Julie's gaze flicked to Avery, catching the flicker of hesitation etched across the veteran's face as she stood there, her hands clenched at her sides.
The weight of the lost bet hung over her like a storm cloud, her eyes darting between Cassius's grin and the crowd's expectant stares.
Even though the wager had been fair—Avery's own pride had led her into this trap—Julie couldn't shake the unease twisting in her gut. She'd seen what Cassius could do, how he turned simple kisses into spectacles of raw intimacy, and the thought of Avery baring herself completely under his gaze felt like a step too far.
So, steeling herself, she stepped forward as she faced him, her voice steady but laced with a quiet plea.
"Cassius..." She began, her tone measured. "I know Avery lost the bet fair and square, but...can you let the stakes go? Just this once? Stripping down in front of everyone—it's too much for her, too humiliating."
