Moonlight + Paradise (18+)

3. The Doll & Her Gentleman

5 months later.

Lately, Lisa finds herself putting more efforts into looking good for work every night. She doesn't mind spending an earlier extra hour to admire her features on the mirror - she actually looks forward to it.

She is nicer to herself too, this she noticed. Every time she stares into her reflection, she will tell herself wonderful compassions. Like she is beautiful. And she is getting smarter. And she is learning, and there is no rush for perfection. Just like she learned how to put on all these make-ups from her only friend.

Flawless, subtle contour and enough blush on her face satisfied her. The gloss pink on her full, thick lips is a colour she never tried before, but it's proving to be a new favourite now. It managed to emphasise her round eyes that are already perfectly lined. She decided to ditch the eyeshadows today because she still doesn't know how to blend between the colours nicely.

"Lily, you forgot to lock your front - Girl...that bustier..." Somi gasped from her bedroom door. "You tryna get lucky or something tonight or what?"

Lisa chuckled at the sentiment because maybe I am! "Don't tease me, Somi. My mascara's still wet!"

"Who's teasing - I'm serious! That top is fucking hot! Is it new?"

"Yes...I got it last night. A gift..." Her eyes lingers along with the knowing smile on her own reflection. The mesh and satin on her skin feels sultry and sinful to have on her body. She wondered again if he had imagined her in it...if that's the reason why he bought it for her. It gets the butterflies in a frenzy as she gave herself the answer.

"Getting kinky now, are we?" The girl rolled her eyes as if she's truly annoyed by it. "Anyway, isn't it about time to be asking yourself how you really feel about this man?" Somi squints her eyes and pursed her lips as she sat down onto her bed, right next to her dresser. "I mean...where's it going? He's extra generous on his tips with you. He bought you gifts but he's not asking for anything more than just a dance from you? He looks for no one else - seriously, it's almost like he only has eyes for you -"

"I can't think why..."

"You never asked him? Talk to him, maybe?"

Lisa can't help but laugh. "I talked to him before but...I mean, I don't get paid to talk - I'm not supposed to, right?"

To be honest, she had wondered it too, a couple of times at the beginning of their encounters. But after a while...I don't know! There's a certain beauty of the mystery behind this man - constantly gazing at me with that longing in his dark eyes. He was demanding in his words, but he was gentle about it. Generous, yes...always calm but a little cold. Or is it arrogance - can I say that? Is that the right word?

"It's already weird enough that I'm always booked to him. I don't wanna push it...what if he turns out to be a...a pimp...like that documentary - or something like that!"

Somi stares numbingly for a good few seconds that it almost scares her. "Nahh...he acted way too considerate to even plan such a thing! And let's face it, no one dares to steal anything or anyone from the Paradise." She finally brushed it off.

Right...and he never looked suspicious - not when she could see him, that is. If anything, her boss is the one who seemed to be nervous every time the man is around! "Do you think he's a son to someone important? I mean...he came to Paradise, so I know he must be influential or something. Do you think he's just looking to have a..." It annoys her to even think about it. "A pet..."

Lisa still doesn't know much about how it works. What would become of her or how she might be seen in all these sexy, barely-there outfits every night. But she does know the lusty look in a man's eyes. She's been seeing it on either her or the others, for months now. How they stare long enough to make her feel uncomfortable in her own skin. But never him. No, his lusty eyes are welcomed!