Julia POV
After my show, I sat near the bar counter, rubbing my sore muscles, losing a knot that had formed from dancing for so long. Taking a short break, which I begged Raul to give me or else I would die on the stage, he allowed it, but it was only for fifteen minutes. It’s been a week where I haven’t seen that man and a week that Raul didn’t fire me and make me work overtime. I couldn’t blame him; if I had been in his shoes, I would have done far worse than him. I just curse my life for all of my misfortunes.
If I didn't need money, I wouldn’t be working here, and moreover, I wouldn't have met that man, who only reminds me of my dark past, which I was running from all this time. But on the plus side, not seeing that man's face is quite good for me. The way our first meeting was, I don't want to see him again. My body still remembers his touches. Those burning desires, which I felt for the first time and wanted to feel more of it. Those lucid hands imprinted themselves on my body without my consent.
“What are you thinking?" A soft voice drew me out of my thoughts, which were only fascinated by that chocolate-brown-eyed man. Looking over my shoulder, I see my friend Elisa; she is the only girl here that I talk to. Her life is so similar to mine, but at least she has someone of her own blood for me; I don’t even know where I came from.
"Nothing!" I immediately answer her if I tell her about that man. She will poke me until I spill every single detail of that night, which I don’t want to share even though she is a friend and she’s been good to me since the day I started working here, but it’s in my personality to not disclose everything. A lesson I learned growing up. "How’s your mother doing?" I inquired, changing the subject. She sighed heavily, letting her head drop, and her small, pretty, dark black eyes welled up with tears.
"The doctor said that her body is already weak. If this happens again, there is little chance for her to survive. I don’t know what to do now. I have changed so many places just to keep us safe, but every fucking time that bastard finds us the cycle repeats." she said gritted her teeth. I patted her shoulder, trying to show that I'd be here for her. Her father is a monster who not only sold her when she was barely a teenager when she was again going to be betrothed to someone Raul bought her and make her work as a stripper in his club.
"What are you going to do about him now?" I inquired.
“Remember I told you about a man? He works for a prominent and respected man of this city. I implored him for help the day she was battered to death, and he said he would seek for that bastard.” She stated this while drinking from her wine glass. We were busy talking when one of the bouncers came over and told me that my show had ended and that I may go home, I nodded. I quickly leaped out of my seat, ecstatic.
“I can wait for you in the dressing room, Elisa. We can go home together after your show.” I questioned Elisa, she shook her head. “No Julia, I have to speak with that guy. He asked me to meet him tonight,” she said quietly, looking down.
“Did he ask you for anything in exchange for assisting you?” I understand how these men could be. They won't aid you unless they desire more than just your body. She didn't respond, and that was all I needed to know. I didn’t ask any further. She fled since it was her turn to perform. I was on my way to my room when I was halted by a voice.
"Julia!" I stare at the man approaching me in a tight-fitting suit. I grinned at him as he embraced me, which I did as well. He is a couple years older than me. Dario is a kind guy from a renowned family. Beautiful, tall, well-built and more importantly filthy rich. He never looks at me like he needs anything from me; his courteous demeanor constantly draws me towards him. I recall our first encounter, which seemed exactly like a movie scenario in which a guy protects a girl from bad guys—that exactly happened to me. After that encounter, he became a constant here. Sometimes alone, sometimes with his elite friends.
“Dario! When did you come back?” I asked after we parted. I hadn’t seen him in a long time. He grinned at me, nudging my elbow in the direction of the bar counter where I had been seated previously.
“Would you like something to drink? You might say it's a gift from me. My father officially announced my position as a CEO of the company.” He stated it with enthusiasm. He popped open the champagne bottle, grabbing the empty glass and pouring it to the full. I wanted to say no to him, but seeing him looking so happy about his success, I couldn’t bring myself to do so.
“I’m happy for you; congratulations.” I said as we clicked the glass, I drank the champagne in one go, eager to go home.
“Here's one more,” he said, passing me another glass that was already filled. This time I was reluctant to take it as the first one has already started to do its wonders.
“No, that’s enough for me, you know I’m not good with drink.”
“Oh, come on, don’t worry; it’s my responsibility to drop you home safe and sound.” he offered. This will not be the first time he will drop me off at home; he has accompanied me many times. So I didn't find anything wrong about it.
