I stare up at the high-rise buildings with a smile once the cab hits central London. It feels like years since I’ve seen them.
Any problems whatsoever, just call, Josh said when I left the apartment. He kept his own proposal calendar free, so he’s poised to be available. Ever the supportive partner. I’ll be over the moon if there are no problems whatsoever to report. I’ll be so fucking happy if I don’t need him and his white charger tonight.
I’ve needed him more than enough over the past five weeks.
Ekert Pharma’s Head Office is in one of the glass towers in Canary Wharf, stately and grand. I’ve been around this district plenty, serving high paying clients, so I know exactly where I’m heading. I pay the driver in cash, rather than show him myElla Edwardsbank card, and he waves me off with asee you later.
I’ve already booked him for the drive home.
I clickarrivedon the Agency app when I reach the main entrance of Ekert Pharma, resisting the urge to do a freaked-out pirouette and scope out anyone who might be around. Be gone, paranoia. Nobody will be pointing or shouting my name, I tell myself. Not here in Canary Wharf, and not now, at closeto midnight. I’m not Ella the heartbreaker here, just Holly the whore.
My client’s instructions ping straight back through.
Floor seventeen. Office at the end of the corridor. Caden Ekert on the door. Tell security you are here for me and they’ll let you right in.
It’s crap how much of a criminal I feel as I walk up to the security desk. Guilty of a crime I never even committed.
The security guard is busy on his monitor as I make my way towards him. I take a breath, and try to assure myself I will be ok, but my nerves are running wild. I force my feet to move regardless, because I’ve got this. No matter what, I’ve fucking got this. I force a smile when I reach the reception desk, and manage to keep my composure.
“I’m here for Caden Ekert. He’s expecting me.”
The security guard nods, and gestures to the end of the foyer, just like that. No raised eyebrows, no wide eyes of recognition.
“Elevator is on the right,” he tells me. “Know where you’re going?”
“Floor seventeen, yes.”
His eyes rove up and down my body as I give him athanks, but I’m used to the kind of want in his stare. It’s not interest in Ella Edwards, the alleged hooker cheat that’s driving him. It’s interest in Holly. He wants a piece of me, just likeCaden Ekert.
What a relief. It notches my confidence up another gear.
I loosen my coat as soon as I’m in the elevator, revealing the satin of my dress. I check my makeup in the mirrored wall, smiling at my reflection as I fully recognise myself as Holly again. I’ve missed being Holly almost as much as being Ella. I just didn’t realise just how closely the two sides of me are aligned inside. Not until now.
It’s time to step back into her slutty stilettos.
I’m going to let my inner slut come out to play in her full glory and give Mr Ekert the best service of his whole fucking life. There is most absolutely going to be a five-star review with my name on it once the night is done.
The corridor on floor seventeen is a long one, with plenty of offices branching off to the sides, but there isn’t a single person in sight up here. Just me, in my stilettos, sashaying my hips more with every step. I can’t wait to meet my client. I can’t wait to be his needy slut and help him unload. I’m smiling as I spot Mr Ekert’s office, with his name on the door. I’m going to be five minutes early, plenty enough time to sayhellobefore we get down and dirty.
Just a shame he didn’t book me for longer. The mood I’m in, I could go through until dawn.
I only have to give a gentle tap at the heavy wooden door before it opens, and if I thought User 2644’s words emanated frustration from the page, they pale into insignificance at the sight of him. His strong, square jaw is so tight it’s practically gritted, and his scowl looks as though he’s been wearing it for four days straight. He’s a big man. Tall, stocky and stern in his tailored black suit, but I’m not intimidated in the slightest. He’s here to fuck me, not fight me.
I flash him a dirty smile, and he manages a hint of one in response.
“Hey,” I say, and step inside. “Pleased to meet you.”
He closes the door behind me.
“Pleased to meet me? Really? Are you truly the horny bitch your profile says you are, or are you wasting my time? If you’re going to play it half assed, just turn around and fuck off now. Save us both the bullshit.”
Jeez. Whoever has been pissing on his parade has been doing a good job of it, and it only spurs me on to do mine. I drop my coat to the floor and put a hand on my hip. My tits are strainingin this dress, and I stand proud with my shoulders back, tall in my heels.
“I don’t waste anyone’s time. Ever,” I tell him. “And I never fake a thing, I can promise you that.”
“Just as well, because I know a fake, Holly. I’m surrounded by them every day of my fucking life.”
User 2644 walks over to his desk. It’s an impressive beast of modern style mahogany that’s worthy of his attitude.
