He underestimates how much that would actually raise her level in society. Now she is anyone's toy who can afford the fee. There is no protection for her, no future. The best she can hope for is to become Madam some day, and prepare girls like her to please the next generation of clientele.

She'll never ask to be rescued. Not out loud. She doesn't expect it to ever happen anyway.

His growing confidence tells her she could try the next step. She rests a hand on his chest for balance, and lets her tongue gently caress his lower lip.