The Stranger in the Club

SARIAN.”

“Which looks good on me, the blue or pink one?” Silver asked as she stood before the mirror and giggled. “ I want to make as much money as possible tonight.”

“Pink is better,” I said as I did a little touch-up and glanced at the mirror, my strapless bra was perfect and showing just enough cleavage.

I was a stripper and it was the only way I could get enough money to pay my drunken father's debts including what he had stolen from a mysterious man, the mounting bills and taking care of my little sister.

The room was crowded with so many girls and I had heard that one of us might go home with a customer tonight.

I sighed and we stepped out just in time with the music. 

I was in a hurry to leave but I had to dance to get just enough money. The club smelt of cigarette smoke, sex and desires.

 I strut across the stage with my heels clicking against the sticky floor, every movement deliberate and in time with the rhythm, I know too well, that my face is partially covered with a small mask with beautiful lacework.

But, I was aiming to capture his eyes tonight, not those of the crowd. The man who had been watching me dance for the past three days. He was different from the rest of the crowd and he was wearing a small black mask similar to mine.

I felt his eyes on me even before I saw him as I gripped the pole and began to follow the rhythm of the music.

I looked up for him as I twisted and pushed my hips out, and when I saw him where was he was seated in the booth in the back corner, his fingers gripping a glass of Martini 

Even at this distance, his presence commanded attention. 

He was so handsome even though I couldn't see his entire face but those lips, those lips could kiss a woman out of her senses. Just staring at him, his eyes and his lips already made me wet.

I had to look away, he was making me lose focus but I wanted to dance for him, to make his eyes leave their marks on my body 

My mind flickers to Silver words 

The calm ones are the sexiest and richest.

Well, I now regret the choice of being a stripper as I saw this man with this kind of power that made everyone around him bow their heads. But it's just for the money, right?

 For many years, I was aware that my dad had a troubled past but until now I had no idea how far he had gone. Working in a place like this should have been a warning to me.

 However, the bills continue to pile up and the only thing that gives me life these days is the lights in this club. The heat in my chest grows as his unwavering gaze continues. His lips form a half-smile but it wisn'tfriendly, it's dangerous

 I wasn't sure if I wanted him to see it but he noticed something in me. Pretending my knees are trembling, I complete my set.

 The men threw dollar bills at me and one smacked my ass as some of them cheered.

But they all seemed far away, the only sound I could hear was my own heart thumping. I picked up my robe and headed backstage.

 As I walked past the bouncer at the back door who nodded but he didn't treat me like any other dancer. I had just enough money to pay a quarter of my father's debts and get us some groceries for the next two weeks.

  I quickly pushed the money into my purse and then I felt something, I wasn't alone.

“Sarian.”

 The mention of my name made me shiver. 

 I slowly turned around and saw the man in the booth in the corner staring at me and I broke out in cold sweat.

How did he know my name? Did one of the girls tell him? My stomach dropped as I took in his huge frame and his eyes that locked on my mind, reading me, enjoying the way I was scared out of my wit just staring at him, I wanted to ask him why he had followed me but I couldn't.

 As if he already knew more about me than I needed to know. 

My voice betrayed my attempt to sound casual as I asked.

“Did you enjoy the show?”

His lips twitched but not in a smile. 

“You dance so well, “ he said, his eyes settling on my breasts and I felt so uncomfortable.

The air between us gets thicker and his eyes get darker.

“You should say thank you when someone compliments you.” He teased me and I said nothing.

“ I'm here to ask you some questions about your father.”

The blood on my face starts to run out. 

My father? I hadn't seen him for a week but I heard nothing from him.

“ Sarian, your father owes me something…valuable.” He said as he slowly pulled off the mask. “And I'm here to get it.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat nearly too large to swallow. The man before me had beautiful eyes and not about the eyes, he looked every inch of a mafia.

I quickly looked away and prayed that someone would come in and see us.

 He took a step toward me, filling the little gap between us. 

“ I gave your father a very valuable item and now is the time for him to return it. The issue is that I haven't been able to track him down. You are the only one who might know where he was going, Bonita.”

I froze as a knot tightened in my stomach.

 I've heard whispers and rumors about the mafia but I never imagined that I would be a target and now I was caught up in my father's lies.

 “I—I don't know where he is,” I said, my voice shaking. “

He tilted his head and smiled but the smile was chilling.

“Such a good daughter.” He laughed. “Papa said you shouldn't say anything. I don't want you to get into your father's foolishness.”

He said as his fingers traced a line on my cheeks and I shivered. “But tell him Don Julio was here