Her Redemption

Chapter 5 – Her decisions

Nia waited five minutes after he left before opening the envelope. It wasn’t as much as last time, considering she’s no longer a virgin. But it’s still a significant amount of money. Actually, she could pay off the rest of her mother’s hospitalization bill as of now.

She went to get her purse and her phone. She did her research immediately. She has time but she didn’t want to delay it. She looked for gyms around the area and checked the fees. She set aside an amount that would cover the annual charges. Then, she went to check different types of contraceptives. After half an hour, she couldn’t decide and put her phone down. She continued eating. The man ordered a lot of food. If she could stay here until noon, she could eat the rest for lunch.

She took a deep breath, stood up and strode near the window. She looked out and watched the busy city below. The sun is already glaring so she kept the curtains closed.

Right. This is already better than last time.

Last time, she contacted that woman again to see if there’s a new client. She was a total crook. You’re not as valuable when you’re no longer a virgin, she said. You can’t charge that much. There’s competition. Do you know how many women are in this line of work? Some would do it for nothing but a meal.

Still, she didn’t scare Nia immediately. She gave him respectable clients the first two months before she started acting like a money-hungry middleman.

Nia didn’t think that experience would still affect her now. She found herself silently crying. She’d been tossed into the arms of drunk men, who showed no respect, threw words of insults in her face, and used her body like a rag.

Those… were the most horrible moments of her life. The trauma took a while to overcome. Desperation. Desperation could do a lot of things. She forced herself to get back on her feet and continue. She needed to earn. She needed to feed her family. She’s not giving up on her mom.

She doesn’t want to experience that again in this life. She picked up her phone again and decidedly chose a contraceptive that lasts three years. She didn’t want to bother with the short-term ones. She’d be in this line of work until she can find a way out.

She set aside the money for it and checked how much is still left.

There’s still a lot. She bit her lip as she contemplated. She should get herself a laptop and try to finish high school at least. If she gets in at Joshua’s club, she might actually be able to college. What would she study, though? She didn’t want to be cheated out of her money again. She has time to think this through. She shouldn’t rush it.

Yes, she’ll get a laptop and do her research. She used to read a lot, until she needed to help her mom and work some odd jobs. Those won’t be paying the bills so she turned to this option.

She worked fast. That same day, she visited a few gyms and decided on one.

She realized she should get a trainer and appropriate outfits for it.

By Wednesday, she went to a different hospital and got herself fitted with the contraceptive. It regulates hormones. She was reminded that it might not take effect until a week later. That means Jeremy would still need to wear a condom this coming weekend. He would understand, won’t he?

She didn’t want to arouse suspicions from her siblings, so she only gave Mark and Lara the usual amount she does. Mark told her not to worry and went to do his homework. Lara rolled her eyes at them before she went to watch videos on her phone. She’s spending more time on it than her books.

Nia asked Mark to do the brotherly thing and make sure to keep Lara updated on school works. He said he’ll try his best. They both grimaced.

She was able to talk to her mom again and she went to have a lengthy discussion with the doctor so she can understand her condition better. She asked options. Where they might get better treatments, if they ever get the money…

The doctor was accommodating. Currently, her mother’s condition is not yet critical. There’s still a high chance that she’ll recover.

In all cases, though, stress is one factor. Nia vowed not to cause her any stress.

The next weekend, she reported to Jeremy as soon as she entered the door. She told him about the gym and the contraception she got.

He looked amused. He thought she might have misgivings. She’s still young. He didn’t think she would be decisive.

“Good. I’ll be testing your boldness this time. Go and eat first. I’ll wash up.”

Boldness, huh? Nia contemplated on it as she ate. What would he have her do?

When he was done, he told her to go and wash up as well. She almost choked when she came out and found him naked already. His manhood was erect. What did he do?

“Have you read or seen anything about oral?”

Her mouth took the shape of an o in understanding. Her lip almost twitched. This is boldness? Well, he’s not exactly wrong. It is quite bold if she would…

She really couldn’t stop this body’s normal reaction. Her whole body flushed and she feels hot.

“Come.” He decidedly sat at the edge of the bed and opened his legs to accommodate her.

She hesitated. In her previous life, she was never good at it.

“Aren’t you afraid I’m going to end up biting you? I don’t have experience.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You’re not going to get any experience if you don’t try it.”

Slowly, she walked over to him and kneeled. She bit her lip as she stared at his mighty length. She touched her cheeks and felt them burning.

“You can go slowly and ask me if you’re unsure.” He leaned back and observed her.

He couldn’t help chuckling when she made ugly faces as she tries opening her mouth and holding it open.

“I feel like I’m going to gag.” She admitted.

She surprised him and the experience ended up becoming both funny and pleasurable.

“I almost bit you.” She lazily stated after it’s done.

“I’m thankful that you didn’t.” His lip twitched at the reminder.

Other than oral, he also tried trying her up. She was exhausted. Her body’s reactions can be considered intense, which is why she easily gets tired.

“How’s your physical training?” He asked, she did say that she already started working out in the gym.

“I was sore the next day. I only fully recovered yesterday.”

“Do you feel stronger?”

“I think so.” She hesitated. Though she’d been training her body, she’d been sleeping less hours. It might have compensated each other, which is why she actually feels the same.

“Give it a month. You won’t notice the change in a short amount of time.”

“Thank you.”

When they parted, he paid her again. She didn’t refuse and accepted it with gratitude.

