Clockwork Courtesan Ch. 01 - Lila

All of the characters in this story are 18 or older.

Lila used to dream about romance, love, and happily ever after.

She would lay in the field of wildflowers that sprawled beside her family's estate. The scent of wildflowers--honeysuckle, lavender, and fresh grass--would fill the air. Each inhale carried a vivid essence of spring. In this field she would lie on the soft ground and gaze at white, puffy clouds in the sky above.

There, underneath the warmth of the golden sun, she would daydream about attending the grand dances held at the grand hall every Saturday night. Dressed in the most lavish taffeta or silk gowns with ivory colored gloves and sparkling jewels that glistened brightly against her creamy skin. Her chocolate brown hair pinned up in spiral curls that perfectly framed her delicate face like a Vermeer portrait. A small touch of red rouge brushed against her cheeks and lips to accentuate her already natural beauty. Perfume with the scent of roses that clung to her neck and lingered as she passed the most handsome male suitors.

Yes- it was the same dream every time. She could hear the soft ruffles of lavish gowns on the floor, the taps of soles from polished shoes, and soft music that gave a certain ambiance of romance. Lila would promenade with other beautiful ladies as they giggled at the excitement of the many gentlemen glancing their way. Merriment and laughter would fill the atmosphere. Handsome men would respectfully approach, swarming like moths to a flame as they gave gentle bows and politely introduced themselves.

A particular gentleman, tall and very handsome, would approach Lila, introducing himself with a soft and inviting smile as he grabbed her dainty hand to place on it the most delicate kiss. She would hold her fan to her chest, fingers slightly trembling as she gracefully lowered for a curtsey, just like she had practiced in front of her mirror more times than she could count. Her eyes would lower to the floor before glancing back up to her handsome suitor through long eyelashes; eyes sparkling with fascination as she rose.

"My lady, I would be delighted if you would grant me the honor of a dance."

Lila's friends would giggle and whisper behind her as she took his arm, letting him lead her to the dance floor. Her heart would beat so dangerously loud in her chest, she would swear it would burst. Her suitor would carefully place one hand on the small of her back as he pulled her into a deliciously intimate closeness. The other hand would delicately hold hers to lead her in a waltz on the white marble floor.

Time would slow and yet simultaneously move ever so quickly. They would lose themselves under the dim lighting of the golden chandeliers above, quickly falling in love as they twirled to lovely song after enchanting song. They would converse about a mutual love of music, the arts, and a desperate desire for adventure of the unknown world.

As the last notes of the waltz came, Lila would smile up at him, hiding an oncoming sorrow to the closing of a lovely evening. She would express to how much she enjoyed their time spent together before giving a gentle curtsey, lowering herself slower than usual to quickly blink away arriving tears. As she rose, she would begin turning to return to her forgotten friends, before feeling the warmth of a familiar hand intertwined with hers.

"I hardly know you," he would confess softly, his voice laced with longing, "but I know in my heart I am already in love with you. I cannot bear the thought of a moment without you by my side."

Lila would lightly gasp as she felt the world stop spinning around her. Without uttering a single word, she would nod, accepting in her heart his declaration of love. Together they would walk arm in arm out of the grand town hall.

They would go on to marry and have a brood of many beautiful children, raising them with love and joy. Their final years would come to an end, passing on to the land of milk and honey in their bed as they held each other with tender affection and an enduring love that would never fade.

But sadly, life doesn't always turn out the way we want.

Lila now clung to that fading dream like a precious thread as she laid under a man who was not her adoring husband. In fact, she had only met this man 10 minutes prior to their coupling.

Gone was the scent of rose scented perfume, wildflowers, even the smell of the delicious pastries that her mother would ask the cook to prepare for a Sunday treat. The smell that now permeated her nose was one of sweat and cheap brandy.

The sheets she was laid on scratched at her skin, feeling rough and abrasive underneath her. Her gaze remained unfocused at the faded, peeling wallpaper as she concentrated on her breathing. She took in short, deep inhales as the corset that was cinched ever too tightly around her waist, combined with the size and weight of the pot-bellied man having his way with her, stripped her of her ability to properly breathe. Her legs were spread wide as she felt his cock thrust into her.

His movements were non rhythmic, no doubt inhibited by his drunken state. Her breasts were flattened to her chest as she felt the curly hairs on his scratch at her. He breathed heavily in her ears as he moved from one lobe to the other, planting sloppy kisses across her neck. Her hands that were raised above her tightened their grips on the bed rails; his pace increasing to cause the frame to bang against the wall.

