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Chapter 20 - The Wedding
Last Updated:
2025-01-01 01:46:30
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Married to a Stripper   Chapter 21 - Under the influence
Amber was sprawled on the sofa, wearing a simple t-shirt and shorts, watching Pretty Woman. She had a glass of champagne in one hand and a plate of strawberries beside her, a wedding gift from the hotel. She dipped a strawberry into the champagne and took a bite, her expression unreadable as she focused on the film.Ryan walked into the room, still wearing his tuxedo shirt and pants. He stood by the sofa, watching her for a moment before speaking.âYou really think this is your story, donât you?â he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. âYou want to be the hooker who finds the prince, but Iâm not the idiot in that movie. Iâm not some dumbass like that guy.âAmber slowly turned her head toward him, her gaze still on the screen. She didnât seem fazed, taking another bite of her strawberry without a word at first.âYouâre talking about me now, Ryan?â she said with a hint of amusement. âIâm not some movie project for you. Donât bring your fairy tale crap into this.âRyan clenched his jaw
Last Updated : 2025-01-01Married to a Stripper   Chapter 22 - The Silent Agreement
Ryan woke up the next day with a splitting headache. It had been years since heâd had a hangover like thisâprobably not since his college days. He groaned as memories of the night before came rushing back, particularly how rude heâd been to Amber. After a hot shower and popping an ibuprofen, he made his way to the suiteâs living room.Amber was already there, having breakfast and fully dressed. Ryan couldnât help but notice how beautiful she looked, even in something as simple as a red shirt, jeans, and bare feet. His gaze lingered a second too long on her feet, of all things, and he felt a wave of arousal. What the hell? Since when do feet turn me on? I really need to get laid, he thought, shaking his head.âGood morning, Amber,â Ryan greeted her as he leaned over the table to grab the coffee thermos.âGood morning, Ryan. How are you feeling?â she replied, her tone teasing, a small smirk playing on her lips.Ryan took a long sip of his coffee, letting the warmth settle him. âStarting
Last Updated : 2025-01-01Married to a Stripper   Chapter 1 - Ryan's Dilemma
Ryan was sitting at his desk, his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and his trousers sharp but relaxed without a tie. He was breathing deeply, muttering curses under his breath as he read his grandfather's will for the hundredth time. I couldnât believe it. After everything heâd done for the old man and the company, this was his payback. A forced marriage? For what? Neither he nor his father had been happy in their marriages. Why was that?He knew that his grandfather had strict beliefs and high expectations, and for the companyâs good image, the person responsible had to assume an integral and well-received stance in society. But what the fuck? This isnât the fifties.The absurdity of the idea alone made him furious, wanting to punch the wall. Ryan tried to calm himself, but all he could think about was how to fix this mess. Sighing, he stood up and walked over to the window, his eyes scanning the traffic on one of the busiest streets in Chicago. His thoughts were interrupted by
Last Updated : 2025-01-01Married to a Stripper   Chapter 2 - Amber's World
Amber stood in front of the cracked mirror, her fingers pulling at the hem of her sequined top. Her reflection stared back at her. Hazel eyes sharp, challenging. She barely recognized herself. She brushed her bleach-blonde hair out of her face, the roots darker than she liked, but it didnât matter.Nebraska felt like it belonged to someone else now. A lifetime ago. The Velvet Lounge was where she stood tonight, here and now. She wasn't that awkward girl waiting for something to happen anymore. She was the one making it happen, even if just for the night.With a deep breath, Amber pushed open the heavy club door. The familiar scents of cheap perfume and sweat hit her immediately, mixing with the pounding music.Jake Reynolds was leaning against the wall when she walked in, his eyes following her as she passed. His gaze was calculating, too familiar. "You ready to make me some real cash tonight?" he asked, his voice gravelly.Amber rolled her eyes but didn't stop walking. "Always a plea
Last Updated : 2025-01-01Married to a Stripper   Chapter 3 - The Proposition
