It felt a little strange riding the elevator up to Rick's dojo. He was the last of my regular companions to see me since the unveiling. I also wasn't sure if I was coming to see him to be trained further or for something more intimate now that he had become much better acquainted with me.

As the doors opened, I was met with the scene of two men sparring, both of them clearly brilliant at the martial art they used. For a moment I stood mesmerised as they danced back and forth, neither landing a punch or kick, but blocking, dodging and weaving.

A cough from Edward drew the attention of the men, but not before Rick managed to grab the wrist of his opponent, and, with a twist and a flick, propelled his opponent on to his back in a heap.

"Well done," Rick said, helping the slightly smaller man back up again. I looked down as both glanced at me, giving them a moment to finish up.

"Leibling, come. Meet my good friend, xxx." I hesitated just a moment before coming forward, not sure I wanted to be the centre of attention again so soon. Two intense blue eyes looked back at me, smiling, genuine, but a little too intent on studying me.

"Good evening," I replied, not sure if I was meant to be offering my hand or not, but Rick either sensed my unease or was eager to begin our allocated hour. He reached for my hand and took it in his. After watching him spar so (syn-intensely) I was surprised to find he wasn't sweaty or even panting.

"I'll see you again tomorrow, xxx" Rick said, barely even glancing at the man as he began to lead me to the far window. "Practice what I taught you today, and we'll build on it then."

"Of course, sensei." xxx bowed and backed up before turning and hurrying away. Rick didn't say anything, stopping at the window and staring out of it until the elevator had closed.

"I hear you decided to head out into the city yesterday, leibling?" Rick said, the words half question and, at least in my head, half accusation.

"I did," I replied, desperately trying to think of something else to say to prevent him from being hurt. He was the only companion I'd not seen. How did I let him know he mattered to me just as much as the others? Was it even possible? Or was this what my life would be like now? Constantly having to juggle the fragile egos of a dozen men at once, each of them wishing they were my favourite, and in reality, none of them could be. I couldn't afford to let my heart be so easily affected.

"I hope you were truly ready for such a demanding task," he said, saving me a little.

"I was afraid I wouldn't be. And I will confess, I tired sooner than I'd have liked. Will you forgive me for not coming to see you yesterday?" I asked, looking down, doing my best to look contrite. Watching his hands reach for both of mine and bring them together, I knew I'd achieved what I needed to. He wouldn't resent me. But would he pay me to keep coming back? And would it be enough?

"You're forgiven, leibling. I had plans and wouldn't have been able to indulge any whims were they even appropriate. It is important that I have time for all my students, even if others hold more of a special place inside. I wouldn't be a very good sensei if I didn't treat all my students with equal respect."

I nodded, daring to look at him. The familiar tenderness and warmth was in every aspect of his look. For a moment I couldn't speak. Every time I had seen him with others present, his face was stern, his emotions masked. The strong sensei and martial arts champion everyone expected him to be. But the moment it was just the two of us, he softened, letting me see the sensitivity that lay beneath.

And every time it made me feel breathless and the centre of the universe all in one. I broke eye contact, feeling my cheeks flush and my body heat up. I couldn;t fall in love. yesterday and this morning had been emotional enough. I couldn't let another one of them unseat me. I couldn't afford it.

If Rick picked up on the sudden closed heart, he didn't draw attention to it. Instead his voice cut through to my brain, asking me to stand ready.

So a lesson then? I thought as I did as I was bid. It didn't truly matter if he was paying me, but he'd not done so yet. Would he at the end? I didn't dare ask, the next command taking me by surprise. I blocked a simple attack just in time, the force enough to jar me and make me step back.

Although it had been several days since our last lesson, my body soon remembered the training he'd already begun and responded, obeying him for me, letting me settle into the safety of something so familiar.

However, when I was just beginning to relax and enjoy the lesson, he stopped me, catching my wrist in much the way he had his previous student. My eyes went wide at the slight smirk that appeared, before I too was manipulated onto my back on the mat at his feet. He let go of me, standing there, his eyes leaving my face for the first time in half an hour.

They moved slowly down my body. I didn't dare move. Didn't dare deny him the moment. Was our lesson done? I had a feeling I was about to find out.

A moment later he reached out both hands to help me back to my feet. I reached up and slipped my fingers into each waiting grasp. And then I was on my feet, his strength more than enough to lift my light frame.

