The Erotic Artiste

CHAPTER 14

The following morning, Evelyn awoke an hour later than her usual time, stretching and yawning as she reluctantly peeled herself from the cozy depths of her bed. After rising from bed, she went searching through the apartment for Imani, her best friend and roommate. As expected, Imani had already left for work, leaving behind a small note on the kitchen counter wishing Evelyn a good day at work, adding a sprinkle of cheer to the morning atmosphere.

Evelyn, feeling a bit groggy, shuffled into the kitchen and settled herself down at the worn wooden table, the early morning sunlight streaming through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. She slowly prepared a bowl of her favorite cereal, pouring the milk in a steady stream over the grains, the rhythmic clinking of the spoon against the ceramic bowl serving as the only sound in the otherwise quiet apartment. As she ate, her thoughts continually drifted back to the events of the previous night, the scenes playing out in her mind like a movie on repeat. She even dreamt about some of the things she had witnessed between Akeno and Leticia, the images and emotions lingering vividly in her mind.

Closing her eyes in an attempt to clear her head and focus on the day ahead, Evelyn was suddenly flooded with a series of rapid flashbacks, each one a vivid memory of the various occurrences in that crimson-hued room. With her eyes shut tight, she remembered the creaking of the bed, Leticia's uninhibited groans and passionate moans, the droplets of saliva escaping from her gagged mouth as Akeno passionately fucked her. She recollected his glistening, perspiring torso, his expressions radiating pure pleasure as he maintained unbroken eye contact with her throughout. The hot, trickling candle wax, the lashes and spanks Leticia endured, and the sight of her reddened, bruised skin—Evelyn struggled to accept that it had all been real.

Drawing in a deep breath, she shook herself out of the memory, her heart pounding in her chest. 'I don't know what to make of all this anymore. I'll just pretend I saw nothing last night. As if none of it ever happened.'

Following her brief breakfast, she returned to her bedroom to shower and prepare for work, the warm water cascading over her, bringing a sense of normalcy and clarity to her mind.

***

"Finally. The winner of the rookie awards decides to grace us with her presence," Paris remarked with a terse smile, her voice cutting through the otherwise quiet atmosphere of the training room.

"Good morning," Evelyn greeted everyone politely, offering a small smile in return. "Were you waiting for me?" she inquired, surprised at the attention.

"Yes. Training couldn't begin without you. Miss Alice mentioned the boss allowed you to be late, so we had to wait," Paris replied, her tone seemingly tinged with hostility towards Evelyn, unless it was merely a figment of Evelyn's imagination.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Evelyn apologized to her and the others, who surprisingly didn't seem to take issue with her tardiness, or at least they didn't voice it as Paris had, their expressions varying from casual indifference to mild curiosity as they continued their individual activities on their phones.

"It's fine. Come, take a seat," Sebastian offered, his voice calm and reassuring.

"Thanks," Evelyn replied, feeling a bit self-conscious as she settled into the only available seat, which happened to be near Sebastian, the smooth surface of the chair cool against her skin. He flashed her a courteous smile, and she returned it, a sense of ease washing over her.

"I don't think I introduced myself directly to you. I'm Sebastian. Seb for friends," he introduced himself, his voice carrying a hint of warmth and openness. "Nice to meet you, Evelyn."

"Oh," Evelyn smiled somewhat awkwardly, her cheeks warming. "Nice to meet you too, Sebastian."

"Your work was splendid. You deserved to win," he remarked, his tone genuine and complimentary.