A few days later, she realized she’d been meeting Jeremy for almost a month already. She’s starting to have a crush on him, but she knew he’s not that type of man. He’s only in it for his own pleasure and interests.

She went to school to ask about finishing her final year. She did inform them that she’s head of the family now as her mother is on the hospital and she’s the oldest child.

It took a while and a lot of pleading to get them to agree to arrange remote education for her. She knows it’s going to be another load of work for whoever’s going to be assigned for her, so… she promised to be cooperative.

For college, is there any institution that conducts online learning instead? She found homeschooling for basic education, but she can’t be sure if there’s any for higher education as well. It would be difficult…

Preparing for her meeting with Jeremy, she berated herself. She seems to be feeling a little excited. There were butterflies in her stomach. She groaned. She can’t. You can’t have feelings for him.

Jeremy did notice her strangeness and sighed. Still innocent, huh?

“Don’t.” He flatly told her.

She stared at him and realized he must know. In the seven years she worked before, no one showed her any kindness. She only dreamed of meeting a good man. Later on, she told herself not to hope. She’s not deserving of it. Right now, that hope bloomed in her heart again. She’s not exactly “dirty” yet. She’d only had one man as of this time.

He sighed as she looked away.

“You’re a good girl. If you plan to work this type of thing, you should guard your heart well. You can’t have feelings for every man who had you. That will be your downfall. If a man realizes you like him, he might take advantage of you. Is that what you want to happen? No matter what, if it’s a client, you should remove any feelings. You should get payment and not acquiesce to any extra request.”

His stern expression looks a little scary. She feels like a child being chided by her father. Well, her father would’ve been in his forties if he’s alive today.

“Thank you. I understand. I’ll remember it well.” It was only a moment of weakness. She’d long understood this point very well. She won’t be mistaken again.

“Good. After tonight, I’ll arrange a meeting for you and Joshua. He’s the owner of the club I told you about. You shouldn’t look weak in front of him. He likes women with strong personality. It’s required for his business. He would fight for his employees only if they know how to fight as well. He’s that type of person.”

She nodded. “This Joshua… is he…?” Should she ask?

Jeremy seemed to know what’s on her mind. “Gay? No. He’s a man. How he ended up doing what he’s doing, only he knows about it. But don’t worry, he doesn’t sleep with the people he employs.”

She smiled at that. “Good to know.”

He flicked her forehead. “I should’ve included tenacity in your training. Maybe I should bully you tonight and see how you withstand it?”

She actually considered it. He’s a good teacher. Also, she already knows that it’s just part of her learning. She shouldn’t let his words get to her. She’d had years of experience as well. Her mind has been ready.

Jeremy started off with the harsh words. She lopsidedly smiled. Ah, those words are very familiar to her. She gave him an expression that says “Go on, I don’t give a shit.”

She remained silent and not once did his words slice her heart.

“You’re better than I thought.”

“Thanks. Living as a poor prepared me for this. I’ve heard worse.”

“Did you?” Jeremy suddenly feels sorry for her. He can’t, he reminded himself. He should really end this engagement of theirs. Tonight would be the last night. He already told her that.

He shared some of the rules he knew about the club. Nia found them fascinating.

A single client can book a woman for three months at most. He assumed this was to prevent any attachment. Clients will have their demands. The “escorts” as they are kindly referred to, can also state their requirements.

“If you only want clients who are within a certain age range, you can tell Joshua about it. If you don’t want to engage in b**m, you can opt out of it. You don’t look like the type to like that kind of thing.”

Her lip twitched. She shook her head vehemently.

He smiled at her reaction, “But you must know that it will make your pool of clients smaller. Those who are older pay a much higher price. Those who want a submissive are the highest paying clients.”

“I’d rather have normal ones.”

“You’re still young. You should be very careful. If you have a trainer at the gym, you might want to get lessons on self-defense as well.”

“Oh, yes. You’re right. I should.” She speaks more often now. She’s starting to feel comfortable with him. Her crush turned into innocent admiration. He really seems like a nice guy. She couldn’t help but wonder what made him this way and why he’s being like this.

“Whenever you encounter disrespectful clients, you must report immediately to Joshua. He would ban them. They’re bad for business.”

“How long have you been a client?”

He raised an eyebrow at her question. “Do you mean to ask how long he’s been running the business?”

She smiled sheepishly before agreeing. “Yes. That.”

“He’s been running it for eight years now.”

“I see.”

“He’s doing well managing it. He’s strict but that’s necessary for him to keep its reputation to his clientele.”

“It’s not exactly legal, is it?” No matter what, it’s still… prostitution.

“You’re right.” He didn’t offer an explanation.

“And I shouldn’t ask Joshua about it.”

He chuckled again. “You’re smart.”

“Do you have any pointers for the interview? There will be an interview, right?”

“Oh yes. It’s an assessment. Don’t take too long to answer. He likes frank people. When he asks you if you have any questions, don’t be shy and do so. If he doesn’t mention what I’ve told you about conditions, you can raise it with him.”

“Won’t he think I’ve got insider information? Or that I’ve gotten information I shouldn’t know of?”

“I’m recommending you, aren’t I? That means I could’ve told you something and that I’m sure you won’t tattle to others.”

“I won’t.” She promised.

“I know.”

Somehow it feels different. Maybe they should’ve gotten intimate first before having this conversation. They feel much closer and yet…

He would be going abroad after this. Maybe he should call Joshua to ensure she gets in.

He left a large sum of money for their last night together. It has been exactly a month and he realized he’s a wee bit fond of her. He taught her everything else he could think of.