“Are you here alone? Where are your other douchebag friends?” I asked.
“Oh, they are in the VIP room getting drunk. I haven't met you for so many days, so I thought I would come and see you.” He said, sipping on his drink. I nodded at him as I, too, sipped on my glass. We spoke briefly, but solely from his perspective; talking about my life isn't really intriguing. Suddenly, the world around me seemed extremely hot, as if there was a burning sensation inside of me.
“Hey, are you okay?” Dario asked, looking concerned. I slightly nodded my head, and everything around me felt like it was spinning. I struggled a little when I got off the chair. I would be on the floor if Dario hadn’t put his strong muscular arms around me, balancing me so I wouldn't fall.
“Hey Julia, you're making me scared. What happened? Are you feeling sick?”
“Yes, a little. I think I drank too much.” I got out of his grip and held onto the counter to make me stand.
“Okay, wait, here I go and inform my friends that I’m leaving.” He informed me as he disappeared into the sea of peoples. I just stand there waiting for him to return. When I ran out of patience, I made my way to the dressing room, thinking that if I stayed there, maybe Elisa would see me. I was ready to open the door when I was jerked back by a powerful hand. I was about to yell, but a huge hand seized my mouth, forcing me to be silent.
“Finally, I found you in your frail condition.” I examine the man's features. He was among the men I saw with Dario. Stupid bastard! I cursed Dario, believing he had put something in my drink so that his friend might take advantage of me. Despite the fact that my condition is weakening me, I bite his hand, hissing in pain as he uncovers my lips. I shoved him, causing both of us to lurch back. I bolted from the back door, which led to an alley. I was ready to take another step when he grabbed my wrist again.
“Where do you think you’re going? I worked so hard to get you, and now you’re running away from me. It would not have happened this way, if you had listened like a good slut.” He braked, holding me against the wall. I try to squirm free from his tight hold, but I’m nowhere near able to fight with this man with the drugs running through my veins.
"Get off me, you fucker!" I tried to push that man away, but with my current condition, my strength fell short. "Get away from me!" I shouted this time, thinking that someone would listen to my pleas. A lone drop of tears fell from my eyes, thinking that this was the end. Why does this always happen to me? Why is God so cruel to me? If it were not for the drugs, I would probably go into a panic attack again right now. I prayed inside that someone, anyone, would save me from this disgusting person.
His filthy hands roamed around my body as I was still in my show's attire making it easier for him to squeeze my breast when they were about to get inside my panties. I closed my eyes, thinking that no one would come to save me. But after a few minutes, I felt his weight being lifted from my body. I just stare at him as he tosses backward into one of the garbage cans.
I glanced up at my redeemer; there he was, the man who was clouding my thoughts. I was hypnotized by his bright chocolatey eyes with a hint of gold dancing in his iris, which chilled me to the bones. I swear I saw wrath in those eyes, which looked just like those of a monster out to destroy everything in his path.
He marched towards me with long strides, and in two steps he was close to me. His eyes roamed around my face and then to my body. "Did he hurt you?" He asked in his deep voice. The looks make me feel hotter. I always found that this chocolatey brown held so much power over me that I had to submit to him. I nodded my head.
“He shouldn’t hurt you. He has no right to do it.” I think that was enough for him to know what to do. He turned around, walking towards the man on the floor groaning in pain. He held him by his collar, lifting him up.
"Look here and see what happens to the one who makes me angry." He commanded, and I stared as he threw a strong blow on his face, the sound of breaking bones being heard in the darkness of the alley. I was sure that his nose broke. From behind, two men in black uniforms came, and he handed my assaulter to them. I couldn't keep my eyes open to see what he was telling them, but I saw them dragging that person, god knows where, and I don’t even want to know.
The scorching sensation returns, and this time it is more intense than the previous one. I know what my body is demanding from me, and looking at the man in front of me is not making it any easier. He was standing there doing nothing, enjoying seeing me withering in need. Slowly, I took a step towards him only to fall due to my dazed mind, but he immediately grabbed me in time to keep me standing. His musky scent put my mind at ease.
"Help me…" I whispered in his embrace. I don’t know what God is trying to do with my life, but the moment this man came into my life, I always found myself in his tight grasp caging me.
"Please help me..." I grabbed his shirt, narrowing our distance as I kissed him. Heavens! I have kissed that man. We kissed each other on our first meeting, but now I want to say that his lips should be one of the seven wonders of the world.