Amber grabbed a towel to wipe the light sheen of sweat from her skin, tossing it onto the counter before making her way through him.He wasnât drinking or engaging with anyone, just standing there, scanning the room like he was looking for someone. His presence didnât sit right with her.Stopping a few feet from him, Amber crossed her arms. âYou lost, pretty boy? This isnât exactly the country club.âRyan held her gaze, unfazed by her sarcasm. âNot lost,â he replied, his voice cool and controlled, a stark contrast to the chaos swirling around them. âJust looking for someone.âAmber raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued despite herself. "Looking for someone? Who?" she asked, her tone a mix of skepticism and caution.Ryan paused for a moment, as if considering how much to reveal. "Amber Cole," he finally said, his eyes unwavering. "Iâve been asked to find her."Amberâs pulse quickened, and a knot tightened in her stomach. She shifted slightly, her expression unreadable, masking the su
Last Updated : 2025-01-01Married to a Stripper   Chapter 4 - Unlikely Terms
Ryan didnât hesitate. He leaned slightly forward, with a smooth motion, pulling a business card from the inside pocket of his jacket. He placed it on the table between them, as if it were the definitive answer to all the unspoken questions."Ryan Carter," he said, locking eyes with her. "If you want, you can look me up later. Iâm not hard to find."Amber looked at the card, her fingers reluctantly reaching toward it. She knew how these things worked. Men like him werenât the kind of people who casually crossed paths with anyone, especially not with her. Yet, here it wasâthe card, right in front of her, as if it were the key to a whole new world.She picked it up, feeling the cool, solid texture of the paper between her fingers. âRyan Carter,â she murmured, testing the name. âAnd you think a business card is going to convince me to accept your crazy proposal?âRyan remained unfazed, his calm never wavering. âIâm not here to convince you of anything. Iâm just offering an opportunity.â H
Last Updated : 2025-01-01Married to a Stripper   Chapter 5 - Into the Unknown
Amber looked around, feeling desolate. She could hear the commotion coming from the trailer next door. Her neighbor had started drinking again and was taking out his anger by shouting at his wife. Amber walked to the window of her combined living room/bedroom/kitchen and saw the couple's two children standing in the street, tears in their eyes. Without hesitation, Amber slipped on her slippers, stepped out of her trailer, and went to the children."Hey, are you two okay?" Amber asked softly, crouching down to their level.The boy wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "Mom told us to go outside... she said weâre not allowed to be inside right now."Amberâs heart sank. "Iâm sorry you have to be out here like this. You donât deserve it."The girl, still holding her brother's hand, sniffled. "Itâs scary out here. We donât want to be alone."Amber smiled gently, trying to reassure them. "How about we go to the park at the entrance of the trailer park? Itâs not much, but we can play the
Last Updated : 2025-01-01Married to a Stripper   Chapter 6 - Unwritten Rules
At 8 PM sharp, there was a knock at the door. Amber stood up from the couch, quickly glancing around to make sure everything looked decent. She took a deep breath. Her heart raced, but she didn't let it show. She walked to the door and pulled it open. There he was. Ryan.Somehow, he looked even better. His hair was a little messy, like heâd run his hands through it too many times. He was dressed in dark suit pants and a gray shirt, a couple of buttons undone, revealing just a hint of skin. Everything about him screamed control, confidence, and ease.Amber blinked, her fingers tightening on the edge of the door. She hated that he had this effect on her. âYouâre on time,â she said, her voice cold, stepping back to let him in.Ryanâs eyes swept across the small space as he walked inside, his movements calm but deliberate. âAlways am,â he replied, his gaze lingering on her for just a second too long.âCome in,â Amber said, stepping aside to let him through.He walked in, his eyes scanning
Last Updated : 2025-01-01
Latest chapter
Married to a Stripper   Chapter 22 - The Silent Agreement
