Isabella POV.
Mia's question caught me off guard. I couldn't tell her the truth so I had to make something up.
Nothing really. I'm from a small town so I came here to explore the big city, " I said, which was partly the truth anyway.
Mia and Aiden nodded their heads, smiling in response to my answer, as we all soon went ahead to eat our breakfast.
Isabella, so what is your game plan? Are you going to get a job, ” Aiden asked, downing his coffee?
Yes definitely, I have to find a job, I can't live here rent-free, " I answered, smiling as I savored the taste of his delicious French toast.
Isa, I know you have to find a job and all that other boring stuff, but first, you have to see the city and have fun. You just got here.
So I would do you a favor and be your tour guide. What do you say, "Mia smiled, loving her idea.
Giggling a bit, I was so amused by Mia's sense of humor, so I just couldn't say no to her even though I could see Aiden rolling his eyes at her.
Yeah, Mia, I would love that, ” I said, smiling, and I could see how excited Mia was as she jumped up and down her chair.
Finally, someone to impact my wisdom on. I'm fucking going to teach you how to have fun.
So hurry up with your food, because your lesson starts today.
“Mia said, urging me to hurry up.
Aiden didn't buy the idea at all, because the scowl on his face said it all.
Mia...”Aiden wanted to protest but was shut down by Mia immediately.
Relax Aiden, why do you always have to be such a party pooper, ” Mia scolded him.
I'm not... and you know that, Mia. I just think she should find a job first. That's all, ” Aiden tried to reason with Mia
.
Yeah right, ” she said, rolling her eyes at him.
If you don't want to come with us, then just don't spoil our fun, " she said, throwing some leftover food in his face.
Fine, you win, Mia, I would come along with you guys, just to keep Isabella safe,” Aiden said, smiling at me.
So that was how I spent my past few weeks here, getting to know this city and everything in it.
I also got to know my roommates a little better.
Mia is a struggling musician and a dancer trying to make it here in the city, and Aiden is an artist who is managing his art gallery.
We all had fun together as they showed me places, nightclubs and restaurants, everything looked all so new and exciting, and for that little time I allowed myself to forget.
To forget about everything and all the pain that brought me here, I was in my little bubble just enjoying seeing the city with my wonderful roommate.
But every good thing had to come to an end at some point, and that was when I had to start looking for a job.
Finding a job here was harder than I thought and it was worse because I didn't have a college degree.
And finding a job without a college degree was next to impossible in this city, so I had to wait patiently hoping I would find something soon.
I couldn't keep relying on Mia and Aiden anymore even though they kept on saying that it wasn't a problem.
...........................................................
It's been almost four months since I moved here and I still couldn't find a job at all. Not a single place wanted to hire me.
I wrote applications to every place I could think of but I kept getting rejected.
Maybe coming here was a mistake. Maybe I should have just stayed back home and dealt with all the pain and sorrows that it brought.
Maybe this new start wasn't for me after all, ” I sighed out, frustrated.
Isabella... " I soon heard Aiden's voice call out to me, bringing me back to reality as I looked up at him smiling.
What are you doing up so late, ” he asked, taking his seat beside me.
Nothing, just checking my emails, to see if any job would pop up, " I said rather slowly as I tried my best not to break down in front of him.
Oh yeah, so how is that going, any luck yet?” he asked with concern laced in his voice.
I didn't know what happened. Maybe it was the way the question came out from him, but I just couldn't hold my emotions anymore as I busted into tears crying my eyes out.
There is nothing anywhere, Aiden, I'm still looking for a job. It's been four months, I just can't take this anymore, ” I cried. None stopped letting out all the frustration I was feeling inside.
I didn't know when, but Aiden soon pulled me to himself, holding me tight in his strong arms as he stroked my hair in a comforting way, trying to calm me down.
And just like that, it was like his hands were made of magic because my breath immediately leveled, which made me calm down in an instant.
I reveled in the surprising peace and comfort Aiden's arms gave out, as being in his arms made me smile and relax.
Isabella....” my name came out again smoothly from his mouth, sending sparks of fervor through me.
You don't have to get like this, okay, the city can get you all worked up, you are too beautiful to cry like this, " he said with me still in his arms.
