In the bustling office of Downtown Incorporated, Eric Welles sat hunched over his desk, his fingers dancing a frantic tango across the keyboard. The room buzzed with the murmur of colleagues and the rhythmic tap of shoes on linoleum. At 25, Eric was ambitious and driven, his eyes fixed on the gleaming prize of upper management. His muscles ached from the tension of endless meetings and deadlines, and the glow of his computer screen cast an eerie pallor over his face.
One afternoon, as the office chatter swelled, Eric’s coworker, Dave, sailed past his cubicle with a knowing smirk. “Hey, Welles,” he said, pausing for a moment, “you look like you could use some serious R&R. Ever heard of the ‘Serene Dragon’?”
Eric’s curiosity piqued, he leaned back in his chair. “The what?”
Dave leaned in, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. “The Serene Dragon. It’s this… place. They give the best massages in town. I’m telling you, it’s heaven on earth.”
Eric raised an eyebrow. “Is it one of those fancy spas?”
Dave chuckled. “Fancy isn’t the word for it. It’s more… discreet. But let me tell you, the masseuses are top-notch. They know just how to work out those kinks.” His eyes twinkled with something that Eric couldn’t quite place—was it mischief? “They’re pretty selective about their customers, though. You gotta contact them and get screened first before they’ll even take your appointment.”
Intrigued, Eric decided to give it a shot. What could be the harm in a massage after a stressful week? “Okay, sure. What’s their number?”
Dave rattled it off, then added, “Tell them I sent you and you’re a friend of mine.”
With that he walked off, whistling merrily. Eric texted the number and introduced himself.
“Hi,” he wrote. “My name is Eric Welles, and my friend Dave recommended your massage services. I’m interested in booking an appointment.”
The reply was almost instant. “Welcome to the Serene Dragon, Mr. Welles. We appreciate your interest. Could you tell us a little more about what brings you to us today?”
Eric paused, feeling a slight twinge of unease at the immediate response. He replied with a curt, “Just a standard massage to relieve some work stress. Nothing too out of the ordinary.”
“Very well,” said the response. “We’ll need to screen you first before confirming your appointment with us. Please provide a brief background check, including your occupation and a reference from someone who’s used our services before.”
Eric felt his heartbeat quicken. He glanced over at Dave’s desk, who was now deeply engrossed in his work, seemingly oblivious to the conversation. With a sigh, he provided the necessary details and waited.
He didn’t have to wait long. “Thank you for your information, Mr. Welles. Your screening is complete. You’re all set for an appointment tomorrow at 7 PM at the following address. Remember, discretion is key.”
The address was in an unassuming part of town, tucked between a nondescript dry cleaner and a 24-hour convenience store. Eric felt a mix of excitement and apprehension as he approached the door with the serene dragon emblem. A buzzer sounded and the door unlocked with a soft click.
The lobby was dimly lit, with walls painted in soothing shades of blue and green. A faint scent of incense filled the air, and the sound of distant chimes played a soft melody that seemed to resonate through his very bones. Several small fountains gurgled in the lobby to give the place a peaceful aura. A young Asian woman dressed in a simple, yet elegant silk outfit, greeted him with a smile.
“Good evening, Mr. Welles,” she said in accented but clear English. “Thank for coming to see us today. Please, remove your coat and make yourself comfortable. My name is Lai and I am the supervisor here at the Serene Dragon. Would you like to choose a masseuse from among our staff?”
Eric nodded, trying to hide his nerves. He had never been to a place like this before and wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Lai clapped her hands and raised her voice a little. “Ladies! We have a customer in the lobby. Please assemble for his viewing pleasure.”
To his shock, the doors to some of the rooms opened and a dozen of the most gorgeous women he’d ever seen walked over to join them. They assembled in a straight line, their hands clasped and their eyes demurely trained on the floor, but their outfits–mostly yukatas or silk robes barely long enough to cover what they needed to–were anything but modest. Lai gestured at them. “Come meet our girls, Mr. Welles. I will introduce them to you one by one.”
As she did so, Eric couldn’t help but feel like a kid in a candy store, his eyes darting from one to the next. Each one was a beauty in her own right, with porcelain skin and long, dark hair that fell in glossy waves down their backs. Lai gestured to the first one–a petite, tiny young woman who looked barely out of her teens. “This is Mei, one of our newer arrivals,” she said. “She is from Korea and is very gentle and sweet.”
Mei looked up at Eric, her eyes sparkling with a mischief that belied her shy smile. “Hello, Mr. Welles,” she said in a soft voice.
Lai moved on to the next girl. “And here we have Yuko,” she announced, “our Japanese beauty. She’s a master of the shiatsu technique and has been with us for three years now.” Yuko gave a respectful bow, her sleek black hair cascading over her shoulders, revealing a hint of the tattoo that snaked down her spine. Eric felt his jaw clench as he took in her toned, barely-covered form.
Then there was Anh, from Vietnam, whose lithe limbs and graceful movements made Eric’s heart flutter. Her smile was warm, and she had a way of looking into his eyes that made him feel like the only person in the room. “Anh is known for her deep tissue massage,” Lai said. “If you’re looking for something more… intense.”
