Pain shot through me as I felt a frozen ache lingering in each part of my body, unable to catch a proper breath as I lay on the bed. The night brought the echo of another long day filled with the weight of each word and gaze.
I managed to sit up, resting my back against the wall as I released a sigh, trying to get a grip on myself. The last client's grasp was still stained on my skin, leaving me to question my existence in this job every day. The painful fact remained that I wasn't able to get any money today since it wasn't payday. I couldn't repeat my actions of drugging and stealing the customer's money like the last time, so what could I possibly do now?
My only hope was in begging Nate and seeing if his cruel demeanour could show some mercy. I knew it wouldn't work as easily as I hoped, but the least I could do was try.
I gently stood up, climbing each step as I walked into the bathroom, splashing some water on my face. I washed my face, leaving a glance in the mirror after. I noticed tiny bruises, I had to keep hidden from my mother's sight.
Applying some touch of makeup to hide them, I stepped out of the room and walked down the stairs, my eyes scanning for Nate, intent on asking him if he could help out. To my dismay, I couldn't catch a glimpse of where he was, so I was left to wander around the club area.
My gaze landed on Ruby walking by. I couldn't say she and I were on good terms. From the very day I started here, she'd had a look that spoke of jealousy, of hatred. I had no idea why, but all I knew was that she was known to be the best, taking each fun at the job as though it was her dream.
But I had no intention of making enemies. I couldn't afford to have one; all I ever wanted was my mom's recovery, nothing more.
"Ruby," I uttered, calling her, only to receive a frowning glance in return.
"I just want to know if you know where Nate is," I said, trying to be polite.
"It seems you just don't know the respect rule. That's 'boss' to you. You'd better address him with respect. If anyone catches you calling Nate 'sir,' I can't assure you how jaw-rolling your punishment would be. And next time you call me, it's best to address me as ' The Head Courtesan.'" She sneered.
I had little time to argue with her. It was nighttime, and I had to return home soon. My mom must still be up waiting, but I couldn't leave without the money.
"Alright, Ruby, please, can you tell me where the boss is?" I asked, swallowing my pride.
She gave no response at first, her furrowed brows leaving a piercing gaze. "Check the last room up ahead. He's there." She finally said, turning to leave.
I approached the room door after a few steps, my hands reaching for the door handle.
My mind rethought my actions. What if Nate saw this the wrong way? I couldn't easily forget the warning he gave me last time, those narrowed eyes darkening with fury. Should I really be doing this? But if I don't, my mom—no, I have to.
I whispered to myself, mustering some courage as I opened the room door and walked in. My eyes landed on Nate, seated with four other men. Their discussion came to a halt at my mere entrance, all eyes gazing at me with fury.
"What are you doing here, Sierra?" Nate's voice came like a storm, jolting me and nearly making me stumble.
"I'm really sorry for barging in like that. I'll leave now," I said, apologizing as I turned to shut the door behind me. I leaned against the wall on the other side, my heart aching. I was sure Ruby knew about the meeting, and yet she sent me here without mentioning it, knowing the outcome of the punishment for such defiance. Some weren't even considered for a second chance.
Aiming to leave, I saw Nate stepping out, his grasp tight on me as he pushed me against the wall. "Why are you here, Sierra? Things were let to slide today, but next time, if such happens, I can't assure you what will happen."
Nate's eyes and grip were like no other, those eyes showing a mix of anger and care that I couldn't understand. The men present weren't familiar to me, and for all I knew, they must have been discussing business matters they wanted hidden. I just hoped they didn't see me as a threat.
"Sierra?" Nate's voice snapped me back to reality. "Why did you come here?"
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to ask for a favour."
"A favour?" he scoffed at the mention, retreating his grasp as his eyes weighed on me. "Speak."
"Well, it's my mom."
"Your mom? What is it with her again?"
