"Excuse me Miss, I just received a phone call from Madame Patrice. I would be driving you to the Dominico Hotel now instead of the Dark Shadow Hotel."
Catherine frowned when the driver announced this statement to her. She noticed he was still holding his mobile phone.
The cold night wind was chilly, and her old trench coat, shawl and boots weren't aiding in warming her cold nerves.
"As requested by your... erm- by the winner", the driver continued.
Catherine just nodded her head in agreement although she was left curious.
Why the sudden change of location?
Nevertheless, she kept her words to herself. She quietly slid inside the leather seat of the white limousine that would take her to the finalisation of her contract.
Not caring where the deed would be done as long as this night would end as quickly as possible so she could go back to Miguel and forget everything that happened tonight.
She bit her lower lip and clasped her hands together. Looking at the car window where the city lights illuminated the whole street.
Tying to calm herself as her heart raced like wildfire inside her chest.
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Dominico Hotel
A popular five-star hotel owned by one of the prestigious Family known internationally by business associates all over the globe.
Catherine couldn't contain her surprised reaction when she saw the large edifice right before her. The fifty-floor luxury tower with approximately 2050 luxury suites adjacent to a popular gambling casino was magnificent in its own right.
A uniformed doorman came over to them to open the car's passenger door for her as the driver stopped the car in front of the hotel.
The night duty hotel manager came forward and introduced himself to her.
"Good evening, Miss Catherine Meza. I'm Francis Celo, the hotel manager of Dominico Hotel."
He reached for her right hand and shook it vigorously. Catherine blushed because her worn leather black gloves has signs of frequent used but it seemed that Francis didn't mind.
"I'm here to take you to your room. I heard that this is your first time with us, right?"
His wide easy smile and friendly tone helped her feel at ease.
Catherine just nodded her head and smiled shyly. She felt awkward being there. This was a place frequented by wealthy people and she definitely doesn't belong there.
She roamed her eyes and she couldn't help herself from admiring the beautiful interior of Dominico Hotel's lobby.
Several large framed paintings of a beautiful Goddess were posted on every corner of the walls. She was surprised to see a fountain with a cherubic angel, that stood before the reception desk. Expensive huge chandeliers adorned the ceilings with several paintings of angels as well.
As she walked side by side with Jeremy, people in the lobby kept glancing her way. She tried covering her face by burying half of it in her large, old shawl. She felt so out of place.
Nevertheless, it looked like her arrival was anticipated by the hotel staff. She was impressed about how fast they made arrangements for her drastic arrival.
"Take us to the penthouse, Nate", Mr. Celo instructed the elevator's operator.
Catherine's eyes became huge in surprised.
Penthouse?
The Men's Den Club owners were willing to pay huge amount of cash just for a night here?
Mr. Scott must be a VIP member of the club that they were willing to waste that large amount of money for his kinky pleasure.
I wonder how much does an overnight stay in the penthouse of this hotel costs?
As they reached the top of the building, Catherine's self-consciousness was adamant. Even the elevator operator's wristwatch looked more pricey than all of her worn clothes combined.
Luchi insisted to give her a dress from the club but she declined.
She would be shedding all of her clothes tonight anyway so what's the point of wearing a new dress. However, the more she stayed at that place, the more she regretted her drastic decision.
She could at least look presentable to the man who saved her from her poor fortune.
She bit her lip. Remembering she doesn't even have a proper make-up kit with her. She only has her used over-the-counter drug lip gloss with her.
"We've arrived, Mr. Celo", Nate announced.
"Miss Meza, let me lead you the way."
As they alighted out of the elevator, she thank the man named Nate, who smiled and waved at her.
"The penthouse is exclusively available for any of the family members' of—."
Catherine sudden gasp escaped her trembling mouth.
"Sometimes they allow family friends— If they stay over— but not that much. There are important rules to follow—"
Mr. Celo started informing her about the penthouse's visitors and set of rules. However, his words fell on deaf ears as Catherine scanned her eyes to the beauty before her.
She couldn't helped but started touching a soft, down fluffy pillows on the sofa. She grabbed one and hugged it to herself while her eyes were still busy scanning her surroundings.
"We procure a lovely dress for you this evening. Come Miss Meza, let me show you the master suite."
"What?", she almost forgot her real purpose for being here.
"He said he wanted to share a late dinner with you but before that, you may freshen up if you want to before his appearance."
There was three knocks on the door then suddenly an army of hotel personnels came inside and brought several trays of food.
