Chapter 3 three

Jennifer's POV

As I fished out a couple of bills from last night's stash, I couldn't help but think back to what Jade and I had been discussing a while ago. I knew she was right, and that my stash would probably be a whole lot more if I'd given in to my client's advances. But like I told her before, it just wasn't me. I worked as an escort for a living, just enough to pay my bills and afford this luxurious apartment. And in all the time I had been working in the agency, sex had never come into play.

Frankly speaking, it was something I was proud of. I just couldn't imagine letting my body be a simple object for the sexual satisfaction of men I didn't have an atom of attraction to. And this very reason was why I remained a virgin till this day. I'm not the traditional woman who believes in sex only after marriage, but I also did not like the idea of doing it for the sake of it. These days no one believes in true attractions or connections. I see people in relationships these days and in my opinion, it's all just a big joke. Each partner is either there for the sex or the money. And there was nothing remotely appealing about that. And that was one thing I would never engage myself in.

"Okay, I'm leaving! I'll see you later," I informed my roommate as I stepped out of my room and toward the door. She gave one sleepy nod and drifted back to sleep. Sighing internally, I gazed wistfully at the bed, wishing I could spend my day like this too. But I had classes and things to do. I increased my steps to the door and exited, locking it behind me and hurrying over to the elevator. As soon as I was outside, I cringed from the glare of the sun, quickly pulling out my sunglasses and sliding it on as I hailed a cab.

It was only after I arrived at the college gate that I realized I had forgotten to wear sunscreen. Shit. But it was too late to turn back now so I jumped out of the cab, paid the driver and made my way to the lecture hall. Luckily, I got there just in time.

"Finally! I thought you canceled today," Hailey–one of my friends in college and my study partner–said, grinning and patting the seat next to hers. "I saved you a seat."

I muttered a quick thanks and quickly slid into the chair, just in time to look serious as the lecturer walked in. When he started the class, I relaxed into the seat and began to take notes. I had been attending Blackhill College for two years. I had been the happiest person in the world when I got admitted to major in physiotherapy; this was my lifelong dream. And I took every second seriously as I had worked my ass off to get to this point in my life.

Jade always wondered how I managed to balance college with my escort life. And honestly, it was not an easy feat for me either. Especially on days where I stayed out so late. Sometimes I would be so tired that I'd miss classes. But never more than two classes in a week. I had waited years to achieve this dream of becoming a successful physiotherapist, and not even fatigue could stop me. On those days when I wasn't feeling like myself I would manage, take a cup of coffee, and get right back up. And it would continue to be that way.

***

"You look like you didn't get much sleep," Hailey said as we both walked away from the lecture hall. I had just gotten through all the classes I had for today, and I was getting ready to hop in a cab and ride back home to my beloved bed. I could almost taste it.

I turned to Hailey, stifling a yawn. "Yeah. I was busy. Projects," I answered, studying her expression as she nodded and reached out to touch my shoulder.

"You work too hard. You should learn to take breaks."

I only smiled in response. I never mixed my two lives together. And whatever and whoever was part of one, was not part of the other. So Hailey did not know about my life as an escort. None of my friends did. And I wanted to keep it that way. After all, it's not compulsory that they know. It's my personal life.

We continued to talk about different things, and then I suddenly remembered what had been missing.

Blake.

He was my other friend and a part of our study group. I hadn't seen him all day, and I don't remember seeing him in any of our classes. "Where's Blake?" I asked aloud, turning to face Hailey. I saw the color creep up her neck before she had the chance to hide it. So, something was up.

"How would I know?" She asked, her tone defensive. I hid a smile. It was no secret that Hailey and Blake had the hots for each other, no matter how hard they tried to deny it. Because they were still in denial, I was kept in the dark. But I held my peace. I'm sure I would find out soon. So I wouldn't forget, I casually whipped out my phone and sent Blake a text, asking where he was. Once that was done, I turned back to Hailey.

Soon, we neared the spot where we usually parted. I bade her good-bye and began to flag down a taxi. Finally, Home sweet home. As I made myself comfortable in a cab, the buzzing of my phone caught my attention. I had half a mind to ignore it as I was exhausted and in no mood to talk to anyone. But as soon as I saw the caller ID, I sat up straight as though I'd been electrocuted and swiped right to accept.

"Madame," I said into the speaker, wondering why she called. After she asked where I was, she went straight to the point.

"I need you at headquarters right now. I have a job for you."