I yawned, movement from Mhairi waking me up. She was sat beside me on the bed, smiling. I grinned back before I noticed that the sun was far higher in the sky.

"Shit," I said. "We're going to be late."

"Nope," she replied, chuckling. "Today is our day off. Well, for the most part. Rules state we're not allowed to be forced into working today. Although we can opt in to go away with companions for mini breaks and holidays or things like that if we want."

"Right," I said, sitting back down on the edge of the bed. It was my sixth day since becoming a courtesan and I had no desire to object to having a break.

The last two days had been particularly intense, Yaru taking me to both Tomichii and Kioshi's office, the club and the diner each day. My feet were killing me by the time I got back to the court, and Daniel never let me leave his office without using me in some way on top.

I grinned at Mhairi once we were both dressed. Her in an outfit I'd seen her wear out before, covering almost all her skin. Me in the only clothes I had so far, a flowing wraparound dress Tomichii had gifted me the day before. It had cherry trees in full blossom on it, a similarity to the painted design Mhairi had covered me in.

Each day I'd worn a slightly altered version, the artwork broken down into panels that could be replaced and mixed and matched. I was almost out of paint now, but we had several sets of designs for the arms, hands and neck area for both the blossom trees and the vibrant fire and tribal patterns. A couple of times, Mhairi had even borrowed some of the extra bits, both of us going to the club together on more than one occasion.

Although neither of us had said anything about it, more than once, men had gone to her and paid to spend time in her company when they realised we were both flaunting the same artwork. Her earnings were up, and I had plenty of men handing me their cards, eager to spend credits on screwing me once I was unveiled.

"So what do you usually do on a day like today?" I asked.

"Rest, plan new outfits, catch up on messages, and maybe visit a special companion or two."

"Messages?" I asked. I'd seen no system that allowed for communication between a courtesan and her companions.

"Yeah, should be a section on your scheduler to communicate with companions and anyone who has given you their card to scan."

I frowned. I didn't have a scheduler. Just the small scanner Yaru had given me to check people's cards and store them for later. I pointed this out to her.

"Oh. I'd have thought Daniel would have given you one by now. Maybe you should go ask him. I'm sure whoever sent those doughnuts will be hoping for a message by now."

I hadn't told Mhairi much about Benton and chose not to then. I'd seen him once more since getting his gift and thanked him, but he'd been just as awkward, almost appearing completely uninterested in me.

While Mhairi went back to her own room I found myself at a loose end. I'd had every moment of every day so far almost completely dictated to me. Now I was able to do as I pleased, I had no clue what to do.

Might as well go see Daniel and get that device. But did I really want to? Would Daniel try and use me some more?

I hesitated for only a few seconds, half-way across the threshold between my room and the courtesan living area. Hearing Bernice talking as she approached finished making up my mind. Hanging around while she was there would do me no good.

The house seemed eerily quiet as I walked towards the back and the staircase up to Daniel's office, none of the hustle and bustle of a normal day. Jake stood by the door with Rich, neither of them paying the courtesans much attention. I'd not had a chance to see Edward since he'd officially claimed me, either. I made a mental note to seek him out if I could.

As I neared Daniel's office I heard Daniel talking, but I couldn't make out the words he used until I was walking in the door.

"I know people think the idea is insane," Daniel said, his eyes fixed on a thin, tall sort of fellow, "but so far it appears to be working."

The visitor steepled his fingers, tilting his head slightly to one side, before he noticed me. His eyes flicked in my direction and back to Daniel. It was enough to alert Daniel to my presence.

"Oh, Auralia," Daniel said, sitting up more, also giving me his attention. I strode into the room, Daniel giving me no indication that the interruption was unpleasant.

"One of the other courtesans mentioned I should have a scheduler," I said, noticing Daniel's guest was studying me.

"Can we finish discussing this after you're done?" Daniel said, no longer looking at me.

"Of course." The visitor got up, picking up a briefcase. "I'll take a look at the books and then come back. I think we were mostly done anyway."

As he left, the visitor kept looking back at me, making me feel more than a little uncomfortable. I did my best to act normal and ignore him, but I exhaled as soon as he was out of the door.

Daniel got up and walked over to his desk, pulling a black crystal slab out of his drawer. He held it out to me, but when I stepped closer to take it, he lifted it out of reach and put his arm around me.

I waited, watching his face.

"Yaru tells me you've got several men ready and willing to come to your unveiling."

"Yes, at least two, maybe as many as four," I replied, wondering if he'd want me to list them, and if it was time to mention the resurrected in the mix, but Daniel merely nodded.

"Good girl," he said, like I was a kid who'd just done a chore. Finally he lowered the device, putting it into my hand, but he still didn't let go of me. "Turn around."

I obeyed, wondering what on earth he could want me to do now, but I didn't have to guess for long.

His hand slipped underneath the dress wrap, coming around to the front of my body. I gasped as he plunged his fingers down the front of my pussy.

With deft fingers he pushed my lips apart and brushed across my clit, claiming my most intimate area.

I found myself leaning back into him as he moved his hand up and down, warming me and making me wet in almost an instant.

"Don't fake anything, Courtesan," he whispered. "Let this be real. Your reward. Let me make you truly moan."

