"No, I wasn't aware of that," I lie. Natalie wasn't supposed to tell me a thing, and I didn’t want to throw her under the bus.
"That's the last time you will come first while working for Sanctuary Cove. Our focus is on making sure the clients’ needs are met. They always come first, and not just sexually. Do you understand?"
"I understand," I say, my voice hitching in the back of my throat.
Christine looks at me, then crooks two fingers and signals for me to come to her. Her eyes bore into mine as I close the distance and stand in front of her.
"There are a few, simple rules to follow. If you can heed them, you'll do very well here. I already know which clients would love to have you."
I nod. I can't decide if I should be happy about that or not.
"Birth control is an absolute must, and I'm not just talking about condoms. I have both condoms and the pill here if you need them. STD testing is every three months. All clients and working girls are tested. It's up to you whether you want to use condoms when the time comes, but you will always carry them with you."
This line of work is already risky and probably knocking off ten years of my life to begin with. Why wouldn't every working girl use both birth control and a condom? Even for a blow job? I'll definitely be using a rain coat each and every time.
"You're allowed to deny two clients a month with no questions asked. Any more than two and we'll need to reevaluate if you should be here or not." Christine pauses to allow her weighted stare to sink into me. I get the point quick, and nod. "When you agree to see a client, you show. I have a
no-refund policy. If you're a no-show, that’s an automatic termination. I don’t give second chances."
She’s a no-bullshit boss. I can respect that, even if she does make my heart quake with intimidation.
"You never reveal any personal information, and under no circumstances will you get close to a client. The rules are simple. You dress the part and I can make you rich, but it's all in how you play the game. Play wisely and you can come out on top. And know this, I have eyes and ears everywhere. Do you understand?"
"I do," I respond, looking her directly in the eye.
"You'll be given five hundred dollars for today. You have two weeks to get your license and testing done. You also need to fill out the hard-limit sheet so I know what you're not okay with. In the meantime, you'll go shopping with Natalie’s help. You'll start a workout program and get the waxing done. Don't shave for a few days, as the hair needs to be long when you go." Her eyes roam my face. "Your skin is nice, but it wouldn't hurt to have monthly facials."
Jesus Christ. I can't believe I'm actually going through with this.
"Quit the laundromat tomorrow."
"Done."
"How do you feel about the name Valentina?"
"Perfect," I say, even though I don't care for it. I'd get used to it.
"Good. I'll see you in a few weeks. Oh, and Valentina? I'm not your friend. You'll do well to remember that."
Christine excuses me and I step out of the room to find Natalie sitting in a chair. She stands and walks over to me.
"You will not be sorry about this," she says excitedly, then takes my hand and leads me back to the esthetically perfect, jasmine-scented foyer.
We retrieve our coats and step out into the chilly air, then quietly make our way to the town car waiting for us.
"You knew, didn’t you?" I accuse her once we’re settled in the back seat.
Natalie struggles to keep a straight face as she asks, "What’s your new name?"
"Valentina. And you’re such a fucking asshole! I hate you."
"It's all part of the process." Natalie’s face lights up, and some of my anger fades. Natalie is the kind of person who wouldn’t harm a fly, so it’s hard to stay mad at her for long about anything.
"Oh my God. Warn a bitch next time."
"If I told you, then you might've backed out. Plus, I’m sure you got an amazing orgasm from it, so technically, you're welcome."
I release an exasperated sigh. She's right. I probably would’ve backed out had I known what was waiting for me, but…