Next was Mina, a statuesque Thai woman with a commanding presence that was surprisingly soothing. Her hands looked strong and capable, and Eric couldn’t help but imagine them working out the knots in his back. “Mina has a touch that’s firm yet healing,” Lai explained. “Perfect for those who prefer a no-nonsense approach.”
Following Mina was Lily, a Chinese beauty with a gentle demeanor. Her eyes, filled with a serene wisdom, met Eric’s briefly before dropping to the floor again. “Lily is our resident expert in Tui Na,” Lai said. “Her techniques are ancient and incredibly effective. And next to her is her twin sister, Lotus. They both studied together at a traditional Chinese medical school.”
The twins shared a shy giggle, and Eric felt his curiosity piqued. He had no idea what Tui Na was, but the way Lily’s fingers fluttered over the air in a demonstrative gesture suggested something more complex than a simple rubdown.
The next girl was short young woman with cropped hair and a feisty glint in her eyes. She had tattoos on her arms and one on her stomach, just above her belly button, as well as piercings in her nose and lip. “And this is Suki,” Lai said. “She’s our resident badass from the Philippines. Her massage style is… unique. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart.”
Suki smirked, showing off a mischievous dimple. “You want strong, I give strong,” she said, flexing her arms. Eric couldn’t help but chuckle at her bravado.
There were still six girls left, and Lai continued going down the line. “Here we have Nina,” she introduced the next, “a Russian goddess with a magical touch for those tired muscles of yours.” Nina’s hair was a fiery red and she had a smoldering look that seemed to dare Eric to choose anyone else. “Then there’s Kritsana, from Thailand. She’s the one to go to if you want a truly authentic Thai massage experience.”
Kritsana offered a gentle nod, her hands folded in a wai, the traditional Thai greeting. Despite her small frame, Eric could see the strength in her arms, the result of years of rigorous training in her homeland’s traditional healing arts. “Then from Cambodia, we have Srey,” Lai continued, and a shy young girl stepped forward, her eyes meeting Eric’s briefly before dropping again. Her long, dark hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and Eric could see the beginnings of a blush creeping up her neck. “Srey is our youngest, but she’s a natural at aromatherapy.”
Finally, they came to the last two girls. “And here are our lovely ladies from Indonesia,” Lai announced, gesturing to two girls who looked like they could have just stepped out of a Bali beach photoshoot. “Introducing Imani and Irina. They are known for their synchronized massages. It’s like having four hands instead of two.” She turned to Eric. “Who would you like to choose?”
Eric was still trying to wrap his head around it all. This was so surreal! “I…er…”
“And there is more,” Lai said. “What makes our massage parlor unique is not just the fantastic relaxation services we offer. For the right price, you may take any of our girls home with you. Permanently.”
Eric’s jaw dropped. “What?”
“You see, Eric,” Lai went on. “Many of our girls come to us from very impoverished backgrounds. They need steady work, and we give it to them, along with support, protection and safety. But what they all desire, what they all came here hoping for, is to catch the eye of a successful young man like you and escape the life they left behind. A chance to build a new life in America.” She turned to them. “Isn’t that right, girls? Wouldn’t you like Eric to claim you as his own?”
All of them nodded eagerly. Kritsana said, “Yes, sir, we want good life.” Her accent was thick, but her meaning was clear.
The gravity of the situation washed over Eric. These women weren’t just employees; they were hoping to find a way out of their current circumstances. The reality was starkly different from the fantasy he’d walked into. He cleared his throat, trying to keep his voice steady. “I…I’m not sure. I mean, how is this legal?”
Lai’s smile didn’t waver. “Mr. Welles, let’s not worry about the legalities. What matters is that we offer a service that is mutually beneficial. For a substantial fee, one of our girls can become yours. They would live with you, serve your every need, and in return, you would provide for them. Think of it as an arrangement that benefits everyone involved.”
“I would be best girl for you,” Anh said softly. “I cook. I clean. I make you very happy.”
“No!” Suki said. “Choose me. I am strong. I make you happy in many ways.” Her voice was filled with a surprising desperation that tugged at Eric’s heart.
Srey looked at the ground but managed to say, in a tremulous voice, “Mr. Welles, I be good for you too.”
Eric felt torn. He had come for a massage, not to be presented with a lineup of hopeful brides. He took a deep breath, and against his better judgment, asked, “How much?”
Hope flared in the eyes of all the girls. Lai ignored it. “For just a standard massage,” she began, “our rates are quite reasonable. But for a permanent arrangement, we require a more substantial commitment.” She named a figure that was more than Eric’s monthly rent, but it wasn’t like he didn’t have savings to draw upon. He could actually afford to do it if he wanted to.
But did he want to? He thought of the pressure from his job, the long hours and the constant need to stay ahead of the curve. Maybe, just maybe, a companion like one of these girls could ease his stress. And he’d be helping them out, right? It was a win-win, wasn’t it?
He gazed at each of them in turn, but something…something pulled him to Srey. There was a newness, a freshness, a raw, open vulnerability about her. He cleared his throat. “What is Srey’s story? I want to know more about her.”
