"Haven't you heard?" Mica frowned when I asked her what was happening.
The hellhole of a place is now in complete chaos. Madam Hirushi is screaming in a different language. In the years that I was locked up in here, I already picked up some of the words she frequently used but she was yelling too fast that I couldn't keep up.
One thing is for sure. She's enraged! I've never seen her like this before.
"Why would I ask if I know?" I snapped at her.
She clicked her tongue in annoyance but stepped forward to come nearer.
"One of the newbies escaped last night," she whispered behind my ear.
My eyes widened in shock. Someone escaped!
"W-who?" I whispered back despite already having an inkling who it was.
"Julia," she mouthed.
My heart seemed to jump even though I was already expecting it. She escaped!
Memories rushed inside me of that night long ago when I thought I could slip out of the syndicate's claws. Only to be caught shortly after that. The punishment they gave me was unimaginable. It was like I was sent to hell and back a hundred times.
I shook my head, trying to stop reminiscing about the old days. I just hope Julia won't be as unlucky as me. I truly hope she can make it out.
The whole day, I kept my ears open for news about her disappearance. I'd only known her briefly but could truly see my younger self in her. My heart was beating erratically inside my chest the whole time. I stopped believing in any almighty power long ago but found myself praying she wouldn't be caught.
"Ava," France's shrill voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I had just finished dressing up for tonight's show when she appeared behind me.
"What now?" I snapped.
"Oh no dear," she grinned evilly. "There's no need to be grumpy now."
I frowned. The wide grin on her face creeps the hell out of me!
"You're called to the office," she stated. "Madam Hirushi wants to talk to you."
My jaw clenched. What does the evil wench want with me this time? Does it have anything to do with Julia's disappearance?
I suddenly remembered how I tried to encourage her that night. Did they misunderstand it? Did they think I was the one who gave her the idea?
Whatever. I don't care anymore. If they will punish me for that, then so be it.
"Madam," I curtly bowed my head when I entered the luxurious office. Everything here screams money but it won't cover up the filth this place was built by.
"Ava," she grinned when she saw me. "You really are my lucky charm," she added.
I frowned. The smile on her face made my skin crawl. Why does she seem to be in a good mood now when she was just wreaking havoc this morning?
I don't remember doing anything unusual today. The show hasn't even started yet!
She turned to the armed men in the room before I could ask anything.
"Take her," she ordered.
"Wait, what?" I confusedly ask.
"Hey, let me go!" I tried to pull myself away from Hirushi's men but I was easily overpowered. They carelessly dragged me out of the room.
"Madam! Wait! What is the meaning of this?!" I screamed but she didn't even give me another glance.
"Where are you taking me?!" I snapped when they kept yanking me to the elevator.
Shit. I took a deep breath to calm myself down. It's not going to help if I struggle now. I will just waste my energy. Clearly, I can't escape three well-trained men. I need to be smart about this.
Hirushi said I was her lucky charm. Then why is she dragging me like this?
Will I take Julia's place? But it doesn't go that way. The client also has responsibility if the woman was able to escape while in their custody. It's part of the contract. Hirushi won't just go and replace the woman that easily. Even the client has to suffer some kind of consequences for it.
My eyes widened when the elevator door opened to the ground floor. It's been ages since I set foot here!
"Where are we going?" I tried to ask again but the men kept their mouths shut. Probably following Hirushi's orders.
My heartbeats kept escalating as they dragged me out of the building. Too many thoughts swirled inside my head at once. I didn't know what to think of it. What's going to happen? Where are they taking me?
A sleek, black car was waiting. A man was holding the door open while looking at us as we approached it.
I gasped when I was shoved inside the car like a cheap suitcase.
"Hey!" I protested but was only answered by the slamming of the door.
"What's going on?" I asked when a man sat in the driver's seat but a glass partition went between us. I slapped it angrily.
"Where are you taking me?!" I snapped when something hit my senses. I coughed at the intrusive scent wafting inside my nose. My eyes got teary until my vision became blurry.
"Fuck," I weakly muttered. My head is spinning. I was left with no choice but to lean my back against the seat. What is it to me anyway? There's nothing worse that they can do to me. They have already ruined me in every humanly way possible.
All that's left maybe is killing me. But then, wouldn't that be a relief?
Those were the thoughts inside my head as I let myself slip into oblivion. It somehow calmed me down. A peaceful feeling washed over me, thinking that this would be the end of my miserable existence...
The next thing I knew, I was staring at a pristine white ceiling above me. I blinked. I'm sure as hell I'm not in heaven because there is no way my soul will be allowed there.
"I'm alive," I muttered not knowing how to feel about that fact. I pushed myself up and slowly looked around me. I still feel a little dizzy from whatever drug they used on me.
But my eyes widened when it finally dawned on me!
"Oh my," I frowned. I couldn't believe my eyes. What the hell is happening?
