Chapter 2 Birthday Present

Across from me, Yara had her face buried in her hands, and the young man beside her was shaking with suppressed laughter, his shoulders bouncing uncontrollably. Before I could figure out what was so funny, the man next to me leaned in close to my ear, his teeth-grinding smile evident in his voice. "Alright, 120 it is. Your place or mine?" His voice was low and rich, like a saxophone, sensual and inviting. My heart skipped a beat, and I blurted out, "My dorm doesn't allow outsiders in." I had no idea what I was thinking. Naturally, we should go to a hotel—my credit card could handle it. I could deal with the excess next month. Quickly, I added, "We can go to a hotel ... " Before I could finish, he cut me off, "Are you even old enough?" People often mistook me for a high schooler, so I was quite adept at whipping out my ID. I held it up next to my face, slurring a bit, "See, I'm 20 today." He hooked a finger under my chin, lifting it so our eyes met. "Do you know what you're doing?" Though a bit woozy, I was still clearheaded. "I'm bargaining." He chuckled, "I meant, what do you want when you pay me?" Want? Obviously, adult things, but I was too shy to say it out loud. Stammering, I replied, "To do things I've never done before ... " Then, almost as an afterthought, I asked, "You have experience, right?" Suddenly, he pulled me into his arms, his lips near my ear, voice husky, "Yes, I do. You'll be satisfied." His subtle cologne mingled with his unique masculine scent, exuding an irresistible allure. "Let's call it a night for now. We'll discuss the rest next time." He glanced at me, lips curling into a slight smile. "I have to put this little one to bed." The man across from us gave a knowing smile and a gentlemanly gesture, "Go ahead," before glancing at Yara, "I'll stay a while longer." With that, the man grabbed me and started to lead me out. "Wait," Yara called out, stopping us. "It's her birthday today, I promised I'd pay." She pulled out a wad of cash and handed it to him. "You two have quite the friendship bond," the man said, amused. He didn't take the money, instead telling the young man who'd been laughing, "Owen, keep the money. Make sure her friend gets home safely." Then, somewhat irritably, he added, "And if she tries to bargain, don't agree. You're young, you can charge full price." Owen's laughter died instantly. Without giving me a chance to react, he dragged me out of the bar. Stumbling to the door, I giggled, "You're even better looking than Colin." He smirked, but I continued, "Too bad you're a bit old." His expression darkened. He made a call, and two minutes later, a long black car pulled up. He ushered me into the back seat. "To the Hilton Hotel," he told the driver, then hit a button to raise the partition. "Uber's got this fancy now?" My head was spinning, eyes half-closed. He pulled me into his lap, cradling my head. "If you're tired, sleep. Don't force yourself." Obediently, I closed my eyes and quickly dozed off. I wasn't sure how long I slept, but when I felt someone lift me out of the car, I instinctively nestled my head into his shoulder, just like I did when my dad carried me to bed as a child. I heard the sound of doors opening and closing, then felt myself being dropped onto a soft bed. The brief sensation of falling startled me awake. I sat up reflexively, glancing around, bewildered. "What's happening?" "We're in the hotel room," an unfamiliar but pleasant male voice replied. "Hotel?" I suddenly remembered the events of the evening. The man gave a playful smile. "Having second thoughts? I don't offer refunds." "No, it's not that." His handsome face made my mouth dry, and I swallowed nervously. Professional escorts really were good-looking. My reaction made him chuckle. "So, where would you like to start?" His eyes narrowed slightly, and he moved in closer until I could see my reflection in his deep-set eyes. I instinctively leaned back. "Why don't we start with some chatting? Just warm up and see where things go." He laughed softly but backed off a bit, giving me space to breathe. I felt a pang of regret. How had I let Yara talk me into this? But there was no turning back now; the money was spent, and all I had to do was see it through. Struggling to think of what to say to this stranger, he broke the silence. "It's your birthday today?" "Yes," I replied quickly, grateful for his effort to ease the tension. His professional demeanor was impressive. "So, I'm your birthday present?" He leaned in close again, his breath warm against my ear. "I-In a way, yes ... " I stuttered. "Whose idea was it?" "Yara's," I blurted out, immediately regretting how I sold her out so easily. "She thought it would help me get over my ex." "So, you got dumped?" He pulled up a chair, leaning back and scrutinizing me. His direct question hit a nerve, and I felt utterly miserable. My lip quivered, and my voice caught in my throat. "He left me for a rich girl." Once I started, I couldn't stop, pouring out my heart. "We'd been together three years. There were always girls after him, but he said he only loved me. "But that girl has only been at our school for three months, and she already took him away." The more I spoke, the more upset I became, with large tears rolling down my cheeks. He didn't say a word, just listened quietly as I rambled. After a few minutes, he went and fetched a cup of water, handing it to me. I sipped the water between sobs, grateful. "Thank you, your service is excellent." I gulped down the water, and he sighed, pulling me into his arms. The alcohol had magnified my emotions. In his embrace, I cried uncontrollably. Three years of love isn't something that can be comforted by a stranger's hug. No matter how handsome he was.