Chapter Nine

TINA'S POV:

I was lost in the rhythm of the music, my hips swaying to the beat as I scrubbed the dishes in my kitchen. My headset was my escape from the mundane task, transporting me to a world of melody and harmony. Suddenly, my phone buzzed, shattering the illusion. I hesitated for a moment, debating whether to answer or let it go to voicemail. Curiosity got the better of me, and I picked up the call anyways.

"Hello?" I said, my voice tentative.

"Hello, is this Flora?" a robotic voice asked.

I rolled my eyes. Only one type of call used that tone and that name, knowing it is no other than "lendfollowers". I shook my head. "Yes, it is," I replied, my tone neutral.

"We have a client interested in your services. Are you available tonight?"

My mind raced as I considered the offer. "Yes, I'm available. What's the details?"

The robot rattled off the information – time, location, and a brief description of the client. I listened intently, my mind processing the details.

"Got it," I said, my voice firm. "I'll be there."

The call ended, and I returned to my dishes, my mind already preparing for the night ahead.

I finished the dishes and headed to my computer to check my email for the client's information. My heart raced as I opened the message from the agency. The client's name was "Peter," and the meeting was set for 8 pm at a high-end restaurant in the city. I scanned the brief description of Peter - successful businessman, charming, and handsome.

I stepped into the shower, letting the warm water wash away my doubts and fears. As I lathered up the soap, I felt a transformation taking place. My mind shifted into "Flora" mode, the persona I had created for my escort work. I scrubbed away my toughness, rinsing off the remnants of my real self.

After drying off i began to apply my makeup, feeling a sense of detachment. I was no longer myself, but a character, a fantasy. My eyes became sultrier, my lips more inviting. I styled my hair, adding volume and texture, creating a look that was both sophisticated and alluring.

I slipped into my gown, a stunning black number that hugged my curves in all the right places. I felt a surge of confidence as I gazed in the mirror. Flora was born, ready to take on the night.

But as I reached for my phone to check the time, my eyes caught a glimpse of a photo on my dresser. It was a picture of me, makeup and glamour, smiling brightly with a purse in hand. My fake self.

******

I arrived at the event center, The building was grand, with high ceilings and sparkling chandeliers. I could hear the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses as I made my way through the crowds.

I spotted Peter across the room, looking handsome in his tailored suit. He smiled as our eyes met, and I felt a flutter in my chest. I made my way towards him, my heels clicking on the marble floor.

"Flora," he said, his voice low and smooth. "You look stunning."

I smiled, playing the part. "Thank you, Peter. You look quite dashing yourself."

We exchanged pleasantries, and I could feel the chemistry between us building. But as we began to dance, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Jude's eyes seemed to hold a secret, a hidden intensity that made me uneasy.

Pushing the feeling aside, focusing on the music and the movement of our bodies. I couldn't help but wonder what had brought us together tonight. He was charming and handsome, to be sure, but there was something more to it. A glint in his eye, a tension in his smile.

And then, he whispered the truth in my ear. "You know, my ex-girlfriend is having her birthday party here tonight."

My eyes met his, curiosity piqued. "Oh? And you wanted to spite her by bringing a date?"

Jude's smile was triumphant. "Exactly. And it's working beautifully. She's seething with anger right now."

I followed his gaze across the room, where a lady with a scowl on her face was watching us with narrowed eyes. Ah, the ex.

I felt a pang of excitement, focusing on the task at hand. After all, I was being paid to play this role.

As we continued to dance, I could feel the tension between Peter and his ex building. It was visible, a living thing that pulsed with every beat of the music.

Peter's ex stood across the room, her eyes never left us. She glared at me with a bitter intensity, her gaze piercing through the crowded room. I felt a shiver run down my spine as her eyes locked onto mine, filled with a mixture of anger and hurt.

Even as she went through the motions of cutting her birthday cake, her focus was elsewhere. Her eyes kept drifting back to us, her mind clearly preoccupied with the sight of Peter and me together.