Despite soon being stable, he didn't let go, guiding me closer, sliding his arms around me. Our lips met, the kisses light and sweet at first, but passion and desire soon built. The memories of our first time alone together. The gentle giant he'd been at my unveiling serving to make me warmer.

I felt honoured to see a side of him others clearly didn't and appreciated the care he showed me, as he carefully helped me onto my back once more, pausing for a moment to gaze upon me again.

"There are few courtesans who manage to look both intoxicating yet also innocent and unsullied. You're beautiful."

I smiled, feeling the genuine warmth he spoke with.

"I've not yet met a man who makes me feel so safe and truly cared for. I'm so glad you agreed to teach me and take me under your care," I said, reaching for him, my skin yearning for his hands to make contact with it again.

His eyes never left mine as he positioned himself over me and made it clear this was only going to go one way. Out of everyone so far that day, this felt the most natural, as neither of us spoke, slowly exploring each other and removing his gi, until we were as one, making love on the floor in his dojo.

Twice I moaned in ecstasy before he joined me, my body shuddering beneath his as he poured his pleasure into me.

"I would like to make this a regular event," he said, as soon as he could talk. "At least, whenever I am in the city. My training and tournaments take me elsewhere. But three times a week, while I'm here. I want this hour with you. I don't care how much it costs. Charge me whatever your average is and round it up a little." His words were earnest, eager, the passion and desire clear in them.

"Then you shall have it," I replied, sighing as he pulled back from me and helped me to my feet. Less than two minutes later we were as before and he was paying me for my current time. I tried not to let my relief show too much, but in truth I was. Very relieved. Another regular, even if not every day was another few hours a week I could rely on an income. And the weight of the debt on my shoulders was never far away.

Already, I'd noticed, however, I wasn't worried while I was being screwed. Was this what Mhairi had meant when she'd said a lot of courtesans became as addicted to the life as the men who paid them? While lost in the relationships it was easier to forget how messed up this all was. While on the brink of an orgasm nothing felt wrong.

Promising to see Rick in only a couple of days, I hurried back to the elevator and my next engagement.

"You know, I've never seen Rick look at anyone the way he looks at you," Edward said as we descended through the tall building. "Be careful with his heart for me, okay?"

"I'll do my best," I replied, not sure what else to say. Edward had seemed to be enamored with me himself, and no doubt he'd seen some of the way the others had looked at me. What was so special about Rick? I didn't voice the question, but my glances his way, must have made Edward realise he'd given me food for thought.

"I'm no fool, Princess. I know that despite calling us a pairing and making sure none of the other guards touch you, we're not that special. You don't love me. And I don't love you. But I'm willing to stick with you while we're both around, and take care of you the best I can, like any man would do for the woman he did love. It's going to take someone truly special to hold your heart for good though, and I don't think it will be Rick, or me, or any of the men currently paying to screw you."

I frowned, not sure how to respond. I felt like all of them had touched my heart in some way, but he was still probably right. It was going to take someone very special to make my feelings run deeper. And I wasn't sure I could even allow myself the luxury anyway.

"I can't afford to fall in love," I replied as the elevator opened and Edward led me out of the building.

"No," he said. "You could. As long as they were very very rich."

I met his gaze as we sat down beside each other in the car. A moment later we both burst out laughing. I heard the sound coming out of my mouth, my emotions caught between amusement and tears, one threatening to spill out of me if the other didn't.

Sighing, the noise died inside me and Edward soon had me carried to my next destination. Tomichii and Kioshi. I hadn't had a chance the previous day to check in on Kioshi and it pained me. The afternoon and early evening had gone well enough, I felt the desire to now see him, but as I went to go towards his office instead of Tomichii's relaxation room, Edward grabbed my arm.

"I know what you're thinking, princess, but you can't. If Kioshi wants to see you, he needs to come to you. Or at least send you a message. If you really really must see him, then when you've earned more than enough credits for a day. Because if Daniel finds out you've been seeing a man who won't pay for you out of sentiment even I won't be able to save you from what will follow."

I opened my mouth to object, my whole body tense and not allowing Edward to pull me towards the relaxation room. Several people glanced our way, until I slowly relaxed. I wanted Edward to be wrong, but I strongly suspected he was right. I needed to earn enough. And so far I was still struggling. Sighing, I hurried the way he intended.

