Chapter 16

It turned out that the ‘not long’ Mhairi had told me about was still over two hours, a lotion needed to soak through the body paint and stop it adhering to the skin. It then had to be carefully covered in a sort of plastic substance and the whole lot peeled slowly off. When Mhairi was done there were over ten pieces of plastic, each labelled for the body part they related to, and I stood as naked and vulnerable as I'd begun the day.

I let out yet another big yawn, more than ready to sleep, the day's ups and downs almost a hazy memory.

“Remember to put the chair back once I'm gone,” Mhairi said, going to the door.

“Do you really think they'll try again tonight?”

“Oh, no, they'll have gone back to Belle. The other courtesans won't be happy, though.”

“Right,” I said, wondering just how many threats a person could keep safe against.

“They don't like the special treatment you're getting. Or that I'm the one Daniel asked to help you.”

“Jealousy and insecurity. An ugly combination,” I replied