I'm in a very luxurious room. Even the sheets around me feel exquisite. There are large windows overlooking the unfamiliar skyline.
"Where am I?" I asked. I tried to think if I could remember anything after being shoved in the car but there was nothing. Nada.
I looked down to check myself. I was still wearing the same clothes from last night. As in, the seductive lingerie set I was supposed to wear for my performance. Needless to say, I feel so out of place. I'm like a piece of trash in the middle of this fancy place.
The biting cold from the blaring air conditioner pierced my exposed skin when I stood up. My arms wound up around my body but it didn't do much to give me warmth.
I almost jumped when the door suddenly opened. I haven't recovered from my initial shock when I saw the most unexpected person in front of me!
"Y-you..." I barely whispered. To say I was stupefied is an understatement. My mouth opened and closed several times. I couldn't find any words to say. I was so confused.
His eyes looked me up and down. I can feel my cheeks heating up from the intensity of his gaze.
Damn. I'm like a teenage girl blushing at the slightest attention her crush gave her.
"You look like trash," he hissed, confirming my initial thought. But how dare he say it to my face?! And why am I here? More importantly, why is he here?
"Go get changed. There are clothes in the walk-in closet," he motioned at the other side of the room then he left before I could even gather my scattered thoughts.
I stared at the closed door for a while before forcing myself to move. I went to the closet to check for some clothes. My forehead knotted when I saw that it was filled with new clothes. Almost everything still had tags on them. I wonder why he had a stock of women's clothing. Is he living with one? Or these are here just in case of, you know...
I gulped when I saw the labels. These could easily cost a fortune! I carefully ran my hand through the fabrics. Can I really use any of these? I shook my head. Now is not the time for that.
I shrugged then pulled out a pair of comfortable sweats. There are different types of clothes for various occasions here but I'm already freezing to think of anything else. I went to the other door in the room and just as I expected, it was an ensuite bathroom.
"What the hell?" I muttered when I couldn't turn the shower on. How does this damn thing work? I groaned after trying and failing a few times. There aren't knobs or buttons. Just the fucking showerhead!
I was already getting frustrated when the door suddenly flung open!
"Holy fuck!" I flinched, trying to cover up my nakedness.
I heard him click his tongue behind me. I turned to look at him. He was holding a remote control, fiddling with its buttons.
I shrieked when drops of water suddenly splashed on me!
"What the hell?!" I screamed.
"I figured you'd be needing some help," he shrugged while looking at me as if I wasn't in my birth suit.
Why the hell am I trying to cover myself anyway? It's not like he hadn't seen me naked before. I relaxed my arms, letting them drop beside me. Then I stood up straight and looked him straight in the eyes. I am proud of my body despite my scars and flaws.
Just like the past two encounters that we had, he had no reaction.
"Hurry up. There's something I need to discuss with you," he said before leaving.
I was left with my jaw dropped. That's it? He didn't even bother to take a second look at my nudity. Does he really find me unattractive?
I don't know why I was so bothered by that fact. But now I'm seeing it as a challenge. I find him a walking contradiction. He makes it seem like he couldn't care less about my existence and yet I'm here.
I smirked. Let's see who will win this game...
"What's taking you so long?" he snapped as he once again slammed the door open. He looked at me like I was a petulant child he needed to reprimand.I raised an eyebrow at him. This time, I was already fully clothed and had just finished fixing myself. I even put on a bit of make-up since I saw some on the vanity."Follow me, I need to discuss something," he ordered.I did as I was asked, walking behind him while looking around. If I was already in awe of the room I woke up in, my jaw literally dropped at the sight outside. It was no doubt a penthouse unit. Even though the interior design is minimalist, the whole place still screams luxury and wealth!I can't believe I stepped foot in a place like this. I kept looking around but I couldn't help but get distracted by his physique. I wanted to whistle when I took a good look from his broad shoulders down to his firm butt. He surely works out to be able to maintain this kind of body."Ouch," I whimpered when my forehead hit his shoulder w
"Wake up," a stern voice woke me up abruptly.For a while, I was confused when I saw the unfamiliar room I was in. It took a few good seconds before everything registered to my still hazy brain. My eyes felt heavy as I scanned the room. I could feel how they were swollen from crying."Your training will start today," the cold voice stated.I looked up to see the man who bought me. I found myself shamelessly staring at him. How can he look this good despite the silver streaks in his hair? That is the only clear giveaway of his age. His body is still so fit. I bet he can crush me with ease."Hey," he snapped his finger in front of my face right before my thoughts went dark and dirty. I jerked back in surprise."I'm talking to you," he snapped.Right. But what did he say? Training. "Training?" I voiced out my confusion. What training?"You are supposed to be my wife. I can't introduce you like that," he said while looking at me with a hint of disgust in his eyes. He was scanning me like