Crushing disappointment dawned on the faces of the other girls. Kritsana began to cry a little. Again, Lai paid it no mind, but Eric found it difficult to ignore. “Srey?” she prompted. “Mr. Welles has asked you a question.”
Srey looked up at him, her eyes wide and hopeful. “I… I come from very poor family,” she began, her voice quavering. “My mother… she sell me, tell me come here. I agree. For better life. I miss them. I want help them. And…I want be happy too.”
“Srey has always been a little romantic,” Lai interjected. “She’s a sweet girl with a gentle soul, perfect for a man seeking companionship and a little slice of home. You won’t find a girl who causes less drama or argues less than our little Srey, Mr. Welles. She’s so gentle a wild deer would eat from her hand.”
Srey reddened a little. “I good girl,” she whispered.
“I know, sweetie,” Lai cooed. “Why don’t you show Eric what you can do?” With a gentle nudge, she urged Srey forward. Srey obeyed, took two steps, and dropped to her knees in front of Eric. Her hands began worrying at his belt buckle.
“Suck him off,” Lai instructed. “Show Mr. Welles why he should choose you, Srey. You may not have this chance again.”
Srey almost frantically freed Eric’s cock from his pants, her eyes never leaving his face. Eric felt his cock swell under her tentative touch, his body responding despite the awkwardness of the situation. She leaned in, her breath hot on his skin, and took him into her mouth. Her eyes watered as she worked to accommodate his size, but she didn’t flinch. She sucked him with a hunger borne of desperation, her cheeks hollowing with every bob of her head. Lai patted her like a favored pet and Eric’s breath hitched. This was so fucked up but he couldn’t stop it. Deep down, he didn’t want to.
“Every inch, little Srey,” Lai commanded. “Don’t be shy.”
Srey’s eyes remained on Eric, pleading and hopeful as she took his cock deeper into her mouth, her cheeks bulging with the effort. Her hands caressed his thighs, her touch tentative but earnest. Eric’s eyes closed. He was no virgin but this was the best blowjob he’d ever received in his life! The way she used her tongue to caress the sensitive underside of his shaft was heavenly, and he could feel the beginnings of an orgasm building up like a volcano ready to erupt. Srey was making gurgling, wet noises that were music to his ears.
He tried to push aside the guilt that was creeping into his mind. This was a business transaction, after all. He was providing her a way out of a shitty life and in return, she would give him pleasure and companionship. It was a fair exchange. Right? His cock certainly seemed to think so, pulsing and swelling with each stroke of her mouth. He reached down and tangled his fingers in her hair, gently pushing her head down further until he hit the back of her throat. She gagged a little but took it like a champ, even when he began to thrust hard. Tears rolled down her face but she never broke eye contact, her expression a mix of hope and desperation that was more arousing than any porn he’d ever watched.
“Are you going to be a good girl for Mr. Welles?” Lai demanded. “He is considering giving you a good life, choosing you over all the other girls here. Are you going to show him how grateful you are every day, Srey? Are you going to be a good girl who cooks his meals and cleans his clothes and services his cock every night, or are you going to be a bad girl who talks back, argues, and disobeys him? Answer me!”
Srey’s eyes widened with fear, and she nodded fervently, her cheeks bulging around Eric’s shaft. She pulled herself away just long enough to gasp out, “Good girl, I be good girl, always good girl,” before plunging back down and taking him in again.
The sound of her choking was like a siren’s song to Eric’s primal instincts. He was torn between pity and arousal as he watched her struggle. She was so eager to please, so hungry for his approval. He felt a strange sense of power, his mind racing with the thought of what it would be like to have her at his beck and call, to have her do anything he wanted without question. That thought was what brought him over the edge. His cock erupted like a volcano, spewing thick heavy spurts of hot sticky cum into her mouth and down her throat. There was so much of it that Srey began to splutter and choke, but Lai held her firmly in place.
“Swallow it!” she said. “Every drop!”
Srey did as she was told, her eyes never leaving Eric’s face. She gulped down his cum, her throat working overtime, but even then more of his jizz leaked out from the corners of her mouth and dripped down her chin. This girl was willing to do anything for him, to serve him in any way he wanted. It made him feel like a king!
When his orgasm ended, Lai gently but firmly pushed the gasping, coughing young woman onto all fours, then pushed her head until her forehead touched the floor. “Thank Mr. Welles for the gift of his cum,” she said softly. “Beg him to claim you, Srey. Do your best to convince him.”
Srey’s eyes watered as she looked up at Eric, her nose and mouth still covered in his cum. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you for use me, Mr. Welles. Thank you for you cum, I honored you give me you cum. Please choose me. I good cook, very good, will fix hot meals for you every day. I clean your house, no messy. I take care of you, always happy for you. I am good girl, best girl, only girl for you.”
“I don’t think he’s convinced yet,” Lai said. “I think you’re lying. Are you a liar, Srey?”
“N-no!” Srey said. Fear and panic made her begin to tremble. “I not liar, I good girl, I swear!”
“What would you do to prove it?” cooed Lai, her pretty face splitting into an evil grin..
Srey’s trembling increased. “Anything,” she gasped. “Anything, Mr. Welles. I do anything for you.”