I didn't reply. I couldn't, his thumb rubbing hard against the centre of all my pleasure, both painful and mind-blowing all at the same time. Hotter and hotter I grew as my legs shook more and more.

He pulled me back into him with the other arm, bearing more of my weight as I came close to my peak.

"That's it," he said as I tensed, my mouth open in a silent scream. "Come for me. Orgasm."

I let out a deep moan as he tipped me over the edge, cradling my shaking body against his chest.

By the time I came down to earth, his hand was gone, and I was stood alone, panting, feeling cold after so much heat.

"Go on," he said, his voice far firmer than normal. "I've got work to do. My banker wants me to prove I can afford your debt."

I didn't dare disobey, hurrying out, but I didn't get farther than the next doorway before a hand reached out and pulled me inside. The same thin man stood in front of me. Daniel's banker, I assumed.

"So you're Auralia," he said, looking me over, his grip on my wrist tight, almost painful.

"Yes, but I'm still veiled. If you're looking for a courtesan to–"

"No. I don't want to fuck one of the others. It's you I'm interested in. Everyone's talking about you. Keaton comes into my office every day bragging about how good your little mouth is, how wet your cunt gets when he touches you. Says you like being told what to do."

I gulped, not sure how to respond to such words. There was no way I was going to let him screw me, but his hand was like a vice on my arm. I wasn't getting away from him easily either.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what Keaton has been saying, but I'm veiled. If you want to discuss being a companion once I'm unveiled, or if you're interested in my unveiling, then I'm more than happy to continue this conversation, but I can do no more until then."

The man growled, still not letting go of me. I did my best to look firm and confident, but inside I was terrified, my heart hammering away. Almost as suddenly as he'd grabbed me his hand loosened, but he didn't let go.

"Forgive me," he said. "I've been too eager. I know some other courtesans have pushed the boundaries of what's allowed. I shouldn't expect someone in your position to take such risks."

I exhaled, feeling myself relax a little, but I wasn't out of the room yet.

"As the banker behind your sponsorship fee, I must admit, part of me is pleased you're taking this so seriously. I have a significant number of my own credits on the line, as well as the bank."

"Thank you for believing in me," I said. "I'm very grateful to be back to full health. Hopefully I can live up to all the expectation."

"Well, so far you seem to be impressing. I understand Keaton already made his intentions to come to your unveiling very clear."

"I believe so, yes, but I've sent no official invites yet."

The banker nodded, lowering his hand and consequently mine.

"Perhaps I could steal a kiss before you go. You really are one of the most stunning women I've ever seen."

I blinked, but otherwise managed to hide my emotions.

You've had to do far worse. Just give him a kiss and get it over with, the voice inside my head said.

Looking as unfazed as I could, I moved a little closer. It was all the encouragement he needed. The banker's arms closed around me again, pulling me up onto my toes as his mouth came crushing down on mine. Barely able to breathe, I kept as still as I could and tried not to panic. This hadn't been how I'd imagined spending the first part of my day off.

As he finally lifted away and I sucked in two lungfuls of air, I expected him to let me go, but he didn't, his arms still locked together behind my back. His eyes studied me, almost as if he was looking through me, thoughtful.

"You know... It doesn't break the rules for me to see..." His hands slipped around me, grabbing the end of my wraparound, and tugging. With almost expert precision, he pulled my dress off me until I was standing in nothing but my knickers. I squealed, dropping my crystal as I tried to cover myself up,. He merely laughed and pulled both arms away before I could get a grip on my wrap.

"Stop. This isn't..."

"Right? This is perfect. You're perfect."

I struggled again, desperate to cover up. He'd ruin everything if he went any further.

"Please, let me go," I said, feeling the first few tears sting my eyes, but he pulled me closer, fingers slipping under the thin fabric that covered my sex. I heard him moan. Pushing at his chest with my hands, I tried to get away, but he was too strong.

"What's going on here?" Daniel's voice pierced through the confusion and terror. Instantly the banker let me go. I grabbed my dress and pulled it up over my body.

The banker merely frowned but didn't explain himself. I knew I looked a mess, but I couldn't speak. Instead I looked from one man to the other, petrified. What would Daniel do? Would I be punished somehow?

Daniel clenched his fists.

"Aiden, I think you had better wait for me in my office," he said, his voice clipped, deep. He sounded calm, but there was no way he was. At some point he'd explode.

As soon as the banker was gone I tried to get dressed, but my hands shook so badly I couldn't tie the wrap back into place.

"Did you lead him on?" Daniel asked as he took the strings out of my hands and retied them.

"No. At least not intentionally. I was just walking past and he grabbed me. I..." My voice cut out as the first salty drops spilled from my eyes. I couldn't hold it together, couldn't get the words out for a moment.

"Okay. Calm yourself and return to your room. Come back this evening and we'll discuss this. But never breathe a word of it to anyone else, do you understand?"

I nodded, not sure what else to say. Daniel walked away without giving me much chance to find my voice, leaving me standing, my arms wrapped around myself. I stayed that way for several minutes, tears pouring down my face. The tablet still on the floor by my feet.

This wasn't the sort of life I'd hoped for. Or the future I'd dreamed of.

I wanted to go back home, to my time and my family. But it was gone, and there was nothing I could do about it. Somehow I had to survive.