"I need some money for groceries. You can deduct it from my pay. I just need the money right now, please—"
"Enough of this, Sierra. You know things don't work like this, and you've been here for quite a while. On the boss's order, nothing has been done to you unless you break the club's rules. I've tried helping you in the least possible way. If the bosses get a glimpse of all you've done so far, mostly with the part of you drugging and robbing the customer, I can't assure you that your mother's medical care will go as smoothly as it was set to go. And I can't assure your safety either."
But something felt odd and different about him this time. Those cruel and merciless eyes of his seemed to soften for just this moment. But even with all he had said, I still needed the money.
"You speak of my mother's bills, but not much has been done about that."
"The hospital claims she will be alright, so now it's up to you to obey and work without any more questioning." He said
"The hospital claims and my mom's state don't match. Her sickness hasn't yet been cured. I admit it had stopped once, but now it's worse than ever."
I watched Nate glance to his right and left. "I know you're desperate for your mother to get better, and you want things to move along smoothly, but wake up from your dream. You agreed to the contract, and now you're bound to this club. Don't try to turn into a traitor. When the boss sees fit, he'll let you off the hook and—"
"Let me off? And how many has he let off, huh?"
I came here for some money to buy food, but one thing was staring me in the face: Was I ever going to be free from working here? My mind accepted that things wouldn't go as smoothly as expected when I wanted my freedom. I had never seen anyone who worked here leave. They were mostly disposed of when customers started complaining about them fading off and no longer being attractive. That's when they'd see them as trash and dispose of them. Return? I doubted it. None had been heard from after being dismissed from the club.
I knew there were many secrets lurking around in every nook of this club, secrets I didn't want to get involved in.
"Leave now, Sierra. Consider this a warning," Nate uttered, turning to leave, ignoring my words as he entered the room, closing the door behind him.
I walked down the stairs gently, the realization hitting me that I had failed to get some money.
"What am I going to do now?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. My legs led me through the crowd, dancing and music blaring in the side of the club, amidst all the displays of nudity. I found myself at the bar.
"A drink..." I croaked, suddenly finding myself holding a glass of wine. Drinks ordered by us were usually placed on the house, so we wouldn't have to pay for them. But should I be drinking? I needed something, anything to distract me from all that stood before me.
I wasn't drinking to feel better. I wasn't drinking to feel anything at all. I just wanted to stop. Stop thinking. Stop remembering. Stop existing.
The world around me began to blur, the edges of the room fading away like everything was melting. My head felt heavy, the weight of everything catching up to me. I tried to stand, but my legs gave way, and I stumbled.
Before I could hit the ground, a strong hand caught me, steadying me.
"Hey, sexy. Wanna come home with me?" the voice came through like a whisper.
It was one of the customers who had come in looking for a good time. Maybe this was it, my ticket to getting some money. But if the house found out that I stayed late, working at the customer's home, I'd surely be in trouble. Still, he must know the danger before he asked, and this was my only chance. Giving the risk, it was worth it.
I nodded and soon found myself outside the club with the man, slowly leading me through the dimly lit streets.
"Wait here. Just got to get my car first," he said, leaving me with a flickering smile as he walked a short distance away.
I rested my back against a nearby wall, holding up my body so I wouldn't stumble, as my eyes were still blurry, and I couldn't catch a proper glimpse of what was happening.
Releasing a sigh, I shut my eyes for a moment. My ears picked up on whispers that grew louder by the second. They felt like cries, a weeping sound followed by a mumbling of words. Managing a few steps, I walked through the street, approaching the source of the voices and using the walls for support so I wouldn't stumble.
My eyes landed on four blindfolded people. From their clothing, I could tell they were students, but I wondered what was happening and why they were blindfolded. As a figure approached, I hid and leaned against the wall, slowly peeking out to catch a proper glimpse through the dark, shadowy area.
It was Dominic De Santos, the infamous owner of the Moonlight Club and the most feared mafia lord. No one dared to look him in the eye, and some said he was nothing compared to his brother, who remained a mystery to many, including myself. I questioned what he could possibly want with these students.