Lai brushed a lock of dark hair away from her face and leaned in close to whisper in her ear. “Then stand up, little Srey. Stand up, and let that little robe fall away from your petite body. Stand up and spread your legs and let Mr. Welles fuck you, right here and now. Show all of us just what a good girl you are.”
Srey’s eyes went wide with fear and hope. Eric’s heart was racing, his cock still pulsing from the amazing blowjob she had just given him. He felt torn between pity for her vulnerable position and the dark desire that was still raging in him. He watched as she slowly got to her feet, her robe slipping away to reveal her naked body. She was so small, so fragile looking: barely five feet tall, perhaps ninety pounds soaking wet–utterly vulnerable.
Srey should have felt degraded by the very idea of doing such a thing, but anything was better than remaining here at the Serene Dragon. If she didn’t please Mr. Welles, she’d have to continue getting fucked by an endless stream of faceless, callous, uncaring men who didn’t give a fuck about her, men who handled her roughly and left bruises while Lai waited in the wings to punish her for failing to make them happy. If she convinced Mr. Welles to take her home with him, she’d have a protector, someone who would look out for her and provide a roof over her head and food for her to eat. She would only have to worry about pleasing him, rather than the endless line of men that walked through the doors of the massage parlor every night. So she all but shot to her feet and undid the sash around her skimpy silken bathrobe with shaking hands, letting it fall to the floor. She stepped out of it and stood before him naked, trembling slightly, her heart hammering in her chest like a wild bird desperate to escape a cage. Srey fought back tears as she turned around and splayed her legs for him, exposing in her glistening pussy.
“Please,” she managed. “P-please fuck me, Mr. Welles. I am good girl, I make you feel good, I be best girl for you. I not argue. I not cause trouble. Just…just pleasure you and take care of you. Always.” She turned her head, daring to look him in the eyes. She hoped he wouldn’t see that as impertinent. Most of the men who came to the Serene Dragon liked the girls to be submissive and she’d been slapped a number of times for daring to look them in the face. Srey’s dark eyes met Eric’s.
“Please,” she said again. “You do what you want. Whatever you want to me. Fuck me. Please.”
Eric stared at her, his cock already hardening again at the sight of her naked body and the desperation in her voice. He had never felt more conflicted. He had come for a simple massage, not to be tempted by a girl begging for his cum and promising to be his obedient servant and live-in maid and fucktoy. But here he was, his body responding like a teenager’s at the mere thought of it.
He took a step forward, his cock leading the way as he approached Srey’s trembling form. She looked back at him with a mix of hope and fear, her legs spread wide, her pussy glistening with anticipation. He reached down and grabbed her by the hips, pulling her closer to him. She didn’t resist. Her eyes never left his as he positioned himself at her entrance. He could feel the heat from her body and the dampness of her pussy. It was like he was in a trance, unable to resist the siren call of her desperation.
Eric teased her with his tip for a moment, then slowly pushed into her. The other girls, still observing, looked on. Some of them looked sympathetic, but others looked downright envious. No doubt they wished they were the ones, rather than Srey, who’d been offered a chance to leave the Serene Dragon.
Srey was the tightest, wettest, warmest pussy Eric had ever had in his life. She was like wet velvet-covered steel around his cock. She let out a soft whimper as he entered her, but she didn’t protest. She was so small, so delicate, so easy to bend to his will as he began fucking her.
Srey bit back a moan as Mr. Welles began fucking her like some sort of sex doll. That was probably how he saw her, she knew, and that saddened her. But as long as Eric took her away from the Serene Dragon, he could think whatever he wanted and she wouldn’t protest. His hands, so large and strong, gripped her hips tightly. The sensation of his thick cock sliding in and out of her was intense–far more intense than any of the other times she’d been fucked in this place. Despite her fear and sadness, she felt a flicker of arousal, a spark that grew with each stroke.
“Who’s a good girl?” Lai said, leaning in to grab Srey’s face hard enough to make her wince. She gave the girl a sound shake. “Are you good girl, Srey?” Lai went on, and gave her a stinging slap to the cheek. “Answer me!”
“Yes!” Srey said, her eyes welling with tears. “I good girl!”
“Again! Say it again! Louder!” Lai demanded, and slapped her a second time. Srey’s head whipped to one side as the blow connected.
“I good girl!” Srey exclaimed, louder this time, trying not to let the pain from Lai’s slap show in her voice. She pushed back against Eric, her small body bouncing with each hard thrust he gave her. She wiggled her ass to try and entice him and even arched her back to bare her breasts for him to grope. “I good girl, Mr. Welles! Please, please choose me! I not bad girl! I not argue! I not steal! I not do drugs! No girl gooder girl than Srey! No girl more loyal than Srey! No girl please you more than Srey!”
“And why do you want him to take you, Srey? Is it because you don’t want to work at the Serene Dragon anymore?” Lai asked, laughing.
“Yes!” A sob tore from Srey’s throat. “I no like here. I no like massage place. I no like being slapped, being hurt, being used!” Her words were punctuated by Eric’s thrusts, each one sending a jolt of pain-laced pleasure through her. She had never felt more exposed, more vulnerable. But she also felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time: hope. “I want home. I want happy life. With you, Mr. Welles,” she rasped. “Please, you take me home! Please, please, PLEASE!”
