Page 10 of Kings of Desire
Initially, I thought about asking around, but what exactly was I looking for anyway?
There was no option left other than wander around and hope that I could figure things out on my own, maybe even find a small clue to where it may be.
I analyzed each house I went by, focusing on the luxurious part of the street since the quality paper was a sign that my location had all chances of being on that side of the road.
And I was right.
The Key to a new lifesuddenly made perfect sense since a key-shaped entrance door was standing right in front of me. It was a gothic building, unique in its architecture, as intriguing as the letter that brought me there.
I gasped, realizing that I was moments away from uncovering the mystery, while every sensation known to man was racing across my body. I was cold while burning internally, shaking but driven by all the courage in the world.
I needed to know if my little brother and sister were lost or saved.
With full sail ahead, I ventured to knock on the door, though no one answered. This had to be it, I wasn’t mistaken. I knocked again, harder this time until the metal door clicked, opening, yet without anyone being behind it. I stepped forward, tilting my head just a little inside to see if anyone was around when a voice acknowledged my presence ‘Just in time, Bea. Lobby, first door on the right.’
It was a woman whose voice I didn’t recognize, though I guess that we must have met since she knew my name.
Following her command, I entered the hallway and stopped in the doorway of the first room on the right. In front of me stood a tall beautiful woman, late 40’s, maybe early 50’s, but the only thing that betrayed her age were the small wrinkles forming under her eyes because her body looked like she had just come out of high school.
A golden dress made of expensive material wrapped tightly around her while every piece of her jewelry screamed luxury. She was distinct, glamorous in every sense of the word, maybe a rich businesswoman, high society for sure. Though I didn’t get to linger on the subject for too long since my thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of her voice ‘Good afternoon, Bea.’
‘Good afternoon, but how do you know my name?’ There was something strange going on around here that pushed me to try and find out immediately where she knew me from.
She smiled, revealing a perfect row of pearl white teeth ‘I wouldn’t be in this position if I didn’t. It’s part of my job to know everything about the people I interact with.’ Taking a few steps towards her desk, she gestured me to take a seat ‘My name is Vanya in case you’re wondering. You were smart enough to decipher my note, which means you are worthy to sit in this chair. There is a certain level of cleverness I search for in a person, and you passed the test.’
‘Can I ask why I’m here?’ I needed an elucidation.
‘You tell me why you’re here. Everyone has a reason. What’s yours?’
‘Hope,’ I gulped. ‘I need the new life you mentioned in the letter,’ I was putting my cards face-up on the table.
‘Then let me see what I can do for you. Ever heard of The Pleasure Room?’ She asked so casually while the title sounded so horrific in my mind.
‘What?!’ I startled.
‘It’s not what it sounds like, not if you don’t want it to be. But it does fulfill a man or a woman’s pleasure, fantasy... call it whatever you like.’ Vanya reached for an elegant leather pouch that concealed a pack of cigarettes.
‘I can’t do this,’ I babbled. There had to be some trick. I knew it, but no matter how desperate I was, selling my body wasn’t an option.
Lighting herself a cigarette, she raised an annoyed eyebrow ‘You didn’t even get me a chance to explain. I’m not a patient woman and you’re almost taking the last of it...’ Her cold tone cut right through me, bonding me to my seat. ‘As I was saying... We have some simple rules here. The girls and guys here are like a family. I do not tolerate, envy or any behavior resulting from this in my establishment.
The Pleasure Room is actually the room you wait in, along with the others that work here, for the Pleasure requests to arrive.
For each client, you will receive a letter that stipulates their desire... The Pleasure, as we will refer to it from now on.
Any one of you can read the letter and let the others know what it contains.
Each letter will contain the Pleasure itself, the amount you will receive, and the duration. Some of them contain specific requests, though not all, and some of them can be addressed to a specific person.
You’ll take turns in getting The Pleasures. For example, if you were first today you will be the last tomorrow, and so on, rotating with your colleagues so that everyone can have a chance.
If you refuse a Pleasure then, the next in line can decide if they refuse or accept.
Did I make myself clear?’
I nodded, though all I was thinking was that I had to get out of there.
Yet, this was by far being her intention ‘Now, do you have any other questions?’
