Hi folks!
Thanks for bearing with me these last couple of years. A ton of life stuff to contend with but I've been really touched by the messages of support I received for this series. I'm really enjoying developing this premise and these characters but ultimately, I do it for the community so if you're enjoying it, I'll keep doing it.
Fair warning. This installment contains next to no tickling. I apologise in advance for that but it does contain essential narrative development for where I see the future of the series going. I hope you all like the direction I'm taking it in and I'd love to hear your feedback as always.
The good news is, part 5 will not be far behind this and I promise that one will be jam packed with the good stuff…
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Saturday
Sam wasn't sure she had ever slept so well. Physical exhaustion will do that for you se supposed as she blinked awake after a full 10 hours of unbroken sleep. As she sat up in the bed and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, she noted various aches in her body. Her shoulders and thighs were a little tight from being held in the same position for so long but her abs were on fire. It felt ok - like the second day after an intense workout - but it drew a wince from her as she swung her feet over the edge of the bed.
Standing unsteadily, she glimpsed her black dress and ruined nylons in the corner of the room where the girls had bundled them as they undressed her the night before. Memories came flooding back in clips a few seconds long...Emma's fingers buried in her underarms...Sarah's finger trailing slowly under her toes...Laura's torturous nails ravaging her soles. All intersperesed with periods of haze where all Sam could remember was delerious laughter. In her mind's eye, the actual sensations she felt seemed to fade to the back and the laughter was all that remained as she felt her sanity temporarily depart.
Now, the morning after, Sam found she felt confused by the ordeal - it could only be described as that. On the one hand, she felt fantastic, the months of built up stress and anxiety that came with the move away from home had slipped from her shoulders like water off a wet suit and she felt lighter than she had in years. Endorphins had flooded her system and she felt that post workout glow - not to mention the sleep she had!
On the other hand, she couldn't help but feel a little betrayed by the girls she was growing close to. Did they really need to push her so far on her first time? As for the trick with the nylons...Sam made a mental note to pay Emma back for that.
She stepped onto the cold tiles in her en suite shower room and chuckled as she saw her reflection for the first time. Her red hair was a wild tangle of nots that would take some work to smooth out and her face was a topographical map of mascara-tainted tear tracks.
"Wow...they really did a number on you girl". She said as she stepped into the shower. As the warm water soothed her aches, Sam braced herself to face her friends. She felt slightly embarrassed at the extent she had been forced to drop her guard around these still somewhat new acquaintances. She had known them for a matter of weeks but they had all seen her beyond hysterical with laughter; indeed, they had forced it from her. With that came an awkwardness akin to the first morning with a new lover following a night of passion. But there was nothing for it and besides, she wanted some answers.
Laura, Sarah and Emma were already at the breakfast table when she made it downstairs. Sam entered just in time to see Sarah swat a grape away that had been thrown by a giggling Emma. Both were dressed in their casual weekend attire of jeans and a casual top, while Laura sat cross legged in a silken robe, her beautiful black hair framing her face as she read a book. She was the first to notice Sam's arrival, her eyes lighting up behind her dark rimmed glasses as she closed the book and raised her hands in a cheer of welcome. The other girls soon took up the call and a brief round of applause followed.
"Welcome!" Cried Laura. "To the newest official member of the Streln St tickle club." She finished as the applause died away.
"You're still here, so can we assume you accept this honour?" asked a grinning Emma.
Sam took the remaining seat at the table, feeling relieved that the silliness of the welcome had eased her awkwardness. "I guess so...despite your best efforts to kill me last night." She replied with narrowed eyes.
"Kill you?" Asked Sarah, touching her hand to her chest in mock incredulity. 'No sweetheart, that was the sincerest, most loving welcome we could have afforded you.'
"Really?" Asked Sam. "Because I have to be honest, that was way more intense than I thought it would be. How did you know I wouldn't bolt for the door as soon as you released me?"
"Ha, good one." Said Emma. We had to carry you up the stairs when we were done with you. We've all been there, so we had a pretty good idea that wasn't a danger.'
"Fair point...but what about this morning?" Said Sam. "For all you know, I could have been in a taxi to the nearest hotel this morning with all my things."
"Call it a calculated gamble." Said Laura. "We all saw the way you conducted yourself in Sarah's session...you like this." She said with a grin.
"Caaan vouch!" Said Sarah, giving Sam a playful shove.
"I'm also willing to bet you feel pretty amazing today, right?" Laura asked.
"Well...yes, actually. A little sore but yeah...I feel great." Replied Sam, working her arm in a circle to loosen her shoulder.
"That's what this club is all about, Sam." Said Emma. "That feeling you have today...I've never been able to find that anywhere else. Not from sex, working out, drinking...nothing. We've stumbled on something here and we wanted to share it with you."
