Michael says nothing. “He was very successful,” drawls James. “Took his pick.”
The blond man jerks to attention, “Hey, it’s different now.”
“Of course it is,” I say. “You found the woman you want, and your goals have moved on. I notice, with some interest I have to say, that the first thing you have done is to start building your wealth.”
“I’m going to have a wife to support.”
“So you are. And I have high confidence that you will be a wealthy man if that’s what you want out of life.”
His eyes narrow and I can see the wheels turning, his thoughts.
“If you want it, go for it. If life gives you lemons, first make lemonade. Second, punch life in the eye and demand oranges. Then, go and plant orange trees.”
Michael speaks slowly, thoughtfully. “Interesting way of putting it. I’ll remember that.”
*****
Three Years Ago
Charlotte sits in the office facing Mr Chambers. He’s middle-aged and pleasant enough, and clearly doing his best to make her feel at ease. Nonetheless, her embarrassment is excruciating and she can’t look him in the face.
“Can I get you a cup of tea, Miss Conners? Or coffee perhaps?”
Her throat tight. “No, thank you.”
If she tried to drink right now, she would bring it right back up again.
“Very well. I understand you would like to enter our auction for the sale of….” He picks up a sheet and reads…. ‘The services of ‘Charlotte’ for the period of one week, those services to include anything required of her by her purchaser and also to include the sale of her virginity.’ Is that correct?”
the word out.
a female representative to work with right now, here at the auction house we feel that a
yes.” Charlotte nods
a year. The next such event
“Yes.”
You will be required to undergo a medical examination no more than one week before the date of the auction to confirm that you are disease free and to confirm your…. credentials.
“Yes.”
in which to prepare, I suggest that you take the opportunity to ensure you are in good physical condition. It goes
*****
James
wake, pain-free and tentatively, I move,
And it’s fine.
start
see if either Charlotte or Michael
Trying…
tangled in the sheets somehow, and as
At last….
have a record-breaking
Morning glory….
has been
I look at the sleeping lovely next to me, I
cheek and her eyes flutter open, blinking slowly once or twice before settling on me. Her lips curve, showing a little of
closer to me, she pauses a moment to disengage from Michael's arm. And as she
again, her cheeks dimpling, her grin quick and gorgeous and her eyes dancing green. “Master… you’re feeling
her.
her, my head pillowed on her breasts as I slide the sheet away, to look at her, to stroke her. But her legs part in invitation, her knees
to lever her arms over her head, to
what I really