Chapter 5

"Really, you're staying with me for good?" Ella shrieks the moment I step into her bedroom. She throws her arms around me, and for a second, I forget how out of place I feel here. "I can't believe Zach had convinced you!"

Well, he did more than convincing. He blackmailed me.

"I just want to make sure you're not going to those places anymore, Ella. I'll be happy if you're safe," I say softly, hugging her back. Over her shoulder, I glance at Zachary, who leans against the wall with his arms crossed. His sharp, hazel eyes are locked on me, sending goosebumps down my arms.

Ella's smile grows, but Zachary clears his throat before I can say anything else. "You have other things to attend to, Clara."

I stiffen. Right. I still have to quit my job at the nightclub and clean out my things. I turn back to Ella and attempt a smile. "I'll be right back, okay? I just need to go get my stuff.”

Ella's face falls. "You're leaving already? Can't you stay a little longer?"

Her voice is so small it nearly breaks me. "I'll be quick, I promise."

Reluctantly, she nods, and I rise to head for the door. But before I can leave, Zachary catches my wrist. His firm yet gentle grip halts me abruptly.

"What are you doing?" I ask, glaring up at him.

Isn't it obvious? I'm coming with you," he says, like it's the most natural thing in the world.

"What? I don't need an escort, Mr. Langston," I snap, trying to pull my arm free.

"You don’t get to argue. I need to make sure you're not planning to run. You wouldn’t be the first."

The way he says it, like he’s dealt with this kind of situation before, sends a fright through me. I glare harder, though my pulse betrays me, quickening under his touch. "I said I'd quit, didn't I? I'm not a liar."

"Good," he says simply, letting me go and heading for the elevator like he already knows I'll follow.

A few minutes later, I sit stiffly in the passenger seat of his sleek black car. This isn't the same car he used when he rushed Mother to the hospital. Of course, he is a wealthy man with several cars.

Shrinking in my seat, I secretly watch him maneuver the vehicle with his hands moving confidently over the steering wheel. The way he moves gracefully yet with purpose is both irritating and, I hate to admit it, captivating.

"You're staring," Zachary says without looking at me.

Heat rushes to my face, and I quickly look away. "No, I'm not."

He chuckles under his breath. "It's fine, Clara. Admire me all you want."

"You're insufferable," I mutter, crossing my arms and glaring out the window. "By the way, you don't have to waste your time on me. As long as I remember, you hated your time being wasted."

"This gives us time to discuss our arrangement," he replies without taking his eyes off the road.

I frown, looking back at his direction. "What arrangement?"

"You'll stay with Ella for one year. In return, I'll pay off your mother's medical bills. When it's over, you leave. You don't contact Ella again. You don't contact me again."

His words crashed into me like a gong. No contact. Period. Just like that, and I'd be purged from their lives. And isn't that exactly what I want? The pain of his presence chokes me, suffocates me. But now as he spoke of leaving and going, somehow, oddly, I feel slighted by him.

My throat constricts, but I push myself to nod. "Fine. One year."

We arrive at the nightclub, where the air is buzzing with dim lights, pounding music, and the clinking of glasses. Mr. Cooper stands behind the bar, staring down at his phone. His face lights up when he spots me.

"Clara!"

"I need to talk," I say without any further hesitation. "I'm resigning."

He freezes. "Resigning? Why?"

"I got the job at the hotel."

His brows knit together. "Didn't they reject you before?"

"Well, they changed their mind," I reply quickly, hoping he won't dig further. But his frown deepens, clearly not satisfied with my answer. "Clara, I don't like this. Are you sure this is a good idea?"

Before I can even answer, a shiver runs down my spine. I turn my head over my shoulder to see Zachary sitting at a far table, his eyes staring straight at me like a hawk. He is entirely out of place in his tailored suit, but somehow, he commands the room.

I take a few deep breaths, trying to keep my focus on my manager. "I'm positive, Mr. Cooper. Thanks for everything.”

He hesitates but nods. "Alright. But before you go, can you clean up the stockroom upstairs? It's a mess."

I agree, heading up the stairs. The stockroom is worse than I expect, with boxes haphazardly piled. Sighing, I start organizing. "Don't forget, Clara. You're all doing this for your mother," I remind myself, pushing through the clutter.

A few minutes later. The door creaks behind me, and I turn. Mr. Cooper steps in and locks the door.

My blood instantly gets cold as I ask, "W-What are you doing? Why did you lock the door?"

"This is how it works, Clara. Girls spend time with me first before they get out of this club."

"N-No way." Fear floods me as I step back until my back hits the wall. Why is he doing this? I thought he was kind and gentlemanly. Now those seemingly innocent actions make me question everything. "I'm begging you, Mr. Cooper. Please let me go. I promise I won't tell anyone about this."

“That's not how it works, sweetheart," he says, moving closer. "I'd been thinking of ways to get you alone for years now. Do you think I will just let you walk away?"

"No!" I throw some boxes off the nearby shelf, hoping to create a distraction and make a run for it. But Mr. Cooper easily catches me before I can escape.

"Help! Somebody!"

The door opens with a crash, and Zachary strides in. His eyes flick between us and then land on Mr. Cooper.

"Step away from her." His face is red, even though he speaks in a calm tone.

"Zachary Langston?" Mr. Cooper snorts, pushing me to the ground. "No wonder this girl is so defiant. But this is my world, rich boy. I'll make sure you're never seen again."

Mr. Cooper throws a punch, but his confidence crumbles when Zachary moves. In a blur, Zachary twists his arm behind his back and forces him to the ground.

“I should end you,” Zachary growls. “But you’re not worth it.”

He lets go, and Mr. Cooper collapses, groaning. Zachary straightens as he gazes down at me with low brows. “Now I have more reasons to shut this hell of a place down for good." He extends a hand to help me up.