Chapter 11: Partners, Part 2

James

Her head drops, and she stares at the floor, nodding.

"Is Charlotte your real name?"

Still staring at the ground, still silent, she shakes her head.

"No, of course not. But for the avoidance of doubt for you, the auction house knows exactly who I am." I chuckle. "If nothing else, they have my credit card details."

Now she looks up at me again, her eyes softer.

That's it, isn't it... You need to feel safer...

Fair enough...

"You are, how old? Twenty-two was it?"

Nod.

"It's not easy to be a twenty-two-year-old virgin these days. How did you manage it?"

She looks shame faced. "I got married," she says, her voice small, "but he didn't love me. I found out later that he'd only married me to please his parents... He.… he didn't like girls… On our wedding night, he wouldn't..." She stalls and her words dry up.

Should I believe her?

She doesn't look as though she's lying...

Poor kid... What a lousy start...

"Not a good start to life, I have to agree. So, aft