Natalie

Russian when it is easier for the client, English the rest of the time, both used sparingly. A booking, to Natalie, is an evening rather than an appointment.

Long enough in De Pijp that its market crowds no longer register, and at twenty-six she can be at most of the city's hotels inside the hour, whatever the time. Nothing begins until she is satisfied the room has gone quiet, and her pace stays unhurried right through to the towels being folded away. Two and three hours are her usual, the overnight when it has been arranged. She waits on the breath and has the patience to do it without ever appearing to wait, which is most of what tantra asks.

Natalie decides which bookings she takes and may decline any of them; she sets the limits for what a session includes, says what they are, and may end a visit at any point, as the terms set out.