CHAPTER 1

Mia’s POV

I adjusted my mini skirt for what felt like the hundredth time today. The skirt was uncomfortably short and I could see my ass almost peeking out. My shirt wasn’t any better either, I could clearly see my boobs straining out from the shirt which was two times smaller than my actual size. Fuck my boss for making me wear such provocative outfits as work attire.

Well I was no different from the rest of my co-workers serving at the upscale club bar. Apparently, our side job involved enticing wealthy men who frequented the club into spending more time here and of course spending more money. It was all part of the game.

Staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, I noticed my once straight ginger hair now looked slightly disheveled, with a few stray strands falling across my face. My bright green eyes lacked their usual spark, accentuated by the faint bags underneath. I considered wiping off the remaining red tint from my lips but thought better of it. My boss would throw a fit if my makeup wasn't perfect.

Reassuring myself that I would soon be out of here since my evening- night shift was almost done, I touched up my makeup and exited the brightly lit ladies room and squinted as I tried to adjust my eyes to the dim setting of the club.

Walking down the familiar hallway I’ve become accustomed to, I make my way back to my work position behind the bar. I tried not to cringe at deafening music and the overwhelming flashing lights. I plastered a friendly smile on my face and got ready to attend to the horny looking men in front of me, who seemed to be more interested in my boobs rather than the drinks they were supposedly here for.

“Such perky tits… are they real?” One of the men drawled out a creepy smirk on his face.

It was obvious him and his friends were already a bit drunk considering they were slightly swaying on their seats and have been here for quite a while downing more than just a couple of drinks. Never forgetting to make me feel uncomfortable with their uncalled for sexual jokes and advances. They were the reason I excused myself to the ladies room earlier.

Unfortunately, I had no choice but to smile and ignore their rude remarks. Standing up for myself would only anger the customers and go against my boss's orders. After all, the customer was always right, or so they said. Quitting wasn't an option for me. I needed the money to survive, and opportunities for proper jobs were scarce without a college degree.

"What would you like to order?" I forced a grin, disregarding their previous question. I tried my best to maintain my fake smile.

"You, darling, why don't you give me a chance to show you a good time? Your pussy would thank you for it," he said bluntly, his eyes filled with a sickening gaze.

"Cut it out. She clearly isn't interested," my coworker Gina reprimanded them angrily.

"Go home, sweet cheeks. I'll take over from here. Your shift is almost over anyway," Gina whispered to me.

"Thank you so much!" I exclaimed gratefully, quickly gathering my belongings in a small purse and speed-walking out of the club, intentionally avoiding any last glances at those lecherous men.

I exhaled deeply as the cold night air greeted me outside the club. The silence was a welcome change. The sound of my footsteps echoed through the empty streets, and I didn't mind the solitude.

However, something felt off tonight, and not in a good way. I couldn't shake the eerie feeling of being watched. Deciding not to dwell on it, I increased my pace, allowing my thoughts to shift to my younger sister, Maddie .

Maddie was probably anxiously waiting for my return. I felt guilty for causing her worry, but at 16 years old, she understood that we had to navigate this harsh world together after losing our parents in a car accident two years ago. I had just turned 18 at the time, and now, at 20, we were barely scraping by. I couldn't afford college, but I made sure to provide for Maddie's high school education.

A smile formed on my face as I spotted the small condo building where we lived. Despite the lingering sense of being followed, I stopped to scan my surroundings. The street was deserted, and the feeling gradually faded away. I shrugged off the unease and entered the condominium, hastening up the stairs. The elevator here got broken quite a while ago and the owner wasn’t the least bit bothered so we the residents had no choice but to adjust to using the stairs only.

As I pushed open the door to our home, my steps came to an abrupt halt. The realization hit me that the door was already unlocked upon my arrival. Maddie wasn't one to leave it open, so confusion washed over me.

"Did you forget to lock up? It's not safe, you know," I called out loudly, hoping she would hear me wherever she was.

Turning to lock the door, my heart skipped a beat when I noticed that the lock had been broken, as if someone had forced their way in.

"MADDIE!!" I yelled in alarm, the fear for her safety intensifying.

Silence greeted me in response, fueling my growing panic. I frantically searched our small home, desperately seeking any sign of Maddie's presence, but there was nothing. She wasn't here. I whimpered in agony, my mind racing through the countless dangerous scenarios that could have befallen her. This wasn't like Maddie at all, and the worry consumed me.

"Sweet dreams, bitch," a gruff, unknown voice sounded from behind me, sending a shiver down my spine.

Before I could turn around to confront the man or even attempt to defend myself, a sharp pain shot through my arm. I felt a needle forcefully piercing my skin, and I weakly slipped out of consciousness.

What was happening to me?