Fluster or Fail

The cameras were still rolling.

They hadn’t stopped since the introductions, and the longer they stayed fixed on you, the more aware you became of their presence.

You were still standing in the middle of the lounge, framed by five women who hadn’t looked away. They lounged comfortably, watching, waiting, their amusement undeniable.

Vanessa swirled the drink in her hand.

"Well," she mused, "I suppose we should get to the first game, shouldn’t we?"

A ripple of anticipation passed through the women.

You shifted your weight, trying to gauge their reactions. None of them looked nervous. If anything, they seemed… excited.

Vanessa leaned forward. "Now, John, since this is the first round, we’re going to make things easy for you. You’ll actually be in control. At least… for now."

That caught your attention. "In control how?"

Her smile was sharp. "You’ll be playing defense. Your job? Stop the women from winning."

That sounded… promising. If the game was set up for you to interfere, then—

"Of course," Vanessa cut in smoothly, "if they succeed, there should be a little… penalty for you."

There it was.

You exhaled slowly. "What kind of penalty?"

Vanessa’s smile widened. "Oh, nothing too drastic. You’ll just have to part with a little something each time they win."

Your stomach dipped.

A quiet "Mmm" came from the couch—Jade, stretching lazily, her dark eyes fixed on you.

Cassie giggled under her breath, leaning toward Brooke, who smirked at whatever she whispered.

You weren’t stupid. You knew exactly where this was going.

"So it’s a stripping game," you said flatly.

A beat of silence. Then the women laughed—not **** reality-show laughter. Real amusement.

"Well, obviously," Brooke drawled, shaking her head. "Bless your heart, sugar. What show do you think you’re on?"

Your jaw clenched slightly, but Vanessa spoke before you could respond.

"Don’t look so worried, John. I told you—you’re in control this time. If you can stop them, you keep your clothes. Simple, right?"

It sounded simple.

But the way the women were still smiling, still watching you, still waiting—you already knew it wouldn’t be.

Vanessa gave a dismissive wave. "Oh, and before we start, let’s order something for later. I think we’ll all be working up an appetite."

A production staffer handed her a phone. She tapped a few buttons, then raised it to her ear.

"Yes, hi, I’d like to place an order for delivery. Large pizza, extra toppings, and—" her gaze flicked toward the women "oh, and send your most stunning female driver. Preferably someone open-minded. Someone who’d love to see something special tonight."

Cassie stifled a giggle. Sophia smirked.

Your stomach tightened. "Wait—what?"

Vanessa covered the mouthpiece, tilting her head at you innocently. "Oh, come on. You wouldn’t want to be rude to our first guest, would you?"

She placed the order without waiting for a response.

You exhaled sharply. That… could be a problem.

Because if you lost this game, there was a very real chance you wouldn’t be wearing anything when she arrived.

Vanessa set the phone down and turned back to you. "Alright then. Are you ready for your first challenge, John?"

You squared your shoulders, forcing confidence. "Yeah."

The five women exchanged glances, their amusement deepening.

Vanessa smiled. "Then let’s begin. The first challenge is called… Fluster or Fail."

The lazy, knowing smirk she wore told you whatever was coming, you wouldn’t like it.

"The game is simple," she purred. "Each of these lovely ladies will have one minute to make you flustered. Words, body language, eye contact… anything short of touching you."

Your stomach tightened.

"Your job?" Vanessa continued. "Stay composed. No blushing. No stammering. No looking away. No twitching. No flinching. No… physical reactions of any kind."

You felt a fresh wave of unease.

"If you fail—if we see even one reaction—then, well… you lose a piece of clothing."

Cassie giggled softly.

Brooke crossed one leg over the other, smiling like this was the best entertainment she’d had in years.

Cassie covered her mouth with her hands, barely stifling a giggle.

Jade’s dark eyes gleamed with mischief. "Oh, this is going to be fun."

Vanessa lifted her glass. "Anyway, I suggest you take this seriously, John. Because if you think this round is bad, well…" Her voice dropped just slightly. "Let’s just say your final challenge depends on what’s left of your dignity by the end of it."

Something about the way she said that put ice in your veins.

But before you could dwell on it, Vanessa lifted a hand.

"Alright, ladies," she purred. "Let’s begin."

Jade stood up.

The game had started.