"Arrange them as elegantly as possible. We don't want to disappoint the big boss' nephew."
"Yes, Mr. Celo." As if on cue, the employees answered in unison.
Mr. Celo clapped his hands twice and everyone dispersed to do their tasks.
Catherine stood there, amazed at what she was witnessing. The workforce started preparing the dinner table in flourished. They added vases of flowers and placed several trays of food on top of the classy dining table. Catherine wanted to see what was being served but she contained herself. Her hunger pangs could wait until later.
I'm used to being hungry all the time anyway.
"Miss Meza, please come with me", Mr. Celo instructed.
Catherine placed the fluffy pillow back on the sofa and followed him.
"Please Mr. Celo, call me Catherine."
"Oh no, that would be informal Miss Meza. You're one of our VIP guests here. I could never—"
"Please, just Catherine."
"Well, if you insist but only when we are alone. I don't want any of my subordinates to think me to be ill-mannered to our guests. It's our little secret." Jeremy winked at her.
He ushered her towards a large sliding, double doors which led to the master suite.
"Now here we are and that's the lovely evening gown we prepared for you. I hope it is to your liking Miss Me—... Catherine."
Catherine was astonished to see the majestic dress worn by a dummy. The light pink coloured elegant dress featured off shoulder sleeves and a stunning pink and gold crystal embellished design. The crystallized details added a touch of glamour to any occasion.
The evening gown would accentuate her rounded hips because of it was a semi-mermaid cut skirt.
Whoever wore this stunning outfit would experience luxury and sophistication.
She touched the midsection part of the skirt and felt how soft the silky fabric was on her hand. It was such a beautiful evening gown. One she could never afford to buy.
"T-thank you. It's such a beautiful dress. I never worn one before in my entire life", she stated incredulously.
Jeremy beamed with pride. So proud that they made their shy but pretty guest happy.
"We also prepared some matching shoes for you."
Jeremy presented her two boxes of shoes, one was a light pink high heeled shoes and the other one was a light pink flat sandals adorned with crystals as well.
"I hope they all fit you perfectly. We gathered these collections from our Hotel's private boutique and the boss estimated your measurements to Linda, our boutique manager. You can try this on now before you freshen up. I will request one of the girls to assist you."
"Oh! Ah... no need for that, Jeremy. I can manage on my own. I-I'm sure this dress will fit me impeccably and the shoes... well, if they won't fit me, it's still fine. I could go barefoot here. The soft carpeted floor doesn't require any sort of protection for my feet." Catherine smiled, her eyes flashing with joy.
"I understand. Then we won't bother you any longer." Jeremy started going out of the bedroom when he remembered something.
"Miss Meza, it is our pleasure having you as our guest."
Then he bowed his head and like on cue again, the rest of the hotel manpower did the same thing.
Catherine blushed with happiness and shyness. Never had she ever experienced such respect from unknown people. They made her feel so special.
Are they always like this with their VIP guests?
"Thank you, everyone", she said smiling at them, then they quickly gathered their things and left her alone in that massive, spacious hotel room.
Catherine took a deep breath and scanned her surroundings one more time. Admiring the warmth and beauty of the place.
This is how rich people indulge themselves.
She was never a materialistic person but deep in her heart she couldn't help herself from feeling resentment and bitter. She glanced at the dining table the hotel staff members had painstakingly arranged.
She walked over to it, the smell of the food from the covered trays lured her in. She uncovered the trays one by one and checked the meals provided.
When was the last time I had a proper meal? I couldn't remember anymore.
Her tummy grumbled as she smelled the aromatic scent of the servings prepared.
Embarrassed, she closed the last tray lid she lifted and her eyes darted towards the sparkling crystal silverwares at the dinner table.
She touched them one by one as well. These were authentic crystals that scintillated because of the chandelier lights.
She took a deep breath and poured herself a glass of cold water.
She opted to drink that instead of the unopened bottle of wine and champagne provided. She couldn't touch the food without Mr. Scott. That would be inappropriate because he was the actual VIP guest here, and not her.
Then she noticed an antique brown box placed at the other side of the table. She went over to it and opened it.
Inside of the box was a red envelope and a red rose.
She opened the letter and read its contents.
Miss Catherine Meza,
Welcome to the Dominico Hotel. As a thank you gift to you for your special participation and services tonight, you can enjoy all the amenities provided by this luxurious hotel for two days. All expenses are fully covered.
We will deliver the promised amount to you via check tomorrow at 9 in the morning.
