Chapter 2: 'First night stand'

" Whoever gave you my card knows my business. Don't act coy and innocent around me on purpose!" He barked at me.

I'm honestly taken aback. 

But my expression tells him more. He heaved back on his seat, wearing a disgruntled look. " I wouldn't bother to explain myself if I didn't want you there," he softened. " It's obvious you're clueless."

My eyes roamed around, fighting off the guess in my mind. Moments later, he confirmed my thoughts. " Ethan handed me over to a pimp."

I swallowed. 

This is not how I imagined my eighteenth birthday would turn out.

" It's nothing personal. Just a business. If you serve him well, I might actually add more money to the standard f*e..."

" How much?" I cut in, pushing my swirling thought to the back of my mind. It hurt, but college is my chance at a proper life. And it's not just for me alone. My only relative, my grandmother is in a nursing home. Without meeting up with her fees, she will be sent out.

My body shudders every time I imagine her on the streets.

If my body pays for it, I can part with my virginity.

" For this particular guest, hundred thousand grands," he leaned across the table and whispered to me. My lashes fluttered. That's a whole lot.

It would cover all the expenses and leave more for my post graduation.

" You will receive half of the payment upon your arrival, and the next half afterwards."

It was quickly sealed. I didn't know what to expect or how to conduct myself. The hotel I checked into had these stunning red lingerie delivered to me. The room service beckoned to me to order anything else I would like.

It felt out of place, and embarrassing to me. Everyone around might already know why I'm here.

It was late when the knob turned. The room was dimmed. I could only make out his figure, and from the way he walked, I was certain he must've had a bottle or two.

I imagined he would kiss me or something like that. 

Instead, he had me dress up, while sprawled on the bed, legs apart.

" I'm sorry if I have offended you," I rubbed my palms, scratching my ankle with my other leg. In the dimness, I felt his eyes nestled on me. I gulped loudly, palms sweaty.

" It's alright. I'm in no mood for a girl."

Something broke inside me. 

Not the fear of losing the balance of the f*e. It was the heart shattering pain of rejection.

A second rejection.

My emotions flipped. I tossed the weight of what I was about doing off the window and joined him on the bed. 

I have turned eighteen today. He has no right to treat me like a child.

" What's the matter?" I queried. " Were you expecting someone older? Or maybe, a man instead?"

He chuckled and lifted his weight from off the bed. He was about getting up. My mind told me he was about leaving me here. Abandoned and rejected.

I grabbed him by the elbow and flipped our position, straddling him. My lips hurriedly brushed against his, without an idea of what else to do.

I cupped his cheeks, immersed in the wetness of his tongue. 

If he doesn't lead, I have no idea of what else I'm going to do.

A grunt. A moan. Erratic breathing, and pounding heart. In a blink of an eye, my clothes were discarded and sheets ended up being the only covering around my waist when the fire died down.

I cupped my boobs and took another look at the stranger. My first man. My first experience.

Caught in deep sleep, his right hand entwined with mine.

Almost like he couldn't let me go.

It felt like a dream. A dream I didn't want to wake up from. But this is just a deal. And according to the terms, it's time for me to leave.

I wandered off to Lisa's home, feeling more empty than before. It felt like a significant part of me was back there in the hotel, yet it wasn't for me anymore.

She welcomed me excitedly, with faux tears. The kind we put on when feeling emotional. " I almost thought you weren't coming anymore."

" Just late, that's all. I need to sleep. Can we do the birthday thing tomorrow?" I quizzed, collapsed on the couch. My eyes didn't wait for her response before it shutdown.

I woke up feeling depressed. I kept judging my decision. Was it worth it?

With the whole birthday vibes setting in, I imagined waking up to a cake. Lisa made sure I get that every birthday for the years we have been friends.

But she's not home.

However, two of our friends are.

" What's that look on your face?" One of them teased.

" Hunger!" I curtly replied. We cackled, reliving our moments together as we bantered. It was the distraction I needed. They kept my mind off last night for awhile. 

And then Lisa arrived, and in her company was Ethan.

" Hey!"

" Hey!" I replied.

Which part of what he did hurts more? Sleeping with my friend or sending me to a pimp to get a job?

I bit back the swears rising in my chest. After all, he didn't force me into it. But I hoped he wouldn't know I went there, and if he knows, I hope he keeps it a secret.

" Hope you had a nice time," he said to me once we were alone. 

I gulped and remained quiet. 

" Come on, Nicki. You don't have to worry about others knowing. It's my side hustle. It will just be our little secret."

I felt indescribable disgust at what he said. " A side hustle? How?" I feigned interest. I needed to hear it straight from him.

" I get a commission for every delivery..."

He says it casually like I was nothing but a commodity to him. Something to deliver to other men. I couldn't believe that this is what he thought of me.

Something dispensable. Not even worth keeping, but a product to be sold.

" But, for every good service, I get additional bonus,"he added.

I cut in. " I guess you got one from the delivery."

He winked and nodded, pleased with himself.

I felt so stupid. But I have myself alone to blame. It's a decision I made, and I will live with it.

Hours later, the whole gang persuaded me to go out for a drink.

“ It's your birthday for God's sake! What do you want to do? Stay bottled in here?” Lisa reprimanded. I shake my eyes off her, pushing away the pang of what she did. 

“ Alright. What do you suggest? Just bear it in mind that I'm broke.” I joked.

She rolled her eyes. “ No way I'm letting you pay. The bill is on me.”

And that's how we ended up clubbing. Without Ethan of course.

I may not own a trust fund, but girl, do I dance like a pro?! When I step on your dance floor, I own it.