Page 117 of The Naughty List

You’ve done it, haven’t you??Eb asks.Ells, you’re mad. You could take on another last-minute client for another few k in your bank account, AT LEAST.

I’m going,I say.It’s only a few hours, and it’s hardly 14 hours of Daddy play, is it?

Just as well, since he can’t afford it.

She’s been in this game so long now that the thousands must rack up to seem like usual wages. But I’m not there yet. Not even close.

Fine,she says.Let me know how you get on later. If he tries anything on say NO.

Will do. Love you.

Yeah. Love you, too. Even if you’re being suckered in by a twat.

I laugh at her tongue out emoji.

I’ve been suckered in by a twat since I was a teenager, on the arm of a wannabe rockstar. At least this will be a guy who appreciates it.

Chapter Twenty-Four

User 5639.Male. 47.

Help me, please. I’ve got a Christmas party with people at work today, and nobody to take with me. I’ve got nobody here, in London. No friends, no family, no anything, and I can’t face turning up there alone.

I’ve got practically no money, and I’m sorry about that. I really am.

I just need some help if you can give it to me. Just a little bit of time to help me out. Nothing more than a few hours at a party. Call it charity. Please.

Proposal price – £30.

Duration – 3 hours.

I almost wishI’d said no when the bleep of the alarm starts ringing out. My eyes will barely open, I’m so bloody tired, but I drag myself out of bed and into the shower, putting as much effort into User 5639 as any other proposal, the payout irrelevant.

I wear a posh black satin number which comes just shy of my knees, and a dainty little garnet pendant around my neck – the same colour as my lipstick. I re-curl my hair, and choose some mid heel shoes to make a goodwork partyimpression. Yeah, that should do it. One final twirl in the mirror, and I’m off.

I get a cab to Central Parade shopping centre, and whoa, the street outside is heaving with shoppers, bustling like mad. But amidst the Christmas chaos, almost everyone ignoresthe people sitting in the entrance, begging for cash in sleeping bags. I watch as the security guards start to move them on, and I wish I could get involved. It breaks my heart to see. But I have a charity engagement of my own to get to, and the clock is ticking fast. I’ll help these people on the way out, I promise myself. I’ll withdraw more cash if I use all mine at the proposal event.

Arrived,I click when I’m in through the main entrance.

Santa’s grotto, the reply comes.Wait there. Don’t worry. I’ll recognise you.

Santa’s grotto… I look for the signs, and there is one up ahead. A snowman with a twig arm as a pointer. Cute. I look at him with a smile, with his carrot nose and his coal eyes. I used to love snowmen when I was a kid. I’m looking at his bright blue buttons when I see the placard underneath. A charity logo. The grotto is a charity event, offering free presents in exchange for donations, all given to homeless families. I get a prickle of tears, thinking back to the helpless people outside, and try to banish the pain in my stomach. I have to get myself together. I have a date to attend to, and Holly needs to be at her best.

I’m glad when I see an ATM between a few shops. I take out a decent wedge of cash for a Santa’s grotto donation of my own, as well as some money for the people outside. It’s the least I can do.

Santa’s little home has a cute path leading up to it with artificial grass and snow. I have to let out a laugh as I see a big plastic Rudolph standing proudly outside, wrapped up in twinkling Christmas lights. I beam as I think of Josh snaring me in a similar set last night and kissing me under the mistletoe. I can’t wait to see him again when I get back from Australia. He’s a dream come true.

But for now, it’s time for User 5639…

I look around the place, trying to find him. Santa’s little house is just closing – the last few kids coming out and racing up to their parents, proudly showing off their new reindeer toys. I hand my donation to the woman dressed as an elf as she’s closing the fake gates, and she starts as she sees how much I’m giving her.

“There’s two hundred here! Are you sure?” she asks, and I nod, most definitely sure. I wish I’d have taken out a whole lot more when I see how her eyes light up. “Thank you. This kind of generosity makes so much difference to so many families.”

“I’m just glad I can help.”

She squeezes my arm. “So will the families that receive it be, I promise you that.”

Now for my next charity event of the day. I scan around the place as she carries on working, but there is no sign of anyone looking for me. I do a loop of the grotto and catch sight of Santa getting ready to leave, setting up his fake cabin room ready for a new round of activity tomorrow.

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