I slowly walked towards the door, my legs growing stronger as I moved and tested them. Apparently, even after all that, I had some capacity left.But I found my feet taking me in only one direction, towards the garden. I didn’t fight my instincts, knowing I’d appreciate the moment to clear my head before I had to return to the court and Daniel.It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders as I walked into the garden. The stars were out and more than easily viewable despite the city surroundings, and the lights had been dimmed to make viewing them easier while still being able to see to explore the gardens. I wandered towards my favourite spot, a view that continued to make me stop and think.Before I could get there, one of the men I recognised from the first investor meeting I’d been to stepped into view. He’d been sitting on the bench, a drink in one hand, until he’d clearly spotted me.He held up two tokens. Another one hundred.“I’ve been hankering to taste you since Tomichii let y
Groaning, I stretched and woke Mhairi beside me. It was the beginning of yet another day. I sighed, and tried to think of something to look forward to.“Another day?” she asked. I nodded.“Afraid so. Another day, and yet another attempt to earn enough money.”“You’ve not been doing badly so far,” Mhairi replied as we both began getting up, already a sort of routine between us. “You’ve got two companions who see you daily. That’s huge for a courtesan this early on.”“Only one,” I said as I sighed and began looking over the body paints. I didn’t have much left, and knew I couldn’t afford any more right now, but there was only one design I’d not worn in public yet; the one from my unveiling ceremony. “Tomichii doesn’t want me today. I’ve just got Keaton and then Rick until the very last hour of the day.”“Oh.” Mhairi came to my side and took one of my oldest designs out of my hands, mixing parts with the new design until she was satisfied. “Why don’t you come to a few places with me?” The
As I came out of Rick’s building, I sighed. I was exhausted, and only halfway through the day. Rick had put me through my paces with the martial arts just as he’d done two days earlier and then quickly screwed me at the end, a little more business than he’d been the last time I’d paid him a visit. He’d also had the same person there for a lesson before, someone I’d enjoyed watching him spar with for a moment.But after so many days of giving my body to men and traipsing from one place to another, I was tired of it.I’d also messaged Mhairi about meeting up, letting her know I was free, but I’d got no reply, and Edward had simply shrugged it off when I’d brought it up. I was a little concerned about her, but my bodyguards lack of fear or anxiety made me push it aside for now.“Lunch and then Mhairi’s usual club,” Edward said, offering me an alternative to the plan I’d made earlier in the day.“Somewhere new for lunch as well, then,” I said, the words out before I knew where they’d come
“So, are you going to introduce us?” a guy said, coming up to the table between Edward and me, looking at me although he seemed to be addressing my bodyguard.“She can introduce herself if she wants to. I don’t own her,” Edward replied. “I just keep her safe and make sure anyone she doesn’t want near her gets the message.” Edward’s eyes were also on me, just a little extra emphasis on the words that mattered.I smiled.“I’m Auralia,” I said, trying to be polite.“Logan,” he replied, his eyes sticking to my face in a way that seemed more than a little refreshing. “Used to hang out with Ed here when he was a teenager. Before he got a big bodyguard job at one of those fancy courts. I can see he’s still doing the hard job.”“It’s harder than it looks,” I replied, feeling defensive of him. “We’re an interesting bunch to look after. But the job has its perks.”Logan laughed, his eyes lighting up.“I bet it does. We’ve been hearing rumors that there’s a new courtesan shaking things up. I gues
“Oh, come on, Mhairi,” I said under my breath, still sat in my car as the minutes ticked by, minutes I wasn’t earning any money. Edward wouldn’t let me out of the bubble and I was more than a little grateful that the glass was tinted and I couldn’t be seen from the outside.I reached for the door for a third time, Edward putting out a hand to stop me yet again, when Mhairi finally appeared, coming out of the front door of the club, a man on her arm. He kissed her cheek as she smiled and laughed, and wished him a good rest of the day.“Now you can get out,” Edward said, opening the door for me.“Auralia!” Mhairi said excitedly, the smile on her face broadening into a grin. “I hope I’ve not kept you waiting long. I’ve had a lovely companion keep my attention for the last little while and I couldn’t possibly deny him a thing.”I didn’t know how to reply to such a statement, so I didn’t, instead looking towards the club. It didn’t look massively different to the one Keaton had me in most m
“Well, that’s got to be the best quickie I’ve had in a few centuries,” I whispered as he began to pull back.“There’s plenty more where that comes from,” he replied, his mouth close to my ear as he gently helped me back onto my feet. “But the other men will never forgive me if we go for round two right away. Don’t leave without me getting another taste of you.”“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I said as he began to walk away.No sooner was he out of my arms than another man walked up, coming past Mhairi as she rode someone in a chair. He had my tablet in his hands already and held it up with an offer on it. I pressed confirm and glanced at the name. Link. Unusual name.Link didn’t waste any more time leading me over to a long chair and encouraging me down onto it. Thankfully he was gentle, but the sex became a bit of a blur, several men only waiting for the previous man to get up before they came to use me too. An audience quickly grew as well, many men coming to watch, and Mhairi meeting any
