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Edited at March 29, 2026 09:45 PM by Rose Thorn Manor
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His words both broke her heart and enraged her, knowing she didn't have anything to offer but herself and a simple piece of jewelry that wouldn't even cover a fraction of the cost. She remained as calm as she could as she reached into her purse, producing a small velvet box. She stood up, closing the distance to the side of the desk she was on before placing the box onto his desk. "All I have is myself and my mother's wedding room. I don't want to play games, Mr. Catalano. I want to give you whatever it is that you need so that I can get what I need." Her soft voice firmed up, her palms placed against the desk top as she leaned slightly towards him. "So what is it that you need? Because all I have to offer is what you see standing here before you. A willing, hardworking body. I don't care if what you need is no better than a slave or a whore, all that I know is I'm willing. That is my offer." She was deadly serious, her golden eyes boring into his own as she waited for his answer. She knew a man like himself had no end to servants and women, but at the same time, what could a man like him ever need? He had everything, it seemed. |
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Edited at March 29, 2026 09:46 PM by Rose Thorn Manor
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"I figured as much," she replied as she picked the box back up and put it away. She waited for his next words, the words she needed to hear before she'd want to leave. Only, they didn't come quite as she hoped. It wasn't a no and it wasn't a yes. A maybe. Something she was sure would likely end in no. "Thank you. I hope to hear from you," she nodded, a fiercely determined look in her eyes as she stared at him for a few seconds before turning on her heel and leaving his office without another word. She just hoped she would be enough to persuade him. |
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Edited at March 29, 2026 09:46 PM by Rose Thorn Manor
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Laurel went by to visit her father after that, spending a few minutes at his bedside to ensure him that everything was perfectly fine. He didn't know about the outstanding bills or the fact that his daughter had offered up her body to pay any bills, and she desperately hoped it would remain that way. She knew it would pain him and break his heart to know what she was doing, but she truly would do anything for her old man. The text from the anonymous number came through around the time she was leaving the hospital. She missed her father goodbye and told him she'd see him again tomorrow before rushing into the hall and opening the text. She was mildly shocked at what she read, but also extremely relieved. Personal woman? "Christ, the whore bit was more for show, but I did mean anything.." she muttered beneath her breath, rubbing her forehead slightly. But, after doing a little mental math, she added up that $200 a night, seven nights a week would indeed bring her enough to pay the medical bills off and then some. Even though it was a little taboo, she was willing to take on the job of being his woman, whatever that would entail. Luca was a dangerously handsome man, but he'd been so cold and intimidating earlier. It would be a trying process, but she already knew she'd be showing up tomorrow night, in uniform.
Laurel went home and made a sandwich for supper, which she ate while messaging her boss that she'd be dropping her night shifts from then on out. She would keep her day shifts for extra money to pay her own bills, but she could already feel a weight lifted off of her shoulders. She was nervous, of course, but this "job" would be the light at the end of the tunnel for her. |
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Edited at March 29, 2026 09:46 PM by Rose Thorn Manor
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Laurel opened the door, finding her uniform. She looked around before closing the door, locking it once more before opening the box. She pulled out the dress, her gaze between one of disbelief and astonishment that her uniform was something so gorgeous and scandalous. She brought it all to her room, hanging the item up so that it wouldn't wrinkle. Afterwards she readied for bed by dressing in nothing but an oversized t-shirt. She laid in bed, staring at the red dress hanging up on her closet door as she fell asleep, thinking of Luca and the end to her problems. -- The next day she woke up early, readying herself for her day job. The day drug by, her heart pounding with anxiety as she waited for nightfall. She doubted if she could really stoop so low, but at the same time she didn't have a choice. In fact, when she visited her father she was reminded that she had the best reason for doing everything was was about to do. It made going home and getting ready for her new job a whole lot easier, that was for sure. Laurel had never prepped herself so well in years, her body smooth and properly oiled after a refreshing shower. Her hair was dried and curled carefully, her face lightly accentuated by makeup, not that she needed it. She put on the little red dress, feeling so exposed and not near as confident as she'd like when she appeared so sultry. Regardless, Laurel found a pair of heels and some jewelry that complimented the dress, putting the items on before topping it with a tasteful trench coat that would give her a sense of modesty back until she reached the headquarters.
-- It was five minutes until 9 when she arrived at the headquarters, deciding to be a little early, but not too early. She squirmed, knocking so that her presence could be known and she'd be told where to go. She had on a little perfume, her body smelling like vanilla and honey, but not in a way that was overbearing. |
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Edited at March 29, 2026 09:46 PM by Rose Thorn Manor
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Laurel smiled nervously, nodding and greeting Aria. "Thank you," she said politely, easing off her coat before smoothing out the fabric of the dress. It hugged her perfectly, displaying all of her best features with ease. Her gaze traveled curiously to Rachel, having already assumed that she'd been the woman's replacement, given her appearance. She hurried past, having no interest in getting involved in such drama. She needed the job, so she wouldn't be asking not a single question. "I see.. I'll keep that in mind," she nodded, a little surprised to hear that she might also be seen in public with him. It would seem this little job would be more than she expected, though she didn't mind at all. "I'll try. I'm sure you can understand this is a little nerve wracking." She was anxious as they reached the top, Aria's words doing little to help. She could only hope that the man really would be kind and gentle with her, and there was only one way to find out.
"Thank you again.." she told Aria, offering a small smile before stepping out of the elevator. She walked a little further inside, her heels clicking quietly on the flooring until she caught sight of him. He looked heaven sent, sitting there with nothing but sweats on. She had an undeniable attraction, but she was still terrified as hell. "Good evening, Mr. Catalano.." she greeted softly, her voice warm and light, soothing almost. Laurel hadn't a slightest what she should do, and the last thing she wanted was to make a fool of herself. |
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Fog Early followed by Afternoon Showers