I watched as they removed the blindfolds from the four students' faces—three boys and one girl.
"So why did you do it?" Dominic uttered, bending down a bit, his eyes narrowing in fury.
"I am sorry, we had no idea. Please let this slide," one of the students pleaded.
"Let this slide? You came to me, you said you needed the work, and I needed students who wouldn't raise suspicion since my business is done both on school grounds and on the streets. But you ended up messing up. I mean, I wouldn't have guessed that a bunch of teens would have tried to stab me in the back. So you work for Gregor, one of my family's greatest enemies, double-crossing me and ratting out all my dealings to him?"
"Please, we won't do that again, Dominic, sir, please," the student begged.
"Oh yeah, you won't, because I will make sure you don't," Dominic said, standing up and shifting his gaze to one of his men behind him. "Take care of them. Don't kill the girl. She might end up being useful. You can kill the three of them."
He left, and I watched as one of his men brought out a gun. In a swift motion, he pulled the trigger, and I saw one of the students fall to the ground, their blood splattering around the area. My face paled, my eyes frozen in stunned silence. My legs stepped back as I slowly retreated, the echoing cries of the students fading to a gentle hum that suddenly fell silent as the bullet pierced through the air.
My mind could only process one word: 'run.' As I turned to flee, my purse fell, hitting the ground, and for a moment, my body froze, my eyes fixated on the bright light pointed at me.
"She's a witness. Don't let her escape," I heard them say. My legs moved frantically, attempting to escape, but my intoxicated state made my steps clumsy, and I kept stumbling to the ground. I refused to give up, leaning against the wall for support after a fall. Eventually, I found myself on the roadside, mere inches away from being hit by a car.
The car stopped inches away from me, its tires screeching loudly. I fell backward, hitting my head and hands on the ground. Blood trickled down my forehead.I tried to sit up, but everything spun around me. "Was this it? Am I going to die here? Mom... I'm sorry," I whispered silently, watching a man step out of the car and approach me. My eyes gave way, and everything went blank.""Get me the doctor," a voice called urgently. "She's bleeding profusely. We have to stop the bleeding now." Other voices followed, accompanied by various sounds.I had no idea where I was. My eyes could only catch a glimpse of the bright light that gleamed through as they slowly shut again, and everything turned blank once more.Everything fell silent for a while as all I could see was darkness, which was slowly subsiding to a slight gleam of light. I gently opened my eyes, scanning the area and realizing I was in a hospital. My entire body ached, followed by a shooting pain in my head. The memories of the
The late night found me sitting on a chair as my mom's funeral was being conducted, with some people I had no idea who they were, walking in and offering their fake condolences. People who didn't show up when my mom and I needed them the most were now showing off some care at her burial. I felt like ripping each and every limb of theirs, piece by piece."So sad she had to go quite soon," a voice came through, as my eyes landed on Clarence, my so-called uncle who had snatched all my family's property from our grasp and rendered me and my mom homeless and on the street to suffer.If he hadn't done that, maybe my mom would be here with me today."What are you doing here?" I questioned, standing up, my eyes darkening with fury."Chill, my precious niece. She is family, and of course, I am here to pay my absolute respect," he said with a smirk."We don't need it. Please leave now," I said, my hands halting at the door path.I watched him chuckle slightly, his presence only leaving an erupt
I found myself crumbling to the ground as I tried managing a seat. How could this be? His mysterious second brother, but I had heard from all that he was a cruel being, more cruel than his brother Dominic De Santos. But if the rumors stood to be true, I couldn't deny the fact that I am alive right now, all because he had rushed me to the hospital.So, how can such be labeled cruel, and his act also? Those caring eyes, even though I knew that his attitude displayed here today was different, I couldn't help but find a slight care in those eyes.Was I seeing it this way because I had never received such care from anybody before? Nevertheless, one thing also stood out.I wanted revenge on Dominic De Santos, and now his brother was here. Wouldn't that just put my life in more danger? Should I really be pulling this deal?My mind flickered through different thoughts, echoing deep as I found myself lost in a void. On one path stood my revenge, and on the other stood a dangerous path which I