Hearing those words made me get up from his chest, in an attempt to look into his eyes. I wanted to see if his eyes showed what his lips were saying.
Did he find me beautiful....” I asked myself,
And just like that, his eyes held even more than what his lips did, as I was captivated and drawn in by the look of desire and want I saw in them.
I was so consumed that I just couldn't look away, as I moved closer to him, closing the gap between us.
His gaze moved from my eyes down to my lips as it lingered there endlessly.
I knew he wanted to kiss me, and I longed so desperately for it, but was he brave enough to do it, ” I asked myself , as I waited in anticipation of his next move.
Aiden stared endlessly at me, but before I knew it, he lowered his eyes, moving back from me as he let out a low cough.
Don't worry Isabella, you will find a job soon. Please go to bed. I don't want you to worry," he smiled at me as he stood up, pulling me along with him, holding me comfortably in his arms.
Waking up the next morning. The morning was as bleak as ever. I felt so depressed that I didn't want to get out of bed.
The only thing that made me smile was Aiden and our encounter last night.
We had a special moment and I didn't want to trade that for anything.
I was about to get up to go have a shower at least, hoping that maybe that would make me feel better.
When, all of a sudden, my door busted open and Mia came running in.
“What's good, girlfriend, ” Mia screamed at the top of her lungs, jumping on top of the bed.
Hey Mia, good morning, ” I greeted her lowly as I was not in the mood for her cheerful mood this morning.
Isa... What has you so gloomy this early in the morning, " Mia asked, looking at me quite worried.
Nothing Mia, it's nothing, ” I said, getting up from bed.
You can't tell me it's nothing and you look like you have just lost your favorite pet.
So tell me, what's going on with you," she urged me to speak.
I just can't find a job no matter how hard I try, "I yelled out my frustration to her.
Oh, Isa... Is that why you are like this? Don't worry, something will definitely come up, " she said, trying to comfort me.
But, Mia, I'm desperate, I'm running low on cash. How would I survive here without a job, ” I said, disheartened.
Silence... Took over the room as none of us said a word to each other.
Suddenly, Mia looked up at me, saying
I might have the solution to your problem, but I don't know if you would like it, ” she said, looking at me curiously.
Mia, out with it already, what solution do you have, " I asked eagerly, ready to know the solution to my problem.
What do you say about becoming a Stripper? ” Mia let out and I froze.
Isabella POVWhat! I screamed in shock.Yeah, it is a job and it pays well," Mia let out, as if it was no big deal.Again what!" I screamed and Mia chuckled.Look, like I said before, it is a job, and if you must know, I do it as well," she said, smirking.But I thought you were a dancer and a musician," I said, confused.Yeah, music right now doesn't really pay the bills, so I dance," She said with her eyebrows raised and I knew exactly what she meant.." Really you are a stripper," I asked.No, I would like to use more of the term dancer or entertainer because we actually do dance and entertain people, you know, but it is just with little or no clothes on," she said, smirking.But...but," I stuttered, obviously confused.So what do you say? Would you like to join us? I can talk to Dan, he will love the idea of a new girl around the club," Mia said.“Uhmm..." I mumbled out as I paced back and forth the room, totally unsure of what to say.A stripper... that was definitely not on my l
Isabella's POVI didn't know if I had made the right decision or if I had just walked into the lion's den accepting Mia's proposal, but the only thing I knew for sure was that I needed the money and it was the only paying job I was offered.So the next morning, I quickly got ready, wearing a yellow floral dress and putting my hair up in a ponytail.Mia had promised to introduce me to Dan today, so I didn't want to be late for anything in the world.Walking out to the living room, everywhere seemed deserted.Confused... I wondered what was going on. Usually, Aiden was always in the kitchen by this time so I wondered if he was still mad about me taking up the job with Mia," I said to myself as I walked into Mia's room, only to find her still fast asleep.Shaking my head and wondering if we weren't going to see Dan as plan today, I called out to her but she didn't respond.After several gentle taps on her shoulder and still no response from her, I decided to scream out her name.Mia!" I
