Page 10 of Innocence Tamed
Inside, the receptionist said from her desk, “Audrey?”
I nodded. “Yes… I… do you know what this is… you know, for?”
She gave me a patient smile.
“Just joined SA?” she asked.
I nodded again.
“You’re here to have a Brazilian wax, honey,” the receptionist told me. “Before your photoshoot for your profile.”
I blinked at her, swallowing hard. I felt heat creep up my neck. Brazilian wax? I’d heard of them, of course, but had never considered getting one myself. The idea of having all the hair removed from… down there… made my stomach flutter with anxiety.
“I’ve… I’ve never had one before,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
The receptionist gave me a knowing smile. “First timers are our specialty, honey. Simone will take good care of you.” She gestured toward a door on the right. “Go on in. She’s waiting for you.”
I walked toward the door on legs that felt suddenly wooden. What was happening to my life? Just yesterday, I’d been worried about energy efficiency models. Now I was about to have a complete stranger remove all my pubic hair before I got photographed for… what, exactly? For men to browse through like some kind of catalog?
The room beyond the door was softly lit, with a padded table in the center that looked similar to the examination table I’d just left, though somewhat less clinical. Gentle music played from hidden speakers, and the air smelled faintly of lavender.
A woman with sleek dark hair pulled into a ponytail turned as I entered. She appeared to be in her thirties, with an athletic build and a professional smile.
“Audrey?” she asked. When I nodded, her smile widened. “I’m Simone. First Brazilian?”
I nodded again, clutching my purse tightly against my stomach as if it could shield me from what was about to happen.
“Don’t worry,” she said, her tone reassuring. “Everyone’s nervous their first time, but I promise I’ll make it as quick and painless as possible.” She gestured to the table. “You’ll need to remove your skirt and underwear. You can leave your top on if you prefer.”
I hesitated, then set my purse down on a small side table. “Do I… do I really have to do this?” I asked, hating how small my voice sounded.
Simone’s expression softened slightly. “It’s standard procedure for all SA associates,” she explained. “Sponsors expect it. But more important, it’s required for your profile photos.”
Profile photos. The words made my stomach clench. “What kind of photos?” I asked, though I suspected I already knew the answer.
“Just some tasteful lingerie shots,” Simone said, her tone casual as she began preparing her supplies. “Nothing too explicit for the initial profile. Theodore is excellent—he’ll make you look beautiful.”
I gulped, remembering the notification about the photography appointment that would follow this one. Lingerie. I’d be posingin lingerie for photos that strange men would look at while deciding if they wanted to… to purchase my virginity.
The thought made me dizzy with a confusing mix of humiliation and that strange, unwanted arousal it seemed like this whole bizarre process had forced upon me.
Forced?Even as I tried to tell myself that the feeling came from outside, something deep down quietly refused to acknowledge the truth of that idea.No. Not forced.
I frowned, trying to push away the word that nevertheless floated inexorably into my brain.
Awakened.
“Go ahead and take off your skirt and your panties, Audrey,” Simone said, her voice becoming a little exasperated, as if at my reluctance. “The app has us both on a schedule.”
I unzipped my skirt with trembling fingers, letting it fall to the floor. I wondered if I had heard in Simone’s voice something like the threat of… something.
Consequences, maybe.The idea brought even more heat to my face.
My panties followed my skirt, leaving me exposed from the waist down. The cool air against my most private parts made me shiver—or perhaps it was nerves.
“Hop up on the table and lie back,” Simone instructed, gesturing to the padded surface.
I climbed onto the table, my face burning. The paper covering crinkled beneath me, reminding me too much of theexamination room I’d just left. I lay back, keeping my knees pressed tightly together.
