Keaton helped me back to my feet, finally taking in my appearance and helping me straighten myself out.“And I mean it. I won’t forget your obedience, Courtesan. You’re different to the others.”“Thank you,” I replied, not sure what else to say, glad that no one was really looking on. As Keaton reached for my purse and retrieved my tablet, I almost panicked, aware Daniel had commanded I try and get more money out of Keaton.He pulled up my schedule and the four hours he had blocked off, the amount there from the day before. Before he could scan his chip and agree to pay the sum, I held out my hand and stopped him.“I know it’s still very early in my career, but...” I trailed off, the words failing me.“But you want me to pay you more already?” he asked, his disdain for the idea clear. I looked at him and gulped.“I struggled to make enough yesterday,” I said, searching his face for even a little understanding or pity, but there wasn’t any.“Did you make a loss?” he asked. I shook my he
It felt a little strange riding the elevator up to Rick’s dojo. He was the last of my regular companions to see me since the unveiling. I also wasn’t sure if I was coming to see him to be trained further or for something more intimate, now that he had become much better acquainted with me.As the doors opened, I was met with the scene of two men sparring, both of them clearly brilliant at the martial art they used. For a moment I stood mesmerized as they danced back and forth, neither landing a punch or kick, but blocking, dodging and weaving.A cough from Edward drew the attention of the men, but not before Rick managed to grab the wrist of his opponent and, with a twist and a flick, propelled his opponent onto his back in a heap.“Well done,” Rick said, helping the slightly smaller man back up again. I looked down as both glanced at me, giving them a moment to finish up.“Liebling, come. Meet my good friend, Colton.” I hesitated just a moment before coming forward, not sure I wanted
“You know, I’ve never seen Rick look at anyone the way he looks at you,” Edward said as we descended through the tall building. “Be careful with his heart for me, okay?”“I’ll do my best,” I replied, not sure what else to say. Edward had seemed to be enamored with me himself, and no doubt he’d seen the way some of the others had looked at me. What was so special about Rick? I didn’t voice the question, but my glances his way must have made Edward realize he’d given me food for thought.“I’m no fool, princess. I know that despite calling us a pairing and making sure none of the other guards touch you, we’re not that special. You don’t love me. And I don’t love you. But I’m willing to stick with you while we’re both around and take care of you the best I can, like any man would do for the woman he did love. It’s going to take someone truly special to hold your heart for good, though, and I don’t think it will be Rick, or me, or any of the men currently paying to screw you.”I frowned, no
By the time no more men entered the booth I sat in I was exhausted and about ready to cry. I’d lost count of the number of men, but a collection of names had been added to my database and beside my purse sat a small pile of tokens.Every man had tipped me, and some of them had tipped me well. It was one of the few things I could be truly grateful for.For a moment I sat on the edge of the cushioned table, sore, achy, and so tired my limbs felt impossibly heavy. I didn’t want to move, but a small amount of curiosity got me to do so. I reached for the device in my purse and checked my earnings. Five men had paid me almost seven hundred credits. I had made the money I needed and some. If I wanted I could go home.But I still hadn’t seen Tomichii. Or Kioshi.After checking my appearance and tucking the hundred credits I also had in tokens away, I got to my feet and pulled back the curtain. The room was busier than I’d expected, the night feeling later than it clearly was. Edward appeared b
“Have you been painting long?” I asked, not sure what else to say and falling back on small talk from the era I’d grown up in instead.“Only eleven years. I’m nowhere near as good as some of the greats,” the boy replied.“Eleven years?” I asked. “That’s a huge amount of time. You must be a pro by now.”“No. I still have a long way to go before I’m as good as some of the masters, but this will be good practice. I’m sure Tomichii will be pleased.”It was all I could get out of the kid. Everything else was merely comments on things like asking me to keep a part of my body especially still.Over an hour had passed when Tomichii returned. He immediately smiled and went over to the painter to see what had been produced so far. The two of them talked about things in hushed voices before Tomichii smiled and came over to me.“Thank you, Markus. If you could return in a week’s time, we will continue it then.” Markus nodded and left as Tomichii reached for my hand and lifted me to my feet.“I thi
I was in the car heading to the club the next morning before I had a chance to even think. I’d woken where I’d fallen asleep. In Daniel’s office, underneath Daniel. He’d ushered me off to my room to clean up, touch up the paint I wore and head back out again.More than once I’d been thankful that I wore paint instead of clothing and that it could last, but this would be the first time I’d worn the exact same design two days running.“You seem distracted,” Edward said, pulling out of me after using my body to meet his needs as well. Looking at him, I tried to work out what to say. Neither of us had promised to be with each other long term, but equally I knew I was living in a careful balance. Daniel’s gentleness had shocked me, however.“There’s a lot to think about,” I said in the end, knowing it was a non-answer. If it bothered Edward, he didn’t show it. Instead he sat back and waited for the car to take us to the club. It was half true. Having gone to Daniel and barely had five minut
“Where’s Dante?” I said a moment later, noticing he’d not joined the group with Keaton, and wishing to change the subject so I could regain my train of thought and composure.“Gone,” Keaton replied, his vocal tone suddenly changed, clipped and almost aggressive in its deepness. “Not that you should be looking for someone else while I’m the one paying for your time.”Gulping, I tried to find the words to respond. I’d clearly angered Keaton with my careless question.“I was just surprised. You were obviously talking about very important things, and I didn’t want to interrupt you or distract you,” I replied.Keaton studied me for a moment, the room silent now as everyone waited to see how he reacted. I tried to look like I didn’t feel guilty, but I knew everyone was looking at me and it made me feel more than a little uncomfortable.Eventually he nodded and waved at the waiter to bring him some breakfast as well.“Let’s talk about something happier,” Keaton said. “None of this depressing
Not sure entirely what to expect, I walked into the restaurant again. This time, rather than seeking out a companion, I found a table and ordered a drink and a small snack. It cost me a few credits, but less than I’d been tipped already that day. Before I could decide on a person to approach, a familiar face came to me.“Richard, isn’t it?” I asked, vaguely placing him as a business trip person whom I’d helped with some kind of math problem while at a bar.“Yes, I’m Richard. I think I owe you an apology, Auralia. I freaked out over a few rumors. Took a friend pointing out that jealous courtesans can make them and spread them faster than most of us men can keep up for me to realize you were probably innocent in all this.”For a moment I sat in a stunned silence, unable to process what he’d just said.“Would you do me the honor of letting me buy you a drink?” he asked a moment later.“The honor would be mine,” I replied, both grateful and stunned that this was happening. Maybe someone wa