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Julia POV As soon as our lips touched, I felt a tingling in my belly. His large hand rested on my hip, drawing me towards him, which I eagerly followed. If I were in my rightful mind, I wouldn’t be doing this, but this searing feeling is forcing me to do it. My body is reacting to its own demand. This time, I blame that pervert bastard who gave me that drug. His hand moved from my hips to my nape, pressing my soft body to his hard one as he devoured me. My moans were swallowed by him, without breaking the kiss, he pushed me against the wall, caging me in his hold. I was sheltered in his dark shadow. “Look at how obedient you're right now when you need me… Where did that little tigress go?” He mocked me, biting my ears. I closed my eyes, letting him do it. First of all, I don’t have the strength to stop him. Secondly, I seriously need him, yes I need him to get rid of this burning feeling in me. A whine left my lips as he separated us, which I don’t want. I grabbed him by his Armani
Julia POV I stared at him as he undressed in front of me. I am not sure if it is the effect of drugs or his physique that is luring me. But I never took my gaze away from him. His well-built muscles flexed, when he pulled off his shirt, and tossed it somewhere in the room. My gaze moved down, past his shoulder blades, to his pants. I felt my breath caught in my throat at the sight of his erection straining against the cloth. The feeling returned, tempting me to curl up again, but the strong arms of his grasped my hands, trapping them above my head. He dipped down and kissed my lips. I wanted to pull him towards me but when I couldn’t budge my hand I looked up and saw them tied on the bed post. I wanted to complain about it when he smashed his lips onto mine again, throwing my whining out of the window. "Relax," he soothes, sliding his hand on my body. His slender fingers slide from my neck to my breast. That’s when the realization hit me, I was still wearing my dancing outfit, a tw
Julia POV I slowly open my eyes, blinking a few times, in an attempt to take in the glowing brightness. I glanced around only to notice that I was not in my room; it was too spacious for me. Where am I? The wall of the room is painted gray with a white ceiling, which is, in my opinion, very dull. The furniture was all black, from the door to the huge cupboard affixed to the wall. Closing my eyes again, I tried to recall the last night, and that's when the realization hit me like a bucket of cold water. I was drugged last night, and I had sex with a man I barely know. Fuck, you’re so stupid Julia. When are you going to stop putting yourself in trouble? I was so busy blaming myself that I failed to notice a muscled, veiny arm snaking around my waist. I suddenly bumped into a firm, naked chest, and again that sandalwood scent hit me with so much force that it blurred my sanity. I immediately closed my eyes, pretending to be still sleeping. But when I didn’t hear any movement, I peered
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Julia POV Rubbing my wet hair I walked to the living room only to find Enzo sitting on the couch as if he owned this apartment, one leg on the table and the other dangling on the floor. In his hand was a plate, and his eyes focused on the television. I clicked my tongue on the corner of my mouth, tossing my towel on the chair. I went towards him, pushing his leg off the table. He looked up at me, grinning like an idiot. "Oh, you came back. We thought you had been kidnapped by someone, and I have to take care of Aunty, though I’ll never complain about that if I'm going to have delicious food here." He said, sliding to the corner of the sofa, making room for me to sit. "Hah! In your dreams, Enzo... What are you doing here? Didn’t you say that you were going back to the academy?" I asked, as Mama came from the kitchen, offering me a plate, with freshly baked bacon and eggs. Only by smelling it did my mouth water. I’m hungry. I haven't eaten anything since last night. "Nah! My supervis
Romeo Pov“.....I truly appreciate all of you for your concern and kind support till now that you all have given to me and waited patiently for me to recover.” Her strong Italian accent sounded firm and strong. Her silver hair, once black and bright, cascaded down her back in gentle waves, a witness to the passing of times, her face etched with lines and wrinkles, though that wasn't able to shake this strong woman personality.I stood beside her, listening to her as she lied to the reporters about how she was careless and fell down the stairs, hurting herself. I understand why she is lying; she doesn’t want to ruin Valentino's status. It’s one of the rules of Valentino’s family. If something happened within the four walls, it would be buried within the four walls. A title that has chained my hands, which I can’t take off.Rusella Valentino is a strong, confident woman. After the death of my grandfather, she took up the responsibilities for both public and underground matters. That time
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