You can't run away from the debt, young miss!

Sarah's POV;

I couldn't focus after my gaze met his. I felt restless. His face kinda looks familiar, but I didn't think I had even come across someone as dangerous as him.

Marco was busy having a gist with a few of his mean-looking friends while I sat and watched like a lost puppy. Yeah, there was nothing I could do to keep myself busy. I just watched the strippers until I got pissed and irritated. They were literally naked.

Marco turned to me and then asked if I was fine. It was the fifth time he had asked, and I just kept nodding my head even if I wasn't fine. I knew how I was supposed to be fine when there was no fun here; I didn't even have a phone to cheer myself up. I hadn't seen my phone after that day; I guess he threw it away.

"Sarah," he whispered slowly. His voice gentle and intense.

"Yes," I replied, looking into his deep blue eyes.

"No matter what anyone says to you, never follow anyone out or to the restroom. If you are pressed, call me," he handed me one of his phones.

"Your birthday, that's the password. I need to leave to have an important discussion with a friend, and it's not right to take you along. Just stay put, and you'll be fine," he told me.

"Will you take long?" I questioned slowly, a smile creeping up at the corner of his lips.

"I don't know yet, but I will surely come back to get you," he assured, patting my hair like a little puppy. It was annoying when he touched me that way, but I liked it.

"Please don't take too long. People here look really scary," he scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"They won't touch you knowing you are mine, but still, don't try anything silly. I'm not friends with everyone," he muttered, lowering the last part.

"We don't have all the time in the world, Marco. Leave the romance behind closed doors!" The old, ugly guy beside him spat. It was obvious he was jealous, but why would he be? He was old enough to be Marco's father.

He bent down, and without warning, he planted a soft kiss on my lips. My eyes widened at first, but I composed myself. To admit, I liked him being all clingy and touchy with me.

I watched as he disappeared into the shadows with the old man, then I began looking around, hoping I would see the guy with the tattoos again, but I didn't. I sighed, turning my attention to the phone I was holding.

How come he knows my birthday? I can't even remember the last time I celebrated my birthday. After my seventh birthday, I gave up on celebrating. To others, it was a joyful and happy occasion, but to me, it's the saddest day of my life. On my seventh birthday, I lost my dad; he was shot down right before my eyes, just when I was about to make a wish. To this day, that trauma has been haunting me; I'm scared of my birthday, and I just pray it never comes.

I slowly entered my birthday on the phone, and just like he said, it opened. The first place I could think of was his photos. Without hesitation, I clicked on it, but to my surprise, it was locked.

I inserted my birthday again, but it didn't open. I tried using just any random date, but it still didn't open. Then my mind went to my graduation day, and I added it—and surprisingly, it opened.

The first picture that caught my eye was the dress I wore the day before he took me.

I continued scrolling, and I was shocked to see it was literally all the dresses I've been wearing. Checking the dates, I confirmed there was no day he didn't take a photo of me. But how come?

I got pissed and decided to scroll faster since I was annoyed looking at my unaware moments.

My eyes caught something again: the box I received on my last birthday. It was a red box containing a beautiful necklace; I still have it at home. I have about six of them. From my 17th birthday to my 22nd birthday, I've been receiving gifts from an anonymous person. I'm only just realizing now that he's been the one behind those gifts. Just how long has he been stalking me?

I got bored with the pictures and decided to check something else. I decided to play a game; it was the last thing I could do, but then someone's tap behind me interrupted.

"Hey, miss, it's actually so good to see you here! You thought I wouldn't find you, right? Game over, sweetie," my eyes widened. It was the guy from my workplace. The same dude asking me to pay back $50. What is he doing here, and how did he find me? My heart beat accelerated as I slowly looked up to glare at his burning gaze.

"What are you doing here, and how did you find me?" I asked, my voice panicking.

"You thought I wouldn't find you? You're a big joke, young lady," he scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"What do you want from me? I've told you already I didn't sign the contract. He didn't give me a damn from the money he took. Just let me be!" I snapped, my mouth shaking.

"But you signed it, young lady. You must pay back that money if you truly want to leave here alive," I looked around, praying silently that Marco would show up and rescue me.

"Don't bother looking for your lover; he's nowhere in sight. All you have to do is follow me; my boss is here. You can talk to him; who knows, he might forgive you," he added.

"Will he forgive me if I plead with him?" I questioned eagerly. I needed to get the debt off my head, and this was a perfect opportunity for me to get him to forgive me.

I stood up to follow him, but then I remembered Marco's words. I shrugged it off; I would make sure to come back here before he returns.

"This way, miss," he ushered me.

"No, you go first; I will walk after you."

"Drop your phone. You won't be needing it," he began walking away.

Slowly, I dropped the phone Marco gave me on the table, then followed him.