2

Her words stuck in my head like a tiny, restless worm. Usually, clients’ chatter leaves my mind as soon as they step out the door, but this time… something about it got under my skin and made me think.

Alevtina said those “boys” were experienced — very experienced — and definitely worth the money. Each one, like a purebred dog, even carries a medical booklet with all the test results and health checks, even though they always use protection.

Maybe… there’s something to it?

I’ve been rushing my whole life, always running somewhere. My photographic memory helped me finish school externally at fifteen, and by eighteen, I had already graduated from university with a red diploma in biochemistry.

After that, I completed several professional courses in cosmetology and devoted myself to the beauty industry. At first, people were skeptical — I looked so young, practically like a high schooler.

But I started producing my own skincare line — creams and serums for face and body. Those first brave clients who trusted me enough to try my products were thrilled!

Word spread fast — and as everyone knows, word of mouth is the best kind of advertisement. Within just a few years, I had a steady stream of clients and a solid demand for my products.

I’m proud of my cosmetics — I don’t cut corners. Everything I make uses natural, high-quality ingredients.

Most of my clients are wealthy women, so I feel pretty confident financially and have been supporting myself for quite a while now. My parents aren’t poor either — they’re always eager to help — but it feels much better to know I can take care of myself, live on my own terms, and not have to report to anyone.

Although… honestly, there’s not much to report. You’d think that living independently, earning well, and having no obligations would mean I’m out there living my best life — but nope. That’s not about me.

About a year ago, one of my regular clients, Olga Petrovna Kosheva, suggested I try working at her husband’s company. They specialize in pharmaceuticals and vaccine development at a scientific institute. And that’s how my lab days began.

It’s a private company, the pay is good, and in my free hours I still take a few clients at the beauty salon. I had to cut down the number of appointments — kept only my most loyal and long-term ones — but the sales of my skincare line are still going strong.

So, as it turns out, I have zero free time… and not even the slightest hint of a love life.

But I still want to feel alive — to live fully, not just exist — so I made up my mind to take this unusual step.

If I like it, maybe I’ll use the service again, at least until I meet someone truly right for me. That way my heart stays safe, my time doesn’t go to waste, and they promise genuine pleasure.

However, that all sounded much easier in theory than in practice!

When I finally registered on the site, blushing to death, I filled out all the required fields, paid the deposit, and received the address for the meeting.

But when I actually met him — that incredibly sexy man — I completely chickened out!

He didn’t insist on anything. We just… talked. About nothing in particular.

He introduced himself as Nazar — polite, calm, charming. If I didn’t know the real reason we were meeting, I would have simply thought he was a perfect gentleman.

He’s gorgeous, that devil! Tall, fit, tanned, green-eyed — a true dark-haired god of temptation!

But the moment we kissed — that hot, dizzying kiss — I started sweating and trembling like a leaf in the wind.

In the end, I canceled any further “physical involvement,” paid the full price, and ran away.

Great. Just great.

What if he had been a guy I actually liked? What a disgrace!

But I didn’t give up. A week later, I booked another session — and, yes, I chose Nazar again.

My logic was simple: if I’m going to embarrass myself, it might as well be in front of the same person.

Yet, even the second time… I couldn’t do it.

I must have looked utterly pathetic because he even offered me a discount for his service — without the actual service.

But today, everything will be different. It has to be.

I’m going to do this and finally put an end to my ridiculous fears!

I arrived a little early and checked into our hotel room first, hoping to calm my nerves and, let’s say, ease into the mood.

The room already had a small table set — an opened bottle of wine, a carafe of water, glasses, and a plate of fruit.

Perfect. Just what I need for courage.

I poured myself a glass of wine and took a couple of generous gulps… when I heard a knock on the door.

That’s it.

No turning back now!