Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 133034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 665(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 665(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
This feels like the best self help I can give myself.
I was a quaking mess when I waited for the cab down the street from our Airbnb, freaking out that the driver would recognise me and call up a news outlet right off with an I found Ella Edwards announcement, but he barely gave me a second glance. He entered the postcode of the destination without hesitation, no questions asked, and we set off on our merry way. I could have cried with relief.
I take another look at 2644’s proposal. I am indeed going to give him the respect a client deserves. I’m going to earn my five-star review, no question.
And more importantly than that, I’m going to enjoy it.
I’m free to be Holly, if just for a few hours. Cake Baker can fuck off. I want the mindless purity of serving a client’s wishes as they revel in my skill. It will give me enough joy to set my soul alight, so User 2644 is in for a real treat. There won’t be any fakery going on here.
I want a whore who knows how to be a whore, not afraid to do what they’re paid for. A hot, dirty, kinky goth slut who can handle what she promises.
Based on your reviews, I know you’ll fit the bill.
I’ve made sure Holly is dressed up nicely for him tonight, matching my profile. I’m wearing black lacy lingerie under the tight satin purple of my dress, wrapped up neatly beneath my long leather coat. My stilettos are gloss black with red soles. My lips are scarlet to match, and my catflicks are spot on.
Not only have I dared to step out into the world tonight, I’ve been daring enough to look like my true self. So far, so good.
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 my Ella Edwards bank card, and he waves me off with a see you later.
I’ve already booked him for the drive home.
I click arrived on 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 close to 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 a thanks, 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 like Caden 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.