As I walked into the main room I looked for Tomichii, but he wasn't immediately obvious. Instead I felt arms slip around me from behind, and give my stomach a squeeze as an erection was pressed against my back. I froze, feeling trapped. When I realised it was Stuart I could barely relax at all. He kissed my cheek.

"Hello, courtesan. My usual is busy and I'm more than a little ready to be deep in someone's pussy. Please tell me you're not busy. I'll pay a little extra to ride you twice quickly."

I opened my mouth to tell Stuart I was busy in the most polite way my rising anger would allow but my eyes met Edward's. He was already motioning to the nearest free booth. Knowing I needed the money I smiled instead.

"Sure, sounds like fun," I replied.

"Perfect," Stuart replied, letting go of my waist only to take my hand and practically jog me over to the booth. Within seconds I was scanned into the booth, the curtain closed and Stuart was paying for me on my crystal tablet.

"Two hundred credits for an hour and a half," he said a moment later, holding it out for me to approve it. I hoped he didn't notice the shake in my hand as I accepted. Before I could put the device away, he'd flung it onto the bench behind him and grabbed me. He pulled me in close, pressing himself up against me again.

I gasped and he laughed. A moment later one of his hands reached for a breast, rough with the nipple as he pushed my legs open with the other. Hs shoved two fingers between my lips, stroking past my clit with his palm as he did, but I still had to fight not to show the pain it caused.

"At least try and enjoy this, courtesan," he said, finding me far from wet.

"Sorry," I replied instantly. "I'm not used to such quick desire. This is only my first official day as an unveiled."

He laughed. "I think we both know you weren't truly frozen with everything intact. Don't get me wrong, you gave a good impression, but you were far too calm in here yesterday for a woman who had only had an unveiling to contend with. You're a lot better ridden than that."

I didn't respond as he pushed towards my opening with his fingers, his attention going back to my body and what would follow. I tried to think of anything that might help me respond, closing my eyes and imagining one of my other lovers. Rick sprang to mind first, and for a moment I was lost in the thought.

"Better," Stuart said, the only warning I had before he pushed me back onto the cushioned area and impaled me. I worked with the pace he set, acting more turned on than I truly was, but even with that, he was by far the first to orgasm, hitting his peak in only a few minutes.

He groaned and pulled out.

"I've needed that all day," he said, pulling me back onto my feet and then onto his lap as he sat down himself. "Now, let me take your gorgeous tits in my mouth while you stroke me back to life again and then I'll see how long I can last for round two."

I did as I was bid, trying not to wonder how long it might last. He'd paid me well, the least I could do was try and appreciate that.

By the time another hour had passed I was practically screaming in orgasm, Stuart's cock at the perfect angle to get my gspot, having been slowly rubbing up against it for longer than I ever thought a man could go.

Not long after I began to come down, I heard him let out the loudest of yells as he finally finished the second round. He came inside me again and again, each spurt so forceful I thought I might drown in his spunk until he finally stopped and stilled within me.

"And that is how to truly fuck a courtesan," he said, grinning, clearly impressed with his own skill.

For a moment I still couldn't talk, but I had to admit, I was equally impressed. It had been almost too rough to begin with, almost clinical, and I still didn't really like him, but it was clear, when he wanted to truly please a woman, he knew how.

"See you around, cupcake. Feel free to come beg me to do that again when all these other idiots leave you wanting. I'll warn you, I'll make you truly work for it next time though."

I raised my eyebrows, intending to ask what he meant by that, but he flicked a token onto my stomach and walked out of the booth without another word. It was only ten credits, but it was extra, and he'd paid me well.

After taking the time to clean myself up I checked my total so far.

I'd earned more than half the minimum I needed, but the day was wearing on. I was beginning to creep into the later evening, early night time now, and this was the point I'd begun to struggle the day before.

As I stepped out of the booth I scanned the room. There was still no sign of Tomichii nor anyone else I knew, so I did the only thing I could think of and declared my booth open for any companion who might want to come and have some fun. If nothing else, I was still pretty wet and ready.

Within a second two separate men, strangers as far as I was aware had got up and were coming over to me. I fixed a smile on my face.

Time to let some more people screw me, I thought, leading them into the curtained area. I pushed the thought away. If nothing else, I'd think of Rick again, and hope Tomichii would appear and rescue me soon.