A Maiden Gamble
by Sydney Michelle © Omphale Press, 2001
Part X
Sharon paced nervously around the studio, re-checking countless details, camera and light placement, backdrops, her dress and makeup. She stopped by Tomas for the umpteenth time. "Are we ready to go?"
"I'm still uploading and setting up the links. I'll be ready before we go live, at least if you stop interrupting me." Tomas glanced at his wife, a twinkle in his eyes. "Take a deep breath and settle down. It will go fine. As if anyone would know otherwise. You look fine, so fine. When this is over, I'll take you to the suite and make you feel oh so fine."
Sharon's face brightened and she ran her hands over the hips of the red sequined dress. She placed a hand to the back of her head, fingers supporting the curls piled above the French Roll. The emerald drops shook behind her strawberry blonde tendrils. "Really, Big Boy? Ya gonna come up and see me some time?"
"Careful. A little more of that and your makeup will be a mess when the camera picks you up. But who could tell the way your skin glows and your eyes sparkle?"
"I bet you say that to all your women." Sharon's rear gave a little shimmy.
"Just my wife. Now go sit. Read the script, or better yet, close your eyes and visualize the bid numbers going up as Maria does her thing."
Sharon couldn't help opening the door to the dressing area. Marilyn intercepted her glance. "How's the patient?"
"Nervous. Or she would be if we weren't keeping her busy. Sylvia's fussing with her hair, Meredith's getting her in her gown. DeeDee's holding her hand, telling her how beautiful she is."
"Does she buy it?"
"Hasn't thrown up yet. She'll be fine. Now go relax. She'll do her bits well enough."
"I hope so." Marilyn settled into the director's chair, trying to focus on her center, trying to drive the million details that could go wrong from her mind. Gradually the hubbub faded back, the images of frantic activity faded from her eyelids, replaced with a royal blue field flashing with golden sparks.
Her eyes flew open as Mimi's nails lightly touched her arm. "Excuse me, Miz DelaCruz, but it's ten to seven and Tomas wants you to know he's about to bring up the site's login and chat pages. Is that alright?"
"Of course. Is everything in position?"
"They're completing the sound checks now. Can I get Sylvia for you?"
"Am I mussed?"
"Just a last check before you go on."
"Please." Sharon watched the flaxen secretary's very round hips sway across the floor as she went for the beautician. Almost the perfect secretary. I will hate for her to go when she's a married bang tail. But she can't have kids, so maybe she'll stay on. Good help is so hard to find. Thank goodness.
Mimi returned with Sylvia in tow before Sharon could return to mood indigo. Sylvia had her tool box in hand, powders, glosses and seemingly a hundred brushes. "Let's top you off. Hmm. A little lip gloss, you've been pursing those lips, a little powder to reduce the shine and you'll be fine. Sit back. Relax!"
Sharon's head tilted back, eyes closed, waiting for the soft brush. "How can I relax when everybody keeps saying, 'Relax!' It just makes me nervous."
"I know, Dear. But when you hit your mark, you'll be fine. What's your first line?"
"Welcome to, to . . . God! What is it?"
Sylvia brushed powder on her face. "They say it's all on the prompter, Dear. What's her line, Mimi? Make a moue."
"Welcome to the initial webcast of 'Your Very Personal Service,' providing contract clericals, entertainers and servants for very special clients. Tonight we introduce a new auction service . . ."
"Time, Miz DelaCruz. Take your mark so we get a good focus and quick color check."
Sylvia patted Sharon's arm, indicating she was finished. Sharon stood on the tape, mike in hand, blinking into the camera eye. Confused, flustered she glanced around, finding Tomas at the computer, giving her the high sign. She settled down, finding the clock, the monitors beneath showing the site home page and chat screen. Three, four, of the invited bidders were logged in. "Into the mike, please."
"Test, test, one, two, three. Eeck! Water please." A glass appeared, Sharon sipped, Sylvia applied a quick swipe. "Test, test, one, two, three. How's that?"