My legs slowly retreated back as theirs grew closer. The dagger they grasped was raised up, pointed for an attack.I turned, picking up speed as my legs lashed through the way. "Help...! Please help!" I yelled, hoping someone, just anybody, would come to my aid and save me.The alley was dark and deserted—nobody was there. I was left replied by my echoing words as I wandered through the alley, running. My eyes darted back as I witnessed them getting closer by the second."Catch her, don't let her escape..." they uttered to each other.My eyes became blurry with tears streaming down as my entire body was consumed by fear."Am I going to die? But why? Why are they after me? What could this possibly be..."I wondered, and then it hit me: 'The Club.'Could this be their doing? I never expected to be hunted down so quickly. I thought I still had time, a little time to get things done, plan an escape, and lay low for just a while. But it seemed my own hope was left shattered and thrown right
The faint clash of metal echoed in my ears as a sharp beam of light pierced through my eyes, forcing them to spring open.I found myself lying on the street, my body half-stained with my own blood and injuries.Another clash of metal caught my attention as my eyes focused on the coins tossed at a rubber container near me by each person passing by. It was the morning hour.A reminder of what took place last night; I managed a half-crawl and leaned against the wall, releasing a sigh. I tried to catch a proper breath as I could still feel the pain coursing through my body, which was still reeling from the trauma."That monster! I—I will make him pay; he will pay for all he has done to me and my family. He dared to hit me last night... damn him!" I yelled, my throat catching in my words as I found myself coughing uncontrollably. Some of the people passing by gazed at me, their eyes flickering with pity and disgust. I was laying here on the street, my clothes half-torn, my entire body cove
[Adrian's POV]"Please, just please let me go! I have a family, kids... I promise I won't try this again, boss..." he pleaded, his voice trembling with fear.I gazed at him, his pitiful and pathetic appearance eliciting a slight chuckle from me. I bent down, my eyes fixed on his chained form lying on the ground as he sobbed uncontrollably."Why?" I questioned, my voice cold and calculating."What?" he stuttered, his face pale with terror."Why did you have to take it this far? I thought you were trustworthy, or was it just my misjudgment? Lies are told; I understand. Betrayals are made; that I understand also. But do you know why I'm angry? It's not that you wanted to sell me out to some enemies or that you were spying on me..." I whispered, approaching a nearby table and picking up a sledgehammer."What do you mean? All this isn't because of that?" he uttered, his face growing even paler."No... What really got me angry is the fact that you did it out of fear, or no, maybe the fact t
I sat down, my gaze fixed on hers. I couldn't ignore some tiny bruises I saw on her face, but it was of little concern to me. "So, I'm guessing you've come to accept my offer," I said, watching her silent presence, which persisted for a few seconds, leaving my question unanswered."If I agree, can you guarantee your help? Can I make them pay? I can make every single one of them pay," she uttered, her voice barely audible but growing louder.Her eyes were different, unlike when I first met her. They reminded me of someone—I recognized that feeling of wanting revenge, to make them pay, to rip them from flesh to flesh and watch as they beg for mercy before killing them.Gosh, how I missed that instinct!"My words don't change, nor do I break them. Agree to sign this deal, and I'll ensure all your problems are gone, and all the revenge you desire is within your grasp." I said, observing the impact of my words on her vulnerable state.I yearned to experience once more the feeling of flames
