarating, except for the dread she had that Turner would once more take advantage of her as he had done already twice in the past.
Being new in Hollywood might be sunshine and puppies for some, but thanks to a mistake in her past, Jade's own entry had been anything but dreamlike. Turner knew of her secret past, and with one word could end her career before it began. So she had acquiesced to his demands, despite their humiliating nature. She found it difficult to comprehend that this man, who was clearly gifted and insightful as a director, could also have such sinister desires.
"I think you have a real handle on this," said Turner. "Keep all this in mind as you work with the script, and things will go that much easier once we start shooting. Oh, by the way--your lunch with Nicole? How did that go?"
"Oh, it went really well," said Jade with real enthusiasm. "I'm going to learn so much from working with her." She closed her script and put away her pen.
"She definitely has a lot to pass on." Turner stood up as he spoke, walking to the office door.
Jade could almost feel the lock as it slid into place. "Mr. Turner? Did you have more you wanted to go over?" She intended the question as a distraction as her mind began to race as to what to expect next.
Turner sat down on the couch, loosening his tie. "For the script? No, like I said, I think we're in a good place at the moment. But I do want you to stay a little longer."
Jade's breathing quickened as she forced herself to sound calm. "Of course, sir," she said evenly. "What is it?"
Turner settled back, his eyes on her. "I want you to strip for me. Make it really sexy."
Jade stared at him for a moment in shock. Her emotions were a mix of outrage and fear, but tempered with a desire to protect her place in the production. With a more reasonable tone than reflected her inner turmoil, she said "Sir, is that really appropriate? We're working together now, after all."