"Shit Lila" he slurred, running his calloused hands down her thighs to pull them up towards Lila's torso and hook them under his arms. Lila winced as his thrust became rougher and faster, but still lacking any ounce of rhythm. The gas lamp that was dimmed low on the wall above her shook and flickered violently with each bang from the bed frame. He sloppily raised himself onto his hands, allowing Lila a brief moment of proper breath. Sweat pooled on his forehead, forming salty droplets that dripped down onto her face and chest.

She forced herself to look at him, emitting the most sincere smile she could muster. "Oh good sir, I've never had a cock quite as..... superior as yours."

The man moaned loud, his body beginning to shake from exertion. Lila released her grip from the bed frame, her palms throbbing as she lowered her hands to her sweat covered breasts. She stared up at him as she pushed them together and tweaked her nipples between her long nailed thumbs and index fingers. She heard a wild shout as he collapsed on top of her, causing Lila to groan as the breath was knocked out of her. His large body spasmed, and Lila felt his member twitch as ropes of cum shot inside of her. His loud, heaving breathing shifted to a faint wheeze as he rolled himself onto his back; his round, hairy belly jiggling with each movement.

Lila slowly sat up and wiped his sweat from her face with the back of her hand. She glanced over her shoulder at the man. He laid there contently, a toothless smile perched upon his stubbled face as his cock softened to a... smaller state. Lila stood up, fastening the front of her chemise as she walked over to a small, cherry colored table with a basin of water placed on it. She dipped her hands into the cool water and splashed her face, then grabbed a small cloth to dip it into the same water, using the cloth to wipe down her body and clean herself between her legs.

She tossed the cloth into the basin then looked up at the silver clock above her. "Well my darling, how about I go fetch us some more brandy?" she purred as she picked up the basin from the table. Lila's smile faded as she turned to see the man still in his naked, drunken stupor on the bed. A faint snore escaped his lips, his belly slowly rising and lowering with each steady breath. Lila sighed as she placed the basin back on the small table. She moved stealthily to the hill of clothes on the floor just under the man's arm that hung off of the bed. She lowered herself to the flood and carefully searched his pockets, finally touching what felt like a leather coin pouch. She gripped it tightly, careful to keep the coins from making a sound.

She undid the drawstring and used her nails to delicately pull out two shillings. One thing about Lila, she was not a thief. She only took what she was due to be paid. Holding the shillings carefully in her right hand, she cupped the pouch in her left as she used her teeth to pull on the drawstring to re-close it. The man's snoring increased in volume, filling the room with an annoying presence. She froze to the sound of the bed springs creaking as the man turned onto his side, smacking his lips and lifting a hand to scratch himself before drifting back into deep slumber.

Lila quickly placed the coin pouch in the correct pocket then carefully stood up, retrieving the water basin once again before removing herself from the room. The door quietly shut behind her with a click. As she made her way down the hall of creaking maple flooring, she reached into the bottom of her corset; pulling out her own personal pouch to drop the two shillings inside before tucking the pouch snugly back where it belonged. The hallway had a slight chill to it. Worn brass piping lined the ceiling above her, working overtime to provide a feeling of warmth. Faded portraits that lined a wall of stained and chipped paint tried their hardest to provide some sense of ambiance. Various grunts, groans, and moans echoed the hallways; the air smelling of damp wood, cheap perfume, and booze.

She tucked the basin in the dip of her hip and used her free hand to clutch the stair railing that led her away from the floor that was used for cheap patrons. As she stepped onto the landing, a door stood in front of her that led to the second floor of the establishment. To the side of her was another flight of stairs curving upward to the working girls quarters. This landing provided a brief pause to allow painted smiles and seductive postures to fade. To allow a moment to gather thoughts and wipe shed tears before stepping back into a paid fantasy.

The hallway before her as she opened the door extended with walls of bright red velvet and dimly lit lamps. There was a faint noise of hissing that came from copper steam pipes that curled and twisted on the ceiling, working hard to provide power and better warmth for nearly everywhere else in the establishment. Doors of dark stained, shiny oak lined the walls. Each one reinforced with polished iron bands and intricate brass gears embedded near the hinges that locked and unlocked with a low click when engaged, storing the secrets of those hidden behind them.

Oak flooring was lined with expensive oriental rugs that felt soft to the touch on one's bare feet. Lila took a brief pause from her current journey and tiptoed to the second door from the final set of stairs leading to the saloon. She carefully brought her fingers up to a knob that, when turned, showed a tiny peephole that gave discrete access to the activities of the girls and their gentleman company. The procurer had these placed on every door.