Isabella's POV (A few weeks later)It has only been a couple of weeks since I started my job here at Club Paradise. I haven't danced yet because he refused to put me on stage.In his own words... I wasn't ready to be dancing in front of people yet. And because of that, I wasn't paid as much as the other girls at the club.So I practiced every day just to be as good as the other girls here. And I can tell you for a fact that it hasn't been a walk in the park. Dancing with heels on was a true pain in the ass and mastering my stability on the pole was kind of the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.It wasn't my dream job working here at club paradise, but I was willing and able to make it work here because I knew I couldn't go back home, I couldn't face my demons back there. So my busted ankles and sore feet were enough to prove that I just couldn't relent.Mia, of course, has been of great help to me. She has been there for me all the way, teaching me all I needed to know about h
Isabella POV I was so happy that Aiden and I had slowly gotten back to the way we were before. He was no longer distant from me. On the contrary, Aiden stayed with me throughout my sick leave from the club. Since my legs were in a bad shape, Dan gave me a few days off to recover. And I must say these past few days were the best ever. Aiden and I spent almost all our time together, with him taking care of me while I just listened to his not-so-funny jokes and ate his specially prepared meals. It was really good to have my friend back. “Aren't you going to the gallery today," I asked as I walked into the living room. No...What are you doing? You are supposed to be in bed, resting those legs of yours," Aiden scolded me as he guided me to the chair, totally ignoring my question. Stop... I am fine now, my legs are all better now," I let out as I rolled my eyes at him. Aiden was obsessing over my injury way too much. I knew he cared about me, but this was getting way out of hand now
Isabella POVGet ready Isabella, you have 5 minutes," Dan ordered.Okay, Dan, you win, I will take her place. Don't just allow Isabella to dance for the Draco," Mia said.No... I want Isabella to do it," Dan said with a smirk on his face.But..." Mia tried to protest but Dan didn't give her a chance as he walked out of the room immediately.Look at me, Isa..." Mia forced me to look at her, sayingI hate what Dan is doing to you, but it looks like you don't have a choice.Listen to me... When you get there, try your best to avoid any eye contact with the Draco.Just dance and leave..." Mia let out with so much emphasis“What is going on? I'm confused," I finally got the chance to let those words outOh my dear Isa, I'm so sorry this had to be your first debut here, because, girl, you are walking into the lion's den," Mia let out with a worried look on her face.Lion's Den..." I asked, even more confused.Who is this Draco?" I asked Mia with a racing heart.ooh sweetie... you don't want
Xander's POV Walking into Club Paradise, I looked around at the pack of people drinking and laughing, and also the dancers doing such a great job entertaining them.This place was my only getaway spot, a place where I could just go and unwind without any interference from my job.And I must tell you, my job isn't a small one, it requires me to take a lot of hard decisions and that can be so draining.So here... was the only place I could go and just relax without thinking about work.“Stay here, I will go in alone," I turned to my bodyguards, sayingYes Boss," they both responded in unison.And you can also get a few dancers to keep you entertained," I smiled as I walked into my private lounge.Seating, I was immediately poured a glass of whiskey on ice by a waitress“Oh you are here. I wasn't expecting you until Friday," Dan walked in looking all nervous.Well, it's your lucky day because I'm here now," I said, smiling as I sipped my drink.Oh yes okay, I will just get you your danc
Isabella POV I was livid, my heart was racing and I was boiling with anger as I walked into the dressing room, taking off my mask.I couldn't stop thinking about what just happened.Who does he think he said to intimidate me like that?I knew he was all tall and macho, and his eyes could make anyone scared for their life, but still, he doesn't have any right to hold me the way he did," I huffed as I slumped down to the chair.“What happened... what's up," Mia rushed to me, askingWhat do you mean," I asked, looking at her confused.“I mean what happened in there, you look angry," Mia asked as she folded her hand across her chest, leaning against the mirror.“Fuck... Mia, that man is a self-absorbed, arrogant son of a bitch," I cursed out.“Christ... I wonder how Bambi managed to dance for him all this time.He is so handsy, touching me so inappropriately," I said, rolling my eyes at the thought of him.“What... No that can't be possible, Isa," Mia shook her head,“It's all true, he h
