Isabella POV
What! 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 list of jobs I wanted to do in this city, but I do need the money
If I don't earn something soon, I will have to go back to my little town and that was something I really didn't want to do.
I couldn't go back to my town, to the demons lurking around there.
No, that was something I couldn't bring myself to do. But to be a stripper," I screamed to myself.
So... am I getting an answer now," Mia asked and I shook my head, signaling a no.
Thank you for trying to help me, Mia, but I really can not do it. I think I will just have to stick it out for a while until I find something," I smiled and said.
Okay no problem, just remember that the offer is always on the table, like I said Dan would love to have you at the club," Mia said as she walked out of the room, leaving me there with my own thoughts.
...............................................
I continued my hunt for a job but, as always, it was to no avail. It felt like the universe was against me, because everywhere I turned there was always some kind of rejection and I was slowly reaching my limit.
It has been two more extra months here, scouring this godforsaken city looking for a job, but still nothing, absolutely nothing.
And that was when I knew I had to face my reality.
No one was going to give me a job, not even as a waitress, so I had to take the one that was already offered to me.
I had to accept Mia's proposal.
Ugh... Judith is going to kill me if she ever finds out about this," I said to myself, as I shook my head and walked into the living room.
“Hey, you..." I heard Aiden call out from the kitchen.
Looking over at him, he was wearing a tank top that put his muscles on display and I just couldn't help but gawk at how perfect they were.
“Come on... sit. I made you breakfast," he said, urging me to take a seat.
You know if you keep feeding me like this, I will never be compelled to leave," I said, taking my seat at the counter.
Yeah that's the plan actually," he smirked and my face turned red in an instant.
“Okay, slow down heart," I screamed to myself.
Soon enough, Aiden dropped a plate of blueberry pancakes and eggs with a glass of juice in front of me.
Dig in..." He said, smiling, and I picked up my fork, cut through the pancakes and trust me when I tell you that his cooking only gets better every day.
It was so delicious that I couldn't stop myself from taking bite after bite.
Hi... slow down, I don't want you choking okay," Aiden urged me to take a beat.
You know it is your fault for making it so delicious," I groaned, and he laughed.
Thank you... I would take that as a compliment," Aiden smirked as he stared at me while sipping on his coffee.
So Isa... Any luck finding a job yet," he asked and I shook my head, signaling a no, as I felt gloomy immediately as his words came out.
“Nothing... I have searched everywhere, not even a waitressing job," I groaned out in frustration.
Don't worry, something will definitely come up," he let out, with a concerned look in his eyes.
Soon enough... Mia's door opened up and she walked out wearing her PJ's shorts and her hair was all over the place.
Good morning roomies," she yelled.
I honestly thought it was already past noon," she groaned as she went to pour herself a cup of coffee.
Looking over at my plate of food, she rolled her eyes, turning towards Aiden.
I know you didn't do anything for me right," she asked with a stern expression on her face.
No, my dear Mia, if you want some, then make some for yourself," Aiden said, smirking.
Yeah right I just knew it ... you wouldn't make any for me because I'm not the one you want to bang," she rolled her eyes, walking over to the fridge.
Scanning through the fridge for a while, she closed it with a loud moan.
Okay it's official, I'm too lazy to make anything right now, so I would just settle for a frozen waffle," she said, rolling her eyes as she threw the waffles into the microwave.
“So my little Bella, tell me have you gotten a job yet," She asked with her eyebrows raised.
No..." I whispered.
“Hmmm, Interesting... you know the offer is still on the table," she smirked.
What offer..." Aiden asked,looking all confused.
I offered her a chance to work at the club with me as a dancer,"Mia said, smiling.
Hell No Mia... why would you do such a thing? She can't do that," Aiden yelled.
Tough luck Aiden, you are not her father, you know, you can't dictate what she can do and what she can't, the decision is all up to our little Bella over here," Mia smirked and Aiden kind of lost it, looking all angry.
He soon turned towards me, whispering.
Look, Isa... you can't work at that club, okay, it is not just for you, dancing for a group of men... No, don't do it.
If you want a job so badly, you can come and work for me, okay," he said softly as he ran his fingers through my hair with his eyes begging me not to do it,
But I knew exactly what my answer was going to be.
I knew it was either to find a job here or go back home, and I knew I definitely couldn't go back home.
“Aiden..." I whispered out his name.
Thank you for your offer, but I have already made up my mind. I have to make it on my own here okay and working for you wouldn't help me do that.
Don't worry, it will only be for a short time until I can earn enough money to start up my own business," I said, smiling, looking at him.
So, Mia, I accept. I would love to work at the club," I murmured, and Mia squealed in excitement.
Oh my goodness, we are going to have so much fun together. I'm going to teach you everything that you have to know .
“Little Bella"
Oh, that should be your stage name, little Bella," Mia chuckled.
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 POV 2 more weeks had gone by and still no sign of the Draco. Well, it wasn't like I was counting the days or anything, because I still didn't care if he showed up or not because even though my curiosity about the red-eyed man was still trying to get the better of me, I knew he was trouble, so it was best he stayed away for good. But apart from my constant thoughts of the one who I really wanted to forget about, everything around here had been great. Working at the club was going better than I expected. Little Bella soon became a household name and everyone could not get enough of me. I even had a personal time slot for a stage performance just for me. Yeah, I was having the time of my life and it was all thanks to my first performance for the Draco. But back at the apartment, Aiden and I still had this awkward would they won't they type of tension, that sometimes I just wanted to forget about everything else and just kiss him, but it didn't quite help that my mind
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,