What Lila saw was a rather handsome man with a nicely trimmed beard laying on black silk sheets. His muscular thighs raised slightly and his mechanical arms moving slowly, making clicking noises as they caressed soft, dark brown thighs. He stared intensely at the woman on top of him as she slowly moved her hips in circular motions. She was a beauty, the beauty known as Odette. Her head was flung back and her eyes were closed as she rode.

Her lips were slightly parted to produce soft, sensual sighs. Her hands that were positioned on her lover's chest rose to her hair, softly grabbing at her short, tightly coiled curls. Her lover rose from where he laid, sliding his metal hand to her back as his other continued to grip her thigh. His mouth latched on to the nipple of one of her full breasts. She giggled softly and her hands lowered to cradle his head, her fingers gently running through his now messy, wavy hair.

She seems to be enjoying herself Lila thought as she closed the peephole. She made her way down red carpeted stairs to the parlor. Loud conversation and music filled the air along with a rich, earthy scent from the smoke from tobacco pipes. The room was lit with a mix of amber gas lamps and variously scattered candelabras. Copper piping extended down the walls of the steps onto the walls and ceiling, letting out occasional hissing noises to relieve built up pressure. Velvet chairs were lined with gold trim and sat around polished wooden oak tables. A well stoked fire casted a shadow of its dancing flames on the large sofa that was placed in front of it.

The floor sparked to life with every step a person made. Thin veins of copper and brass lined the underneath of the floor panels, using winding designs and curls. Each footstep brought a zip across the floor-blue and white electric currents danced in harmony under a clear glass. No one knew how the brothel owner was able to make this happen, but it was a defining selling point that placed his establishment at the top of the market.

The bar stretched against the wall near the entrance, carved from dark mahogany. Tubes of glowing blue liquid lined the shelves of variously shaped liquor bottles. The tubes powered the refrigeration unit built into the wall that contained various potions and tonics. A variety of ladies were spread around the room performing various tasks. Some were entertaining cheap, drunk sailors, last shift factory workers, or crooked politicians, while others performed cleanup and supply restock. Clockwork servants on one wheel moved around serving freshly made drinks and delicious plates of food.

Lila made her way to the bar, a half smile on her face as she watched the bartender pour her usual drink of choice. "Long night?" he asked in his husky tone as he slid her a small glass of sherry while she perched herself on a stool in front of him. She placed the basin on the bar and ran a hand through her slightly tangled hair.

"The nights are always long, Lucian." She took a sip of her sherry, savoring the crisp and citrusy flavors that sweetened her taste buds before swallowing. Sighing heavily, she looked up at the man who served her drink as he polished the glassware lined in a row on a towel. Lucian was a nice man. Older, perhaps in his late fifties. No one really knew for sure. He wore a nice, pressed white shirt that was buttoned up to his neck, and black cotton pants held up by wool suspenders. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, showing the portrait of deep, raised scars that covered his arms and told an unknown story of a time before Lila knew him. Round glasses rested on the bridge of his nose. His silver hair mustache was well groomed, the ends curling out into perfect spirals to complement his well combed silver hair.

"How was your portly friend when you left him?" Lucian jested as he paused his polishing to remove the basin from the bar. Lila chuckled as she took another sip from her glass.

"I am sure he won't even realize I have departed." This elicited a right sided grin from Lucian as he returned to his previous chore.

"Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but I could've sworn I heard him say he would pay for four hours of your time, yet here you are, done in two ".

Lila swirled the small amount of remaining liquor in her glass. "Well it turned out he wasn't as needy or as sober as he thought he was. I turned after washing to find him passed out drunk, sprawled out on his back. I doubt he even heard what I was saying to him".

"You best be careful now. If Mr. Tom catches on to you stiffing time from customers, a swift punishment will surely be handed to you".

Lila nodded as she looked at Lucian's face, a look of concern written across it. "I know". She finished the last bit of sherry, setting the empty glass down and sliding it towards Lucian, signaling for another pour.

"Now what sort of trouble are you getting yourself into now Lila?" a familiar voice teased behind her. The soft click of heels neared closer and closer, and from the way Lucian suddenly became short of breath- his shoulders straightening as he slid Lila another pour of sherry- she didn't have to turn her head to guess who it was.

Evangeline seemed to emerge from the shadows with the grace of one who had spent years learning the fine art of how to command a room. Despite being the oldest working girl there, her beauty was undeniable. Men who were currently enticed by pushed up bosoms pressed to their chests and soft, plump thighs sitting on their laps all paused to glance at her alluring stride. Her emerald green dress flowed perfectly over her hips; her waist accentuated by her black corset that cinched her in just right to expose curves similar to a statue of a greek goddess. Her auburn hair flowed in loose waves down her back, and every step she took left a lingering note of jasmine, her signature scent.