Her begging grew more frantic with each thrust, her voice rising in pitch. Eric felt his own climax building again, the sight of Srey’s naked body, her desperation to serve him, pushing him closer and closer to the edge. It was like nothing he had ever experienced before and honestly, he did feel sorry for her. He knew that he couldn’t leave her like this, not after she had given him such pleasure. He had to make a decision.
Srey’s pussy was clenching down on him like a vice and he was pounding into her so hard her body shook from head to toe with the force of it. Her dark hair fell over her eyes and her tears dripped onto the floor with audible plopping sounds. She was still begging, babbling in Cambodian for him to choose her, to take her away from this place, to save her.
And fuck, did he want to save her, Eric realized. He wanted to scoop her up and take her away, to tuck her away in his apartment where she would look at him like a god every time he walked in the door. He could feel his climax approaching, the pressure building in his balls like a storm at sea. He was going to cum again and this time he was going to do it inside her, to paint her insides with his seed and claim her as his own.
Srey was incoherent. She had been reduced to a babbling mess of desperate need and hopefulness. She felt Eric’s cock pulsing inside her and knew he was close. She pushed back into him, her body moving instinctively to get every inch of him, her pussy tightening around his shaft. She had to make him cum, had to make him want to keep her. If she lost this chance, if he didn’t choose her, she didn’t know how she’d go on. She didn’t want to go back to her job, to be used by strangers every night, to live in fear of Lai.
“PLEASE!” she shrieked, as an orgasm–a real one, not the fake ones she normally pantomimed for her clients–hit her so hard it drove the breath from her body. Srey’s petite form trembled and shook from the force of it and her eyes rolled up in their sockets as a final plea escaped her lips. “Choose me!”
Eric’s dick exploded and he let out a roar of purely male triumph. Srey felt the hot warmth of his cum gushing into her womb and his hands grabbed her breasts so hard she was sure she’d have bruises in the morning. But that didn’t matter. Nothing mattered as long as she was out of here. She pushed back against him, eager to take every drop he had to offer, to show him she was worth keeping.
He seemed to cum for ages, and when it was finally over, they were both panting, gasping for breath, shaking from the aftermath of their mutual release. Eric pulled out of her and, bereft of his support, Srey’s shaking legs gave out beneath her and she crumpled to the floor. His seed gushed out of her swollen cunt and onto the carpet as she lay there, boneless and glassy-eyed. Her breasts rose and fell as she fought for oxygen.
“Well, Mr. Welles?” Lai said. “What is your decision? Do you think Srey is a good girl?”
Eric looked down at Srey, still trembling on the floor, her legs spread and her pussy leaking his cum. The other girls had gone quiet, waiting for his response. He felt a strange combination of guilt and excitement. He had just used this girl, and she had begged for it. But she was also begging for a way out of this life, and he could give her that. He could help her. Despite the fact that Srey was a glorified prostitute, there was still an innocence about her, a purity and honesty that the other girls lacked. He didn’t think he’d be able to trust Anh or the others if he left them alone in his apartment…but he knew he could trust Srey.
“Okay,” he said. “I’ll take her.”
Relief and joy and hope crashed over Srey and she broke down completely, weeping like a baby. She didn’t care that she was naked and lying on the floor, didn’t care that Eric’s cum was still dripping from her pussy, didn’t care that Lai was watching her with a smug expression. All she cared about was that she had been chosen. She had been picked from the lineup of desperate girls to be Eric’s personal servant, his whore, his pet, his live-in maid and companion. She wouldn’t have to sell her body anymore. She wouldn’t have to live in fear of Lai’s slaps anymore. Srey was still so drained from her climax she could barely move but she forced herself to her hands and knees and crawled over to him. “Thank you,” she gushed. “Thank you, Mr. Welles. You no sorry, you no regret. You will see! Srey is good girl. Srey loyal forever!”
“Good choice,” Lai said, then turn to the other girls. “The rest of you, go back to your stations. We’ve got a deal to finalize. Eric, please help Srey to her feet and follow me to my office so we can work out the details of your new arrangement.”
Eric helped the trembling Srey to her feet and she clung to him, her naked body pressing against his. He felt a strange sense of protectiveness wash over him. She was so small, so delicate. He wanted to protect her and make her feel safe. Srey was still babbling her gratitude as they walked down the hallway to Lai’s small office, and Srey’s pussy, still leaking his cum, left a trail of it in their wake.
Lai’s office was small and adorned with Asian art and various certificates of massage therapy, but it was the large, intricately carved wooden desk that dominated the space. Lai sat behind it.
“You have chosen Srey as your girl,” she said. “Congratulations. I hope you two are very happy together and that she pleases you to the fullest. There are some formalities we must observe, however.” She turned to her computer and printed out a piece of paper. “By signing this, Mr. Welles, you are acknowledging that your arrangement with Srey is both reciprocal and contingent. You provide food, shelter and security, and treat her well. That means no hitting or other abuse. You need not marry if you do not wish to, but you cannot simply toss her into the street on a whim, either. Not as long as she fulfills her obligations to you, at any rate.”
