Ashes & Lace

Maya Brooks adjusted the stack of fresh flyers on her desk, the smell of ink still sharp. Sleek designs, bold lines. Her work.

At twenty-eight, and though her calm exterior suggested stability, her past was heavy with scars.

Two years ago she had been caught in a scandal that shook one of the biggest marketing firms in the city. It left her reputation in pieces, her confidence cracked. But Orion Distribution offered her a lifeline — a place where she could rebuild quietly. Since joining them, she had lived in peace, far away from the whispers and betrayals of her old world.

She was stunning — a woman who made heads turn the moment she entered a room. Half Peruvian, half Italian, she carried a rare mix of elegance and natural sensuality. Her golden skin seemed to glow under any light, her dark hair tumbled in waves down her back, and her hazel eyes were deep and arresting. With a body to die for, she was impossible to overlook, a presence that lingered in the mind long after she was gone.

Yet Maya considered her beauty a curse.

It had brought her more trouble than joy, trapping her in shallow relationships with men who never cared for her feelings. She feared falling for another man who would only use her, and her lack of self‑confidence showed in the way she tried to blend into the background, eager to disappear as soon as she could.

That was exactly why Orion Distribution felt perfect — a place where no one expected glamour.

Specializing in car parts distribution, the company was far removed from the glossy world of her past. She had landed the job through her stepfather, a devoted mechanic who vouched for her, and it had given her the anonymity and stability she craved. Even though she had graduated at the top of her promotion in marketing strategy and sales, her achievements felt distant now, tucked away behind the quiet anonymity she had chosen.

Jack’s heavy steps announced him before his voice. He leaned against her doorway, silver hair slicked back, tired eyes that had seen too many late nights in the car parts business. He wasn’t a bad boss — more fatherly than most.

“You saved us again,” he said, nodding at the designs. “This campaign? It’ll keep us afloat.”

She blushed a little, brushing it off. “It’s just marketing, Jack.”

“No,” he said softly, shaking his head. “It’s more than that.” His voice dropped, weary, almost confessional.

“I never had kids. And now I’m thinking about retiring, but… hell, Maya, your work makes me look forward to the future of this company. I don’t know if I’m ready to let go.”

She looked at him then, really looked. Vulnerability in a man who always tried to seem indestructible. A pang hit her chest. Was he already selling? The thought unsettled her, but she kept her face calm. “Whatever you choose, you’ll figure it out. You always do.”

Jack sighed, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “Whatever happens, Maya, the value of this company has increased exponentially since you joined two years ago. I’m grateful.”

She flushed, shy but also curious, and asked softly, “Have you… found a buyer?”

“Maybe,” he admitted, leaving it there. The words hung in the air, heavy. They both went silent — Maya reflecting on what would come next if Jack left the company. The idea of someone else taking over sent a chill through her; it would be horrible for her, shattering the fragile peace she had finally built.

Before the silence got too heavy, Samuel appeared. Tall, clean-cut, boyish smile. Papers in hand.

“Jack, need your signature on these bills.” His eyes lingered a moment too long on Maya. Not enough to be crude, just enough to make her aware.

Maya caught it, smiled faintly. Safe. Predictable. He had asked her for drinks before.

Maybe… maybe she should say yes one day.

Still, she knew Samuel was different from the others — respectful, patient, never pushing when she wasn’t willing. She could sense his genuine interest, but also his willingness to wait, to let her set the pace. That earned her trust, even if she wasn’t ready to give more.

Relationships still seemed far away, and she knew she wasn’t over the scandal that everyone at Orion had heard about. Jack had shielded her from the worst of the gossip, but behind closed doors she was certain people still whispered. She wasn’t sure what Samuel thought of it, but at least here she felt safe, cocooned from the brutal judgments of her past world.

Work ended with the fluorescent hum still in her ears.

By the time she stepped into the apartment, the air shifted. Music pulsed low from Kelly’s room, perfume hung in the hallway, and a pair of gold heels were already discarded by the sofa.

Their place was lived-in, messy but vibrant. Kelly’s cat, Sir Pounce, was sprawled across the couch like a king, tail flicking lazily.