"Fine. Just hold the mike a little closer to your chin. And move that light a foot right so the sequin shine doesn't blind the camera. Try it again." Kathryn Koch's disembodied, melodious voice floated out of the dark.
"Test, test, . . ."
"That's fine. Sixty seconds to air, everybody. Cue the subject."
"No, let her wait until I finish. No point in her getting nervous and I want everyone logged in before she comes out."
"You're the boss."
Sharon shifted her weight nervously, toes pinched by the new high heels. She glanced at Tomas who blew her a kiss. She glanced at the chat screen. Five in. The streamer screen had a blue on gold wind down clock, showing twelve.
"Ten seconds to air, everybody. Five, four, three, two, one."
"Good evening y buenas noches, ladies and gentlemen, senores y senoras. Welcome to the initial webcast of 'Your Very Personal Service,' providing contract clericals, entertainers and servants for very special clients. Tonight we introduce a new auction service with a very unique placement." The last one's on line. "Maria is a natural wheat blonde, nicely endowed, trained and eager to please, speaks some Spanish, cooks, cleans, does windows, and will polish all your equipment. She has good secretarial skills and, as you will see, entertainment potential. She will be placed on a five year contract to one of tonight's six bidders. For her introduction, we have a series of photos before she performs for you, live."
Tomas kicked off the slides. Maria looking sophisticated, proper, playful, in a swim suit and lingerie, pert breasts on display. Lots of big smiles and big hair, at least as much as six or seven inches and a postiche could create. Sharon was amazed at how well Maria had turned out. The last slide faded, Maria's head back, a ruff of curls around her head, mouth open in a laugh, a phallic popsicle at her red lips. "First the bidding rules. The minimum bid is $25,000, American. Bid increments must be at least $500. The bidding will be open through the chat room for the duration of Maria's performance and for a short response period to bulletin board questions. I will give warning when we enter the final bidding. Due to transmission delays, a two minute period without a new bid will signal me to call for last bids. There will be fifteen second pause on the streamer and a posting in chat between calls. But the final call can only be based on when I signal the end of the bidding here, so do not delay a final bid. And now for your bidding, Miss Maria."
Camera B tracked Maria's parade to the blue zone, smiling a pageant smile, steady in four inch heels as the slit silver lame gown whisked around her ankles. Her hair was swept up, worked into curls at the crown, sparkling rhinestones dangling from her ears. Her nails were crimson tipped, the single shoulder swept bodice showed her cleavage nicely. You'd think she was happy to be sold. Maybe it's better than the suspense.
Maria began her turns in the blue zone, the background replaced on screen by a seaside villa piazza. She remembered every pose, turning by eighths, always looking into the camera, keeping the memory of her last night with DeeDee in the corner of her mind for that inner glow. When she finished, she smiled as she walked forward, picked up the mike. The music began to swell and she struck a pose, looking upward wistfully. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the third bid post on the chat room screen, $35,000. Sell the song, sell yourself. Maria picked up the lyrics to "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," an easy range and a chance to let any sadness out. She followed Lyra's posing instructions, chin up, head profile, chest out. Work the words, let the mike handle the volume. The music faded, she stepped back into a deep curtsey, holding position, hands out, letting the camera linger on her cleavage.
She stood up, glanced at the chat screen, $50,000, smiled into the camera. "Y por los rancheras hermosas." The music picked up, cuing "La Paloma Blanca." A perennial chestnut, but this was business, not art. And it was fitting, her lost bird of freedom.
Marilyn glanced at Maria, grateful she worked the songs as hard as her limited training allowed, turned back to the screens. Each bidder had at least one bid, the Valley School for Young Women starting the $25,00 minimum. Bids had increased by $5,000 then $2,500. La Vida Rosa posted a bid of $57,500. Maria would wrap her tonsils around more than a mike if La Vida hung in there. Marilyn relaxed. She would recover costs and losses if Maria brought $65,000. It had been way more expensive than she had estimated to turn Anton into Maria.
