Once, sometimes twice, a month Sharon (42) meets up with Justin (36). They go for a meal or to a club before spending the night in a hotel. Sometimes, they have a weekend or a short holiday together. Sharon is a divorced mother of four who works part-time; Justin, who also has four children and is separated from his long-term partner, works full-time.

It seems a typical modern relationship, but with one big difference: Sharon pays for the pleasure of Justin’s company, of which sex is an expected part. “I’m sure I’m not alone in this,” Sharon says. “But I’m sure that it would raise eyebrows and a lot of disapproval, which is why I haven’t told my nearest and dearest. But it’s an arrangement that has worked very well for me for the past three years and I hope it continues.”

Sharon turns every stereotype on its head, not least because she is pretty and has no problem attracting men. “That's not what it’s about,” she says. “I was married for six years and my ex-husband and I get on well, but I don’t want the complications of a relationship. I want to concentrate on my children, my job and my life without introducing a man who might leave. I don’t have the time or energy for one-night stands. I want to be wined and dined and know what’s going to happen without any worries the next day.”

She’s also candid about why she took this route. “My husband and I had a great sex life and I missed that. I got fed up with having sex on my own — much as I love my Rampant Rabbit, it won’t take you out — so I did some research.”

Sharon found a huge range of websites and internet adverts offering services. “Some of them were real howlers,” she says. “But in the end I found Justin, who I thought might be suitable.”

The first encounter was nerve-racking. “In the flesh something has to click,” she says. “I knew that he was good looking and fit, but I knew that I had to fancy him, though I definitely went there with sex on my mind. I booked into a hotel and Justin collected me and we went out to dinner. Despite my nerves, there was an instant spark and we had a great time, especially as we knew that the evening was building up to sex. When we got back to the room there was no problem tearing each other’s clothes off and the sex was fantastic. I knew I’d made the right decision. That’s the way it’s worked ever since. He’s a total gentleman.”

How much does it cost for Justin’s time and attention? “£200 for an hour, £270 for three hours and £600 for overnight and it’s worth every penny,” Sharon says.

Justin is attractive, courteous, and at ease with what he does, though he says that he’d give it up if he was in a relationship. “I started when I was 25 to clear my student debts. My relationship had broken up and I had children to support. I saw an ad, researched the subject and gave it a go.”

As far as he’s concerned, the initial contract is for companionship, affection and attention — the sex is simply an enjoyable extra. “Sometimes the women I meet regard me as a stepping stone,” he says. “If they’ve been hurt in a relationship it gives them the feeling that they’re in charge. It’s up to them how long they see me for and when to move on.

“I see three or four clients a month and could see a lot more, but that wouldn’t work so well. This fits into my life. I have a great time and make some serious money on top of my usual job, which helps when you’ve got four kids.”

Sharon sums it up thus: “I want fabulous sex with a lovely man without any ties. I’m smart enough to know that although we get on well and have a great time, at the bottom of it all is hard cash.We’re both adults enjoying ourselves. Why does money suddenly change it?”

Would you pay for sex or do you know anyone who has? Let us know below

What kind of men pay for sex? You'd be surprised

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