Chapter 3: A Compromise?

Words : 1793 Updated : Sep 18th, 2025

Half an hour earlier, back in the bedroom, Leslie had looked relaxed, but there was no mistaking the stubborn flicker and disappointment in her eyes. Sergio Willis couldn't perform; even the most realistic toy couldn't match the warmth and unpredictability of a real person. If gadgets really worked, there wouldn't even be sex workers. It was the thrill of flesh-and-blood that people craved. Once I figured out what Leslie wanted, I got excited. When the two of them came downstairs, Sergio gave a small cough and said, "Ahem, well… Wayne Walken, introduce yourself." "Huh?" I had no idea what he meant. Sergio rolled his eyes. "Just introduce yourself. Spare me the chatter." I frowned, thought for a few seconds, then said, "My name is Wayne Walken, from Sonora Village in Moontown… uh, I'm twenty-one today, a recent college graduate… six foot one… single. Is that okay?" "How many girlfriends have you had?" Sergio asked. Heat rose to my face. "None. My family isn't well-off. I paid my tuition through work-study and part-time jobs. When I wasn't in class, I was working. I didn't dare date." That answer pleased Sergio. He turned to Leslie. "See? A virgin. Clean as a whistle. You don't have to worry about anything." Leslie nodded, clearly unwilling, then mused, "Sleeping with him is fine. We'll go to the hospital first tomorrow." "Check what?" I blurted out. "We'll get your sperm tested," she said. "If your numbers are bad, why should I… why should I let you sleep with me for nothing?" She was stalling; I knew it. But when it came to the question of my future kids, I felt pretty confident. I'd never had a girlfriend, true, but I worked hard and stayed active-I'm into sports. There was no reason my health would be an issue. Sergio hesitated for a few seconds and said, "Fine." He went to the study for a few minutes and came out with three sheets of paper. Turned out he'd drafted three simple contracts. In short: I'd get tested according to Leslie's requirements; after that, Leslie would follow through on the surrogacy agreement; once we succeeded, I'd receive a fee of eighty thousand dollars; and Leslie waives any right to sue me over it. I couldn't help grinning at the contract as soon as I read it. Leslie pouted. "Sergio, what's wrong with you? Doesn't that clause just make it easier for him to, you know, get me into bed?" Sergio played it cool. "It's to give Wayne some protection. Come on. Once the company shares are in my hands, they're basically yours too. Sign it, and the sooner we wrap up this mess, the sooner I'll take you to Xolis for two months-the beach." At that, Leslie finally signed. By the time we finished, dusk had settled. Sergio's eyes lit up, like he'd just had an idea. "Honey, let Wayne sleep with you tonight. Get used to each other, so it won't be awkward tomorrow." "What?" Leslie shot to her feet. "Break the ice first," Sergio said. "Otherwise after the test tomorrow, you'll feel even more self-conscious. Look at Wayne-maybe a bit tan, but healthy. You can stall a day with the test, but you'll still have to face it." Leslie furrowed her brow. She was ready to push back, then seemed to find a sliver of logic in what he said. "And you?" she asked, annoyed. "I'll be in the study," Sergio said. "I rushed back today. My assistant, Xiao Li, sent files to my inbox I haven't read yet. I'll work late." Leslie still disliked it, but seeing he'd made up his mind, she frowned and agreed. I felt uneasy too. If Sergio hadn't been home, it would've been better. Sleeping in his house with his wife while he was here made my skin prickle. Still, for the money, I didn't hesitate long and followed Leslie upstairs. In the bedroom, Leslie shot me a frosty look, yanked a quilt from the wardrobe, threw it on the floor, and said coldly, "You're sleeping on the floor." I had figured that even if nothing happened, sharing a bed wouldn't be half bad. But she clearly had no intention of letting me touch the mattress. "Um… Leslie, what if Mr. Willis suddenly comes upstairs?" I asked. "We'll deal with it if he does," she said. I was sulking by then. The one paying me was Sergio, not Leslie. For that fee, I was supposed to do what he'd assigned me. What if he docked my pay? The thought steeled me. "Leslie, unless you tell Mr. Willis otherwise, I'm sleeping on the bed. I've taken his money, and I'm not going to say one thing and do another." "You greedy dog who only sees money," she snapped. Her insult stung. Fine, I thought, call me money-hungry. After tomorrow's test, I'd still be the one climbing into your bed. What could you do about it? She cursed me, but she didn't insist I sleep on the floor. She seemed to be a little afraid of Sergio. Maybe it was because he had money. Otherwise, why would a woman that beautiful marry a man who couldn't perform if not for his wealth? The thought made me start to despise her a little. So what if she was pretty? For all I knew, her character was worse than mine. I undressed and went to lie down. Suddenly Leslie seemed to remember something and barred my way. "Take a shower before you get in my bed." "Okay." It wasn't an unreasonable request. I was a stranger, and a rinse was only polite. The master bath was attached to the room. I made myself at home. Inside, a few of Leslie's underthings hung from the rail. One was red lace, super sheer-the kind that leaves little to the imagination. Looking at it, I couldn't help picturing Leslie in it. She was tall, about five-seven, a model's build with those golden proportions. Long pale legs, a figure with all the right curves. In that red lace, she would be dangerously alluring. By then I'd stripped, and my body stirred, heat pooling low. A response was already there. Just then Leslie rushed in. She stopped short at the sight of me naked, and color flooded her face. "Why aren't you wearing anything?" I blinked. "Am I supposed to shower with my clothes on?" She looked ready to retort, then seemed to think better of it. She hurried over to gather her things. I watched her the whole time, thinking, It's just a few undergarments. What are you afraid of? I've already seen you naked, haven't I? She'd just finished when she turned and ran right into me. Almost reflexively, her hand shot out, reaching down toward me…

Chapter 3: A Compromise?

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