"But, as they say, the only way to it, is through it." Sarah cut in. "We love having you here Sam but there's no half in here. If you want to be in the club, that's the level of intensity you'll get. Hopefully more."
"And it's the level of intensity we demand from you too." Said Laura, removing her glasses and looking Sam dead in the eye. "When it's our turn, we want no mercy and expect none. We want to feel what you feel now and we all deserve your best. Does that make sense?"
"Yeah.' Said Sam thoughtfully. 'It really does."
"Excellent!' Exclaimed Emma with a clap. "Cause it's Laura's turn on Friday." She said, wiggling her fingers in Laura's direction. The table burst out in laughter and the girls settled down to enjoy breakfast together, sunlight streaming through the kitchen window.
Tuesday
"I don't know...this just seems really counterintuitive.' Said Sam as they climbed out of Emma's car in the shopping center car park. ‘And let’s be honest, it’s not like any of us need one…" She had made the trip with Emma and Laura to visit a nail bar they were big fans of.
"Why's that?" Asked Laura as they made their way to the entrance.
"Well, I mean...isn't this going to make it worse?"
"Emma and Sarah have tickled me countless times." Said Laura. "They know how to make it as intense as they want by now with or without a fresh pedi… But yes, this won't help."
"So why do it then?" Sam asked, genuinely puzzled at the girls' choice of activity for the day.'
"Because we have a duty to the club." Emma said in a hushed voice as they passed a group of girls on the way through the entrance. "A duty to the club to look after ourselves and keep ourselves sensitive. Nobody wants to tickle ugly, crusty feet, do they?' She asked with a grimace.
"Eww, no." Agreed Sam. "I'm just wrapping my head around willingly making yourself more vulnerable, I guess."
"Think of it this way." Said Laura. "The more sensitive you are, the better the the tickle high and the buzz the next day!"
"Not that you need much sensitizing." Emma said and pinched Sam's waist, causing the redhead's knees to buckle and her to fall to the floor in the middle of the mall. The girls all laughed at causing a scene and made their way toward the nail salon.
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"Hey Laura". Grinned the receptionist as they entered the salon. "It's only been a couple of weeks, you need those claws sharpened again already?"
"Hi Becky, nope these are still good to go.'" Said Laura, holding her hands up for inspection. "I'm here for the other set today. We have three deluxe pedi's booked in."
"Gotcha, you know the drill, take a seat and we'll be right with you."
The three girls made their way to the luxurious chairs that lined one side of the salon and soon, three nail techs approached them and filled the water basins at the foot of the chairs. Laura slipped off her black flats and pop socks, Sam shed her chucks and white trainer socks and Emma unzipped her suede ankle boots before removing her thick pink socks. As the girls bathed their feet, talk turned to their college work and eventually plan for a potential girls trip around Christmas.
"I mean, yeah, hypothetically, I'd love to'. Said Sam. 'But financially, it's not exactly realistic is it?"
Laura let out a weary sigh. "I guess you're right. Unless anyone has any bright ideas for a way to earn some extra cash, I think we've gotta pin that idea for now."
Not to be defeated, Emma attempted to rouse the other girls back toward enthusiasm. "Come on girls!" She said brightly. "Don't give up on me yet, we'll think of somethiIAAAHHH!!" Emma shrieked, making the other two girls jump and look over. The cause of the sudden disruption was immediately obvious, a grinning nail technician sat in front of Emma's chair with her dainty foot cupped in one hand. In the other, she held a pumice stone.
"Oh I'm sorry." Smirked the nail tech."Didn't realise you were so ticklish! Lucky for you your feet are super soft so this shouldn't take long." She paused and winked at Sam and Laura. "Still, best to be thorough...I mean you did pay for the deluxe." Emma's girlish squeals of laughter rang through the shop as the tech began scrubbing away at her heel and arch. The other customers soon added their own chuckles of amusement, including her friends until they too felt their own feet being lifted from the water.
Quite a crowd gathered outside the salon that day, curious to see who was making such a cacophony of laughter as the three friends enjoyed their day of pampering.
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Meanwhile...
If you happened to be walking down Oxford street that day, regardless of the bustling crowds of tourists, suited businessmen and frantic shoppers, you would have noticed Alexandra Winters.
The first thing you may have noticed, is that she moved with a certain grace and confidence, as if the world were her playground, and she knew all the rules. Not flashy or overly ostentatious, but with an air of mystery and intrigue, as if she was hiding something beneath the surface. Something not for everyone's eyes. Then, if you were lucky to be close enough to hear as she answered the phone to confirm her imminent arrival, you'd notice her voice had a practiced, silky quality to it, each syllable a promise of something tantalizing or naughty, like a secret waiting to be discovered. You'd see there's a hint of a smirk upon her lips, as if she finds the world both amusing and slightly baffling.