Enjoy your lovely company and have a wonderful evening.
Men's Den Club
Her hands trembled. Her tears welled up. Her nose and mouth quivered as she drew an inhaled breath in.
This is why I'm here. I made a bargain. I chose to sell myself.
She exhaled and immediately returned the note inside the box before she might forget herself and accidentally crumple it.
She turned around and went over to the front door. She took her worn trench coat off and her old bag, and hanged them on the golden coat rack she saw when they entered the suite.
She loosened her hair from their ponytail confines and brushed them with her fingers. They fell past her hips. Then she placed her black scrunchie inside her bag. Next, she removed her worn boots because she didn't want to dirty the carpeted floors with them. Then followed by the removal of her socks and she placed them inside her boots.
I need to take a bath now and get ready. I shouldn't forget the true reason why I came here.
She walked towards the master's suite doors and the dress caught her eye once more. She gave herself a leeway to admire the dress one more time.
I would have to wear this very carefully.
Her hands quivered as she touched the gown's fabricpp po again. She bit her lip because she noticed that in order to completely wear the dress, she needed an assistance to closed the zipper behind it. She didn't want to ruin the dress by wearing it with great vigour.
She sighed. She realised that she shouldn't have declined Mr. Celo's offer of assistance.
I guess I could call the front desk and asked someone to assist me.
She turned her head and for the first time saw the large, king sized bed covered with dark blue velvety linens of the bedroom. The grey coloured bed frame design included an elegant and modern headboard.
It was the largest bed she had ever saw. She sat at the side of the bed and bounced herself on top of it gently.
She started blushing. She knew what would happen on top of those soft fluffy sheets tonight.
This bed would be the sole eyewitness of her surrendering her virginity.
Catherine stood up and made her way into the bathroom adjacent to the bedroom.
A warm ambience was apparent in the modern bathroom. Jute or sisal rugs, natural wood paneling, and decorative elements, including vases, pendant lighting, and more, softened the cool surfaces and angular elements of its modern design. The woven rug was the primary piece that temper the sleek vanity of it. The decorative touches of the glass walls and doors of the shower suggests a sensual space for lovers. The huge oval bathtub added an alluring touch to the bathroom.
Catherine went into the sink to washed her hands. She turned on the water faucet and wet her hands. Enjoying the vanilla scent of the soap lather as she rubbed her hands together.
If only I could wash away my sorrows like this water does.
Oh God, stop procrastinating now Catherine, you chose to do this on your own terms.
She took her clothes off one by one, folded and placed them on top of the sink. Staring at her naked reflection in the large mirrors in front of her, she nodded to herself for courage and approval. Then she made her way towards the glass wall and entered the shower stall.
This is it, Catherine. There's no turning back now.
She turned on the shower and let the cascading warm water washed away her fears, inhibitions, desperation and lastly, her tears.
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Catherine stepped out of the shower and draped the large white towel on her long, wet hair and wore the bathrobe to cover herself. Feeling freshened up, she found herself leaving the bathroom and walked towards the bedroom once again.
While showering she was wondering how does Mr. Scott look like.
Come to think of it, I didn't even see him in the club.
Her eyes were plastered on the gentleman who never bothered to bid for her that she forgot to pay attention to the other bidders while she was on stage. She forgot to check who was Mr. Scott amongst the crowd of men.
She stood in front of the dummy where the dress she would wear tonight was located.
Luchi mentioned that Mr. Scott was kind and handsome but... nothing compares to that gorgeous blue-eyed man at being attractive and good looking in my opinion.
Catherine sighed.
He was dreamy.
Then she vehemently shook her head.
Oh my God! Catherine forget about him! You're never going to see him again!
She was about to take the dress off of the dummy when she heard a sudden commotion coming from the living room area.
There was a male voice talking from outside the bedroom door.
Mr. Scott is here! He's arrived.
She went silently to the bedroom door and snuck a peek against the crack on the door.
She saw a large silhouette of a man sitting on the sofa with his front turned away from the master suite. He was leaning back as he rubbed his temples while talking with someone else's over his mobile phone.
She frowned slightly as she stared at the back of his head.
Did I see him before?
He ended his phone conversation and she heard a loud sigh escaped his lips. He leaned over and must have placed his phone on the sofa table. After a while he stood up and she noticed he was so tall. Then suddenly he turned her way. It was the first time she saw Mr. Scott's side profile and she couldn't stop herself from having an alarmed reaction.
She loudly gasped in astonishment.