Chapter 3

SARAH

I laid on my bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying the incident at the bakery. That guy who walked in—yeah, he was undeniably good-looking. The kind of looks that make you glance twice. But, ugh, that cocky attitude. I hated cocky guys. They always thought they could get whatever they wanted just because they flashed a smile or said the right things.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand, snapping me out of my thoughts. I grabbed it and saw Nicole’s name flashing.

“Hey, crazy girl!” I answered, trying to sound as cheerful as possible.

“Hey, Sarah! Guess what tomorrow is?” Nicole’s voice was practically vibrating with excitement.

“Hmm, let me think… your birthday?” I teased.

“Bingo! And you know what that means—we’re hitting up the biggest club in town to celebrate!”

I frowned, feeling a bit skeptical. “A club? You know I’m not really into that scene, Nic.”

“Oh, come on! It’s my birthday! We have to do something big. Plus, you need a break. You’ve been all work and no play lately.”

I sighed. “I don’t know, Nicole. Clubs aren’t really my thing.”

“Please, Sarah? For me? We’ll have an amazing time. I promise.”

I could almost see her giving me the puppy-dog eyes. “Okay, fine. But only because it’s your birthday.”

“Yes! You’re the best! I’ll pick you up at seven, and don’t even think about backing out.”

I laughed. “Alright, alright. I’ll be ready.”

“Great! Can't wait to make you wear something sexy. It’s time to show off that hot body of yours!”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help but smile. “We’ll see. I’m not really sure I even have anything that qualifies as sexy.”

Nicole scoffed. “Oh, please. You’ve got that red dress, the one you wore to the New Year’s party. That dress is fire, and you know it.”

I groaned. “The red dress? That thing barely covers anything.”

“Exactly!” Nicole said with a mischievous tone. “It’s perfect. Trust me, you’ll be the star of the night.”

“Fine, but if I end up freezing to death or getting unwanted attention, I’m blaming you.”

Nicole laughed. “Deal. Just be ready for a night to remember. And, who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone who isn’t a total jerk.”

I chuckled. “Yeah, maybe. But don’t get your hopes up.”

“I’m serious, Sarah. You deserve to have fun once in a while. It’s time to let loose a little.”

I sighed, but it was a calm, happy sigh. “Alright, you win. I’ll see you tomorrow at seven.”

“Can’t wait! Bye, Sarah!”

I hung up, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. A night out at a huge club was definitely out of my comfort zone, but maybe that’s exactly what I needed.

"Life's too short to play it safe, right?" I said to myself, trying to muster up some enthusiasm.

I settled back into my bed, my thoughts drifting back to the man from the bakery. “Man I hope I don't get to see his smug face again”. I said to myself.

The next day, Nicole came over to my house, practically bouncing with excitement. “Sarah, tonight is going to be amazing! We’re going to have so much fun!”

I gave her a half-hearted smile. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t get too carried away, okay?”

Nicole rolled her eyes playfully. “Come on, where’s your sense of adventure? So, tell me, how’s the love life?”

I sighed. “Nonexistent, as usual. I’m too busy with the bakery and taking care of Dad.”

Nicole’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “What about Shane? He was totally into you.”

I shook my head. “Shane’s nice, but I’m not interested. Right now, my priority is Dad and the bakery.”

Nicole frowned, putting her hands on her hips. “You need to start living your own life, Sarah. Your dad wouldn’t want you to put everything on hold for him. You deserve to be happy, too.”

I shrugged. “Maybe, but it’s complicated. Anyway, let’s just focus on tonight.”

Nicole grinned. “Fine, but I’m not letting you off the hook that easily. Now, let’s find you something sexy to wear.”

We searched through my closet, and Nicole pulled out the red dress she had mentioned. “This one. You have to wear this.”

I groaned. “The red dress? Really? It barely covers anything.”

“That’s the point! You’ll look stunning, trust me.”

I slipped into the dress, feeling a bit self-conscious. Nicole grinned. “See? You look incredible!”

Just then, my dad walked in. “Wow, Sarah, you look just like your mother. Stunning.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I said, blushing.

He smiled warmly but added, “Just make sure you avoid any drama and be home as soon as possible, alright?”

Nicole and I exchanged a glance, and she gave him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Mr. Santiago. I’ll take good care of her.”

He nodded. “I’m counting on you, Nicole.”

As we headed out, Nicole linked arms with me. “Tonight is going to be unforgettable, Sarah. Trust me.”

I took a deep breath, trying to shake off my nerves. “You only live once, right?”

“Exactly,” Nicole said, grinning. “Now, let’s go make some memories.”

The club was a upside-down mix of flashing lights, loud music, and the constant hum of conversation and laughter. As we approached, I couldn’t help but shoot Nicole a glare. “A club-slash-casino? Really, Nicole?”

She just laughed. “Come on, Sarah, loosen up! Let’s make the best of it.”

I sighed, bracing myself. “I better not regret this, Nic.”

Stepping inside, I was stunned by the sheer size of the place. It was a insane—everything glittered and gleamed, from the chandeliers to the slot machines. Nicole grabbed my arm and pulled me through the crowd of people.