If anyone cared to ask, she might tell them that her confidence came from a life of self reliance, for Alex's upbringing was less than conventional. Despite having the privilege of wealth and education, her parents left much to be desired in the way of emotional fulfillment. They were both distant and, in truth, neglectful, leaving her with a sense of abandonment and loneliness. From a young age, she learned to take care of herself and become fiercely independent and resourceful. When she was eventually cut off from the family fortune by her father over some perceived lack of respect, she took her future into her own hands.
Alex's foray into the world of high-end escorting was a pragmatic choice born out of necessity, rather than a desire for easy money. The financial rewards were not insignificant, but the decision came from an analytical approach to decision making she had adopted over her young years. It was why she was so well suited to her computer programming course at the City of London University - she had always thought in terms of 'if this, then that' and she applied it to her wider life. So, if she had been graced with unrivaled good looks, then she should leverage them until such a time as she could find a more long term financial solution. It was simply a case of using such resources as were available to her.
Because good looks she had in abundance. A young woman of 23, with a slender build and slightly above average height at 5' 8". Her fair skin with light freckles and meticulously curled brown hair gives her a youthful but refined appearance. Her expressive, honeyed-brown eyes warn of a depth of intelligence not immediately suspected as they dart over people, analyzing them. Unlike many of her peers, she refused to go along with the cosmetic enhancement that seemed to dominate the online spaces. No lip fillers for Alexandra, who's natural beauty rendered such alterations utterly useless.
With her easy charm and charisma, combined with a sharp intellect and fierce independence, she found that she possessed the skills and character traits required to excel in the high end escorting world and she didn't even need to commit to sex with her clients. The money some of these old guys paid for an hour of conversation or to join them at some corporate symposium or other, was frankly obscene. Over time, she had branched out to add a massage service to her offering, but that was where her firm line now resided.
She ended the call with a sigh as she approached the hotel entrance. Her clients could be so needy - this was the third call she had received in the last hour to check on her ETA. Still, such was the effect she had on her clients and it wouldn't do to arrive on time. Alex knew the impact of anticipation.
Some time later that afternoon, she arrived back at her two bed dorm room and flopped down on her bed with an exaggerated sigh. Her form-fitting and elegant black dress riding up her stockinged thighs as she propped her aching feet up. While not the hardest job in the world, the stilettos could be tiresome.
Her room mate, Charlotte Matthews was sat cross legged on her own bed, back to the wall and eyes glued to her laptop as always. A film major, Charlotte was often to be found consumed in some form of editing while in their room. Alex didn't mind, it usually meant some peace and quiet which was exactly what she needed in her little oasis of calm in the big city.
"You're back early. How was work?" Charlotte asked, without lifting her eyes from her laptop.
"Yup, lunchtime client today." Alex responded. "You know how these old geezers like to get their fun in before they have to go home to their wives. Besides, this one couldn't even make it through the hour."
"So gross." Charlotte said dispassionately. "I don't know why you do it."
"Don't be crass, Miss Matthews." Alexandra Chided her playfully. "Besides, if you have a better way to make £300 in an hour, I would love to hear it."
"Let me get back to you on that." Said Charlotte monotonously, clearly still focused on her work as opposed to the conversation.
"That's what I thought." Said Alex, shooting Charlotte a glance as she sat up and began to unbuckle the straps of her shoes. Not for the first time, she noted the unexpected beauty of her roomate, given the inherently nerdy nature of her chosen career path. Charlotte was a petite and slightly shy young woman with a youthful face and a delicate frame. Her glossy light brown hair was cut just below the shoulder, although you'd never know it as her preference was to wear it tied up in a messy ponytail with loose strands dangling around her small ears. The updo did serve to emphasize her gentle features and the hint of curiosity in her sparkling deep blue eyes.
"So, what did you do?" she asked, finally looking up from her screen.
"Excuse me?" Responded Alex innocently.
"You said he didn't make it through the hour...what did you do to him?"
"Um, nothing like that, thank you very much!" Alex replied indignantly. "I told you I don't do...that." her first shoe came loose and clattered to the floor.
"Ok, ok!" Chuckled Charlotte. "I believe you but what was it then?"
"Well, believe it or not, the guy was stupidly ticklish."
A moment of silence filled the room as Charlotte absorbed Alex's answer. Then, both girls burst into fits of uncontrollable laughter.
"You're kidding me!" Charlotte giggled.
"No, not at all!" Alex laughed back. "The guy books me for a massage but every time I tried to touch him, he flipped out!"
"That's so crazy..." Charlotte mused. "I mean, I'm ticklish but I'd like to think I could handle it for a massage."
"Maybe you underestimate my tickling skills." Alex quipped with a grin.
"Well if you're that skilled, maybe you should be doing that for a living instead." Charlotte replied.
"Oh yeah, sure, you tell me how to make money tickling people and I'll sign right up." Alex said, as her second shoe dropped to the floor and she began gently massaging her sore, nylon clad feet.