[Sierra's POV]"Follow me, dear," the woman uttered as I raised my gaze to catch a glimpse of her image. It was the same woman who had opened the door and welcomed me in with a smile.I gently stood up, following her as she led me through the hall. My eyes fell on many maids busy with their duties, tidying up the mansion. The walls were high and the halls were wide.It felt like it was going to take forever to arrive at where we were heading when I noticed a halt in the woman's footsteps. She turned her gaze, meeting mine."This is your room, my dear," she said with a smile lighting up her lips.I took a peek into the room, my legs hesitating at first before I eventually entered, taking in the room's grandeur. There was a fresh display of artwork on the wall side, a dazzling shade of steel that roamed around the area. I had never seen something as nice as that; all my nose had been able to presume for years were the scents of burnt tobacco and alcohol. I would say I had become used to
"Who do you think you are, and what do you think you're doing here?" I questioned, jolting up from the bed, my gaze still fixed on the stranger as he smirked.I had no idea who he was or how he ended up here, but one thing I could tell was that he was surely drunk."Please leave my room now!" I uttered, pointing my hands at the doorstep. I watched his eyes flicker at my room door before returning to me with a chuckle as he stood up from the bed, his legs almost stumbling."I should leave?" he questioned in a whisper."Please leave," I reiterated, hoping he would understand my words and leave. Yet I couldn't help but notice his legs approaching me further instead."Hey, stay back!" I yelled, leaving a warning. But that did little as I watched a smirk light up on his lips.He was surely not going to leave the room, that I could see. The only option I saw was to leave the room myself, at least away from this stranger, even if it meant returning to the party."What are you thinking, baby?
My face paled as he retreated, with more applause echoing loudly. I released his grasp on me after leaving the party as I made my way to the hall.What was that? What did he just do back there?My mind was left with many questions, which only seemed to be answered by the silence that echoed after.A disoriented feeling washed over me as I entered my room, my mind still reeling from the incident."Why did you leave the party--" Adrian rushed in as I watched him enter the room.My gaze shifted as they remained fixed on his. "What was that at the party, Adrian?""What do you mean?" he questioned."I mean the—the kiss..." I muttered, and then I watched his presence only grow closer by the mention."Yea, what about that?""What do you mean, what about that? We both know this isn't a real marriage...""Yeah, but we have to make them believe it is for this to work right," he said."That doesn't mean you can have your way with me."His hand came to rest gently on the wall, and I found myself
Honestly, I knew he didn't recognize me yet, but I wondered why? It hit me with his words back then in the room. He thinks I am some kind of enemy or threat to his brother, judging from his words. Well, I ain't a threat to his brother, but I am surely a threat to him."Why, can't I drink now?" I questioned, watching him gulp a glass of wine as his gaze returned, landing on me."Just saying, I never knew my brother's wife also drinks. I mean, wow," he said, scoffing.I left no response, after downing a glass, I poured another. I know he was playing a game, even though I'm sure he didn't recognize me, I couldn't let my guard down. The last thing I want is for him to suspect me or stalk my every move, but it seems that isn't avoidable for now, so I just had to keep this act up for the meantime.And I think this moment with him here could surely be of help, at least to understand his tactics better. He was known for his cruel, vicious acts back in Vegas; no one was that close to finding a
[Sierra's POV]The clashes of music and dance went on as I found myself in the middle of everything. I couldn't believe it was happening. Well, I could do this; I just had to stay out of sight, even though the celebration might be organized for me.The last thing I wanted was to grab too much attention or raise questions.I felt a hand on my waist, causing my gaze to shift as it landed on Adrian. "What took you so long to get ready?" he questioned.I could see his eyes scanning the place as though he felt compelled to play an act, which I found weird for him. Well, if he didn't want the party either, why didn't he raise a protest? We both knew we didn't want this event to take place since the marriage stuff was just a charade."Don't try anything; just act like my ideal wife. Don't speak when not asked to and don't roam around," he said, his gaze landing on me with those darkening eyes, replaced by a forced smile."Now, let's go act as a couple, dear wife," he said, leading me through