"Lucian, what secrets is this girl tying your sneaky tongue with?" She asked in a soft but curious anglo-irish tone; a voice that could draw desperate men in like a siren leading spell struck pirates to their doom. Her eyebrow was raised and a sharp smile lined her face as she placed her hand on a hip, leaning onto the bar. Lucian straightened up too quickly, knocking over a tin cup he had forgotten he placed to the left of him sometime earlier. The cup landed on the floor with a clatter, startling some of the patrons.

"My apologies. I seem to be occupied with my thoughts" he blushed as picked up the cup and placed it back on the bar before he quickly returned to his polishing. Evangeline's brows furrowed as she moved closer to Lila.

"You would think with all the years he has worked here he would learn to keep his composure around pretty women" she said in a low voice. She took a seat on the stool and sprawled her arms on the bar wood as she leaned back. Evangeline always managed to look seductive without even trying. It came naturally to her.

"You know he fancies you," Lila replied with a smirk. "Be nice now". Evangeline rolled her eyes as she readjusted herself in her seat. "Now, I know I don't have to tell you that there are rules. Mr. Tom doesn't take too kindly to us shortening our time with patrons".

Lila's smirk faded as she took a pause before releasing a long sigh. "I know. I just couldn't do it tonight."

"Well I hope you only took the amount you worked for," Evangeline said with a stern tone of warning. "and not the amount that he paid for". Lila thought back to her sticky fingers sneaking across the floor to retrieve her pay from that drunken man. Again... she wasn't a thief.

"I swear I only took what I worked for. He didn't even remain conscious long enough to enjoy the time that he paid for". Evangeline gave an understanding nod, saying without words that though she didn't approve of Lila's actions, she too sometimes lacked the ability to muster the strength to keep a fake smile on one's face.

"Busy night tonight" Evangeline said to change the subject. "A good profit is to surely be made by morning".

The chimes above the front door jingled as it swung open, informing staff of an incoming client. The atmosphere suddenly changed as a tall figure entered, his boots clacking on the lit floor with each slow step he took. Voices fell to whispers as everyone observed the new patron with curiosity. Even the piano player slowed his tunes, his fingers hovering over the keys as he looked with curiosity. The figure was tall and broad, wearing a long coat with tattered ends. The material was something Lila couldn't name--dark and smooth, catching the light like scorched glass. A wide-brimmed hat shadowed most of his face, but she caught the edge of a raised scar near his jaw and the glint of something glowing near his eye.

"Who in the world is that?" Evangeline asked, her curiosity peaked like everyone else's. Lila shrugged. She didn't recognize him either. New patrons frequently entered to enjoy the pleasures the brothel had to offer, but this one didn't seem like someone who resided in town. Maybe not even from this country. The man finally sat down, his head lowered as he leaned back in his seat and raised his mud caked boots onto the table.

The quiet in the air gradually changed to its original state of chatter. The piano player eased back into a soft tune, and men began to be led up to private quarters. Lila, however, still stared. She found this man somewhat fascinating. She felt a nudge on her shoulder.

"I think you have had enough time to muster up enough of a pleasant attitude to get back to earning your keep." Evangeline said as she rose from her seat, her voice laced with a motherly tone. She knew that her deep care for all of the girls as well as her tenure had earned her a non-titled position of leadership. When Mr. Tom was not there, she was the one everyone listened to. Lila gave a small nod as she picked up her forgotten glass of sherry. She downed it in one swift motion, her lips turning as the sudden intense sweetness. Taking a deep breath, she stood up and walked to the end of the bar, picking up a decanter of whiskey and 2 small glasses that she held in between her fingers.

She straightened her posture as she shifted her face into something warm and inviting. Her bare feet carried her across the cool glass floor, the same bare feet that brought her a good tongue lashing more times than she could count as she hated wearing those God awful shoes. As she reached the aloof man's table, she subtly pushed out her chest as she gracefully took the seat across from him and set the glassware on the table. The decanter clanked as she removed the top to pour a proper amount in the glass closest to the man. A quiet gasp escaped her lips as she saw a quick flash of white light shine from under the brim of his hat once again. His posture didn't change. His head didn't rise to look at her.

"Hello there, handsome," Lila purred, voice laced with sweetness. She looked up at him with lowered eyes, just like she would to her handsome love in her daydreams.

"Welcome to the Clockwork Courtesan".

*****

Please let me know what you think! My plan for this story is to have multiple perspectives from maybe 4 or 5 different characters all woven into their experience at the Clockwork Courtesan. I'm already working on chapters 2 and 3.