"Funnily enough, there are ways..." Charlotte said, eyeing Alex over her laptop to see if she would bite.
A moment passed before Alex responded. "I'm listening"
"Well, a few weeks ago, I get an email from someone looking for some editing work." Charlotte began. "So I say, 'no problem, send me the video you want edited' and he sends through this 20 minute clip, wanted it edited down to 12 minutes." Charlotte paused, building the suspense.
"Well?" Alex asked impatiently. "What was on the clip?"
"It was a girl in some of those medieval style stocks having her feet tickled." Charlotte finished matter of factly, eyes glued to her screen but a faint grin tugging at the corner of her mouth.
"...Ok, what?" Asked Alex in amazement.
"You heard me." Said Charlotte. "Just that. She was being tickled by another girl and she was pretty ticklish. There were some gaps in the action for the Lee to catch her breath and to change camera angles so he wanted those cut out but yeah...tickling videos."
"The what now?" Asked Alex
"Oh, the Lee." Charlotte replied. Then as Alex's face demanded a more thorough explanation: "I did some research out of curiosity after I finished the clip. Turns out it's a pretty big fetish. There are forums online with hundreds of thousands of these people - that's a decent target audience."
"Well what d'you know..." Said Alex thoughtfully. "So...how much do these clips go for?" She asked.
Charlotte grinned - she knew how Alex's mind worked and she knew where this was going. "Oh usually like a tenner a pop." she said casually.
"So you're telling me if even 1% of those online users purchase a clip...that's £10,000?"
"I mean, I doubt you'd actually get that many, I'm sure there are duplicate profiles and there are obviously pirating issues to consider, plus payment of models etc...but yeah, there's money in the tickling game."
There was a break in conversation as Alex flopped back onto her bed, staring at the ceiling as her mind whirled with sums, scenarios, overheads and potential unforseen pitfalls. If this, then that. After a while, she sat up again, swung her legs off the side of the bed and looked straight at Charlotte.
"Let's do it." She said authoritatively.
Charlotte was a little stunned. Sure, she had goaded Alex into the idea but she simply thought it was a safer, if equally extravagant way for Alex to earn a living - she didn't expect that she would be roped into it too.
"I don't know Alex, that really seems more of a you thing."
"Relax wimp, I'm not talking about putting you in the stocks but I assume a large overhead will be paying for editing. I propose a partnership where you take care of that and customer engagement through these forums and I'll do...the rest."
Charlotte bit back on the immediate dismissal she had pre loaded and thought on the idea for a beat. She was already editing tickling clips for someone else after all...“Ok…let’s say I agree to this in principle...we're going to need some cash to get started."
"I've got us covered there." Said Alexandra. "I've been putting a decent amount aside from the escorting. How much are we talking?"
"Well...there's obviously the recording equipment." Mused Charlotte. "A good camera is essential, a mic, tripods, lights...Then we need to think about hosting the content - do we build our own website, pay commision for something like onlyfans or something else?"
Alex said nothing as she quickly ran some figures in her head.
"Then there's studio space - we can't very well tie people up and tickle them here can we?" Asked Charlotte with a grin.
"And then the first payment of the models before we see any return..." Added Alexandra. "I mean, I think it's an initial payout of 3 to 4 grand but that's not the end of the world...I spend as much on outfits for escorting some months."
"I guess you're right." Replied Charlotte thoughtfully. "If we dedicate ourselves to making good content, our brand will catch on and we can earn that back pretty quickly."
The two girls look at eachother, a silent agreement passing between them. Alex rose from her position on the bed and strode over to Charlotte, her hand outstretched.
"Partners?"
"Partners!" She replied, taking Alex's hand and shaking it.
"Now, we need two things..."Alexandra mused. "A name and some models..."
"I'll brainstorm some ideas and cross reference them against other companies that are out there. We want to stand out from the crowd." Said Charlotte. "I think the way to go is to build our own site. A lot of other companies use third party hosting but I think that's just to avoid the expense of paying someone to design a website. Luckily for us, I exist." She finished.
"Great, well, while you're working on that, let me track down some models." Said Alexandra. "I'd rather not use girls from our uni - a little too close to home for my liking. But I have friends at other uni's, I'll ask around and see if they know any girls who may be looking for extra cash and wouldn't mind having a few laughs."
"Good idea." Charlotte said, nodding her head. "I'm sure there are plenty of students who could use an easy side gig. Actually, while you're at it, you should reach out to my cousin. She's at Leicester uni and she's pretty chill, I she'd get weirded out about asking around for us." Charlotte picked up her phone to share the contact with Alexandra. "Here you go."
She said over the 'boop' of the message sending. "Her name's Sarah, she's cool.."
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That's all for now folks, I hope you enjoyed getting back into this world with me and forgive the lack of tickling. Stay tuned for a spicier part 5 very soon!
