A Man with Nerves of Steel (Joseph Hart) novel Chapter 223

Chapter 223

After work, Joseph left the hospital and once again went to Lacey’s apartment. When he got there, he found Lacey eating a microwaved meal.

He said, “Is this how beautiful women live? Your face and body are worth a fortune, but you’re unwilling to treat your own stomach well.”

Lacey’s cheeks flushed red, whether from the hot meal or from being caught by Joseph at such a moment. “I’m not a beautiful woman. I’m just an ugly duckling that everyone looks down on. Why are you off work so early today, anyway?”

Joseph took off his shoes and coat, climbing into bed without answering.

Lacey muttered, “I… I have to go out later. I won’t be back until late…”

Joseph said, “Cora wants you to accompany another man? Just turn it down.”

Lacey replied, “Hey, that’s my job. I can’t just refuse. It’s the same as asking you to quit being a doctor and stop treating patients. Could you do that?”

Joseph scoffed. “Just like a leopard can’t change its spots, a prostitute will always be a prostitute.”

Joseph suddenly lost all desire to stay there. He got up and headed for the door.

“How can you say that about me? Fine, I’m a prostitute! So just give me money and sleep with me. If you did, I wouldn’t have to go out and earn money from anyone else!” Lacey blocked his path. Then, she took off her clothes in front of him, looking at Joseph seductively. However, there was a sad look on her face.

“Get out of my way!” Joseph shoved her onto the couch and slammed the door shut behind him.

After walking for a while, he noticed a small hotel tucked inside an alley. He went in to ask and discovered they didn’t require ID registration. All he needed to do was pay the money, and he would get a room card.

“Hey, man, want some room service? We’ve got fresh specials/tonight. I guarantee you they’re fresh.”

Hearing that, Joseph glanced at the middle-aged woman. She looked greasy and calculating.

The woman said, “Is this your first time out? If you don’t understand me, let me just put it plainly. We’ve got women. Pay extra, and one of them will come keep you company for the night.”

“Come with me.” After making sure no one else was around, she led him into a dark stairwell. She switched on a flashlight and carefully guided him upstairs. She reminded Joseph to watch his step.

When they arrived at a small rental unit, she pushed open the door. After Joseph entered, she shut the door and shouted, “Mom, there’s a customer!”

He first heard a fit of coughing, then the creak of a bunk bed. After some slippers shuffled across the floor, a middle-aged woman emerged.

She wore a spaghetti-strap top and a short skirt. Her hair was loose and unstyled. Though her features were attractive, the lack of makeup and the obvious exhaustion on her face dulled her beauty. She was tall, with a generous bust and slender waist.

The little girl asked proudly, “Mister, isn’t my mom pretty? But you have to pay first before you can sleep with her. One hundred for one time, and three hundred for the whole night.”

The girl held out her hand toward Joseph.

Joseph froze, feeling completely dumbfounded.

The girl smiled. “Mister, I saw you go into the alley earlier. The women there aren’t as pretty as my mom, and they’re more expensive, too-even the cheapest one charges two hundred. I’m only charging you one hundred. It’s a bargain.”