Her friends and family cheered and sang "Happy Birthday" as she blew out the candles, but she barely smiled. Her eyes were fixed on us, her expression a mask of pain and betrayal.

Peter, still holding me close, whispered in my ear, "She's losing it, isn't she?"

I nodded, my eyes locked on Peter's ex. She was unraveling, her composure slipping away with each passing moment.

As the party continued, Peter's ex tried to put on a brave face, but it was clear she was struggling. Her eyes kept darting back to us, her mind consumed by the thought of Jude with another woman.

I felt a pang of sympathy for her, knowing that she was hurting. But I was also aware that I was just a pawn in Peter's game, a tool to exact revenge on his ex. After all, who cares about feelings these days

As the night wore on, his ex's gaze never wavered, her eyes fixed on us with a bitter intensity. I knew that this night would end in tears, and I was caught in the middle enjoying the show.

His whisper was like a soft caress in my ear, "I'll pay an additional five hundred bucks if you kiss me." His breath was warm and sweet, carrying the scent of champagne and promise.

My heart skipped a beat as I considered his offer. The music and laughter faded into the background, leaving only the two of us, suspended in this moment. I could feel the weight of his gaze, the intensity of his desire.

I nodded, almost imperceptibly, and Peter's eyes lit up like a sparkler on a summer night. He leaned in, his face inches from mine, his lips parted in anticipation.

Time seemed to slow as our lips drew closer. The room around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, lost in this moment.

Our lips touched, soft and gentle at first, then deepening into a passionate embrace. The kiss was like a wildfire, consuming us both, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake.

As we broke apart, gasping for air, I saw his ex standing across the room, her eyes fixed on us with a bitter intensity. Her face was pale, her lips trembling with rage.

She was supposed to toast her own birthday, but her eyes were fixed on us, her mouth agape. In a moment of shock, she lost her grip on the drinks, and they spilled all over her expensive dress.

The room gasped as she stumbled backward, her eyes blazing with anger and humiliation. Peter chuckled, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction, as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close.

"Looks like she's losing it," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. I felt a pang of guilt, but the money was there speaking to my head.

His ex's eyes was blazing with anger and hurt, walked up to us, her heels clicking on the marble floor. "Jude, is this what you wanted?" she spat, her voice venomous. "Is this what makes you happy?"

Peter, still holding me close, smiled smugly. "You know it, baby," he said, his eyes gleaming with triumph.

His ex's face contorted in pain, her eyes welling up with tears. "You're really something, Peter," she said, her voice cracking. "Coming to a party uninvited. You're pathetic."

"You're just mad because you couldn't keep me satisfied," he sneered. "You're just mad because I moved on."

His ex's face crumpled, tears streaming down her face. "You never loved me," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You never loved me at all."

With that, she turned and stormed out of the party, leaving us alone amidst the music and laughter. Peter's smile faltered for a moment, a glimmer of guilt crossing his face. But then, he shrugged and pulled me closer.

"Let's get out of here," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "We've made our point."

As we left the party, the cool night air hit me like a slap in the face. Jude led me to the parking lot, his arm around my shoulders. We walked in silence, the only sound being the clicking of our heels on the pavement.

When we reached his car, he pulled out an envelope and handed it to me. "Here's the extra five hundred we agreed on," he said, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

I took the envelope, feeling a mix of emotions. Guilt, shame, and a hint of relief. I had done what I set out to do, but at what cost?

"Thanks," I said, my voice barely audible.

Jude smiled and opened the car door. "I'll drop you off," he said, his eyes sparkling with generosity.

But I shook my head. "No, it's okay. I'll wait for my ride."

Jude raised an eyebrow. "Suit yourself," he said, shrugging. "Goodnight, then."

I watched as he drove away, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I didn't have to pretend anymore, didn't have to be someone I wasn't.

Just as I was starting to relax, I saw a car pull up beside me. It was Dan, my accomplist. I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him.

"Hey," he said, smiling back. "How was the party?"

I shook my head, laughing. "It was something else," I said, getting into the car.

As we drove away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The night was over, and I could finally be myself again.