Chapter 1

Valerie’s POV

There was a lot of screaming in the other side of the building as they cheered the dancer that was on the stage.

“Leilani is killing it out there, I wonder if Valerie will be able to take the show.” Some other girls whispered. I hated this shit, I fucking hated it but it paid the bills. My family had a lot of debt, and no one else was helping. My dad drank too much, and my grandma needed care. So, here I was, ready to do my job again.

“Hey, Valerie!” called out Lisa, one of the other dancers, as I walked into the dressing room. “You ready to make some money tonight?”

“Yeah, as ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, trying to smile. “How about you?”

“Always!” She flipped her hair and grinned. “Tonight’s gonna be great, I can feel it.”

I hoped she was right. I changed into my outfit, a sparkly blue bikini that fit me snugly. It was tight, but it made me feel a bit more confident. Once I was dressed, I put on my heels and looked in the mirror. My makeup looked good, and I knew I needed to give a great show.

“Let’s do this!” I told myself, heading toward the stage.

When I got up on the platform, the music blasted around me. I moved my hips to the rhythm. I focused on the crowd in front of me, and I could see their faces light up. They liked what they saw, and for a moment, I forgot about my life outside of this place.

I danced like I meant it. The cheers and applause filled my ears, but I was anywhere but there. My eyes were on dollar bills being sprayed on me. Maybe I’d make enough money to help with grandma's medicine for this month.

“Wow, Valerie! You’re amazing tonight!” yelled Tom, the bartender, tossing some bills onto the stage.

I smiled at him, thankful for the praise. The crowd seemed more excited than usual, and that meant there would definitely be more tips tonight.

But then, I heard some noise at the door. I didn’t look. Sometimes, people caused trouble, but I couldn’t let it distract me.

After my set, I heard the DJ announce my name again. I knew it was time for a VIP session. A tall man in a suit walked up to me. “Hey there, beautiful. Want to join me for a private dance?” he asked, smiling smoothly.

“Sure, but remember the rules,” I said, glancing at the security guard the club had standing by the door. He was watching me, which made me feel safer.

“Of course, sweetheart,” the man replied, still smiling. “I’m all about the rules.”

I nodded and led him to one of the private rooms. After the door shut, I took a deep breath. It was usually okay in here as long as everyone followed the rules.

I began dancing again, keeping close, reminding him, “Just so you know, you can’t touch unless I say so.”

“Got it,” he replied, leaning back in his chair, looking eager.

But as I danced, he started creeping closer. I felt his hands reaching out. “Hey, remember what I said?” I warned, trying to keep my voice serious. “No touching until you ask.”

He smirked and leaned toward me. “Come on, just a little.”

“Seriously, no,” I insisted, stepping away. “I’m not comfortable with that.”

Suddenly, he lunged at me, pinning me to the chair. I gasped and felt panic rising. “What are you doing?” I yelled, feeling scared.

“Just relax, babe,” he growled, ignoring my protests. “It’ll be fun.”

I was trapped, panic rising inside me. “Stop! Get off me!” I shouted, raising my voice with fear. I tried to push him away, but he was too strong.

Just then, the door burst open. A tall man in a black shirt stormed in with a couple of his bodyguards. “Get your hands off her!” he yelled.

In an instant, they grabbed the man who had pinned me down and pulled him away. I took a shaky breath, feeling relief wash over me, but I was still scared. “What just happened?” I whispered.

The tall man stepped forward, looking at me with concern. “Are you okay?” he asked, his eyes serious.

“I... I think so,” I managed to say, still shaken. “Thank you for coming in.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t let anyone hurt you,” he said firmly.

I took a moment to catch my breath, still trying to understand. “Who are you?” I asked him, feeling nothing but gratitude.

“I’m just someone who won’t let anyone hurt women,” he said, softening his tone.

“Valerie,” I replied, trying to calm down. “I usually handle it, but he... he didn’t want to listen.”

He nodded, looking frustrated. “Some men think they can get away with anything, fucking bastard came here for a dance. There was no need for him to get all handsy.”

I bit my lip, feeling terrified at the thought of what he would have done to me. Shit like that shit rarely happened here. “Thank you for stepping in. I thought...” I paused. “I thought it was going to be worse.”

“You’re safe now,” he assured me. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

“Do you come here often?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“No, but I had to check on someone tonight, and I got here just in time,” he replied with a slight smile. “By the way, you were incredible out there.”

“Thanks,” I said, feeling a blush on my cheeks. “I just do my best to get by.”

“I understand,” he said, giving me a serious look. “But you shouldn’t have to feel unsafe.”

Just then, I heard someone knock on the door, asking if everything was okay. “Yes,” I called out. He stepped back, giving me space.

“Alright, I’ll be outside. I loved watching you dance. So I'll have the men keeping an eye on everything.

Once he left, I turned back to him. “What happens now?”

“Now,” he said, a playful look in his eyes, “you finish your shift, and I’ll make sure you get out of here safely.”

“Deal.”