The ranchera widower bid an even sixty thou. The bidding stopped. The streamer cut back to Sharon on Camera A. "As you can see, our pretty bird can provide nighttime entertainment. Perhaps not Vegas standards, but quite decent in your parlor. And now we will show she can provide a range of fine arts. By the magic of digital recording, we have Miss Maria to dance for your entertainment." Sharon glanced at the chat screen as Tomas cut in the belly dance footage. The bid had not changed. The girl's school was probably out, the ranchera family had last bid at $50,000. The two Mexico City businessman had barely bid, a disappointment since Sharon thought they and La Vida were the most promising prospects.
Maria huddled off camera while Sylvia reflexively powdered her face. Between sips of water, she gasped, "How was I? Was I any good? Oh, they hate me, I know."
Lyra hugged her shoulders. "You were just fine, Honey. No one could expect better. Ol' Hank would have been proud."
Mercedes rubbed her shoulders. "You're lovely, Dear. And you did so well on your tape. You don't have anything to worry about."
"Oh, that tape! You're sure green is my color? And what if that makes that, that 'La Vida Rosa' the only one who will buy me?"
DeeDee wrapped her arms around Maria's waist, snuggled her chin on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Lambkins. You're too beautiful to parade in front of a bunch of drunks. Pearls before swine and all that. You'll be la duena for some family's children, performing after dinner for the grandee's friends and la senora keeping her men away from your bedroom. I wish, I . . ."
Maria reached back to pat DeeDee's head. "I know. It would be sweet. I just wish I didn't have to go through this next part."
"Just smile for me, Lambkins. Just strip for me, turn me on."
Sharon watched the vid roll. The high pitched whine of Near Eastern strings, the thump of drums and whistle of flutes announced the start of the dance. Columns and pillows filled the back of the screen, a fountain splashing behind them in the low light. With a flurry of drum beats, Maria was summoned onto the screen, arms covered with bangles, face veiled, the veil end thrown over a little tambour hat. A silken coat trailed behind, offering a bare glimpse of green diaphanous silks and bangled ankles above bare feet. She faced the camera, knelt and salaamed, hands pressed together. Her deeply mascaraed eyes sparkled over her veil.
The flutes twilled, the strings sang. Maria rose and turned, shedding her coat to provide the first provocative glimpses of bare skin. God, I've got to take lessons from Mitzi. Much more of this, and I'd want to hunch Maria myself. A lesson or two and Tomas would climb the wall. Maria's hair was supplemented with a matching switch, for what was a belly dancer without silken tresses trailing down her back? The end swayed across her hips as she undulated, her arms rolling through the snake, fingers extended and rolling in time to display her scarlet talons. A quarter turn and she bent to begin the hand rolls, slowly bending back as the hands came up, her back level with the floor thanks to bent knees as the hands rotated above her head. The switch hung down, the end just above the floor.
Sharon cast a glance at Tomas. His mouth hung loose as he stared intently at the streamer scream. Good thing she's going to be far, far away. After this, my Tomas might be just a little to eager to help train Maria in the finer points of fellatio.
She glanced at the chat screen. $65,000. $67,500. Mexico City was back in. Monterrey was still alive.
Maria fronted the camera, hands above her head, face turned away. Her belly shivered and shook, she concentrated on her belly rolls, undulations centered on her navel, males visualizing being milked by the movements. Her hips rotated, a little stiff, virginal, before she rolled her hips. A full turn, and Maria pulsated her hips, the silken covering shimmering from the swaying hips under the trimmed dancing pants. The girdle jiggled and popped, the promise of a full buck ride made explicit.
The music slowed, became almost syncopated. Maria gamboled around the set, moving with grace, extending and pointing her toes, bending and moving to the music as her shoulders shimmied. She removed her top as she moved. When she faced the camera again, she executed a full body shake, arms, shoulder, hips jiggling to frantic rhythms. Bent back, her breasts shook, rose and fall with her torso. There could be no doubt those sweet mounds were the real thing.
