A Deal Negotiated

Charles and I sit in silence for a moment before I pipe up “So, how much of all of this is legal?”

The man blushes red before replying “I am mainly here as a witness, your father has said not to discuss anything more with you.”

I knew it! This can’t be legal! To be perfectly honest though, even if it was completely within the realms of legality I would probably still do it, just to get out from under my fathers thumb. I decide to take a seat behind my fathers desk. It can’t hurt to be seated in the place of power before Mr Aves even enters the room.

The door swings open without warning and in walks Austin Aves, his black hair shining under the harsh fluorescent lights. He sees me sitting there and smirks, taking the seat directly opposite me. For a moment I am struck silent by the man in front of me, but only a moment.

“So, you're the man that wants me to whore myself out?”

A chocked sound comes from Charles in the corner of the room.

“I choose not to see it that way but if you do, so be it.”

“I see it that way because it is. Why else would you be paying me for it?”

“Would you rather do it for free? That will save me quite the chunk of change Miss Stratos.”

“I would rather not do it at all.”

“Then why are you?”

Upon asking this he begins to stare me down, making me squirm uncomfortably in the seat.

“The reasons I am doing this are my own. They do not represent a risk to you, so you do not need to know them.”

I have to admit I am feeling pretty smug. I mean who can say that they have successfully stood up to a man like Austin Aves.

“Your father tells me you have some terms of your own about our arrangement?”

“I do.”

“Well what are they? I am sure we can come to some sort of mutually beneficial agreement”

“Well I uh that is to say…” I stammer. Being put on the spot like this really isn’t my strong suit. “I would like to know your terms first so we can negotiate based on that.”

“My terms are quite simple, Miss Stratos. I want you. In order for this to work for the both of us I am willing to put you up in my penthouse apartment, at which you will primarily reside except for occasional visits from myself, or stylists and hairdressers and so forth that I send to you. All your needs will be attended to and I mean all your needs.” As he says this he raises his eyebrow suggestively. “I will supply you a phone at which you must always be available through. I expect you to maintain yourself through diet and exercise and am happy to supply both the means and instruction on how to do so properly. I would prefer a low level of alcohol consumption , however, if you are not one to partake heavily then I am sure we will be fine. In addition to these things you will accompany me to events and so forth that it would be beneficial for you to attend on my arm and you will not turn me down for any sexual request I may have. I will also require you to sign a non-disclosure agreement covering our arrangement and also anything you may see or hear regarding my business and or personal life. Do you find these terms agreeable?”

For a moment I am stunned, that is until the words ‘not turn me down for any sexual request’ filter through into my brain.

“I would like to negotiate the ‘any sexual request part’ actually” I say, folding my hands in my lap in order to hide the fact that they are shaking. “There are a few things that, well, I am not comfortable doing.”

“Well we could always institute a safety system, if that is agreeable to you? Something along the lines of orange if you are unsure and red if it is a hard pass?”

I take a moment to consider this proposition before nodding. “I find that agreeable. But as a concession I would like a five hundred thousand dollar early termination clause. If either of us terminates the agreement then I want a guaranteed income for my time.”

“If it is not broken within three months then I do not see this as a problem.”

“Also I would like one weekend a month to do with as I like.”

“Agreed on the condition that if there is an event I need you to attend we can rain check the weekend.”

“Agreed. Visitors in the penthouse?” I ask. It would be great if Kenzie could occasionally come over.

“I will need to be informed of their arrival time and departure. If I say I am heading there then your guest will need to leave.” He says. “Oh and they cannot be other men. I don’t share my toys with others. Now if there is nothing else?” he asks, I shake my head, I have asked for everything I can think of at this moment. “Good, now Charles I am guessing you are here to witness us signing the documents?”

“Yes Sir, if you give me a …”

“I have it all drawn up here, just let me add in our agreed additions. Now Miss Stratos if you could please sign here, and now sign the non-disclosure agreement. Thank you. I will send a car for you Miss Stratos at 7pm sharp. You do not need to pack anything. I have everything taken care of already.”

With this he gathers the papers, stand s up and stalks out of the room.

Not even a minute has passed before my father has entered the room once more.

“Well did they agree? Is it done?” He immediately begins interrogating Charles.

“Yes Sir, I will email his office and get the copies sent over to you right away.”

“Good. Good. Well Victoria, it seems like you are helping this family after all.”

With his comment, my patience, and hangover, have caught up with me. Without a word I stand and leave the room. Even though he said not to pack anything there are some things that I cannot live without.