“What? Is someone trying to buy you out?” she asked.
“In a way. That’s not your concern. I think you should consider Freda’s offer. She is completely legit and has emergency assistance in place if needed.”
“Does this mean you’re taking me off the list as a server for the parties here and elsewhere? You were my connection to other events?” Mariana asked as feelings of dread filled her body. How was she supposed to pay her rent and her college loans? She needed her courier job and this one. “I don’t think that now is the time to take this risk. I already work two jobs. I barely make ends meet for food and stuff.”
Both appeared shocked, and she was embarrassed for admitting that.
“I’m fine really. I’m not desperate or anything. God, I’m sorry, I don’t know if this is right.”
She felt Freda’s hand cover hers, and when she looked up, Freda was smiling.
“Not to worry. I haven’t discussed payment. You see, my girls, the ones who work for me as escorts, get paid very well for what they do. There are contracts the men have to sign beforehand and I know most of them very well or they have been recommended by other clients. Considering your expertise in the arts, I am certain that your services will be needed for very elite art events at both private and elaborate establishments.”
“Like at the Rothesburgh gallery?” Mariana couldn’t help but ask.
“Yes, or even at private estates,” Freda said with a smile.
“Depending on the event, you can get paid by the hour or by the evening. Three hundred dollars or three thousand dollars or more for the entire evening.”
Mariana gasped. She was utterly shocked, and then it hit her. This was a trap, a scam, and she would have to put out, she just knew it.
She crossed her arms in front of her chest and squinted at Freda.
“I have to have sex with these men if they want it, don’t I?”
Freda raised her eyebrows at Mariana.
“No. You do not have to have sex with them. It is not that type of escort.”
“What if they want to or they try to make me? “
“You have a panic button per se. If you’re feeling threatened or concerned for your safety, just hit this button and someone will be there to assist you immediately.”
“How can that be? I mean, is someone escorting me secretly?”
Freda smiled.
“Yes. You are never truly alone. It’s part of the fee these men have to pay and it ensures me that my girls are safe. There are others just like you who are trying to pay for school or even help their families out. So what do you say?” Freda asked.
“I guess I’m in. I need the money and you mentioned that if I don’t like it, then I don’t have to do it again.”
“Yes, exactly.”
“Okay, deal,” Mariana said then thrust out her hand for Freda to shake. Freda smiled and shook her hand.
“Wonderful. Let’s celebrate. To finding love and happiness despite the storms a-brewing.” Roldolpho toasted.
“What?” Mariana asked.
He shook his head. “Forget it and let’s drink.”
She had a funny feeling in her belly. Something told her that this decision might just change her life.
Chapter 3
Jax and Jameson were standing in the main office at X-Caliber. They had their small staff, and everything ran so smoothly that neither man really spent much time there. They were usually in the field, confirming that proper procedures were being followed or personally running surveillance. Jameson spent a few days working in the lab at home w
ith new ideas to help protect fellow soldiers with updated technology that cost very little to make. “So why are we here today? What is this all about?” Jameson asked as he leaned back onto the front of Jax’s desk.