Genesis Girl (Blank Slate #1) - Jennifer Bardsley Page 0,4

The whole world will forever know he is a Vestal.

The sealing happens eight more times until finally, I am the only graduate who remains.

Ms. Lydia picks up the platinum cuff and holds it to the light. “There are many paths a Vestal can take, but one thing is constant: the world relies on us. We are the last guardians of private living. When we sell our reputation, it is with purpose and thought. We do not give it away freely like the masses of humanity. To be purchased privately is a holy act within itself.”

My tears start when she says this. They roll down my cheeks, washing away the shame. It’s like a window has opened in my heart, releasing all the pressure. I feel joy again. Joy and pride for being a Vestal, no matter what.

This is my time. This is what I have lived for. When Ms. Lydia snaps the platinum cuff on my wrist, it is the happiest moment of my life.

Chapter Two

My new identity as a Vestal Geisha begins today. The road to McNeal Manor is about a million miles long, and it’s lit up like a candelabra. There are cameras everywhere, and they are terrifying. Somebody is watching. It’s a good thing my Tabula Rasa limo has dark windows.

Eventually the driver parks, and I have to get out, pretending like this smile on my face is genuine. Before I know it, I’m standing on the threshold of my new home. The mahogany door in front of me is massive. The limo is already driving away.

I lift my fist to knock, and the door swings open.

There, standing in front of me, is my purchaser.

Mr. Calum McNeal is shorter than I realized. My white leather boots have two-inch heels, and they put me at eye level with him. He’s simply dressed in wool slacks and a button-down shirt. There are lines around his eyes, his face cracked from too much sun. But his smile is kind.

“Welcome to McNeal Manor.” He steps backward, inviting me into his space. When I walk past him, I smell the soft, woodsy scent of his aftershave.

“I’d shake your hand, but —” Mr. McNeal wiggles his fingertips. “I had surgery yesterday. All my finger-chips were removed. I lost a day at the office, but I thought you would be more comfortable this way. Now you know I’m not connected.”

I smile quickly, fleetingly. At least he can’t take pictures of me with his hands, no matter what else he does with them.

The great hall is gigantic. There are three stories of innately carved wood. Tapestries hang from the ceiling. An enormous fire burns in the hearth. The whole room is warm, and heat radiates through the marble floor.

“You have a beautiful house,” I say. It’s the truth. Everything about this place is stunning, except for the security cameras in the corners. Mr. McNeal notices my glance.

“Deactivated. Nobody needs to see you but me. At least for now. I’m sorry, but there was so much retrofitting needed for your arrival that the workers didn’t get to those yet. But I want you to know that when you’re in the manor, your privacy is completely secure. That’s as important to me as it is to you. The indoor cameras will be removed tomorrow, but the security cameras will remain outside. Let me show you around.”

He offers his elbow, and I link my arm with his. It’s strange to be so close to the person who controls my fate for the next twenty-five years.

Mr. McNeal leads me down the hall. “All of my employees have gone through the strictest security clearance and are entirely trustworthy.”

“That’s good to know, Mr. McNeal.”

“Please, call me Cal.”

“Yes, Cal. Of course, Cal.”

We move through room after room, all filled with artwork and antiques. Most of the rooms seem quiet, as if they have been unused for some time. Boston ferns grow in porcelain planters by every window. The red carpet cushions my footsteps.

“The house is still connected, I’m afraid,” Cal says. “There’s no way to run a household Net-free anymore without major remodeling. That set-up you have at Tabula Rasa is practically archaic.” He looks at me quickly. “I don’t mean any offense by that.”

“None taken.”

We’re on the second floor now, approaching a metal door that appears newly installed.

“I want you to be comfortable, Blanca, so this suite is all yours. Your rooms are lined with lead. No electronic device will work inside them.” Reaching into his pocket, Cal pulls out a