Chapter 3 I was instantly drawn

"Selina, just on time." Back in the corridor where we had been, which was still very crowded, Leonardo yelled as I walked up to him.

"So, where do you want me?" Self-consciously pushing my skirt down and looking around anxiously, I spoke fast and directly to the subject. I detested these skimpy clothes.

He smirked mischievously and looked directly at me as he added, "Normally, I'd just have you in the main room with all of the other maids - but today I'm debating whether or not to put you in private...or talent."

No, God. Talent was far worse than private, which I didn't mind because that was typically reserved for very wealthy men who, while they might not treat you the best, would pay you the most and only let five or six maids in the room.

It wasn't what it sounded like; I wanted I could have done a dog dance or some stand-up comedy. Regretfully, no-it was a chamber where you were required to dance to or sing a suggestive tune.

Although I had never been inside, I had heard some of the girls who used to participate describe it as terrible. You would essentially be humiliated in front of a group of middle-aged, perverted males while wearing gaudy clothes.

I thought that sounded terrible.

"Pl-please can I go into private then." I stumbled over my words and made a whispered suggestion.

For a second, Leonardo gave me a funny look, and I had a hunch that he would do the exact opposite of what I had asked. Luckily, he was feeling upbeat today, I guess.

"Yes," he said with a sigh, "if you want. Selina's best behavior, though. Today, we have some extremely significant guests. I was warned by Leonardo. That I wouldn't have to go inside the talent room made me sigh with relief.

I said, "Thank you," with gratitude, "and who is it?" I asked.

"Now, now Selina were you never taught that curiosity killed the cat?" He laughed and shook his head condescendingly at me before speaking very gravely. "It doesn't matter who they are, you just need to know to be extra...nice." Then Leonardo winked and said something suggestive.

I understood exactly what he meant.

"Okay." I nodded my head and squeaked.

As he started to hurry into the private area, he said to me, "Good girl, let's get going. The guests will be arriving soon, and you need to help the others set up and then get in your stand."

Even though he had already moved forward, I nodded and hurried to catch up.

The ' special guest' hadn't picked me, I sincerely hoped. Leonardo's advice to treat whoever was coming a lot nicer implied that they were typically either extremely wealthy or powerful, or in the worst case, both.

Fortunately, I had never been taken to the private rooms before, and they would just be there.

Perhaps it wouldn't be so horrible.

****

There were no seats at that particular table because it was primarily used for food, so I finished setting out a variety of food on the long table covered with a lace cloth.

Since it was a more elegant and private space, there wouldn't be many servants or visitors, so the room was somewhat modest.

There was a bar where people could sit and order drinks, as well as a few tables and chairs, were strewn about, but as I mentioned before, not many were needed because it wouldn't be a very busy event.

Black and white marble made up the majority of the room's interior decor; the bar and floors were also marble. However, both the table and the shelves behind the bars that held the booze were made of silver.

When we maids weren't called upon, we had to stand in another silver area. Each of us was given a little, silver square platform to stand on, which resembled a stage. We were instructed to clasp our hands together and remain silent until we were ready to be bought or asked for a favor.

After setting down the final tray of food, I leaned back up from the table and flipped my hair back out of my face.

I started to pull away and recognized right away that I had just bumped into someone.

"I'm so sorry I..." I turned to face a gorgeous blond girl and started.

She had a blond haircut that framed her face, and she was a few inches taller than me (5'1 in heels). The girl appeared to be a few years older than I was, and her light hair and dark blue eyes contrasted nicely. She didn't have much makeup on her eyes, and her lips were painted a rich shade of scarlet. Additionally, her uniform and mine were rather identical, albeit there were some noticeable differences. The top was a few inches shorter than the skirt and was not a single piece of clothing. In addition, she was wearing heels that were higher than mine. To put it mildly, the girl was really attractive.

"No, don't apologize it was my fault!" She gave a sheepish smile.

I bowed my head and smiled tightly, unsure of what else to say and wondering if I should leave.

Abruptly, she blurted, "I'm Bonnie." "What's your name?" Bonnie's voice was upbeat.

"Selina," I replied with a simple smile.

"I suppose I haven't seen you here before, but it's good to meet you, Selina. Are you brand-new? Bonnie inquired inquisitively.

I've been employed by this organization for about four years. I was just...purchased a year ago." I looked around and said honestly, not intending to be impolite, but simply feeling nervous because I hadn't spoken to a girl my age in a long time.

"Oh! That's intriguing," she remarked, sounding sincere. "Even though I've only been here a year, I've already visited people's homes a lot. I can't be that good. It made the blonde girl laugh.

Smiling at her too-upbeat demeanor, I replied, "I see," with a breathy giggle. "Um...I'm not trying to be rude but why did Leonardo let you into the private room then?" Quietly, I asked.

"It's okay, I would have the same question. It's just that even though I get rid of things quickly, I get great feedback." She smirked at me, and I scowled before my eyes widened.

I murmured, "Oh..." because I was at a loss for words.

Bonnie continued talking without seeming to be bothered or aware of my awkward reaction. "Did Leonardo mention this ' special guest' to you? He sounds frightening. Bonnie spoke softly, as though she was taking care to avoid being overheard.

"Yeah he told me there would be somebody important coming, but he didn't really go into detail." I clarified.

"Well, I heard that this guy is pretty rich and very, very powerful and a source not to be messed with according to Leonardo." Bonnie now seemed concerned as she told me, "Although, don't say I told you - I only overheard this conversation from Leonardo with one of his men."

"Don't worry your secrets are safe with me." I gave her a comforting smile.

"Well done! She smiled at me and said, "I already like you."

"You too," I responded, and I did-I was beginning to get to know her. She seemed kind and sincere thus far, but I wasn't saying we would exactly have a sleepover and plait each other's hair because you can never really tell from first impressions and people can be acting fake.

"Do you thi-" Bonnie started, and then we heard a man clearing his throat, followed by the deafening ringing of a microphone being dropped or turned on.

I heard the words, "Maids, please go to your stands and position yourselves," coming from the upper corner of the room where the speakers were located. Soon, the visitors will be allowed entry. Always remember to answer with respect and to be courteous. When someone asks for you, you approach them without protesting and inquire about their needs. If you want to be purchased, you won't be summoned; instead, a staff member will go with the person who wants to buy you, take you with them, and give you any belongings in your room as you prepare to depart for your scheduled destination." After Leonardo's voice burst through the speakers, there was a brief buzzing sound from the speakers, followed by several mumbled complaints from the girls in the room.

"Remember the rules girls." He cautioned, "Now, have fun - which I know you will - and break a leg." His voice resurfaced abruptly, and the sounds ceased. Leonardo finished just as the sound abruptly stopped.

Bonnie let out a sigh. "Well, the dude told you. Let's get started.

"I guess so." I smiled slightly and shrugged before moving to my platform, which was conveniently adjacent to hers.

Before we heard the big doors open, she turned to face me and mouthed, "Good luck." I gave her a quick smile and a nod that seemed to say, "You too."

I stood as instructed, and then all of a sudden, the doors opened fully, allowing staff workers and a sizable number of males to enter.

I was instantly drawn to the first visitor, and I had a sneaking suspicion that he was a man not to be

trifled with...