Thanks for bearing with me these last couple of years. A ton of life stuff to contend with but I've been really touched by the messages of support I received for this series. I'm really enjoying developing this premise and these characters but ultimately, I do it for the community so if you're enjoying it, I'll keep doing it.
Fair warning. This installment contains next to no tickling. I apologise in advance for that but it does contain essential narrative development for where I see the future of the series going. I hope you all like the direction I'm taking it in and I'd love to hear your feedback as always.
The good news is, part 5 will not be far behind this and I promise that one will be jam packed with the good stuff…
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Saturday
Sam wasn't sure she had ever slept so well. Physical exhaustion will do that for you se supposed as she blinked awake after a full 10 hours of unbroken sleep. As she sat up in the bed and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, she noted various aches in her body. Her shoulders and thighs were a little tight from being held in the same position for so long but her abs were on fire. It felt ok - like the second day after an intense workout - but it drew a wince from her as she swung her feet over the edge of the bed.
Standing unsteadily, she glimpsed her black dress and ruined nylons in the corner of the room where the girls had bundled them as they undressed her the night before. Memories came flooding back in clips a few seconds long...Emma's fingers buried in her underarms...Sarah's finger trailing slowly under her toes...Laura's torturous nails ravaging her soles. All intersperesed with periods of haze where all Sam could remember was delerious laughter. In her mind's eye, the actual sensations she felt seemed to fade to the back and the laughter was all that remained as she felt her sanity temporarily depart.
Now, the morning after, Sam found she felt confused by the ordeal - it could only be described as that. On the one hand, she felt fantastic, the months of built up stress and anxiety that came with the move away from home had slipped from her shoulders like water off a wet suit and she felt lighter than she had in years. Endorphins had flooded her system and she felt that post workout glow - not to mention the sleep she had!
On the other hand, she couldn't help but feel a little betrayed by the girls she was growing close to. Did they really need to push her so far on her first time? As for the trick with the nylons...Sam made a mental note to pay Emma back for that.
She stepped onto the cold tiles in her en suite shower room and chuckled as she saw her reflection for the first time. Her red hair was a wild tangle of nots that would take some work to smooth out and her face was a topographical map of mascara-tainted tear tracks.
"Wow...they really did a number on you girl". She said as she stepped into the shower. As the warm water soothed her aches, Sam braced herself to face her friends. She felt slightly embarrassed at the extent she had been forced to drop her guard around these still somewhat new acquaintances. She had known them for a matter of weeks but they had all seen her beyond hysterical with laughter; indeed, they had forced it from her. With that came an awkwardness akin to the first morning with a new lover following a night of passion. But there was nothing for it and besides, she wanted some answers.
Laura, Sarah and Emma were already at the breakfast table when she made it downstairs. Sam entered just in time to see Sarah swat a grape away that had been thrown by a giggling Emma. Both were dressed in their casual weekend attire of jeans and a casual top, while Laura sat cross legged in a silken robe, her beautiful black hair framing her face as she read a book. She was the first to notice Sam's arrival, her eyes lighting up behind her dark rimmed glasses as she closed the book and raised her hands in a cheer of welcome. The other girls soon took up the call and a brief round of applause followed.
"Welcome!" Cried Laura. "To the newest official member of the Streln St tickle club." She finished as the applause died away.
"You're still here, so can we assume you accept this honour?" asked a grinning Emma.
Sam took the remaining seat at the table, feeling relieved that the silliness of the welcome had eased her awkwardness. "I guess so...despite your best efforts to kill me last night." She replied with narrowed eyes.
"Kill you?" Asked Sarah, touching her hand to her chest in mock incredulity. 'No sweetheart, that was the sincerest, most loving welcome we could have afforded you.'
"Really?" Asked Sam. "Because I have to be honest, that was way more intense than I thought it would be. How did you know I wouldn't bolt for the door as soon as you released me?"
"Ha, good one." Said Emma. We had to carry you up the stairs when we were done with you. We've all been there, so we had a pretty good idea that wasn't a danger.'
"Fair point...but what about this morning?" Said Sam. "For all you know, I could have been in a taxi to the nearest hotel this morning with all my things."
"Call it a calculated gamble." Said Laura. "We all saw the way you conducted yourself in Sarah's session...you like this." She said with a grin.
"Caaan vouch!" Said Sarah, giving Sam a playful shove.
"I'm also willing to bet you feel pretty amazing today, right?" Laura asked.
"Well...yes, actually. A little sore but yeah...I feel great." Replied Sam, working her arm in a circle to loosen her shoulder.
"That's what this club is all about, Sam." Said Emma. "That feeling you have today...I've never been able to find that anywhere else. Not from sex, working out, drinking...nothing. We've stumbled on something here and we wanted to share it with you."