Sienna breezed past in a black wrap dress, phone wedged between shoulder and ear, muttering about a client’s extensions. Her salon was just downstairs, her empire in progress. “Later,” she called, snatching her bag.

Kelly, all curves and glittery eyeliner, was perched on the counter with a glass of wine, eyes bright. “Later we’re going to a big party.” She grinned, feral and excited. “I’ll make more in one night than you do all year. Filthy rich, Maya. Filthy.”

Maya dropped her bag, amused but curious. “What even goes on at these things?”

Kelly winked. “Sex, money, and men who think they own the world. I get to choose. Half the time they’re young, beautiful, and stupid rich. Why not enjoy it?”

Maya laughed, but inside, she envied Kelly’s openness. Her ease with sex. Her lack of fear.

Her last time had been two years ago. She remembered the sharp ache in her chest more than the act itself — the way her old firm had chewed her up, the harassment that left scars, the boyfriend who hadn’t believed her. Who had told her not to talk. Then everything collapsed.

She stared into her tea, the hum of Kelly’s voice fading. If it wasn’t for Kelly pulling her out of that place, she would still be suffocating in silence.

When the scandal broke, Maya’s life collapsed almost overnight. Doors that had once been open slammed in her face, colleagues whispered behind her back, and her boyfriend — the man she thought would stand by her — kicked her out without hesitation. No one wanted the weight of her shame.

Kelly was the only one who stayed. She had known Maya since high school, growing up in the same neighborhood, walking the same cracked sidewalks, sharing the same bus rides. By the time Maya’s world fell apart, Kelly had already drifted into escort work after a couple of years in community college. She had seen enough of the underbelly of power to recognize the truth in Maya’s story. She didn’t need proof; she already knew the man Maya accused was capable of exactly the kind of abuse no one else wanted to believe.

Kelly introduced Maya to Sienna, the woman who had become her best friend. Sienna ran her own salon with fierce ambition, sharp nails, and a sharper tongue. She had dreams of climbing higher, finding her way into elite circles. Kelly and Sienna fit together naturally, partners in secrets and schemes, fire feeding fire.

When Maya had nowhere to go, it was Kelly who opened her door, and Sienna who carved out space for her in their lives. Their apartment was cramped, chaotic, sometimes empty for nights at a time, but for Maya it became a sanctuary. What she found there wasn’t just a roof over her head but a rare kind of loyalty — the kind she had never been given by blood or by lovers.

Now? She was free. But lonely.

Her mind drifted to Samuel’s soft smile, the way his hand brushed hers when he passed her papers. Maybe dating again wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe safe was what she needed.

But deep down, she knew safe never set her on fire.

Sienna suddenly came back, moving quickly past Maya and Kelly. She went straight to the bathroom, the sound of the door slamming shut followed by harsh retching. She was sick, clearly unwell, throwing up. The vibrant energy of the apartment dimmed as concern replaced the easy chatter.

The girls pushed into the bathroom, the air thick with predigested smell. Sienna lay tangled on the toilet seat, her skin flushed, damp hair plastered to her temples. She coughed, weak and shaking. Panic snapped through the room.

“No, no, not tonight,” Kelly whispered hoarsely. “You can’t miss this. If you do… You’ll lose your spot. They’ll never invite you again.”

Sienna’s voice broke — fear not for herself, but for her place in that world. For her salon. For the connections she needed and the ones she built.

“I’m doomed,” Sienna muttered between shallow breaths, clutching the toilet.

Maya crouched down beside her, trying to help her stand, steadying her trembling body. “Sienna, you’re sick,” she whispered. “Why would that change your status at these parties?”

Kelly’s face was pale, worry twisting her expression. “You don’t understand, Maya. To get into this, it’s a long process — connections, tests, paperwork. These people don’t joke about who enters their space. If they even suspect betrayal, they can kill her.”

Maya’s heart thudded. “Who’s ‘they’?” she asked, voice low, dread creeping in.

Sienna tried to hold herself together, sweat dripping down her temples. “These people are something else. You don’t see them on Forbes lists, but they own everything.”

