Something Like Gold

Chapter 2

Her job started at 6:00 p.m. because that was when clients poured in. Tonight felt a bit different because the boss was actually on-site and she was in a good mood. She likely had some important clients coming.

“Do a good job with your services,” the boss reminded them. Everyone gathered in one spot so the boss could warn them to be excellent.

“Because our place’s reputation depends on it,” she added. “Some wealthy young men are coming here for massages. They’re billionaires and single, so pay attention and do everything to make them like this place.”

“Understood,” Rachel grinned, seeming excited about the news.

“Of course, ma’am. I’ll make sure they leave this place with a smile,” she said.

Avril swallowed. Their boss seemed pleased.

“They’ll be here soon. Each one of you will be assigned one of them,” she said before heading off.

Avril’s co-workers started chatting about the services they planned to offer. Avril noticed some of them prettifying themselves more than usual. Rachel came over and said, “Do what they do. Maybe you can solve your money problem.” She patted Mary on the shoulder as she walked past.

Avril took a deep breath, deciding she wouldn’t offer any extra services. She gathered her materials for the massage and waited for the arrivals near the entrance.

When the five young men entered, Avril saw how overjoyed her boss was to greet them. But Avril just kept herself busy preparing supplies in the room. She silently wished whichever client she got would be generous with tips.

The door to the room suddenly opened and the boss walked in with a tall man.

“Avril , your client is here,” the boss said. “Make sure to satisfy him with your service, okay?”

Avril nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

The boss let the tall man enter and Avril almost swallowed hard because of the aura he radiated. He was handsome, with a sun-kissed complexion and a pleasant scent. As soon as the door closed, Avril stepped back to give him space. She politely told him what to do first, which he followed. Though she was a bit uneasy under his gaze, she managed.

Once he lay on his stomach, a white towel covering the lower part of his body, Avril began her work. The moment her palm pressed against his skin, a jolt ran through her. She didn’t understand why out of all her clients, it was this man who made her feel that way.

He let out a soft groan as she applied pressure with her fingers and kneaded parts of his back.

“So good,” he murmured.

Avril gulped and forced herself to focus. Thankfully, she managed until she finished, then packed her things.

The man propped himself up on his elbows and looked at her.

“I thought there were other services besides massage,” he said, making her pause.

She turned to face him, eyes wide.

He arched a brow. “I don’t offer that, sir,” she said politely. “My job here is to give massages.”

“Ah,” he said. “So the rumors I heard were fake.”

He got up from the bed and Mary looked away.

“I thought there was more to do here.”

Avril explained quietly, “There is, sir. But not with me. Maybe with some of the other therapists.”

He asked, “How about you give me your extra service? I’ll pay.”

Her eyes went wide, leaving her speechless.

He patted the mattress.

She gulped again because he didn’t seem to be joking.

“Um… what kind of service do you want?” she managed to say.

“I want a kiss,” he stated, glancing at her mouth.

Mary stepped back when he rose from the bed and pulled out some bills from his bag. He placed them on the table

“That will be my payment. Now give me my kiss.”

He stepped closer and grabbed her arm so she’d move nearer.

“Are you going to take that money for a kiss?”

She immediately thought of Aunt Linda and how she might not even get a tip if she turned him down. It was just once. She was sure this man wouldn’t return.

She decided to give in.

Avril held his shoulders and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him on the lips. She assumed that would be it, but her eyes went wide when he pulled her closer, returning her kiss. The sudden contact of his tongue in her mouth made Avril dizzy and she squeezed her eyes shut.

After a few seconds, they broke apart, and Mary was left speechless. He licked his lips and gazed at her in a sultry way.

“Nice service,” he smirked, gathered his things, got dressed, and left.

Avril sank onto the nearest chair, stunned at what had happened. Then she glanced over at the money on the side table. She picked it up and was shocked to see it was $20,000.

“That’s way too much,” she muttered.

Avril quickly ran out of the room, hoping to catch up with the man, but he was already gone.

“Nice job girls. Our guest loved all your services,” their boss announced, happily striding in.

Avril saw Rachel’s grin, apparently also having given extra service, evident from the glistening mark on her neck as if it were licked. Avril winced and looked away, never learning that man’s name. She tried not to dwell on what she’d done, but she now had money to buy Aunt Matilda’s meds.

Whenever Aunt Matilda asked where Avril got the funds, she always offered a believable excuse.

Avril’s heart raced as he laced his fingers with hers.

“These hands,” he said, “should only be touching my body.”

She didn’t even know how she agreed, but she found herself picking up the $50,000 on the side table and nodding.

Yet nothing outrageous happened in that room. He didn’t even touch her intimately. He only asked her a lot of questions, which she answered all the while thinking about Aunt Matilda , who needed treatment.