"But, as they say, the only way to it, is through it." Sarah cut in. "We love having you here Sam but there's no half in here. If you want to be in the club, that's the level of intensity you'll get. Hopefully more."
"And it's the level of intensity we demand from you too." Said Laura, removing her glasses and looking Sam dead in the eye. "When it's our turn, we want no mercy and expect none. We want to feel what you feel now and we all deserve your best. Does that make sense?"
"Yeah.' Said Sam thoughtfully. 'It really does."
"Excellent!' Exclaimed Emma with a clap. "Cause it's Laura's turn on Friday." She said, wiggling her fingers in Laura's direction. The table burst out in laughter and the girls settled down to enjoy breakfast together, sunlight streaming through the kitchen window.
Tuesday
"I don't know...this just seems really counterintuitive.' Said Sam as they climbed out of Emma's car in the shopping center car park. ‘And let’s be honest, it’s not like any of us need one…" She had made the trip with Emma and Laura to visit a nail bar they were big fans of.
"Why's that?" Asked Laura as they made their way to the entrance.
"Well, I mean...isn't this going to make it worse?"
"Emma and Sarah have tickled me countless times." Said Laura. "They know how to make it as intense as they want by now with or without a fresh pedi… But yes, this won't help."
"So why do it then?" Sam asked, genuinely puzzled at the girls' choice of activity for the day.'
"Because we have a duty to the club." Emma said in a hushed voice as they passed a group of girls on the way through the entrance. "A duty to the club to look after ourselves and keep ourselves sensitive. Nobody wants to tickle ugly, crusty feet, do they?' She asked with a grimace.
"Eww, no." Agreed Sam. "I'm just wrapping my head around willingly making yourself more vulnerable, I guess."
"Think of it this way." Said Laura. "The more sensitive you are, the better the the tickle high and the buzz the next day!"
"Not that you need much sensitizing." Emma said and pinched Sam's waist, causing the redhead's knees to buckle and her to fall to the floor in the middle of the mall. The girls all laughed at causing a scene and made their way toward the nail salon.
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"Hey Laura". Grinned the receptionist as they entered the salon. "It's only been a couple of weeks, you need those claws sharpened again already?"
"Hi Becky, nope these are still good to go.'" Said Laura, holding her hands up for inspection. "I'm here for the other set today. We have three deluxe pedi's booked in."
"Gotcha, you know the drill, take a seat and we'll be right with you."
The three girls made their way to the luxurious chairs that lined one side of the salon and soon, three nail techs approached them and filled the water basins at the foot of the chairs. Laura slipped off her black flats and pop socks, Sam shed her chucks and white trainer socks and Emma unzipped her suede ankle boots before removing her thick pink socks. As the girls bathed their feet, talk turned to their college work and eventually plan for a potential girls trip around Christmas.
"I mean, yeah, hypothetically, I'd love to'. Said Sam. 'But financially, it's not exactly realistic is it?"
Laura let out a weary sigh. "I guess you're right. Unless anyone has any bright ideas for a way to earn some extra cash, I think we've gotta pin that idea for now."
Not to be defeated, Emma attempted to rouse the other girls back toward enthusiasm. "Come on girls!" She said brightly. "Don't give up on me yet, we'll think of somethiIAAAHHH!!" Emma shrieked, making the other two girls jump and look over. The cause of the sudden disruption was immediately obvious, a grinning nail technician sat in front of Emma's chair with her dainty foot cupped in one hand. In the other, she held a pumice stone.
"Oh I'm sorry." Smirked the nail tech."Didn't realise you were so ticklish! Lucky for you your feet are super soft so this shouldn't take long." She paused and winked at Sam and Laura. "Still, best to be thorough...I mean you did pay for the deluxe." Emma's girlish squeals of laughter rang through the shop as the tech began scrubbing away at her heel and arch. The other customers soon added their own chuckles of amusement, including her friends until they too felt their own feet being lifted from the water.
Quite a crowd gathered outside the salon that day, curious to see who was making such a cacophony of laughter as the three friends enjoyed their day of pampering.
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Meanwhile...
If you happened to be walking down Oxford street that day, regardless of the bustling crowds of tourists, suited businessmen and frantic shoppers, you would have noticed Alexandra Winters.
The first thing you may have noticed, is that she moved with a certain grace and confidence, as if the world were her playground, and she knew all the rules. Not flashy or overly ostentatious, but with an air of mystery and intrigue, as if she was hiding something beneath the surface. Something not for everyone's eyes. Then, if you were lucky to be close enough to hear as she answered the phone to confirm her imminent arrival, you'd notice her voice had a practiced, silky quality to it, each syllable a promise of something tantalizing or naughty, like a secret waiting to be discovered. You'd see there's a hint of a smirk upon her lips, as if she finds the world both amusing and slightly baffling.
