Her cheeks burning with shame, she peeped at the men from the corner of her eye and was horrified to find that their eyes were all fixed greedily on the screen. And then suddenly she was staring at some photographs that she could not remember being taken. There was one of her apparently asleep with one arm flung carelessly behind her head showing far more of her breasts than was decent.

‘Richard, I don’t think …’ she objected, but her voice trailed away as he stared threateningly at her and inserted another slide.

Gulping deep in her throat, she realised that these photographs must have been taken after she had fainted. She had grudgingly agreed to model underwear, admittedly, but some of these were bordering on pornographic and she would never have allowed him to take them. They were sordid and she felt dirty and soiled, even more so when the man who had been introduced as Mr Travers put his arm about her shoulders.

‘Excuse me, sir!’ she exclaimed haughtily, but he merely laughed.

‘You’re a fine-looking little filly, me dear,’ he chuckled, ‘an’ I’d have paid good money to be the one to break you in, but Ricky tells me he’s already done it.’ She pushed him away and sprang to her feet, her cheeks aflame.

‘Richard! How could you?’ She had trusted him and he had betrayed her.

Richard installed another slide, saying coldly, ‘Oh, sit down and don’t be such a prude. These gentlemen have come here tonight to see you in all your glory. And then they would like to get to know you a bit better. These fine fellows are some of the critics who gave you your glowing reviews in the press. Don’t you think you owe it to them to be nice to them? Remember, they can make or break you.’

Kitty’s hands balled into fists. Get to know her a bit better indeed! What did Richard think she was – a common whore? Snatching up her bag, she stormed towards the door only to find it locked and she wheeled about.

‘I wish to leave! Please open this door immediately.’

Richard was right behind her and grabbing her arm he flung her down onto the nearest chair. She stared at him in shock as she rubbed her arm where a bruise was already beginning to appear. It was only then that she realised just how much danger she might be in. And worst of all was knowing that she had been duped by him. How unwise of her, to have trusted him so blindly, but she loved him so much!

Mr Travers was advancing on her, her glass in his hand. ‘Why don’t you just have a little drink and calm down, darling?’ he wheedled, but Kitty ignored him and kept her eyes trained on Richard.

‘Look at those before you start making a fuss!’ he sneered and threw some photos down on the table beside her. Kitty looked at them in horror. She was lying in some very provocative poses, and what’s more, she was completely naked.