Isabella POV It's been two weeks since I danced for the Draco, and ever since then, everything has been so amazing for me at the club.I think I'm now Dan's favourite dancer because, ever since I danced for the Draco, Dan has been treating me so differently.I have even started dancing full time at the club now, having my lounge and dancing on stage in front of people.Wow, it was so amazing.That feeling you feel when all eyes are on you, you feel likeA divaA goddess And when the music comes on, it's like I am the only one in the room and that was a feeling I could definitely get used to too.And of course, dancing full time now, the pay is extremely good.But through all this, I couldn't stop myself from thinking about the red-eyed man, and the mystery surrounding him.Deep down I was curious about him. I wanted to know why he was called the Draco and why he was feared and respected around this place.But on the other hand, I didn't want to ever see him again, because, without t
Isabella's POVI never believed that saying about your life flashing before your eyes when you're about to die. It always seemed cliché and stupid. But everything changed when I stood face-to-face with death, and my life replayed before me, both the good and the bad.---One Month LaterXander Diaz, known as "the Draco," was killed in a shoot-out with the police. The most dangerous man in the city was gunned down. There has been no statement from his family, and the police urged citizens to celebrate this victory, claiming peace had been restored."The chief of police assures us that the Draco will no longer wreak havoc in our city. We now head to the cemetery where the notorious mafia king is being laid to rest," the reporter said before the TV went black."Hey, I was watching that," I yelled, turning to see Xander holding the remote, and smiling."Aren't you tired of watching the news about my death? That's all they talk about these days. I didn't know I was this important," Xander
Isabella's POV:Three weeks had passed in the blink of an eye. Here we remained, entrenched in the safety of our secluded hideout, while Xander and Javier meticulously plotted their next move against Xavier. Despite the passage of time, my unease around Javier persisted like a stubborn shadow, casting doubt upon every whispered plan and stolen moment of respite.Xander and I got back together like the separation had never happened. Yet beneath the veneer of our rekindled love lay a constant churn of uncertainty. Thoughts of Judith, and the callous manner in which Xavier had snatched her away from me, haunted my every waking moment like a relentless specter."Thinking won't change a thing, you know that right," Xander's voice broke through the suffocating silence, pulling me back from the brink of my spiraling thoughts."What's on your mind?" he inquired, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine as his lips brushed against mine in a tender caress."Judith," I confessed, my voice b
Isabella's POV It felt like we were trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea, caught in a vortex of danger with no escape in sight. Xavier's relentless pursuit loomed over us like a shadow, while the sudden appearance of Javier, Xander's longtime enemy, only added to our peril. "We're done for now. I don't think we'll ever get out of this alive. If Xavier doesn't get to us, Javier will," I murmured, my voice laced with resignation as I scanned the bleak horizon. As I braced myself for the worst, I closed my eyes, steeling myself for the inevitable confrontation with either of them. But his unexpected offer of salvation shattered the silence, his words cutting through the suffocating tension like a ray of hope. "Get in if you want to live. You can't outrun them," Javier's voice broke through the chaos, his tone surprisingly sincere. Doubt gnawed at my insides as I grappled with the sudden turn of events. "Was Javier actually trying to save us?" "No, this must be a trick, a
Isabella's POV"I didn't stutter. Did I? Marry me, and I'll be your saviour," Xavier's voice oozed with a sinister charm that made my skin crawl. Each syllable felt like a dagger aimed straight at my heart."How can you even ask that? Why would I marry you, Xavier, when it's clear you hold nothing but disdain for me?" My voice quivered with a mix of fear and defiance, unable to hide the loathing simmering beneath the surface."I don't despise you. You're merely a pawn in this twisted game," Xavier's words slithered out, his gaze piercing through me as he closed the distance between us. "Marry me, and I'll bestow upon you a life beyond your wildest dreams.""What about Ruby? You made promises to her too," I challenged, my voice trembling with the weight of betrayal and hurt."Ruby was a foolish distraction. It was never my intention to marry her. Say yes, and you'll stand by my side as the Draco's queen," he urged, his smile sending shivers down my spine as his finger brushed against m
