Chapter 7

They both turned to me, their faces shifting from playful to serious in an instant.

“What’s up, Luna?” Lisa asked, her voice soft.

I sighed, kicking at the sand as we walked. “It’s about my mom... or, well, the woman I thought was my mom. She told me recently that I’m adopted. She found me on her doorstep with a note and a pendant.”

The words felt heavy leaving my mouth, like they were draining the energy from me. I stopped walking, wrapping my arms around myself as if to hold the pieces of me together.

Ryan frowned deeply. “Wait, so... she’s not your biological mom? And she never told you until now?.

I nodded, my voice trembling. “Yeah. My whole life... It feels like a lie. I don’t even know who I am anymore. Why was I abandoned? Who left me? And why now, of all times, did she decide to tell me?”

Lisa reached out and squeezed my hand. “Luna, I can’t imagine how hard this is for you, but your mom the one who raised you,loves you. She’s still your mom. Blood doesn’t define that.”

Ryan nodded in agreement. “Lisa’s right. She took care of you, gave you a home, and that means something. But you have a right to know about your past too. It’s okay to feel hurt, but don’t lose yourself in the questions. You’re still you, Luna. The person we love hasn’t changed.”

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I blinked them away. Their words felt like a small light in the darkness I’d been stumbling through.

“Thanks, guys,” I said quietly. “It’s just... painful to know everything I believed about my life isn’t true. But I guess I’m glad I know now.”

Lisa wrapped an arm around me, her usual sarcastic tone softening. “You’re one of the strongest people I know, Luna. You’ll get through this. And whatever you find out about your past, we’re here for you.”

Ryan grinned, trying to lighten the mood. “Yeah, and if you find out you’re secretly royalty or something, don’t forget us little people.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Thanks, you two. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

A few weeks later, it was another night at the club. I was busy with my usual tasks when Mrs. Parker called for me. I hesitated at her office door before stepping in.

She turned around, her face lighting up with a smile. “Luna, there you are!”

“Ma’am,” I said, unsure of what to expect.

She walked up to me, placing her hands on my shoulders. “You know, you’re very beautiful. Men crave a body like yours, and that face of yours turns heads everywhere you go.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Uh... thanks?”

“I mean it. You have something special, and tonight, you’ll be working the VIP section again.”

My stomach tightened. “Is Mr. Romano here again?”

“Yes,” she said, still smiling. “But don’t worry. He didn’t specifically ask for you this time.”

Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived.

“That’s good,” I said, trying to sound casual. “Ma’am, I really don’t want to get involved with him. Can’t the strippers handle his... requests?”

Mrs. Parker raised an eyebrow. “Oh, come on, Luna. The money he paid you last time could’ve been life-changing. I thought you’d have quit by now.”

She didn’t know I never accepted the money. I bit my lip, not wanting to argue.

“You’ve been promoted, you know,” she added with a sly smile.

“Promoted?” My thoughts raced. That just meant more schemes to get me involved with her VIPs.

“Don’t worry,” she said, “he doesn’t want a massage this time. Though he might ask for one later.”

“What does he want, then?”

She shrugged. “You’ll find out when you get there. Just remember, Romano is one of our best customers. We aim to please.”

I nodded, resigned. “Can I go in like this?” I gestured to my work uniform.

“Of course. Just do whatever he asks,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I left her office, my heart pounding as I approached the VIP section. The same stoic bodyguard stood at the door. Without a word, he opened it, and I stepped inside.

Romano stood by the window, his broad shoulders framed against the city skyline. He turned slowly, wearing a blue suit that hugged his muscular frame. His gaze was cold and piercing, scanning me like he could see straight through me.

He began walking in slow, deliberate circles around me, the sound of his polished shoes echoing in the room.

“Luna,” his deep, commanding voice broke the silence, making the air feel heavier.

I froze, my pulse quickening. Whatever he wanted, I knew it wasn’t going to be simple.

I summoned every ounce of courage I had to ask the question that had been haunting me. “Why did you help me? Why did you pay her medical bills? And why did you keep it anonymous?”

His face remained unreadable, his cold eyes fixed on mine as if my words never even registered. The silence in the room was deafening, and I felt foolish for expecting an answer. Just as I was about to speak again, he spread his arms and said, “Take it off.”

I froze, unsure of his meaning until he gestured toward his suit jacket. My throat felt dry as I stepped forward, my hands trembling slightly as I removed the jacket, revealing his broad chest beneath the crisp white shirt. His muscles strained against the fabric, and for a brief moment, I found myself caught in the moment.

I reached for his long-sleeved shirt, ready to unbutton it, but his hand shot out, gripping mine. His touch was firm but not painful as he guided my hands to the buckle of his belt. My heart raced.

“No…” I whispered, shaking my head slightly, fear and confusion swirling inside me.

“Do it,” he commanded, his voice low and unyielding.