Ryan woke up the next day with a splitting headache. It had been years since heâd had a hangover like thisâprobably not since his college days. He groaned as memories of the night before came rushing back, particularly how rude heâd been to Amber. After a hot shower and popping an ibuprofen, he made his way to the suiteâs living room.Amber was already there, having breakfast and fully dressed. Ryan couldnât help but notice how beautiful she looked, even in something as simple as a red shirt, jeans, and bare feet. His gaze lingered a second too long on her feet, of all things, and he felt a wave of arousal. What the hell? Since when do feet turn me on? I really need to get laid, he thought, shaking his head.âGood morning, Amber,â Ryan greeted her as he leaned over the table to grab the coffee thermos.âGood morning, Ryan. How are you feeling?â she replied, her tone teasing, a small smirk playing on her lips.Ryan took a long sip of his coffee, letting the warmth settle him. âStarting
Married to a Stripper   Chapter 21 - Under the influence
Amber was sprawled on the sofa, wearing a simple t-shirt and shorts, watching Pretty Woman. She had a glass of champagne in one hand and a plate of strawberries beside her, a wedding gift from the hotel. She dipped a strawberry into the champagne and took a bite, her expression unreadable as she focused on the film.Ryan walked into the room, still wearing his tuxedo shirt and pants. He stood by the sofa, watching her for a moment before speaking.âYou really think this is your story, donât you?â he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. âYou want to be the hooker who finds the prince, but Iâm not the idiot in that movie. Iâm not some dumbass like that guy.âAmber slowly turned her head toward him, her gaze still on the screen. She didnât seem fazed, taking another bite of her strawberry without a word at first.âYouâre talking about me now, Ryan?â she said with a hint of amusement. âIâm not some movie project for you. Donât bring your fairy tale crap into this.âRyan clenched his jaw
Married to a Stripper   Chapter 20 - The Wedding
Ryan had barely landed when his phone buzzed with a message from Tom: Good luck with your stripper... try not to have too much fun đđRyan rolled his eyes at the message, irritation rising within him. Without a second thought, he typed back: You sound like a kid. I wonât even bother replying. Goodbye, loser.The moment he sent it, the shift in his mood was instant. The easy camaraderie and warmth he had felt with Amber on the plane were gone. Reality hit him hard, and what had felt like a connection now seemed like a distant memory.Ryan glanced over at Amber, his face cold. âLetâs go.âAmber froze, shocked by his abruptness. She thought they had come to some understanding during the flight, that they had reached a certain rapport. But now, his tone, so detached and sharp, felt like a slap in the face.As she picked up her trolley, she couldnât help herself. âHas anyone ever told you that youâre like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? Two personalities in one?âRyan looked at her and laughed,
Married to a Stripper   Chapter 19 - First Flight
Amberâs knuckles were white as she gripped the armrests, her eyes darting nervously to the window of the first-class cabin. She tried to focus on her breathing, but the hum of the engines and the slight turbulence made her stomach churn.Ryan glanced at her, lounging effortlessly in his seat with a bottle of beer in hand. He tilted his head, amused by her discomfort. "Youâre not going to claw the armrest off, are you?"Amber shot him a glare, her voice tense. "Iâm fine.""Right. You look totally fine," Ryan said with a chuckle. "Alright, letâs make this easier. How about we play a game?"Amber frowned but turned to him, curious despite herself. "A game?""Yeah, to distract you. Something simple. We ask each other questions. You answer honestly, I answer honestly."Amber raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Thatâs it?"Ryan smirked. "Thatâs it. Unless youâre scared of my questions."Amber rolled her eyes. "Fine. Go ahead."Ryan leaned back, clearly pleased. "Alright, whatâs your favorite mov
Married to a Stripper   Chapter 18 - Settling In
Amber sat on the sleek leather sofa in Ryan's penthouse, staring blankly at the towering glass windows that framed the Chicago skyline. It was a beautiful viewâone she had never imagined she would haveâbut it only made her feel more out of place. The penthouse was luxurious, immaculate, but it felt strangely empty.For the first time in what felt like forever, Amber had nothing to do. There were no deadlines to meet, no customers to serve, no bills to pay. She had lived in chaos for so long, in the small trailer park where she had grown up, and even when she worked at the strip club, there was always something. But now, everything was still.She sighed, glancing around. The quiet was deafening.Ms. Gladys, the housekeeper, had greeted her that morning with a warm smile and had quickly become a kind of comfort for Amber. Ms. Gladys wasnât pushy, but she was always there when Amber needed a chat or a cup of coffee. But today, Amber felt an unfamiliar loneliness creeping in.Her mind wan