She unwrapt her veil, straightened, threw her head forward to a crescendo. She crossed her ankles, slipped to the floor, bending forward, palms together, bowing her head to the unseen audience. Her bosom heaved from deep breaths in the shadows of her arms. She looked up, face bare, eyes sparkling, smile broad, then rose and skipped off the screen.
Sharon glanced at the chat screen. Still $67,500. She glanced at Tomas. Had they lost communication? Tomas shrugged.
The screen came alive, $70,000, $75,000. A flurry of bids, now in increments of a thousand. The bidding stood at $82,000 from La Vida Rosa. The ranchera family was out. Monterrey had bid eighty, the widower eighty-one. Sharon glanced at Marilyn who was grinning broadly. At least Maria will have a little nest egg from this.
The light over Camera A came on. "Wasn't she wonderful? And thank you for your interest. Before we continue, and you will get to see up close that Miss Maria's, uhm, assets are genuine, let me go over the payment and shipping provisions. You have all been provided copies of the contracts and your electronic signatures are on file. The completed contract will be forwarded back to you tonight. You will make a deposit in the bank and account specified in the auction instructions you have been given tomorrow. After three business days, with the deposit confirmed, Miss Maria will be crated and shipped to the address you specify, F.O.B. Las Vegas. You will pay the $250 crating fee with your payment, air freight upon delivery.
"If you do not make timely deposit, or the deposit notice is not honored, then we will contact the next bidder for contract assignment at their last bid. If upon receipt, your examination is not satisfactory, you may return her in the same crate at your freight costs for a refund. Twenty four hours after receipt without notice of return, your option is to re-sell her contract. I remind you the contract is for five year's service, room, board, clothes, medical care, and shares or pocket money."
Mitzi Zorne hugged Maria. "You were wonderful. They loved you. For a novice, you have a wonderful instinct. When you're done, come back and I'll make a place for you in my review."
Maria hugged Mercedes. "Thank you. It's nice to be wanted."
"But now you have heard her sing, seen her dance. For those who inquired we provided clerical skills test results. Now she will show off her personal charms, no padding, no implants, no hair dye. Miss Maira?"
Mitzi patted Maria's shoulder, kissed her hair. "Go get 'em, Kid. Knock 'em dead. Break a leg."
Maria straightened her shoulders, walked back to the blue stage. She smiled as Mercedes had taught her, but the bars moving into position sent a shiver up her spine even as she came to a halt. DeeDee walked up behind her, dressed in black leather pants and vest and white blouse.
"Mistress, help Miss Maria."
"Let Me Entertain You" complemented the red velvet curtain background projection as Maria held out her arm, smiling, ever smiling. DeeDee removed her bracelet, then her glove. She handed the item to a Mimi off screen. Maria placed her bare arm on her hip, raised the remaining glove high as DeeDee moved behind her. She lowered her arm and DeeDee rolled the glove down the arm. "I hate this," she hissed through clenched teeth.
"You're doing fine, Lambkins. Just look at me." Maria turned her head, looked up at DeeDee's big brown eyes. Her smile relaxed, deepened. "That's it Lambkins. We're back in the room, and you'll be in my arms in a little while."
Maria turned showing the roundness of her bottom under the trim gown. DeeDee lowered the side zipper and the back peeled down and back, exposing the tight pink flesh. Maria turned her head, formed an "O" with her lips, reached back to raise the back and turned around.
"Dammit, she's making it up."
"It's alright. DeeDee will get her through it. And they must love it."
Sharon peeked at the chat room. Nary a new bid. "You think so?"
"If it's quiet, they're hooked. When she's done, they'll bid her up."
DeeDee peeled down the shoulder strap, a glimpse of breasts revealed as the bodice dropped. Maria stroked DeeDee's cheek, turned back around and let the gown slide down to her waist, revealing the Merry Widow underneath.
"You should have cut and kept her. She's a natural tease. She'd have packed them in."
"Including her friends, I'm afraid."