Xander's POVHearing the gunshots, I swiftly turned around, my gun clenched tightly in my hands, ready to defend myself and my men. To my dismay, I found them sprawled on the ground, incapacitated, while Xavier stood tall beside them, a smirk of satisfaction etched on his face.The revelation shook me to my core. My own cousin, the perpetrator of such a betrayal? I had spared his life once; was this the gratitude I received in return?"Hi, Cousin. It seems you've decided to join us. I was anticipating your arrival," Xavier greeted, his voice dripping with malice as he surveyed the chaos he had orchestrated."Xavier, damn you! So, it was you all along. How could you sink so low?" I exclaimed, a mixture of shock and rage coursing through me as I leveled my gun at him. But Xavier's response was a mocking laugh, his eyes gleaming with a dark amusement."Oh, dear cousin, you've yet to fathom the depths to which I can sink," he taunted, his smirk widening into a sinister grin. I prepared to
Xander's POV"What do you mean she's been taken?" I roared, my anger surging like a tidal wave, crashing against the shores of my composure."I'm sorry, boss. I was knocked out cold, and when I came to, she and her guardian were gone. I went back to their house, but it was empty. I fear the worst, Draco," the man confessed, his voice trembling with fear, his eyes darting nervously around the room as if expecting my wrath to materialize into physical force."How dare you return with such news!" I bellowed, the force of my voice reverberating off the walls like thunder. I seized a glass from the table, hurling it against the wall behind him. It shattered into a thousand glittering fragments, mirroring the shattered pieces of my control. He cowered before me, his knees shaking in terror, a stark contrast to the facade of toughness he usually wore."I-I'm sorry, boss," he stammered, his fear palpable, his hands trembling as he struggled to maintain his composure in the face of my rage."W
Xander's POV Days turned into months, each one a relentless reminder of Bella's absence. The gaping void she left behind refused to be filled, a constant ache in my chest that I couldn't shake. I understood why she had to leave, though. Agustin's actions were a stain on our family name, an unforgivable betrayal that tainted everything it touched. But despite the pain, a flicker of hope lingered in the depths of my heart, a desperate wish that Bella could find it in herself to forgive me for the sins of my father. "Son, stop torturing yourself over her. It's better this way," Agustin's voice grated on my nerves, each word a reminder of his role in driving her away. "Why are you still here? Didn't I ask you to leave?" I snapped, frustration boiling over. "Xander, you're my son. I can't just abandon you in your time of need," he replied, his tone almost pleading. "This man is pushing me to my limits," I muttered under my breath. "Look, Agustin, I don't want you around. You've caused
Isabella's POV Many months slowly passed by, and I gradually settled in my hometown.I still thought of Xander, because his ring reminded me of him. I knew I couldn't forget him even if I tried, so I stopped forcing myself to.I frequently visited my father's grave, as being with him greatly helped me.So today, I wanted to visit him as well.'' Judith, I am going to see my father,'' I said, and she nodded.'' Alright, why don't I come with you today? Judith suggested, and I looked at her surprised because she never wanted to come with me in the past.'' Don't look at me like that, I just want to go with you.'' she rolled her eyes.''I know you always want to be alone with him, but I would like to come and pay my respect as well.'' Judith let out.'' Are you sure?'' I asked, and she rolled her eyes yet again.'' I am an old woman, don't you think by now I would be sure of what I want to do,'' she replied.'' Okay, that will not be a problem. I would be happy if you came,'' I smiled a
Isabella's POVI got back to my hometown and everything still felt the same, even the air had the same feeling that it had before.The memories of why I left came flooding but, the demons I was running away from were still lurking at every corner.But not everything remained the same. The guilt I had about my father's death was all gone now that I knew who truly took him from me.I hated Agustin with all of my heart, how I wish I could put a bullet in his head.'' So why didn't you? Because no one would blame you if you did, not ever Xander,'' the voices in my head said to me.''No, even though I wanted so badly to end his life just like he ended my dad's life, I couldn't do it, because it would make me just as guilty as him,'' I said to the voices as I dismissed that thought immediately.Getting out of the airport, I took a taxi to Judith's house.A lot of emotion took over me as the car stopped in front of her house. I got down and walked to her front porch, taking in a deep breath,