I don't have time to linger...

You consider her request more extended than you should have but ultimately reject her desire. There’s a look of dismay behind her eyes as she realizes she’s being rejected for the underrated part of sex, the afterglow of reminiscing about the pleasure before eventually drifting to sleep with an extreme lover.

Jennifer, or you suppose now under the post clarity reveals to you, (not) Jennifer nods, her eyes drooping as she waves you away with a tired smile. “Thanks, Warren. You were one hell of a client.”

“You weren’t so bad yourself,” you say, scooping your pants and underwear simultaneously. “And for whatever it’s worth, I would have laid with you, but I still have duties.”

“Yeah. yeah,” (not) Jennifer sighs. “Contractors are all business first and pleasure between breaks. I get it… You all have that in common, so I won’t hold it against you.”

“Thanks,” you chuckle, slipping back into your pants after using a rag to clean your now flaccid dick. “I can stay if you were hired for the whole night.”

“Until he’s satisfied,” she smiles and flicks her gaze at you, barely dressed and lazy in the blankets, partially wet from all the sex exercises. “And I think you’re satisfied… I did a good enough job for a decent report, right?”

“Clearly,” you button, zip, and then buckle. “I’ll even pay you a hefty tip if given a chance.”

The escort yawns and closes her eyes. “You already gave me a hefty tip.”

…

..

.

Seven is armed and dressed for the patrol. With him are Fifth-Finger and Softspot, dressed all the same, with armbands to indicate that they’re part of a larger body in an attempt to ward off any other types of possible combatants.

In this circle is Scarlet with Bones, Jennifer, and Doyle. Accompanying you is Przemyslaw, who is drinking a cup of coffee with another stage girl. You don’t know her name, and you don’t bother interrupting his conversation with her to ask.

There’s a lingering smell of cigarette smoke as your separate circle carries a lighter payload than the security detail. You wanted to be a part of it, but…

“Master!” Gwen jumps you from the side in a tight hug. Her sister and then Arabella follow her. The sudden introduction of your original trio comes into view as they individually greet you. The other showgirls and Przemyslaw regard the newcomers with smiles. Your attention is absorbed in your circle, putting the morning patrol and chain of command elsewhere where you greet the foxgirls.

Arabella draws close as she typically does. You’re usually used to Mikko and Gwendolion doing the same, but they become enveloped with the other circus staff. They’ve become more a part of the circus than you thought possible. Arabella takes a small breath and glances at the morning patrol taking their leave.

“What’s going on over there?”

You follow her gaze. “We’re doing patrols throughout the day now. I’m sure there’ll be a meeting about why the contractors will do these operations going forward.”

Arabella gnaws at the corners of her lips as Scarlet crosses her arms and continues to chat with Jennifer, more about business than personal affairs, you’re positive of. “Should I be worried about you?”

“There’s some concern you might want to warrant. Part of the gigs is to do something dangerous every once in a while. Wouldn’t be a contractor if my jobs were easy sailing.”

Arabella looks at you. “I thought you said this was going to be easier for you.”

You look back at her, becoming stern. “This is easier. I haven’t been shot at once this entire time we’ve been here. But that’s not how the jobs I take always go, Arabella. What kind of fucking hired gun would I be if I shied away from everything dangerous?”

“One that won’t get shot,” she retorts in a low voice, careful not to draw the attention of the others. “Can I at least know what you’ve gotten yourself into that should worry me?”

“I’m running night patrols alone.”

“You’re kidding me,” Arabella says, her voice depicting disbelief. “You aren’t serious, master.”

Before you even respond, she knows that you are and sighs as her lips drip into a frown. “I do best when I’m alone. Besides, Scarlet can’t hurt you if anything happens to me. The circus needs you.”

There’s some comfort in your words, but the idea of losing you frightens Arabella, so you wrap an arm around her and hug her. “You’re fine, kid. Don’t worry too much. I’ve done and survived worse. This is nothing.”

In the background, the twins laugh as Przemyslaw bellows with a booming voice. The other girls with them are laughing, too. “Why don’t you chat with the others?”

“I don’t like the others,” Arabella moans. “I just want to talk to you.”

The circle with Scarlet and the others disperses, and you see Jennifer, flanked by Scarlet, coming over. Arabella nudges you. “We don’t have anything going on today. Can you please hang out with me? I miss you.”