Maria stepped up and out, revealing seamed stockings and silver stiletto heels. DeeDee tossed the gown aside. Maria stood still, her upswept crown curls giving just a hint of Betty Grable, but with less curve. The camera played lovingly up and down her body before pulling back to a full shot.
Maria looked over her shoulder, smiled, stepped out of one shoe, then the other. DeeDee unsnapped her hose before she turned sideways, extended a leg, bent to roll the stocking down to a trim ankle. Legs bare, she turned back to allow DeeDee to unzip her foundation. The boned material parted, displaying a bra strap and panties. DeeDee peeled the material around her hips, sliding it down her legs to form a pool at her ankles. Maria stepped high, over the pile before turning back, covering her breasts with her arms, pulling a leg before her crotch. DeeDee tossed the Merry Widow to Mimi as Maria stepped forward, head down, then knelt, arms crossed. Her peachy bosom could not be hidden, the rhinestone pin in her curls sparkled, her long lashes were appealing. Maria looked almost virginal, demure, innocent as she tried to conceal her charms. The effect was surprisingly natural to have been so thoroughly rehearsed.
"Mistress, our bidders will want to see here assets are not enhanced."
DeeDee extended a hand and maria rose. She turned her back and DeeDee unhooked the snaps. The strap fell away. Maria turned, holding the bra to her breasts. DeeDee reached out and touched her hands. Maria let them drop away, the pink orbs revealed to the camera, the rosy teats pert and erect. It was simply breathtaking.
The light on Camera A came back on. "There you have it, Senores y Senoras. Maria's assets are definitely her own, a unique example of a willing if apprehensive servant. You cannot possibly let this beautiful maid pass you by. Maria awaits only your guidance to blossom into a beautiful, devoted servant. Senores y Senoras, we await your pleasure before we continue."
The chat rom flickered to life, bids and re-bids appearing on the screen. Mexico City made the initial bid, Monterrey was out, and the widower stood as top bid at $90,000. Marilyn could barely restrain herself.
"Gracias, Senores. Now Maria will display her flexibility."
The bars were set up before a number of potted plants, an artificial turf mat on the floor. DeeDee led her to the bars, held her torso while twined her arms around the top bar. A nod directed DeeDee to stand back. Maria raised a leg, catching the lower bar behind her knee, pulling the calf up tight so the pointed toes slipped in front of the middle bar. The long hours of stretches paid off as she worked her other leg through the bars, then pulled her head back and smiled. Her bare breasts pushed up and out, the nipples standing erect, almost begging to be caressed.
After a few moments, DeeDee stood close supporting her torso, helping her unwind on leg then the other. "Almost done, Lambkins. I'm so proud I could just kiss you."
"I almost wish you would. Sweep me away into the mountains and keep me safe from the world. But Marilyn would never stand for it and we'd both be on the block."
Maria untwined her last arm, moved forward, hand held high in DeeDee's. When she hit her mark, her arms folded across her breasts and knelt, waiting for the table to be rolled forward.
DeeDee helped Maria onto the knee high baize round table. She spread her knees out, crossed her ankles behind and bent backwards. Her head touched the baize, her arms lifted up and spread out. She raised her hips until her knees rose off the table. She held the position, panty front smooth, her privates taped up under, no excitement possible under the psychic tension and mild pain. Her hairless legs, her trim ankles, her rounds breasts clearly free of surgeon's scars.
"There you have it, Senores. A limberness that had to be seen to be believed. Surely the service of such a nimble beauty for five years is worth more than ninety thousand? What is your pleasure?" La Vida punched in $91,000, the widower $92,500. "Is that all, Senores? Is there no more spark than that?" Desperately Sharon hope for a bid from Mexico City. La Vida responded with $95,000.
"Very well. For the final calls, we will answer questions submitted on the message board. First, 'Is she a real blonde?' I assure you, both you and her hairdresser know her real hair color. But to reassure you, there is another peek." Sharon pressed lightly on Maria's knee, pulling her back erect. She nodded and DeeDee peeled down her panties to reveal her bush, a bit damp with sweat but truly blonde.