She turned to Srey and spoke to her like a harsh headmistress addressing a student. “Srey, your job is to serve Mr. Welles in every way he desires. Cook, clean, satisfy his sexual needs, and anything else he requires. If he wishes you to bear a child for him, you are obligated to do so. If he wishes to seek his pleasure elsewhere for a time, he is free to do that. If he wishes to marry you, he can do that too, but he is not required to and that is up solely to his own discretion. You will not talk back to Mr. Welles. You will not argue with Mr. Welles. You will not disobey Mr. Welles. You will not steal from Mr. Welles. You will not lie to Mr. Welles. You will not speak of your arrangement with Mr. Welles to anyone but him. If you fail to satisfy him, he can either return you to us, or simply throw you out into the street. You have no money, no home, and no papers. Make no mistake, Srey: Mr. Welles is the dominant party in this arrangement. Your well-being depends on keeping him happy and content.” Lai leaned in a little. “Do you understand me?”
Srey nodded vigorously. “Yes, Miss Lai,” she said. “I understand. I make Mr. Welles happy. I be good girl, always.” And she meant it, too. Srey knew that this was her ticket to a better life, and she was willing to do whatever it took to hold onto it. She would sooner die than ever come back to the Serene Dragon. She would serve Mr. Welles with all her heart and soul.
“And do you understand your obligations, Mr. Welles?” Lai asked.
“I do,” Eric said, his voice firm despite his racing heart. He took the paper from her and scanned it. It was a contract, laying out his responsibilities towards Srey in cold, legal terms. He took a deep breath and signed his name at the bottom. Srey either didn’t know how to read English or was illiterate, because she just scratched an X next to the line where her name would have been. Lai took the contract and placed it into a drawer without looking at it. It was clear this wasn’t the first time she’d done this.
“Thank you,” Laid said. “Srey has little in the way of possessions, so if you will allow her just a few minutes, she will pack her things and meet you by the door.”
Srey looked up at Eric, her eyes pleading for his approval. “Thank you,” she said again. “I be good girl. I pack quick.” She turned and scurried out of the office, her silk robe fluttering around her. Eric felt a strange mix of emotions. He had just bought a human being. It was something he had never thought he would do, and yet here he was, signing a contract for the rights to a beautiful, innocent girl.
Srey, meanwhile, went to the small dormitory above the massage parlor that she shared with the other girls. The foldable cot which served as her bed was neatly made with freshly laundered sheets that smelled faintly of lavender. On the side of the bed was a single cardboard box with a few meager possessions: a few changes of clothes, a photo of her mother and siblings, and a small Buddha statue she had smuggled from home. She took the box and picked it up, her hands trembling. This was it, she thought, her chance to start a new life. She was so, so lucky Mr. Welles had chosen her.
With her few things in hand, she hurried to join him near the entrance to the parlor. Lai and the other girls were there too to see her off, and more than a few of them looked jealous. Anh and Kritsana looked particularly downtrodden and Srey felt her heart clench with sympathy. She liked all the girls here at the Serene Dragon. They were like sisters to her, but she knew that they were all here for the same reason she was. Still, she’d miss them.
Lai handed Srey a small bag filled with toiletries and a fresh change of clothes. “Make sure to keep yourself clean and presentable for your new master,” she said with a smug smile. Srey nodded, clutching the bag tightly.
And with that, Mr. Welles took her hand began leading her outside. Srey followed meekly. She hadn’t been outside the parlor more than a few times–Lai strictly forbade any of the girls from leaving without supervision and permission, to avoid any trouble with the authorities. The night air was cool and crisp, and it felt strange to be out in the open after so long. The neon lights from the other shops along the strip mall cast a rainbow of colors across the pavement.
Mr. Welles’ car was parked about a block away and he opened the passenger side door for her. Srey didn’t know much about cars, but looked like a nice one. The interior was immaculate, smelling faintly of leather and cologne. She slid into the seat. “Thank you,” she whispered again. “M-Mr. Welles–“
“You can call me Eric,” he said, a little awkwardly.
Srey nodded. “Thank you, Eric,” she said. “I very happy. Happy be with you.”
“Are you hungry?”
Srey hesitated for a moment. Was this a test? Lai often enjoyed playing such mind games. But Eric’s face held no malice, just a hint of kindness that she hadn’t seen from any of her previous clients. And wasn’t food part of his end of their arrangement? “A…a little,” she admitted, her voice shaky.
“Okay. We’ll stop and get a burger.”
A burger? Srey felt her mouth water. She’d heard of those, but had never tasted one before. Lai allowed them to eat only what they were given at the parlor: mostly rice and vegetables, with a few bits of meat if they were lucky. But Eric seemed genuine in his offer, so she nodded again, trying to hide her excitement.
“Good.” Eric pulled into the nearest burger joint and drove up to the drive-through window. “Two extra-large double cheeseburger combo meals, with extra cheese, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, bacon, and two large fries,” he ordered. “Two Cokes, a strawberry milkshake, and a side order of a dozen chicken nuggets.”
Srey’s eyes widened at the extravagance. She had never seen so much food for one person, let alone been allowed to eat it. And he was doing it for her. Tears welled afresh in her eyes. Truly, Eric was a good man.