As I stepped onto the steps in front of the court, I sighed, suddenly feeling every inch of the exhaustion that had snuck up on me over the day. Edward took my arm and helped me inside.“That’s got to be your best day yet,” he said, his voice gentle, as if he didn’t want to make me feel any worse.“Apparently.”“You’re getting there,” he added. “Another week or so and you won’t know any differently. It will feel almost comfortable, and predictable.”I didn’t reply, not sure how I felt about his words. And I didn’t get long to think about them. The sound of men shouting came drifting through the court door as Edward opened it. We both hurried through. Despite the late hour, everyone seemed to still be up, the commotion coming from within the courtesans’ own relaxation area.“What the—?” I said, hurrying forward, aware Edward hadn’t left my side as he normally did when we got back.I spotted the problem immediately. Two of the guards had Belle between them again. The same two who frequen
“Anyway, enough of these deep discussions. I’ve had a long day and I’ve been looking forward to having you back for hours,” Daniel said as he put his arms around me.His erection was apparent against my lower abdomen. It took all my self-control not to roll my eyes. For a planet with few women where the men couldn’t get sex as much, they were all so turned on all the time.But I also felt a slight thrill of smugness. Daniel had been waiting for me. Out of all his courtesans, it seemed he wanted me the most. And I knew that gave me an edge that none of the others had. It had perhaps already helped me protect Belle.Deciding one last fuck wouldn’t be so bad, I kissed him passionately and reached for his pants to free him myself. The idea of me holding some sway over Daniel pleased me, but I knew if I did, I’d have to use it wisely. Making us all a little safer was a good idea. It could help me in the future too. But I didn’t know how far I could push it.One thing I did know for sure, ho
Walking along in the garden almost at the top of Tomichii and Kioshi’s building, I sighed. I was done with my regular appointments for the day, and Edward had indulged me in a moment to walk among the plants and stars. I tried to calm myself. It had been a full-on day, and I’d just said goodbye to a man called Ferg, a businessman who was a good friend of Tomichii’s and now one of my regulars.Deciding to accept his request had been a hard thing to do. I didn’t doubt that Tomichii would realize I was sleeping with them both. And I knew it would hurt him a little, something I didn’t want to cause at all. Of all my companions, he was one of my favorites. But I’d not been able to afford to say no.I had several regular companions now. My schedule was almost full each day, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. The most frustrating thing, however, was how little financial progress I was making. Despite Daniel’s attempt to introduce me to wealthier men, and Mhairi’s help at her club, I had nee
The waiter pointed out the guests we wanted on one side of the room, standing in a circle by what looked like a fireplace except for the lack of heat one so large would create. Keaton then led me up to them.Heads turned as I noticed an interesting mix of people. Some of the women in the room were dressed more normally, almost conservatively, including two we were heading towards. But just over half of the women were clearly courtesans, although again, they were wearing more clothing and were more restrained. No one was having sex out in the open, or being anywhere near as lewd.I, on the other hand, was wearing nothing but paint. For a moment I wanted to run from the room and cover myself up, but then I reminded myself that Keaton had chosen me for this task. He wasn’t a fool. If I should have been dressed differently he’d have had me put something else on while in the car on the way here instead of screwing me as swiftly as possible.As we reached the circle of people, it opened natu
The following day seemed to arrive quickly, even Daniel wishing me luck as I headed to the club to join Keaton. Mhairi had helped me put on the design he’d requested, touching it up where it had stretched, chipped, or faded a bit, and then I’d grabbed breakfast on the way, too late to eat it before I left the court.I felt a little nervous as I went into the club and hurried across the dance floor. Giving out invitations seemed to be an important task and I wanted to get it right.“Don’t fret,” Edward said as he pulled the door to the stairs open for me. “He’ll make it clear how formal he wants you to be. And everyone loves you.”I sighed and tried to smile, but I don’t think I was very convincing, as Edward opened the final door for me too.“You’ll be perfect,” he whispered.“There you are,” Keaton said a fraction of a second later, drawing everyone’s attention to me.“Sorry I kept you waiting,” I replied, although I knew I wasn’t late. I thought I saw Erin smirk, however, as I came c