If anyone cared to ask, she might tell them that her confidence came from a life of self reliance, for Alex's upbringing was less than conventional. Despite having the privilege of wealth and education, her parents left much to be desired in the way of emotional fulfillment. They were both distant and, in truth, neglectful, leaving her with a sense of abandonment and loneliness. From a young age, she learned to take care of herself and become fiercely independent and resourceful. When she was eventually cut off from the family fortune by her father over some perceived lack of respect, she took her future into her own hands.
Alex's foray into the world of high-end escorting was a pragmatic choice born out of necessity, rather than a desire for easy money. The financial rewards were not insignificant, but the decision came from an analytical approach to decision making she had adopted over her young years. It was why she was so well suited to her computer programming course at the City of London University - she had always thought in terms of 'if this, then that' and she applied it to her wider life. So, if she had been graced with unrivaled good looks, then she should leverage them until such a time as she could find a more long term financial solution. It was simply a case of using such resources as were available to her.
Because good looks she had in abundance. A young woman of 23, with a slender build and slightly above average height at 5' 8". Her fair skin with light freckles and meticulously curled brown hair gives her a youthful but refined appearance. Her expressive, honeyed-brown eyes warn of a depth of intelligence not immediately suspected as they dart over people, analyzing them. Unlike many of her peers, she refused to go along with the cosmetic enhancement that seemed to dominate the online spaces. No lip fillers for Alexandra, who's natural beauty rendered such alterations utterly useless.
With her easy charm and charisma, combined with a sharp intellect and fierce independence, she found that she possessed the skills and character traits required to excel in the high end escorting world and she didn't even need to commit to sex with her clients. The money some of these old guys paid for an hour of conversation or to join them at some corporate symposium or other, was frankly obscene. Over time, she had branched out to add a massage service to her offering, but that was where her firm line now resided.
She ended the call with a sigh as she approached the hotel entrance. Her clients could be so needy - this was the third call she had received in the last hour to check on her ETA. Still, such was the effect she had on her clients and it wouldn't do to arrive on time. Alex knew the impact of anticipation.
Some time later that afternoon, she arrived back at her two bed dorm room and flopped down on her bed with an exaggerated sigh. Her form-fitting and elegant black dress riding up her stockinged thighs as she propped her aching feet up. While not the hardest job in the world, the stilettos could be tiresome.
Her room mate, Charlotte Matthews was sat cross legged on her own bed, back to the wall and eyes glued to her laptop as always. A film major, Charlotte was often to be found consumed in some form of editing while in their room. Alex didn't mind, it usually meant some peace and quiet which was exactly what she needed in her little oasis of calm in the big city.
"You're back early. How was work?" Charlotte asked, without lifting her eyes from her laptop.
"Yup, lunchtime client today." Alex responded. "You know how these old geezers like to get their fun in before they have to go home to their wives. Besides, this one couldn't even make it through the hour."
"So gross." Charlotte said dispassionately. "I don't know why you do it."
"Don't be crass, Miss Matthews." Alexandra Chided her playfully. "Besides, if you have a better way to make £300 in an hour, I would love to hear it."
"Let me get back to you on that." Said Charlotte monotonously, clearly still focused on her work as opposed to the conversation.
"That's what I thought." Said Alex, shooting Charlotte a glance as she sat up and began to unbuckle the straps of her shoes. Not for the first time, she noted the unexpected beauty of her roomate, given the inherently nerdy nature of her chosen career path. Charlotte was a petite and slightly shy young woman with a youthful face and a delicate frame. Her glossy light brown hair was cut just below the shoulder, although you'd never know it as her preference was to wear it tied up in a messy ponytail with loose strands dangling around her small ears. The updo did serve to emphasize her gentle features and the hint of curiosity in her sparkling deep blue eyes.
"So, what did you do?" she asked, finally looking up from her screen.
"Excuse me?" Responded Alex innocently.
"You said he didn't make it through the hour...what did you do to him?"
"Um, nothing like that, thank you very much!" Alex replied indignantly. "I told you I don't do...that." her first shoe came loose and clattered to the floor.
"Ok, ok!" Chuckled Charlotte. "I believe you but what was it then?"
"Well, believe it or not, the guy was stupidly ticklish."
A moment of silence filled the room as Charlotte absorbed Alex's answer. Then, both girls burst into fits of uncontrollable laughter.
"You're kidding me!" Charlotte giggled.
"No, not at all!" Alex laughed back. "The guy books me for a massage but every time I tried to touch him, he flipped out!"
"That's so crazy..." Charlotte mused. "I mean, I'm ticklish but I'd like to think I could handle it for a massage."
"Maybe you underestimate my tickling skills." Alex quipped with a grin.
"Well if you're that skilled, maybe you should be doing that for a living instead." Charlotte replied.
"Oh yeah, sure, you tell me how to make money tickling people and I'll sign right up." Alex said, as her second shoe dropped to the floor and she began gently massaging her sore, nylon clad feet.