I wanted to pull my hair out while waiting for the elevator to reach the ground floor. How can I be so stupid? I didn't think this through. I don't even have a plan! What will I do once I get out of here? Where will I go? I have no money! I don't know anyone outside the ring.I definitely won't go back there!"But I'm already here," I whispered to myself. "I'll just deal with it once I get out of here."Just then, the elevator dinged, signaling that it had reached its destination. I ran as fast as I could as soon as its doors opened. I looked around frantically, trying to navigate where the exit is.It seems like I am in the basement parking of the building. There were cars lined up in the well-lit area. I started running while looking around. I have to hurry. I don't know how much time I have to get out of here!"Damn it! Why aren't there signs?" I huffed frustratedly, my head turning left and right. I couldn't see anyone I could ask either!So I just kept running aimlessly, hoping t
I'd been standing for quite some time under the cold running water but the heat inside me is still very much alive!"Damn you, Vladimir!" I cursed him inside my head. Is this some kind of punishment? Because it's working! I feel so damn frustrated right now!I can still feel his lips on mine, his taste still lingers in my mouth. I closed my eyes to reminisce about the feel of his rough, calloused palm against my smooth skin.I shook my head when I realized what I was doing. What is happening to me? Did that old man bewitch me?I tried so hard to control my growing desire but as I caressed my skin with the lather, the more I felt the heat between my legs. Until I finally caved into the devil.I closed my eyes once again and let my hands wander on my body. My right hand grabbed one of my taut peaks while the other moved further down to play with the sensitive nub between my core, imagining it was Vladimir's hands worshipping my body.I slumped on the bed, buried my face in a pillow, and
"Hey, wake up," a deep baritone voice roused me from my deep slumber.My eyelids fluttered open only to be greeted by the deepest, most mesmerizing blue eyes I had ever seen. A smile stretched my lips. What a great way to start my day!"Stop smiling like an idiot!" he snapped, waking me up from any fantasy that I was having at the moment."Huh?" I jolted upright. Now, I'm wide awake! I wasn't dreaming. A gorgeous but nasty human being is in front of me. My husband, Vladimir Lewis. Why is he so upset already? Did he have a bad night?"Get ready. We have a flight to catch," he said."A flight?!" I echoed, suddenly getting excited. "To where? Are we going on our honeymoon?!""Enough with the questions," he said impatiently. "Just go and get ready. We'll be leaving in an hour.""But wait... I haven't packed anything yet!" I argued."I had Cora prepare everything that you might need. Your change of clothes are in the closet," he said."Oh, okay," I smiled.We're going on a trip! I'm so ex
I can't help my grin whenever I think about it. I don't know why but I am so sure about it. We made out a few times and not once had I felt it. What else could be the reason?That must be it. I wanted to sympathize with him. He is a good catch. He looked so damn good despite his age. He has the money and obviously the status even though I don't know him. His aura exudes dominance and authority. To know that he is lacking in that department makes me feel bad.What a waste!"Have you lost your mind?" for the first time since we made out on his private jet, I heard his voice again."Huh?" I frowned, wondering what he was talking about."You look like a delusional bitch with that creepy smile," he snapped.Oh!I grinned sheepishly. If only he could read my mind. I'm sure he will be less arrogant."Don't mind me," I smiled. "I'm just having a good time. By the way, thank you for taking me here."I won't bring out my ace yet. This isn't the right time. I need to play my cards right."Whate
"Damn you!" I screamed behind his back but he had already left. I doubt it if he heard me."Argh!" I scrunched my hair in frustration! I never expected our confrontation to turn out that way! I really thought I'd have him at the palm of my hand after I dropped the bomb to his face!How can he be so full of himself?"Ugh!" I groaned. I squirmed when I felt the dampness between my thighs."What the hell is wrong with me?!" I snapped when I realized what happened. How can his roughness turn me on? We were in the middle of an argument and yet there I was creaming for him!I squeezed my eyes shut! This is so embarrassing!My only relief is the thought that he didn't know. But still... How can I lust about him when I know he probably can't satisfy me? Well, there are other ways but... Ugh!Stop it, Ava!I stomped my feet like a child while heading to the suite's bedroom. I jumped on the bed, recalling our conversation inside my head.He dismissed my accusation by putting the blame on me! Wh
How can I face him after that?Should I just go and drown myself in the ocean? Okay, that's being dramatic but really, I don't think I have the guts to even be in the same room with him.Why did he have to witness that? Heck, why do I even have to do that?! Should I get myself checked? I never had this problem before since I was in the syndicate. Every night, clients are willing to book my services for a night or two. Or worse, they book multiple clients for a night!I've never gone this long without sex. Maybe that's the problem. I have gotten so used to it that now that I'm not having any, I'm having withdrawal symptoms, just like what happens to people who use illegal drugs.But wait... Does that mean...Am I addicted to sex?!The thought alone made me horrified!That's impossible. How can I be addicted to something I rarely even find pleasure in? I was just forced to do it. Right. I can't be addicted to it.Maybe it was Vla