When the woman at the window handed them the food, the smell alone was enough to almost make her pinch herself. Eric passed her one of the burgers and some napkins. “Don’t feel like you have to try and be dainty or anything,” he said. “Just try not to get anything on the seat, okay?”
Srey took the burger with trembling hands, the warmth and the smell of the juicy meat making her stomach rumble. She had never felt more hungry in her life. With a shaky smile, she unwrapped it, the paper crinkling loudly in the quiet of the car. When she took a bite, Srey couldn’t help a moan of pleasure and she ate ravenously.
Eric grinned. “You like it?” he asked, watching her scarf down the food.
Srey nodded vigorously, speaking around a mouthful of burger. “Yes! It’s so…so good! Thank you, Eric!” she managed to say before taking another bite. Srey all but inhaled the burger, then started on the fries and chicken nuggets. Eric waited patiently until she was finished before he started the car again and pulled out of the parking lot.
“Tell me about yourself,” he said.
Srey swallowed the last bite of the burger and took a sip of her Coke. “I from Cambodia. I come here for work. My family very poor. I want to help them, send money back home. My mama, she not know what i really do. She very sad if she find out. She think I am nanny here, taking care of babies.” She looked away for a moment. “I miss them.”
“When was the last time you spoke to them?”
Srey paused. “Three months ago, maybe. Phones expensive. And Lai…she not like us have contact with outside world. She say it for our own good, but I think she scared we run away. Money you pay for me, it go to help my mama. Now Mama and little brothers and sisters not go hungry. Because of you, Eric.”
He nodded, feeling a weight lift from his chest. Despite the morally dubious nature of his decision, he knew that he had likely just changed Srey’s life for the better. “You’re welcome,” he said after a moment.
“Where you live?” Srey asked.
“In a condo.”
“Condo? What is condo?”
Eric chuckled. “It’s like a fancy apartment, but you own it. It’s pretty nice. You’ll like it.”
“Y-yes. I clean you condo. Make it nice for you,” Srey said softly. “No dust, no messy. Promise.”
Eric’s condo was in a nice part of town, in a building that had a doorman and a gym and a pool on the roof. Srey had never seen anything so fancy in her entire life. She had always lived in tiny, cramped spaces with her family, and the Serene Dragon had been even worse. This was like a palace to her. Eric gently led her to the elevator and they rode up to the top floor. When they walked into the condo, she gasped. It was so spacious, so clean, so full of light. The furniture was sleek and modern, and there was a big bed in the bedroom that looked like it had never been slept in.
A real bed, Srey thought. A real bed with sheets and a pillow, not a foldable mattress on a cold floor. She couldn’t believe her luck. Eric had bought her a way out of the hell that was the Serene Dragon and now she was in his heavenly condo. He showed her around, pointing out the kitchen, the living room, the bathroom. Srey immediately bean making mental notes on ways she could make this place cleaner, more efficient, more pleasing to him. This was her new home, and she would do anything to keep it that way.
When he was done, Srey dropped to her knees and said, “You condo so pretty. I make look good, I promise. You happy, I happy.” She tentatively reached for his belt. “Want I suck you again?”
Eric felt a thrill run through him. She was so eager to please, so willing to do anything he asked. He nodded. “Yeah, that’d be nice. But maybe save that for later tonight. You don’t have to—“
“No!” Srey said, feeling a jolt of panic. Surely he was testing her, she thought, trying to gauge her commitment. She didn’t want to disappoint him so soon. “I do now. I want to make you happy, Eric. Please?”
Eric sighed. She was so desperate to prove herself that he couldn’t help but feel a little guilty. But he had signed a contract, after all, and he had paid a hefty price for her. And she was so beautiful, kneeling there before him with those big, pleading eyes. He nodded. “Okay. But only because you want to.”
Srey quickly unbuckled Eric’s belt and pulled down his pants, revealing his semi-erect cock. She took it into her mouth eagerly and began sucking away. He began bucking his hips, pushing himself deeper into her mouth. It didn’t take long before he was fully hard and she was deep-throating him, her cheeks hollowing out as she sucked with all her might. The sound of her gagging was muffled by his groans of pleasure. Srey fought the urge to gag, she wanted to make Eric happy. She could feel him getting closer to climax and she redoubled her efforts, her hand wrapping around the base of his cock to stroke it as she sucked.
”Gonna cum,” he said tightly. “Swallow it all, okay?”
Srey nodded, her eyes watering from his girth filling her throat, and Eric exploded into her mouth, filling her with a hot flood of semen. She took it all, though she had to fight not to start coughing as he emptied himself into her. She pulled back, her eyes wide with the effort, and swallowed. Eric zipped himself up and looked at her, a hint of concern in his eyes. “Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yes, Eric,” she whispered. “Srey okay. Srey happy.”
Her eyes searched his for approval, and Eric gave it to her. “Good girl,” he murmured, stroking her hair gently. Srey felt a warmth spread through her at his praise. She had done well. She had made him happy.
“Thank you,” Eric said, his voice thick with lust and satisfaction. He reached down to help Srey to her feet, and she took his hand gratefully. Her knees felt weak from the exertion of pleasing him, but she couldn’t wipe the smile from her face. She had made him happy, and that was all that mattered to her now.