“Our lounge is right by the VIP area. Not that we’re VIP, but close enough!” She giggled. “If I were richer, we could’ve just paid for VIP!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Next time, maybe.”

As we made our way to the lounge, Nicole introduced me to a couple of her friends. They seemed nice enough, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of eyes on me. My dress, which barely covered anything, seemed to draw attention from every direction. It hugged my curves in all the right places and had a plunging neckline that left little to the imagination.

“Remind me to smack you later for making me wear this,” I muttered to Nicole, catching a few guys blatantly ogling me.

Nicole just grinned. “Oh, come on. You look amazing, and you know it. Let them look!”

I rolled my eyes but smiled. “Nic, if anyone gets handsy, I’m blaming you.”

Nicole laughed. “Deal. Now, let’s get some drinks and have some fun.”

As she headed to the bar, she gave me a playful wink. “Try to be in one piece when I get back, okay?”

I chuckled. “No promises.”

Left alone, I tried to relax and take in the scene. Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a familiar face. The scarred man from the bakery incident was here, fooling around with one of the stripper girls. My heart skipped a beat as I tried to place where I recognized him from.

I was still lost in thought when a guy approached me. He had a confident smile, but not in an off-putting way. “Hey there, I’m Marcel. Do you always look this uncomfortable at parties, or is it just tonight?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m Sarah. And yeah, I guess clubs aren’t really my thing.”

“Well, Sarah, you look like you could use a good time. How about a joke to lighten the mood?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Alright, hit me.”

Marcel leaned in a bit. “Why don’t scientists trust atoms?”

I shrugged, smiling. “Why?”

“Because they make up everything.”

I laughed, genuinely amused. “That’s actually pretty good.”

Marcel grinned. “I’m glad you think so. Can I buy you a drink, or is your friend taking care of that?”

“Nicole’s on it, but thanks. So, do you come here often?”

“Only on special occasions. Tonight, it seems, the stars have aligned in my favor. I get to meet you.”

I rolled my eyes playfully. “Smooth talker, huh?”

“Just honest,” Marcel said, his smile softening. “You looked like you could use some company, and I couldn’t resist.”

“Well, you’re not wrong. Company is nice.”

Marcel’s eyes twinkled. “Then let’s make the most of it. Tell me, what’s a girl like you doing in a place like this?”

“Long story. But in short, I’m here to celebrate my best friend’s birthday. She dragged me out of my comfort zone.”

“Sounds like a good friend. Sometimes, we need a little push to enjoy life.”

“True,” I admitted. “And tonight, I’m trying to go with the flow.”

“Glad to hear it,” Marcel said, leaning a little closer.

Before I could respond, the scarred-face man and another guy I recognized from the bakery scuffle approached. The scarred man scowled and said, “Our boss wants to see you. Now.”

“No,” I replied, disgust evident in my voice. “Who the hell does your boss think he is?”

The scarred man stepped forward, his eyes flashing dangerously. “I don't think you understand. That wasn't a request.”

Marcel stepped between us, cool and confident. “Did your mom never teach you to be nice to women? She said no.”

The scarred man snarled and pulled out a pistol, the other guy doing the same. “Tell your pet to mind his language,” the scarred man said to me. “I won't ask again. The boss wants to see you.”

I squared my shoulders and met his gaze. “I don’t care who your boss is. I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“Lady, you’re making this harder than it needs to be,” the other guy hissed, waving his gun slightly.

Marcel didn’t back down. “You heard her. She’s not going. So, why don’t you two take a hike before things get ugly?”

The scarred man laughed darkly. “Ugly? You have no idea what ugly is. Last chance, princess. Come with us, or we’ll make you.”

I glanced at Marcel, who looked ready to fight, but the tension was too thick. I knew we couldn’t win against guns. Reluctantly, I nodded at Marcel. “It’s okay. I’ll be fine.”

Marcel looked like he wanted to argue, but I shook my head, giving him a reassuring look I didn't quite feel. “Trust me. I’ll handle this.”

As I walked into the lounge, the scene I met was disgusting—strippers, men snorting lines of cocaine, and the air thick with smoke. In the middle of it all, a man sat with two strippers draped over him, their hands all over his body.

He turned as I walked in, a smug smile spreading across his face. “Sarah Santiago,” he said, his voice dripping with amusement.

I was taken aback. “Who are you, and how do you know my full name?”

He pretended to look hurt. “You’ve forgotten me so soon? I’m offended.”

“I remember you,” I snapped. “But I don’t recall telling you my full name. And frankly, I don’t really care. This should be the last time you send your goons to harrass me again. What the hell do you want with m-”

Before I could finish, he interrupted, his voice cold and hard. “I want you, Sarah. Be a good girl and join my line of sluts.”

My anger flared up instantly. “Your what?! You must be high on cheep weed, You’re mad if you think I’d ever—”

“Quiet,” he commanded, his voice chilling. “Your precious papa’s life is in my hands. And so is yours. I'll tell you a little story, your father owes my family a large sum of money, and he’s been unable to pay back for far too long. He’s drawn our wrath.”

He caressed one of the strippers’ breasts absentmindedly. “It would be in your best interest to grovel to me. Maybe then I could consider making things easier for you and your dad. You’ve got three days to think about what I just said, Sarah. Belong to me or lose your dad.”