"I'm sure you'll do very well," Glen said, "as soon as you learn the rules of the game."

"Game?" Linda said. "That's a strange way to refer to the publishing business."

"I wasn't referring to the publishing business, love," Glen said with a chuckle. "I was referring to why I brought you up here tonight. You don't seem to understand."

"No, I don't," Linda said, blushing hotly.

Glen leaned closer to her, till their thighs were touching, and said softly, 'Then let me explain, my dear. You're going to be working for me, right? Well, that means we have to get along-both in the office and after work. If you want to get ahead in this business, you have to please your boss."

Linda stared at him, too shocked to say anything for the moment. If she understood him correctly, she'd have to go to bed with him to keep her job. The idea struck Linda as outrageous and unfair. It might happen in novels, but she couldn't believe it went on in the real world.

"Glen," she said numbly, 'just come right out with it. Tell me what you're trying to say. I don't believe I understand."

Glen laughed rather harshly and said, "I didn't want to be that blunt, but it looks like I'll have to. I'm trying to tell you, Linda, that if you want this job, you have to let me ball you."

Linda leaped up, spilling her drink, and grabbed for her coat and purse. "I can't believe that," she said angrily. "Ill certainly report it to the chief editor."

Glen gave his harsh laugh again and said, "Don't bother, dear. He balls all his assistants, too. Why do you think his staff is so pretty?"

Linda's blush deepened as she realized Glen was right. The magazine staff consisted of a few men and a great many attractive young women. The message was clear: if a young woman wanted to work for "Scene," she'd better be prepared to be her boss' whore.

"Look," Glen said, getting up and taking Linda's hand, "you're upset, and you need time to think about this. I'll leave you alone in the bedroom for five minutes, and you can calm down and make your decision."