"Next, 'Maria is supposed to be fully equipped, but we have seen nothing. Is she fully functional?' Mistress?" DeeDee helped Maria down from the table, peeled her panties down to her ankles. She reached underneath, spreading her legs, undoing the tape. Maria's privates dropped into view, limp from their confinement. "I believe the request was for assurance she is 'fully functional?' Mistress?"
DeeDee moved close behind, wrapping her arms around Maria's waist. "I'm sorry, Lambkins. Focus on me." DeeDee's fingers lipped downwards as her mouth nibbled Maria's neck. Maria stretched an arm back, hand caressing DeeDee's smooth Twist. Her prong stiffened, then responded as DeeDee's fingers slid through her bush. DeeDee's other hand cupped her breast, the nipple becoming more pointed and prominent. Maria's prong pointed forward, straightening under DeeDee's touch. She arched, closed her eyes, moved her head to rub her cheek against DeeDee, her color starting to rise.
"Ahem. I believe that illustrates the point, Mistress. Understand the functionality is somewhat limited. Let's see, what entertainment talents does she possess? This must have come early. You have seen she can sing and dance and could easily learn rhythmic gymnastic routines. You do not play any instruments, do you Maria?" Maria shook her head. "No. I thought not."
"Can she cook? I believe we said yes. Tell our viewers some of your dishes, Maria."
"Breakfasts, including omelettes. Steaks and chops of course. Stew and chili. Vegetables al dente. And I'll try anything from a cook book."
"So she won't burn the water. Let's see. 'Does she sew?' I guess that comes under the heading of 'She cooks, and sews and all the girls love her.' We just covered cooking and she will be loving. Do you sew, Maria?"
"I have not had time to learn. But I would."
"There you have it the complete domestic. Let's see. 'Does she go . . .' Let's see how to phrase this. Maria, would you give a man full and complete service? Your body and orally?"
Maria blushed. "Must I answer?"
"See, Senores, she is discreet. But yes, you can have no secrets from those you serve."
"I am bound to serve. I would hope he were tender and gentle and patient."
"That's all one can ask for. I assure you, Senores, Maria is not only discrete, but she has received training in the matter. Kind and gentle treatment will be rewarded."
"Finally, 'How old is she?' Well, perhaps we can allow a lady some discretion on that. However, you are old enough to contract, aren't you?"
"Si. I am young enough to learn, old enough to know discretion and obedience are the best parts of valor. Actually I am twenty-three."
"And she doesn't look a day over eighteen. Well there was that one picture . . .
"That is the end of the questions. Therefore I must call for final bids. La Vida Rosa stands atop the board at $95,000. Valley School, we have not heard from you for awhile. And Monterrey, you have been quiet for almost fifteen thousand dollars now. Ranchero Ombres, you have been quiet, and Ciudad Mexico, you sat out the last round. Now is the time to bid if you wish to have the services of this beautiful, versatile and eager servant. Ranchero de las Platas, La Vida Ross has outbid you by $2,500. Surely you will not let that stand? Good help is hard to find in the Sierras.
"I have issued a last call for bids, so the two minute rule for no bids is in effect. The two minutes start now. Do not wait until the last minute and let this beautiful bird fly away from your grasp."
Tomas started the count down clock on the streamer screen. He pumped the volume on the Righteous Brothers Greatest Hits. "Unchained Melody" flowed across the net.
Maria covered herself with her hands and thighs, unconsciously assuming the pose of "The Greek Slave." The shame, the fear of the sale flooded in as she waited for bids to come in, the fear of being sold to a Cantina causing her bile to rise. Please, please God, I did wrong and I'm paying, but please not a whore! She turned by quarters, now totally exposed to the cold eye of the camera. Neck, breasts, buttocks, thighs, ankles, all were exposed to view of any who were logged in. Were others watching, recording, preparing to broadcast her shame across the globe?
Maria glanced at the chat screen. $95,500. Thank goodness!
