Page 9 of Sold to the Highest Bidder
Nazalie's muscles were already protesting, and as far as she knew, she hadn't even gotten through most of the tests. Apart from the mysterious man's private doctor, she had to meet other doctors for blood tests. They had to see if she had any infectious diseases that would threaten the buyer.
They had taken blood from her three times. The idiot intern injected her in the wrong place the first two times. Nazalie silently wondered why she had such ill luck. They didn't take up to a pint of blood, but she felt woozy. When she got home, she was exhausted. In two days, two copies of her test results would be sent out. One to her and the other to her bidder.
Nazalie kept Katherine updated on the happenings. It was apparent she didn't like the idea, but she was supportive. She helped her verify the tests at the government hospital, where she worked as a nurse.
The day had finally come for Nazalie to meet her buyer. Ironically, it was February 14th. She was selling her virginity on a day that was supposed to be for lovers. Nazalie let out a bitter laugh.
"Are you okay, miss?" the Uber driver asked, looking at her with concern. Nazalie nodded. She turned to him with what was supposed to be a reassuring smile but was sure it turned out to be a grimace. It didn't matter anyway. There was nothing he could do for her. What she needed was for him to concentrate on the road. She couldn't die before she got the money.
Fortunately, they got there safely, and she paid him with her credit card. The mysterious buyer already sent her the address. It was a high-end restaurant, the people inside looked unbelievably posh. Nazalie felt inadequate in her strapless black knee-length gown and green stiletto heels. She clutched her purse tighter as she entered. A waiter took her coat the moment she stepped in. Nazalie didn't think she had ever been inside somewhere this fancy before. It didn't matter anyway; she wasn’t comfortable in fancy places like this.
Nazalie had received a notification earlier. She was supposed to look for a guy wearing a black suit and scarlet tie. It was kind of hard, considering that there were a lot of people inside. The buyer gave her a name that she was supposed to show to the receptionist. She was led to a more secluded section in the restaurant. It was quieter, and there were fewer people.
"Your table is over there, miss," the receptionist said, pointing towards a table a few feet from them. A man was sitting at the table.
Finally, she spotted him, but she can't believe it's him. He was startlingly handsome. He was looking down at his phone, so she couldn't see his face yet.
Nazalie straightened her back, in time to catch his piercing gaze. His eyes were the brightest blue she had ever seen. Even from a distance, she could see how blue they were. They were locked in an intense stare down until she got to the table. She thought he was handsome from afar, but he was even more stunning up close.
He was her type. He was at least six feet tall; he must have had to duck a bit when he entered the intimate alcove where their table was situated. His leisurely gait showed how confident he was. He walked up to her and led her to the table.
His raven black hair was brushed back from his face. It highlighted his strong jawline. It was evident that whoever styled his hair took their time. His looks were so handsome, they were almost intimidating. The suit he wore was fitted perfectly to his lean frame; it probably cost more than she was worth. His long, lean fingers unbuttoned his jacket as he sat down.
Nazalie could see the outline of his broad shoulders from the form-fitting suit. What was a gorgeous man like this doing buying people's virginities online? There had to be some explanation.
"Hi…" Nazalie croaked.
Nazalie cleared her throat, hastily.
"You're even more beautiful than your picture. Hi, I'm Joshua," he said, smiling politely and gesturing for her to sit. His deep voice seemed to be doing wonders to her ears.
"I'm Nazalie. It's nice to meet you."
"Is it?" he asked, as the waiter came by. Nazalie didn't know what to say to that. "I'd recommend their spaghetti and cheese sauce. That's what I'm getting." Joshua continued before the waiter could say anything.
She had no clue as to what to pick anyway, so she took his suggestion.
"I'll have whatever he's having, thank you."
Joshua's sharp gaze was fixed on her. It looked like he was trying to figure her out. Lashes cloaking her gaze, she studied him, her heart beating rapidly. Why was he looking at her like that? Nazalie felt uncomfortable under his intense gaze.
"Are you going to keep staring at me like that all night?"
"I can't help it, you're beautiful," Joshua answered, still holding her gaze. Nazalie felt like he was caressing her every time he spoke.
"Your accent, where's it from?If you don't mind me asking." Nazalie put in, trying to change the subject. Nazalie could even hear the slight twinge of a southern accent when he spoke.
"I grew up in Missouri, then moved to Canada for school. I've stayed here ever since."
"My parents grew up in New York. They moved here for 'greener pastures'"
"Oh… that's cool."
"How has life been for you in Canada? What led you to this point? I'm curious."
'Woah,' Nazalie thought. He went straight to the point.
"To the point of selling my virginity?" Nazalie asked, taking a sip of water. Joshua's eyes were still on her, watching her every move. She felt like a piece of freshly cut beef placed strategically in a lion's cage.
