PROTECTED [18+]

The building sat on a quiet street in Salamanca, unmarked except for a discreet brass plaque and a single camera above the door. Ignacio stepped out of the car, the night air cool against the tension that had been living in his shoulders for the whole day. José remained behind the wheel, giving him a worried look before driving off.

Sophia met him in the private lounge on the first floor. She was older than him by a few years, sharp-eyed, dressed in black silk that looked effortless. She took one look at his face and poured two glasses of something dark without asking.

“Oh baby, you look like hell,” she said.

“I feel like it.”

She handed him the glass. “Your court co-parenting was today, wasn't it? That why you look like you've died and resurrected?”

“Among other things.” He drank. The burn did nothing to loosen the knot under his ribs. His last relationship had ended an entire year ago yet it still haunted him.

Sophia watched him over the rim of her own glass. "Mmm..." She hummed, "Are you ready to take my offer then?" She asked mischievously. Ignacio looked at her for a quiet moment before chuckling.

"You already know my answer to that, Sophia."

“But I have someone great for you, one of my best actually. She's careful, skilled and doesn’t waste time with theatrics.”

Ignacio shook his head once. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not, and you know it.” She set her glass down. “She’s worth the fee, Ignacio. More than worth it. You’ll leave here lighter, that’s all I’m saying.”

"And you've been saying it for a while now too." He said calmly, a small smile on his lips. Sophia pouted and set the glass down. "Look, you're a really good friend of mine and all I want for you is happiness." She said in a more serious tone. "I'm really worried about you, especially recently." She added.

Ignacio took a long sip that emptied his glass before he too set it down and stretched his arms and legs out with a groan, resting his hands behind his neck on the sofa before answering. "I know, but I'm fine. Thanks for your concern." He said sincerely. A short moment of silence passed between them as they only stared at each other................................

"You know–"

"Urgggg." Ignacio groaned at her voice that he thought had finally agreed to stay quiet and not keep bothering him.

"No....listen to me," Sophia said between laughs at his reaction. "Just once. That's all. I'm a hundred percent certain this girl will make you feel at ease in no time and then I can rest easy knowing you're okay. Please just do it for me.....pretty please with a pretty cherry on top....." Sophia pleaded with wide eyes. Although she was older than him, she still looked really young and cute at times.

Ignacio sighed and shook his head with a light laugh.

"Alright fine." He said.

"Yes!"

"BUT...." He said loudly to get her attention back. "Only if you stop bothering me."

"You have my word, sweetheart." Sophia said in triumphant glee. She got up and walked towards a door.

"Room three, she'll be there in ten minutes.”

She declared to him before shutting the door behind her and left him alone.

---

Layan was finishing the last of her makeup when Sophia appeared in the doorway of the small preparation room. The other women glanced up, then returned to their own routines. Sophia rarely interrupted without reason.

“Layan,” she called, getting the girl's attention. “Let's talk.” She said before leaving the room and going to her office where she waited. Layan followed shortly, closing the door after her entry.

“I have a private client here tonight." Sophia started once Layan had taken a seat. "He’s a friend of mine and has been carrying a lot. I want him taken care of properly. No half-measures.” She added with fondness.

“I called you because I trust you're best for the job, you're my favourite employee too." She admitted with a playful wink, making Layan blush a little. "He’s paying more than anyone has ever paid for a single night here. You’ll see it on your cut. Do what you do best. Make him forget what's eating him.”

Layan studied her boss’ face. Sophia had never once sold her out or looked the other way when a client crossed a line. The memory of the last man who tried was still sharp.

Sophia’s knuckles split the man’s face open, and the police was called. He had tried to force himself on her even after his paid time was over and Layan had no intention of going further.

After the good beating he got from Sophia, he was thrown to the cops and Layan was given a full week of paid leave and quiet check-ins until she was ready to work again. Trust was rare in this life, but Sophia had earned it easy.

“All right,” Layan said. Sofia squeezed her shoulder once with a satisfied smile.

“He’s already inside. Don’t keep him waiting.”