“Finally, the leash,” Dante said, pulling it out of his pocket and handing it to Keaton. As Keaton looked up, Dante stopped staring at me.I exhaled, trying not to show my instant fear at the idea of being on a leash of some kind. Was I truly going to be subjected to that? It was clear the answer was yes, as Keaton didn’t even hesitate to clip it to the ring on the back of my neck. He gave it a little tug, the movement tugging on my throat. I swallowed, feeling the tightness on my neck as I did.“There,” he said, stepping back but holding the loop on the other end of the leash in his hand. “Perfect.”Trying not to let any other emotion show, I smiled and waited for everyone to finish admiring me. While Eric and Trey wandered over to also get a closer look, all four men now ogling, I tried to remind myself that I was naked all the time. That these men had seen and touched it all before. Still, I felt self-conscious.“What do you think?” I asked as I slowly turned on the spot, genuinely
As I hurried out to my car, still munching on a piece of toast, Edward appeared.“Another day on the job, princess,” he replied, taking a bite out of the toast I still held. I frowned at him, trying to look annoyed, but I knew Edward would never let me go really hungry and would willingly return the favor later if he had something I was hungry for.“Yup, another day, another four hours with Keaton,” I replied. I tried to stifle a yawn. Two weeks had passed since I’d had an introduction meeting with many men at a racetrack and Mhairi had made me realize I wasn’t seeing all my messages. Now I spent a good chunk of my journey times, and a little more time in the evenings and on my day off, replying to messages.Lord Logan had finally sent me a message. He’d given me a set of shares in some kind of horse racing company. There had been some kind of dig at how I’d lost money to almost every horse, but Daniel had seemed pleased with it. I’d thanked the wealthy aristocrat but had no other mess
By the time I was let up off the floor and sofas, several hours had passed, some of the men had even left, and there was a large pile of credit tokens in my purse. I was a little sore, but I’d had a few orgasms of my own to take the edge off, some of the men genuinely enjoying giving me a little pleasure too. As I got up I noticed Lord Logan still staring, and I suspected he had been sitting alone at the bar by himself the whole time.Hoping I was doing the right thing, I walked slowly up to him, our gazes locked.“You’ve been very quiet and distant. Do you not want to come join in?” I asked.“I’m not particularly interested in exhibiting myself to a room full of men I only half like,” he replied, his accent Eastern European. I tried not to show my surprise, but came a little closer, to see if his body language would change.“Would you like to find somewhere quieter?”He chuckled. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Have one of the richest men in the city become a regular schmuck, paying t
“I hope we haven’t kept you gentlemen waiting long,” I said when it was clear no one else was going to say anything and Daniel was already looking to me.“Only long enough for Quentin here to bore us with his opinions on the next thoroughbred I should buy,” the duke replied.“I’m afraid I know very little about horses,” I said. “Do you own many?”Lord Logan laughed but didn’t give me an answer.“He owns about twenty horses,” Sir McKythe said, his Scottish accent only faint; clearly not a place he spent much time. “And three racetracks. He also employs numerous jockeys.”“And I own three, and they do very badly, but I adore them and shan’t be buying any more,” the duke declared, lifting his glass.“To sentimental purchasing,” Sir McKythe declared, also lifting his drink. I raised mine as well, more than happy to bring sentimentality into it. It might just find me a regular.It was already clear Lord Logan wasn’t very impressed. As the duke congratulated me on my recent record-breaking u
I tried to take several deep breaths to keep calm as Daniel looked me over. On his instruction I was wearing my most elegant painted outfit, complete with an accessory he’d loaned me, a gorgeous necklace, anklet and bracelet set with gemstones that matched the color of the design so perfectly I was almost ready to ask if they’d been made for me.“There,” he said. “You look almost perfect. Now, come,” he said, taking my arm and placing it through his before he rested my lower arm on top and clasped my hand gently.It was purely for aesthetics, but he also seemed delighted to have me on his arm. Daniel himself was looking smarter than I’d ever seen him in a suit, the cut tailored to his body with perfection. My jaw had dropped when I’d seen him, but he’d ignored my reaction.“Where are we going?” I asked as he led me through the court’s corridors and down the front stairs. He grinned, but didn’t answer.We’d only reached the bottom when I saw a couple of other courtesans waiting there, a
Everything I tried showed this area of the city marked as separate for some reason or denied me the names and addresses of people nearby so I couldn’t even trick it into taking me somewhere only a few meters away.As the bubble car floated into an area that wasn’t separated out and was only a few blocks from Tomichii and Kioshi’s office, the options all appeared again. My fingers hovered over the stop button, but as I looked over the map to see if I could work out where to go back to help, I realized I’d been so focused on how I could stop the car to help that I’d neglected to pay attention to anything else.Feeling like I’d somehow entirely failed at a test in life to see what kind of person I was, but aware I had no idea what else I could have done, I sat where I was and let the car take me the rest of my journey. The last thing I’d seen filled my head, a frightened young woman accosted by two men.It only took a few more minutes and then I was standing in the elevator of Tomichii an