CHAPTER 1: The Devil's Bargain

I let out a deep sigh, my eyes scanning the dimly lit bar with a mix of disgust and desperation. The air was thick with the smell of cheap perfume and stale beer. I had been sitting in the corner for hours, nursing a glass of water.

As I glanced around the bar, my gaze lingered on the women dancing on the stage. They were dressed in skimpy two-piece outfits and lingerie, their bodies swaying to the pulsating music. The men in the audience watched with leering eyes, some of them fondling the women's bodies as they danced.

My stomach churned with revulsion, but I knew I had to push aside my doubts. I needed the money, no matter how I got it. My mom's operation was expensive, and I had already exhausted all my other options.

I thought back to the endless hours I'd spent working, trying to scrape together enough money for my mom’s operation. But no matter how hard I worked, it was never enough. And now, I was faced with the harsh reality that I had to find another way to make money.

My eyes dropped to the floor, and a wave of shame washed over me. I knew that what I was considering was wrong, but I couldn't think of any other way to save my mom’s life.

I took a deep breath and tried to push aside my doubts. I needed to focus on the task at hand. But as I scanned the bar again, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was trapped in a nightmare from which I couldn’t wake up.

As I continued looking around, my eyes met those of a guy staring lewdly at me from afar. I felt a jolt of fear, but I quickly composed myself and smiled at him shyly.

The guy’s eyes lingered on me, and a shiver ran down my spine. I looked away, trying to calm my racing heart.

I took another deep breath and forced myself to focus on my goal. I needed to attract a customer, and I needed to do it now.

Just then, the guy stood up from his seat, a bottle of beer in his hand. He started walking toward me, his eyes fixed on mine. My heart pounded as he approached.

As he sat beside me, the scent of his cologne enveloped me. He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

I shook my head, trying to play it cool. "No, not at all," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

The man’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he leaned in closer, his sharp nose and jawline accentuated by the dim lighting. His dark hair was slicked sideways, revealing a prominent forehead.

"Great! Then... what are you here for?" he asked, his voice teasing yet firm.

I hesitated, my heart racing. "A-Ahm... Money..?" I trailed off uncertainly, unsure of how to articulate my intentions.

The man chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. Suddenly, his hand touched my knee, his fingers tracing a sensual path up my thigh. I felt every hair on my body rise, my skin tingling with unease.

The man’s eyes gleamed with excitement, his gaze intense and unnerving. "Maybe I can help you with that," he suggested, his voice dripping with innuendo.

I looked away, my heart pounding. I wasn't sure if I could go through with this.

His hand closed around my chin, gently tilting my face toward his. "What do you say?" he asked, his eyes boring into mine.

I slowly nodded, my heart heavy with trepidation. Oh my gosh, I thought. Here comes the nastiest thing I'll ever do in my entire life.

He leaned in closer, his lips inches from mine. I froze, my breath hitching. Just as he was about to kiss me, I raised a finger, blocking his lips from touching mine.

He pulled back, his eyes questioning. I smiled seductively, my lips curling upward. I leaned in closer, my lips brushing against his ear.

"Calm down, tiger," I whispered huskily. "There’s a time and place for that—but definitely not here."

I leaned back in my seat, locking eyes with him. I gave him a challenging look, daring him to push further. He shook his head playfully, a grin spreading across his face.

He reached out, taking my hand in his. "Okay then, let’s get out of here," he said, his voice low and urgent. He stood up, pulling me along with him.

For a moment, my face fell, my emotions threatening to betray me. But I quickly composed myself, forcing a bright smile.

"Tell me your name first," I teased. "You're a stranger to me, so I don’t trust you. You could be some kind of serial killer."

He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It’s Julian," he said smoothly. "Now, come on."

I nodded slowly, my heart pounding. I followed him through the exit, the cool night air wrapping around me like a shroud.

As I walked, doubts and fears raced through my mind. I was scared and disgusted by my decision, but I had to be strong for my mother’s sake. She was battling cancer, and I needed to act before it was too late.

I sat on the edge of Julian’s king-sized bed, my knees trembling as I waited for him to emerge from the shower. The sound of running water filled the room, and a sense of dread washed over me.

My eyes roamed around the lavish bedroom, taking in the big TV screen mounted on the wall and the sprawling walk-in closet. Everything about the room screamed luxury—from the plush carpet to the sleek black furniture.

As the shower stopped running, my body trembled harder. I felt like I was making a huge mistake, but the image of my mom lying in a hospital bed when we first found out she had cancer kept me rooted to the spot.

The bathroom door opened, and Julian emerged, a towel wrapped around his waist. My heart skipped a beat as I took in his chiseled physique, my eyes darting away in embarrassment.

I heard Julian sigh, but I didn’t dare look up at him. My fingers fidgeted anxiously in my lap.

"Stop crying," Julian said suddenly, his voice firm but not unkind.

I looked up at him, confused, and touched my face to check if I was actually crying. My fingers came away wet, and a surge of embarrassment flooded me.

"Why are you crying?" Julian asked, his forehead creased in thin lines.

I looked down, ashamed. "I-I’m sorry... I just can’t really do t-this..." I said in a small voice, my eyes fixed on the floor.

Julian’s expression was unreadable, but his voice was cold when he spoke. "Then why did you offer yourself and come with me if you can’t even do this?"

I took a deep breath, trying to explain. "I-I'm just so desperate for money... My mom needs an operation, and I need to raise a hundred thousand or more... I’ll do anything to save her."

Julian’s expression shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly as a smirk spread across his lips. The glint in his eye was unmistakable—mischief.

"I’ll help you with your mother’s operation... on one condition," he said, his voice firm but laced with amusement.

My head jerked up, hope surging in my chest like a tidal wave. "W-What condition?" I stammered. "I’ll do anything... Please, just help my mom."

I pleaded, locking eyes with Julian, my heart racing. The room fell silent, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioner.

I waited, my breath caught in my throat, as Julian’s gaze bore into mine. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down my spine.

"Be my lover," he said, his words dropping like a bombshell into the silence.

I froze, my body paralyzed with shock. The air seemed to suck out of the room, leaving me gasping. Be his lover? What did that even mean?

My eyes searched Julian’s face for answers, but his expression was unreadable. Was he serious? Was this some kind of twisted joke?

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. Julian’s eyes gleamed with anticipation, his gaze burning into mine.

And then, just as I was about to find my voice, Julian leaned in close, his breath whispering against my ear.