Page 74 of Her Older Sheikh

On one hand, the thought has me so anxious, that I'm once again distracted from having any headaches, hypertensive episodes, or breakdowns.

And obviously, that's a good thing.

But on the other hand—-

Meeting him also means I might end up surrendering my virginity to a stranger, and I'm still silently fretting over this even as I provide my name to the concierge.

The guy behind the desk only nods, and I suppose that means he has no idea what I'm here for.

Or at least I hope that's the case.

I could still be wrong for all I know, and the concierge just happens to be really good at pretending he has no clue I'm here as someone who "signed up" to have her sexual fantasy come true.

The elevator shoots up all the way to the 60th floor, and I tell myself it could've been a lot worse. If SFI had arranged for us to meet at 69/F, that would've totally made me feel like a whore, and I think I would really have ended up selling my kidney if so.

My knees start to shake as the elevator doors finally slide open, and I have to force myself to get moving.

Am I really doing this?

Am I?

Am I?

The room number I was provided turned out to be a corner suite, and I use the QR code in SFI's app to unlock its door.

Thank you for arriving on time, Temptation.

Please look for the changing room and click Next.

Inside the room is your typical high-end clinic. Marble-top reception counter, cozy seating area, and a magazine rack with the latest issues ofVogue, Time,andNational Geographic. Opposite those is a pair of doors: the left one is labeledChanging Roomwhile the right door leads to theConsultation Room.

It's like being asked to pick between a rock and a hard place, and I have to forcefully remind myself that this is nothing to worry about.

These might be red flags for someone like real-life Leah, but since I'm sweet, innocent Temptation who also happens to be dumber than dumb—-

I'm finally getting cured, yay!

The silliness of it makes me groan, but what matters is that it effectively gets my ass moving, and I'm finally able to clickNextnow that I'm in the changing room.

Please change into the hospital wear provided.

You may leave all of your valuables in your locker.

The combination lock is pre-programmed to match your verification code.

Please choose from the selection of surgical masks provided.

You are required to keep your mask on at all times.

The clinic has been reserved for your appointment for 24 hours.

Please click Finish upon completion of your appointment.

I have the urge to laugh and cry at the same time, but I'm hyperventilating in the next second, and I find myself speed-dialing Andie's number.

I can't do this.

Andie answers my call after the third ring, and she isn't even done saying 'hello' when the whole story comes tumbling out.

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