“Then why?” Maya pressed. “Why did you entangle yourself in this?”

Sienna gave a crooked, uneasy smile, one that didn’t reach her eyes. “Money, Maya. Connections and power. And now I’m going to lose everything — my salon, maybe even my life.”

“Don’t say that,” Maya urged, gripping her hand. “I’m sure there’ll be a solution. Can’t someone replace you?”

Kelly’s eyes burned, calculating. Then her gaze slid to Maya. “You’ll go.”

“What?” Maya’s voice pitched high. “Absolutely not. Are you insane?”

“Maya listen, this could be it. This time the theme is a masquerade. So you’re always masked,” Kelly said, her tone sharp, coaxing. “They’ll never know. You don’t have to touch anyone. Just serve drinks. That’s it.”

Maya shook her head, heart racing. “This is crazy. I don’t belong there.”

Sienna, pale and sweating, grabbed her wrist. “Please, Maya. Please. This is my business. If they blacklist me…” Her eyes shimmered, desperate. “You’re the only one who can help.”

Maya’s throat tightened. Fear clawed inside her — but guilt was stronger. She couldn’t let Sienna lose everything.

Kelly leaned in, her voice urgent, trying to convince Maya. “It’s the best way and the only way.”

Maya swallowed hard. “Why do I sense I’m getting into something dangerous?”

Sienna lifted her head, eyes bloodshot but voice steady. “Because it is dangerous. But you’re smart, Maya. You’ll get through it perfectly.”

Maya’s gaze flickered between the two of them, a strange current buzzing in her chest. Something was off, but also… exciting. Her life had been so bland, so monotone. Maybe a little danger could shake it. “I’ll go,” she said at last, her voice trembling.

Kelly smirked in triumph. “Who knows, maybe it’ll get you to embrace your sexuality again.”

Maya’s worry returned full force. “No one will force me, right?”

Kelly and Sienna exchanged a long look before Kelly spoke. “Listen carefully, Maya. This is a very private party. There will be around thirty‑five men and women — the richest on earth. Some are politicians, some businessmen, some… outlaws. Some are dangerous. Very dangerous.”

Maya’s breath caught; her stomach flipped. She was far from that world, and yet it suddenly loomed close.

Sienna, still weak but insistent, added, “It’s at a private estate. A car will come for us, a private commute. They’ll pick us up from a spot, but the windows are shaded. You won’t see the way. Once we’re there, you follow Kelly. Don’t leave her side.”

“All you have to do is wear a white collar. White means you’re a waitress for the night. You can refuse anyone who asks you for sexual favors. If you accept, they pay very well — but they can’t force you.”

Sienna’s tone dropped, warning heavy. “The only exception is the Circle. Five men at the center. They’re always served, always catered to. The girls around them are preselected. Stay away from them. If they want something from you… you’re obliged to obey.”

Maya’s breath hitched at the gravity of it, fear curling sharp inside her.

Kelly squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll be around, shielding you. I’ve never seen them look down. Things just flow to them without asking.”

Maya’s chest tightened. She was scared now, every warning ringing inside her head — but she was willing to do it, if it meant saving her friend. She remembered her college years working tables, balancing trays and weaving through crowds. She could handle being a waitress again. Besides, the mask would help her. She had learned how to stay invisible in crowded places.

“Ok,” she said finally, her voice low but firm. “You owe me, Sienna.”

The girls brightened, relief flooding their faces. Sienna managed a grateful smile before bending back over the toilet, still retching.

“Disgusting,” Kelly muttered, wrinkling her nose.

The uniform lay across Sienna’s bed like a dare. Black lace underwear with a thin red ribbon at the front, stockings with garters that clung to thighs, a strapless black dress that revealed more than it hid.

Maya touched the white collar laid out on the bed.

White meant waitress. Safe — at least safer.

Maya slipped into it piece by piece, trembling.

Kelly painted her lips crimson, dragged a sharp black line across her eyelids, then fastened the lace mask over her eyes. Her reflection in the mirror startled her. Seductive. Dangerous. Not Maya Brooks, marketing girl. Someone else entirely.

“You’re perfect,” Kelly whispered.