"Thank you, Los Platas! A minimal increase but a valid bid. Do we have another? Ciudad de Mexico? La Vida?" Please not La Vida. She has been so good.
"Ebb Tide" started up in the background, a new song for a new time count. Maria continued to turn slowly. DeeDee squeezed her hand as she faced away from the camera, trying to give some assurance that everything would turn out alright. The support group inched in, Katherine frantically shooing them back away from the camera view lines. At ninety seconds, La Vida's new bid of $97,500 appeared on screen. Maria almost sagged as she read the bidder name.
"Gracias, La Vida. A robust bid for someone who can pack them in. We now stand at $97,500. Do I see ninety-eight? What about you, Los Platas? Or you Ciudad de Mexico? The two minutes begins now."
"You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" started up. Maria could barely turn. She looked up at DeeDee, her eyes starting to tear. I can imagine my fate, a belly dance on stage followed by dancing bellys in the rear. Bobbing for apples on every drunk kid down to lose his virginity, ten dollars a pop, three for twenty-five. Diseased within a year, dying when my contract's up if not before. If I'm lucky, I'll be bought by some drug lord with weird tastes. Lucky? I'd know too much so there'd be no end to that contract, or a quick end in the desert, a bullet at the base of the skull before being left for the buzzards and the coyotes.
At sixty seconds, Maria took a deep breath. "Mistress? May I speak?"
Sharon was almost visibly relieved. "Of course. Senores, Miss Maria wishes to speak to you. Miss Maria."
"Senores y Senoras, por favor. Buenos Noches. I speak a little Spanish and will learn more. But most of all I am willing to serve and please a gentle master as best I can, to do what I can to make your life easier and more pleasant. To dance, to sing, to listen, to care for you as best suits your needs. Buy my contract, Senores, and I will serve you faithfully, discretely. Gracias, mis patrons."
Maria handed the microphone back to Sharon, stepped back, knelt, crossing her hands over her breasts. She lowered her head, hoping the welling tears would not show.
"Excellent, Maria. There you have it, direct from lips. Surely you will not let her go on this last bid. Los Platas? Restart the clock."
Almost immediately Los Platas entered a new bid, $98,000. "Gracias, Los Platas. Two minutes. The time ticked off, The Temptations "My Girl" floating out. At ninety seconds, La Vida entered another bid, $100,000. Maria gasped when she saw the bid.
"One hundred thousand! Gracias, La Vida. Gentlemen, do we have another bid? Given the limited response, the time limit will now be one minute, starting now. Los Platas?"
Maria sagged against DeeDee's leg. Three, four days tops, by buns will be in the air, my mouth permanently sucking a knob. How many tricks will I have to turn to pay back $100,000? And interest? High interest? She hardly heard "Let It Be Me."
"Are there any more bids? If not, I am issuing final call. With fifteen second intervals. Going once to La Vida Rosa for $100,000." Maria watched the clock count down to zero. "Last and final call, going twice to La Vida Rosa at $100,000." The clock ticked down. Ten, nine . . .
A new bid registered on the screen. "We have a new bid. $105,0000 from Ciudad de Mexico. We certainly haven't heard from you for awhile. Are there any other bids? This is the final call, going once to Mexico City for $105,000. Final call, fifteen seconds." Maria's heart rested in her throat, hoping against hope that La Vida would back down. "Last and final call, going twice to Ciudad de Mexico for $105,000. Are there any other bids?" The clock ticked down, five, four, three, two, one. "Sold! Bidding is closed! Sold to the bidder from Ciudad de Mexico for $105,000. We and Maria thank you for your interest tonight."
Maria sagged against DeeDee's leg, sobbing in relief.
"Muchas gracias, Senores y Senoras. That concludes our program for tonight. Should the contract be awarded differently, we will contact the next bidder by e-mail." Please, no, for Maria's sake. "Buenos noches y good night." Sharon lowered the mike, smiling into the camera.
Kathryn's fingers counted down off camera. "That's it, people. We're done."
