Chapter 1

Nadia's pov

The upbeat music playing in the club could do nothing to distract the crowd as they whipped out their phones and recorded the side show. I didn't even care about them or their expensive devices pointed my way, all I cared about was the freak who had felt it was his right to touch me just because I strutted around in heels serving drinks at this godforsaken bar. 

Pardon my language.

The idiot's eyes were as wide as saucers as he looked at me, disbelief on his proud face. I bet he never thought I would react the way I did. It was one thing for me to flirt occasionally with the guests as it helped the tip jar, but I never crossed that line. Because of the experience I went through when my selfish sister decided it was time to drop me out of her life like I was baggage, letting men touch me just for fun was very hard. The three years I spent in that devil organization, disguised as an orphanage, before my godparents came to rescue me were the worst in my entire life. I had done things no twelve year old should have. 

My friend, Poppy, wrapped her hands around me while yelling for the cameras to be put down. They didn't listen to her, after all, she was just an exotic dancer. Justin's broad nose was bleeding excessively and despite my anger, I felt guilty for my behaviour. The air in the room tensed and the tiny crowd gathered at the vip area parted as Jonathan, our boss' bodyguard and manager, sauntered to us. Poppy released me, moving to the side a bit as he approached.

“To the changing room. Now!” He yelled at Poppy and me. As we walked away, she kept asking me why I acted the way I did, but I didn't give any answer. When we got to  the changing room, I saw some of the girls snickering openly as I stepped in. 

“Knew sunshine would be in trouble one day.” One voice said and a few girls laughed.

“Acting like she was better than the lot of us.” Another voice said. I opened my mouth to speak when Jonathan came in. He stood before me, his eyes digging deep into mine before he glanced at the other girls. When he returned his gaze back to me, his eyes were blazing. I refused to step back, I had faced worse threats and I survived. I wasn't that little girl without any power anymore. I was a full grown woman with the freedom to do whatever I pleased.

“What did I tell you about Justin?” His deep voice asked in a tone meant for the two of us.

“You told me to take care of him, not sleep with him.” I responded, squaring my shoulders in anticipation of the mind duel I knew would take place. He dragged his eyes from the top of my head, down my underwear clad body to my feet before scoffing in disregard. I didn't let it affect me, I knew what he was doing. Jonathan loved to make those that went against him feel worthless. It gave him a sense of superiority. But I knew his game, he had nothing on me.

“See something you want, sugar.” I said without a smile on my face. 

“I still can't get why Justin is so obsessed with you. I offered him other girls, more willing ones, but he decided to have only you take care of him. I obliged him and ordered you to treat him right and see what you did.” He closed the distance between us as he spoke through gritted teeth.

“I am a special breed, Honey, not a prostitute. I've tolerated that man's lewdly advances long enough, but I won't take it anymore. Not from him and certainly not from other men. You can ask him, I warned him not to touch me times without number but he didn't listen. Am I supposed to just put up with it!” I yelled, not caring about the audience of haters in the room.

“Would you shut your trap? I pay good money for you to do as I say.”

Angrily, I responded, “No, you pay money for me to serve drinks. Besides, you don't pay anything good, taking your cut out of what Gideon gives you to pay us. As it stands, we practically live off the charity of the guests.” He clenched and unclenched his fist like he wanted to do something violent to me, so I stepped back because he would do it if pushed.

“You will go out there and apologize to Justin in public or else!” He said, his face going red because of what I said. It was true that no one was able to challenge him or speak to him the way I did. It was a miracle that I had worked there —unharmed—for close to six months now. 

“Or else what? You'll fire me?” I yelled back. “Let me spare you that trouble, I quit!”

Poppy held my arm and shook her head, “Nadia, please calm down.” she pleaded but I was beyond hearing her not to talk of reasoning with her. I walked to my locker and changed into my clothes. Poppy didn't leave my side all through. “Just calm down. You can talk to Gideon when he comes tomorrow.” She advised, trying to make me see reason but there was no way I was going to speak to someone worse than Jonathan. 

“I love you, Poppy, but I just can't remain here anymore. I am so tired of everything.” I said as I hurriedly kept my things in my bag. When I was done, I slammed my locker causing some ladies to jump in shock and turned to leave the room. 

“If you leave this place, you can't come back.” Jonathan said on my way out. I paused, the implication of what I was about to do finally getting to me. 

The tips. Father's health.

My father's words filtered into my mind, clearing the dark cloud of hopelessness. “Suffering don't kill a man. It makes him stronger.” I tightened my hold on the strap of my bag and walked out of the changing room with steady and sure steps but a doubtful mind.

Maybe I was making a mistake. Lord, prove to me that it isn't.