“Tomorrow,” he went on. “I need to go to work. While I’m away, I expect you to clean the place from top to bottom. That means vacuuming, sweeping, scrubbing the tub and toilet, doing the dishes, and making sure everything is spotless. Can you handle that?”
Srey nodded vigorously. “Yes, Eric. I clean good. You come home, everything perfect for you!”
“Good. And when I get home, I’ll expect a nice dinner. You said you can cook, right?”
Srey nodded again, eager to please. “Yes, Eric. I cook for you. Whatever you like, I make. You tell me what you want, and I cook it. You never go hungry again, I promise!”
“Good. Them for now, let’s relax. There is some rum in the cupboard in the kitchen. Go pour some and mix it with Coke from the fridge, then join me on the couch. We’re watch a movie.”
Srey nodded, her smile never fading as she slipped away to the kitchen, feeling a sense of purpose and belonging that she hadn’t felt in so long. She returned with two tall glasses of rum and Coke, handing one to Eric. She curled up beside him, her body fitting perfectly into the crook of his arm. As the movie played, Eric felt a strange comfort in her presence. He had never had a live-in maid or a servant, and the thought of it was still a bit foreign to him, but the reality was surprisingly pleasant. And he felt good about rescuing Srey from the life she had been living.
Without warning he kissed her, and she stiffened with shock. Srey knew sex was part of their arrangement, but an actual display of tenderness was something she had never expected. His mouth was gentle, coaxing hers to respond. After a moment she did, her lips moving tentatively under his. It was nothing like the rough, forced kisses she had endured from Lai’s clients. This was something sweeter. Kinder.
He pulled away and searched her eyes, looking for any signs of fear or disgust. But all he saw was a flicker of hope, a spark that grew into a flame as she leaned into him. She was so small in his arms, so delicate, and he found himself wanting to protect her, to keep her safe from the world that had been so cruel to her. Most people would have become bitter and cynical after enduring such things. Not Srey. She was still sweet, still willing to love and be loved, still innocent despite what she’d gone through. It was a quality that Eric found himself desperately wanting to keep.
The movie played on, but Eric’s attention was focused solely on the girl snuggled against him. He felt himself getting hard again, thinking about all the things he could do to her, all the ways he could make her moan and beg for more. But he didn’t want it to be like that. Not anymore. He wanted to make love to her, to show her that not all men were like the monsters she had known.
Once the movie was over, he stood up, gently lifting her off the couch. “Let’s go to bed,” he whispered into her ear. She nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with excitement. They walked into the bedroom and Eric turned down the sheets, watching as she removed her clothes with a shy grace that made his cock throb. She was so beautiful, her body a canvas of smooth, tanned skin and delicate curves. He couldn’t believe she was his now.
Srey slid into bed next to him. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe. Protected. She snuggled closer, feeling his strong arm wrap around her, pulling her closer. Unlike the rough, demanding hands of her clients, Eric’s touch was gentle. He didn’t rush her, didn’t force her to perform. He just held her in a way that made her feel cherished. No man had ever made her feel cherished before. Srey was used to men objectifying her, seeing her as a thing to be used and then discarded, a living fleshlight they used to get off as quickly as possible. But Eric was different. He seemed to view her as a person, a human being worthy of affection and dignity.
Srey’s eyes grew heavy with contentment as Eric’s gentle stroking of her hair lulled her into a state of relaxation she hadn’t felt in months. Tonight, she didn’t feel like a commodity, but rather a lover. Eric kissed her forehead, then her cheek, before his lips found hers again. This time, the kiss was tender, exploratory. Her heart fluttered as she realized that he wasn’t just using her for his own pleasure, but actually caring for her in a way she had never experienced before.
“I so lucky,” she murmured sleepily. “I lucky girl. You…save me. You my hero. Want be with you always. You make me feel special. Like I matter. That Srey not worthless.“
Eric felt his heart swell with an unfamiliar warmth at her words. He hadn’t expected this arrangement to stir up feelings of protectiveness and affection in him, but here he was, holding a girl who had been through so much and feeling like she was the most precious thing in the world. He kissed her again. “You’re not worthless, Srey.”
“Really?” she whispered. “Men at Serene Dragon call Srey worthless. Call me slut. Call me bad girl. You not think Srey is slutty bad girl?”
He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “No, Srey. You’re not any of those things. You’re a survivor, a strong, beautiful woman who’s had to do what she had to in order to get by. And now, you’re here with me, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you never feel that way again.”
Srey’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, Eric. Thank you for everything,” she whispered, pressing herself closer to him. She had never felt this kind of tenderness from anyone before, and it was almost too much for her to handle. She felt like she could finally let go of all the pain and fear she had been carrying around with her for so long. Eric wouldn’t hurt her. Eric wouldn’t slap her around or call her names. Eric was different. Eric was safe.
They lay there together for a while, just holding each other, until Srey’s breathing grew deep and even. Eric felt a sense of peace wash over him that he hadn’t felt in years. He had never been one for relationships, but this was something more than that. He had bought Srey’s freedom, but in doing so, she had also given him something invaluable—companionship, and perhaps even love. He didn’t know what the future held, but for now, he was content just to have her beside him.