Sharon sagged, staggering for her director's chair. Tomas looked up, worried, even as his fingers flew over the keyboard. "Honey, are you alright?"
"Just exhausted. Relieved. Are we really done?"
"Almost. Site's down, the backup's of the log ons and bidding sequence are done. I just have to run backups of the live shots and we close up while Katie's team loads their equipment. No more air time, at least. Fifteen more minutes and Slaves'4'U's first session is history."
Maria approached Sharon timidly, arms crossed over her breasts, eyes streaked. "Is it done, Mistress? Am I really sold? Not to the Cantina?"
Sharon smiled at the trembling blonde. "Yes, Maria, it's done. There's paperwork to be completed, of course, but you are now a valued slave. A partnership, I believe. You did well, and I'm sure they will treat you well."
Maria began to shake with sobs, head bent down as she crumpled to her knees. Marilyn strode up behind. "Here! None of that. What's wrong?"
Maria bent and shook, barely able to speak. "I, I'm sorry, Mistress, but . . ." More sobs and tears. "But, but, I'm a slave! And I'm scared! I was almost sold to, to a, a brothel!"
Marilyn bent down beside her. "Now, now. You weren't. You knew four months ago your services would be sold. And Mistress Sharon told me before the bidding that your buyer is one of your best matches. Now no more tears. Understand?"
Maria bent to Marilyn, head on her shoulder, seeking to be held, comforted. "I'm so sor-or-ry, Mistress, but . . ." Tears wet Marilyn's blouse. "But what will become of me? I want to stay with you, with DeeDee, and KiKi, and Sylvia, and Miss Rania and Lyra. What'll I do without all of you?"
Marilyn stroked Maria's head, looking thoroughly confused. "We'll all miss you too, Maria, but it's for the best. Just as a bride goes off to make a home and leaves her family behind, you must go forth and make the best of it." Marilyn pushed Maria back, holding her by the shoulders. "You will please your new masters, anyone would be pleased with you. And you will learn new things, do new things. In a month or two we will be like a foggy dream. But tonight, DeeDee can be with you to comfort you if you want."
Maria nodded. "Please, Mistress. I don't want to be alone tonight."
Marilyn looked at DeeDee. "Take her to the Silver Palace, Deborah. I reserved a bridal suite. Be slow and gentle with her tonight."
DeeDee knelt beside Maria. "Lambkins, I'm here. Do you want your gown? You looked so nice in it. Or do you just want a robe?"
Maria swallowed hard, looked up, blew her nose. "A robe. I, I don't think I have enough energy to get back into my gown. Just take me home."
DeeDee lifted her up, covering her with her arm as best she could. "Sylvia, could you get her makeup robe from the green room?"
Maria stood, her face nestled between DeeDee's breasts until Sylvia returned with the robe. She put it on, shy, covering her nakedness and vulnerability, then moved away under DeeDee's arm, headed barefoot for the limo, her trainers trailing behind.
Sharon turned to Tomas. "We done?"
"One minute more. You going anywhere?"
"Just to bed with you. I suddenly need to be held very close, very gently."
Marilyn looked at the retreating pair. "I don't understand it. A snippy little card shark, not worth the powder and ball it would take to kill him. So why am I feeling sorry for her now?"
Kathryn strode up to Sharon. "We'll be wrapped up here in five minutes. I'll lock up behind if you want to leave."
Sharon nodded. "As soon as you're done, Tomas, Sweetheart." She looked up at Marilyn. "Because maybe you made more than a proto-woman out of Anton. Maybe, just maybe, you turned Maria into a lady."
"All wrapped up, Honey. Let's go. There's champagne on ice at the hotel. And a warm bath, your best perfume, and a back rub."
"Thank you, Tomas. Every now and then, you remind me why I married you." Maria slipped her arm under Tomas's and walked off, her head on his shoulder, the computer carts trailing behind.
"They're a pair, aren't they."
"They really are. Every once in a while, I really miss Bennie. Tonight's gonna be one of those times. Let's get locked up and get outta here."
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