Married to a Stripper   Chapter 17 - Smoke and Shadows
Amber stood on the balcony, the cool night air brushing against her bare legs. Her oversized T-shirt hung loosely, barely grazing the hem of her shorts. She held the cigarette between her fingers, the ember glowing faintly as she took a slow drag. She hated the habit, hated herself for resorting to it, but tonight her nerves wouldnât settle.The city lights stretched endlessly before her, a sea of gold against the inky black sky. It shouldâve been calming, but her mind was elsewhereâon him.The soft creak of the balcony door broke her thoughts. She stiffened, already knowing who it was.âCouldnât sleep?â Ryanâs voice was low, still rough from the evening.Amber didnât turn to face him. She kept her gaze fixed on the skyline. âCould ask you the same.âHis footsteps were deliberate, each one sending a ripple of awareness through her. He came to stand beside her, leaning casually on the railing. The faint scent of his cologne mixed with the smoke in the air, making her pulse quicken.âI
Married to a Stripper   Chapter 16 - In the Heat of the Moment
Ryan couldn't stop sneaking glances at Amber. Sitting side by side in the car, the air between them was charged with unspoken tension.In a low voice, just loud enough for her to hear but quiet enough to keep the driver oblivious, he said, "Oh, right. I forgot to give you this at home."With a subtle movement, he slid a small turquoise box toward her. Tiffany's. Her heart skipped a beat as her fingers, slightly trembling, lifted the lid. Inside was a delicate platinum band adorned with a brilliant, round-cut diamond encircled by smaller sparkling stones, radiating timeless elegance.She took it out and slid it onto her ring finger. Ryan looked at her and said,"Now the charade is complete." He spoke more to himself, as if trying to grasp the reality of it.Amber simply nodded, unable to say a word.Ryan spoke next, his voice steady. "We still havenât discussed our story. Letâs keep it simple and clean. We met at a hotel some time agoâyou worked there. We wonât mention the name to avoi
Married to a Stripper   Chapter 15 - The Change in the Air
Amber stepped out of the sleek black car, the cool evening air brushing against her skin. Henry, Mr. Carterâs driver, efficiently retrieved her luggage from the trunk.âIâll take these up for you,â he said, already stacking the bags onto a trolley.Amber gave him a polite nod. âThank you.âThe elevator ride to the penthouse was smooth and silent, the hum of the machinery the only sound between them. When the doors opened, Ms. Gladys was waiting at the entrance to the hallway, her posture neat and welcoming.âMiss Amber,â she greeted with a small smile. âItâs good to see you again. Mr. Carter let me know youâd be staying. Let me show you to your room.âAmber followed the older woman down the hallway, her heels clicking softly against the polished floors. Henry wheeled the trolley behind them, saying nothing as he kept pace.When they reached the guest room, Ms. Gladys opened the door and gestured for Amber to enter.âYouâll be staying here,â she said, her voice warm. âItâs the same roo
Married to a Stripper   Chapter 14 - The Perfect Fit
Amber walked into the boutique, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. The air was crisp, and the lighting was soft, casting a glow on the racks of carefully curated clothing. It was the kind of place where women came to buy clothes for events that meant somethingâgala dinners, charity events, important meetings. Nothing like the stores she was used to."Welcome to The Velvet Thread!" a voice called from the back of the store. Amber turned and saw a woman approaching with an easy smile. Her red hair fell in waves, and she was curvy, confident, wearing a chic black dress that screamed sophistication. "I'm Sophia. How can I help you today?"Amber hesitated for a second. She wasnât used to these kinds of places, and she could feel her usual confidence slipping. "Uh, yeah... I just got engaged," she said, her voice a little uncertain. "My fiancĂ© is a businessman, and, well... I need some clothes thatâll fit his world. More... refined, I guess."Sophia raised an eyebrow but didnât s
