CHAPTER 3: STRIP

I stood there, still trying to make sense of everything. He walked over to the corner of the room and pressed a button on a sleek control panel immediately the room was filled with a soft, sensual melody.

He turned, his eyes locking onto mine, and pulled out a chair and placed it in the center of the room, facing me. The faint light cast shadows that danced across his chiseled features, making him look even more dangerous and enticing.

"Come here," he said, as he sat on the chair.

I stood frozen, my heart pounding in my chest, unable to move or speak. It felt like I was caught up in a dream, and Nathan was the dream’s master.

He leaned back in the chair, his gaze never leaving mine. "I’ll ask you again," he said, his voice a smooth command. "Strip for me."

My breathing became difficult. My mind was waving to and fro, trying to process the audacity of his request, the magnetic pull I felt towards him, and the conflict tearing at my insides. I stared at him, dazed and uncertain.

I opened my mouth to say something, to protest, but no words came out. I didn’t understand what was happening to me, My soul and body wanted him but could not fulfill his request. 

The slow, sensual rhythm of the music washed over me as I began to move, my body responding to the beat in ways I hadn’t expected. I let my hips sway, mimicking the confidence I had seen in dancers before, though deep down, I felt a little bit of awkwardness.

Nathan’s eyes were glued to me. I could see the shift in his posture as I reached for the hem of my top, his fingers gripping the arms of the chair a little tighter, his gaze burning with anticipation.

With a shaky breath, I lifted my shirt and let it slide off in an exaggerated, almost exaggeratedly exotic motion, trying to play along with the moment. His eyes followed every movement, and for a split second, I felt a surge of empowerment. 

Then with some uncertainty and nerves, I reached for my bra, and before I knew it, the clasp came undone. My hands fumbled, and my heart leaped into my throat as I felt the fabric loosen around me. 

I caught it just in time before it fell completely, my firm boobs popping out of the bra, almost exposing a nipple. I could hear Nathan’s soft chuckle, a sound that was equally amused and entranced.

A low laugh escaped his lips as he watched me panic. "You’re doing great," he teased, his voice low, playful.

I shook my head, feeling a rush of embarrassment flood through me. "I’m sorry, I … I can’t do this," I stammered, stepping back quickly.

Nathan leaned back in the chair, clearly entertained by my awkwardness. His laughter was soft, genuine, and somehow disarming. "You’re fine," he said, his deep voice warm with amusement.

But I was worried. "I’m sorry," I muttered, hurriedly grabbing my top and pulling it back over my head. "I - - I thought I could, but… this isn’t me."

Nathan, still laughing softly, stood up as I rushed to gather myself."It’s okay," he said, his voice gentler now. "You don’t have to explain."

I felt some sort of relief as I threw my clothes back on, embarrassed but thankful that he wasn’t pushing me. Still, his gaze followed my every movement as I covered myself, a lingering intensity that sent shivers down my spine.

As I made my way to the door, I could still hear his quiet laughter echoing behind me. “Hey! Wait!” he yelled but I was gone.

When I walked into the café, Pachi was surprised to see me, his face shifted to confusion.

“Mel?” he asked, drying his hands on a towel as he walked over. “What happened? You didn’t take the job?”

“No, Pachi,” I said, my voice tight. “I didn’t take it. You didn’t tell me it was a stripper’s job.”

The shock on Pachi’s face was immediate. His mouth dropped open, and his hands flew up defensively. “What? A stripper’s job? Mel, I had no idea! I swear to you, I thought it was bartending, or something like that. If I’d known, I never would’ve sent you there.”

I crossed my arms, trying to keep my anger in check, but I couldn’t help the frustration that bubbled up. “Well, it wasn’t. I went, and it was humiliating. Just… forget it.” 

“I’m really sorry, Mel. I would never have put you in that position if I knew.” He was genuinely upset.

I noticed right away that Lisa wasn’t around. Normally, she’d be behind the counter or moving between tables, but today, the café felt emptier without her presence. I glanced at Pachi and couldn’t help but ask.

“Where’s Lisa?” I said, trying to keep my voice casual even though the tension between us still weighed heavy on my chest.

Pachi looked up, his face softening a little. “She asked for the day off,” he replied, folding the towel in his hands. “I think she needed some time.”

I felt a surge of mixed emotions, “Pachi… there’s something I need to tell you,” I began, my voice quiet but firm. “About Lisa.”

He raised an eyebrow, sensing the seriousness in my tone. “What is it?”

I hesitated for a moment, but I knew I had to get it out. “I… I caught her with Carlos,” I said, the words feeling heavy on my tongue. “ They were… together… I mean making out at the back hotel”

Pachi’s face went pale, and he quickly dropped the towel onto the counter. “What?” he said, his voice a mix of disbelief and concern. “Mel, I… I’m so sorry. I didn’t know it was like that.”

I nodded, feeling the weight of it all crashing down again. “Yeah, well, it happened.”

I appreciated his words, but the pain was still too raw. I could barely muster a response. “Thanks.”

He hesitated, his expression softening with sympathy. But then he added, “Listen, Mel, I need to be honest with you. I know you’re hurt, and I understand why you’d be angry with Lisa… but I need her here. She’s one of the best workers I’ve got, and this place is tough to run without her.”

His words stung, even though I knew he was just being practical. “You’d take her back, even after what she did?”

Pachi sighed again, looking uncomfortable. “I don’t have much of a choice. I’m sorry, Mel. But this café… it’s my livelihood. If Lisa comes back, I’ll have to keep her on. But that doesn’t mean I’m siding with her or what she did. It’s just business.”

“I get it,” I said quietly, my voice strained. “But it still hurts.”

The café was buzzing with the usual noise of customers, the clinking of mugs, and the murmur of conversation, but all I could focus on was the unwanted presence sitting in the corner. Carlos. 

He was here, of all places, and I could feel his gaze on me following every of my step. He looked restless, tapping his fingers on the table, his eyes following my every move, waiting for the moment I’d acknowledge him.

But I wouldn’t. I kept my back to him, serving the tables with practiced ease, pretending he didn’t exist. Pachi sat quietly behind the counter, his face unreadable. I could feel his eyes darting between Carlos and me, but he didn’t say a word. 

Maybe he thought it wasn’t his place, or maybe he wanted to see how this would play out, but either way, I was on my own.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The door to the café swung open, and Nathan walked in with an air of effortless confidence. The moment he stepped inside, it was as if the entire room took notice. Even Pachi straightened up as Nathan approached the counter.

Nathan exchanged a few quiet words with Pachi, who nodded in recognition. There was something about Nathan that commanded attention without him even trying, and I could feel the tension rise the moment he glanced in my direction.

He strode over to me, his steps purposeful, and when he stopped in front of me, his eyes glanced over me from head to toe. Then, with a casual yet authoritative motion, he handed me my bag.

“You forgot this,” Nathan said, his deep voice calm but with an edge of amusement. “And your money for the job is inside.”

I hadn’t even realized I’d forgotten my bag in all that chaos. My fingers brushed against the strap of the bag as I took it from him, the weight of it heavier than I expected I sensed it was the money

Before I could respond, Carlos, who had been silently watching, suddenly stood up. He could not hide the jealousy in his eyes, his voice filled with bitter resentment as he spoke up. “Who the hell is this?” he demanded, glaring at Nathan. “You think you can just walk in here and—”

I cut him off, turning to face both of them. My heart was pounding in my chest, but I kept my expression steady. I looked at Carlos, his eyes dark with anger. and then at Nathan, who stood there with a calm, 

“Nathan,” I said, my voice steady but carrying a weight that made both men fall silent, “I’m ready for you now.”