[Adrian's POV]I stepped out of the mansion, my eyes landing on Damien, who was still trying to aim a shot at the target. It seemed he also loved hunting, just like Dominic. However, I found the real hunt and fun game when I was dealing with my enemies or traitors; anything else just seemed boring.My mind still lingered on Uncle Marc's last words—the entire De Santos family. Why was he making everything more complicated than it already was? All I wanted was my dad's property, so I saw no other choice in this contract. Yet, it seemed things just got more complicated for me.I don't know what Uncle Marc sees in Dominic that he doesn't see in me. Staying in my mansion, tarnishing the family name? Why doesn't he understand that I also make my moves? Even though I was more interested in the business side of things than becoming an underworld lord, I never had those dreams. If it was power I needed, I don't need the title to instill fear in my enemies.I have achieved great heights in the b
My eyes sprung open, and I gently rose from the bed, welcoming the morning rays that seemed to glow through the room. They served as a reminder of last night with Dominic's questioning.Even though he seemed not to recognize me, I couldn't deny the suspicion he harbored toward me. I just had to stay low and try not to attract any attention; only then could I assure my safety and prevent him from recognizing me.I made my way into the bathroom, splashing some water on my face before walking out, only to be hit with the realization that Adrian wasn't around last night. I was happy that I didn't have to share the room with him, but I couldn't help but question where he could be and what he was planning. He was slapped last night; I was sure he must still be quite furious, but I couldn't understand why. Why was he slapped by Marc instead? I just couldn't understand each and every one of them. Well, I shouldn't even be trying; I'm not part of their family in the first place, so why bother?
[Sierra's POV]Taking the dishes into the kitchen, I laid them down and leaned against the wall for a moment. I let out a sigh, thinking about what had occurred back at the dining table with Marc and Adrain. Really, was staying here such a good idea? These people stood by their names, their eyes and actions sending shivers down my spine. Even though the blow wasn't meant for me, I couldn't deny the fear that coursed through me with his footsteps growing nearer. And I had also bumped into Dominic. What if he had recognized me? I was really in a death trap, never expecting to be trapped with no way out like this. All I wanted was justice for my mother and to make them pay, not to be bound and trapped in another lie.I couldn't run away, nor could I say anything. It seemed I just had to act up, not showing much attention, at least until he was gone. Then I would plot my way and destroy him to the very inch. But for now, I just had to keep low and hidden, even though he was here too. All
I returned to the mansion with Uncle Gavin by my side. My eyes immediately caught sight of Uncle Marc seated at the dining table. His eyes landed on me instantly."Good, you're here," he uttered."You called for me, Uncle Marc?" I said, giving a half bow."Yeah, you must be hungry." He questioned as I raised my gaze, thinking it was something important, but it was just about the food being ready.My gaze shifted to Adrian, who was already seated. I watched his presumed wife come out with some of the maids, bringing some food."Wait, she cooked?" I thought, my mind trying to make sense of what was taking place."Come, sit, Dominic. I had your brother's wife prepare lunch," Uncle Marc uttered.
[Dominic POV]"Release!" I uttered as the bird flew out of the cage, flying up into the sky. I reloaded my shotgun, aiming with my right eye. "And dead," I pulled the trigger; the loud sound echoed as the bird fell down. I retreated the gun.I've always found hunting quite fun and a way to train my aim even more. Since I needed some air anyway, I decided to head out to the courtyard, nestled at the edge of the forest, just beyond the mansion's backyard."I see you still haven't given up on your typical hunting," a voice caught my attention. My eyes landed on Uncle Gavin."Well, it's just an old habit I find quite enjoyable," I said, gesturing as Uncle Gavin approached me, taking up one of the guns laid there. "Why don't I give it a shot also?"He uttered, as another bird was released. He aimed at it, pulled the trigger, and scraped through the air, missing the bird. "Seems my old age is getting to me," he said, retracting the gun and dropping it back on the ground."I'm sure you still