"Funnily enough, there are ways..." Charlotte said, eyeing Alex over her laptop to see if she would bite.
A moment passed before Alex responded. "I'm listening"
"Well, a few weeks ago, I get an email from someone looking for some editing work." Charlotte began. "So I say, 'no problem, send me the video you want edited' and he sends through this 20 minute clip, wanted it edited down to 12 minutes." Charlotte paused, building the suspense.
"Well?" Alex asked impatiently. "What was on the clip?"
"It was a girl in some of those medieval style stocks having her feet tickled." Charlotte finished matter of factly, eyes glued to her screen but a faint grin tugging at the corner of her mouth.
"...Ok, what?" Asked Alex in amazement.
"You heard me." Said Charlotte. "Just that. She was being tickled by another girl and she was pretty ticklish. There were some gaps in the action for the Lee to catch her breath and to change camera angles so he wanted those cut out but yeah...tickling videos."
"The what now?" Asked Alex
"Oh, the Lee." Charlotte replied. Then as Alex's face demanded a more thorough explanation: "I did some research out of curiosity after I finished the clip. Turns out it's a pretty big fetish. There are forums online with hundreds of thousands of these people - that's a decent target audience."
"Well what d'you know..." Said Alex thoughtfully. "So...how much do these clips go for?" She asked.
Charlotte grinned - she knew how Alex's mind worked and she knew where this was going. "Oh usually like a tenner a pop." she said casually.
"So you're telling me if even 1% of those online users purchase a clip...that's £10,000?"
"I mean, I doubt you'd actually get that many, I'm sure there are duplicate profiles and there are obviously pirating issues to consider, plus payment of models etc...but yeah, there's money in the tickling game."
There was a break in conversation as Alex flopped back onto her bed, staring at the ceiling as her mind whirled with sums, scenarios, overheads and potential unforseen pitfalls. If this, then that. After a while, she sat up again, swung her legs off the side of the bed and looked straight at Charlotte.
"Let's do it." She said authoritatively.
Charlotte was a little stunned. Sure, she had goaded Alex into the idea but she simply thought it was a safer, if equally extravagant way for Alex to earn a living - she didn't expect that she would be roped into it too.
"I don't know Alex, that really seems more of a you thing."
"Relax wimp, I'm not talking about putting you in the stocks but I assume a large overhead will be paying for editing. I propose a partnership where you take care of that and customer engagement through these forums and I'll do...the rest."
Charlotte bit back on the immediate dismissal she had pre loaded and thought on the idea for a beat. She was already editing tickling clips for someone else after all...“Ok…let’s say I agree to this in principle...we're going to need some cash to get started."
"I've got us covered there." Said Alexandra. "I've been putting a decent amount aside from the escorting. How much are we talking?"
"Well...there's obviously the recording equipment." Mused Charlotte. "A good camera is essential, a mic, tripods, lights...Then we need to think about hosting the content - do we build our own website, pay commision for something like onlyfans or something else?"
Alex said nothing as she quickly ran some figures in her head.
"Then there's studio space - we can't very well tie people up and tickle them here can we?" Asked Charlotte with a grin.
"And then the first payment of the models before we see any return..." Added Alexandra. "I mean, I think it's an initial payout of 3 to 4 grand but that's not the end of the world...I spend as much on outfits for escorting some months."
"I guess you're right." Replied Charlotte thoughtfully. "If we dedicate ourselves to making good content, our brand will catch on and we can earn that back pretty quickly."
The two girls look at eachother, a silent agreement passing between them. Alex rose from her position on the bed and strode over to Charlotte, her hand outstretched.
"Partners?"
"Partners!" She replied, taking Alex's hand and shaking it.
"Now, we need two things..."Alexandra mused. "A name and some models..."
"I'll brainstorm some ideas and cross reference them against other companies that are out there. We want to stand out from the crowd." Said Charlotte. "I think the way to go is to build our own site. A lot of other companies use third party hosting but I think that's just to avoid the expense of paying someone to design a website. Luckily for us, I exist." She finished.
"Great, well, while you're working on that, let me track down some models." Said Alexandra. "I'd rather not use girls from our uni - a little too close to home for my liking. But I have friends at other uni's, I'll ask around and see if they know any girls who may be looking for extra cash and wouldn't mind having a few laughs."
"Good idea." Charlotte said, nodding her head. "I'm sure there are plenty of students who could use an easy side gig. Actually, while you're at it, you should reach out to my cousin. She's at Leicester uni and she's pretty chill, I she'd get weirded out about asking around for us." Charlotte picked up her phone to share the contact with Alexandra. "Here you go."
She said over the 'boop' of the message sending. "Her name's Sarah, she's cool.."
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That's all for now folks, I hope you enjoyed getting back into this world with me and forgive the lack of tickling. Stay tuned for a spicier part 5 very soon!
