Chapter 2. A deal with the devil

Natalia's pov

We all turned our heads whipping around to the doorway just to confirm whose voice it was and that's when we saw him. Gio, our selfish and egoistic boss.

His cold gaze swept over us appraisingly while his thin combover was slicked back with so much greasy product it looked wet.

Speak of the devil.

"Alright, that's enough gossiping, ladies," he barked, his trademark rasp somehow cutting through the pumping bass. "Get those tight asses out on the floor. We've got a big whale coming in tonight, and I want my best girls putting on a good show."

He spun around and shot me an intense look with a defiant pose that only meant one thing. Fury.

“Including you Natalia” he added after he noticed how hesitant I was to put on my mask.

Tense silence enveloped us like a mushroom before Gio spoke again.

“Don't tell me you won't be working tonight because of that tramp I heard you spill from your mouth minutes ago?” he asked in the iciest tone ever.

I breathed deeply before responding. “We talked about it already Gio,”

His small, piggy eyes lingered on me for an extra moment before he turned and stormed away, his beer gut leading the way.

I exchanged an apprehensive look with the other girls before letting out a weary sigh. Just another night of playing the role I hated to save the person I loved most.

"Gio" I called after him after the other girls had gone out to the main floor making him stop in his tracks.

I hung back and approached him warily. He turned his piggy gaze on me, one eyebrow raised in annoyance.

I inhaled deeply, winning him over was the plan tonight since the last wasn't so successful.

"You know I told you about my dad's surgery days back. The nurse said I absolutely have to get the payment in by midnight tonight if they're going to start the operation as scheduled." I began.

Gio's face split into a greasy smirk. "Well, well, isn't that convenient? Looks like you'll have some extra motivation to really put on a good show for our whale tonight then."

My stomach twisted, but I pressed on. "That's never a problem, it's just dancing right?"

I watched his face contort into a frown. The silence stretching between us with each second that passed, I couldn't help but palpitate in fear of what Gio's frown could mean.

"Right Gio?" I muttered again with my eyes fixed on his.

"You know the answer to that already Natalia, it can't be just dancing! If you need the money for your dad's surgery you'll have to do more than just dancing!" He boomed.

My eyes widened in horror at his sudden outburst.

"What do you mean? We talked about this, Gio, there's no way I'm going back to doing that dirty stuff." I retorted, my voice firm.

Gio's eyes immediately became darker as he launched at me and grabbed my arm roughly.

"Well those dirty stuff is the only way to get the money you need for your dad's surgery and I've got just the scumbag picked out for you too - some big shot mobster who fancies himself a player. He'll pay through the nose for a night. And I'll make sure he gets a private service."

"I'm not taking the offer Gio," I whispered in between muffled sobs, Gio's fingernails were digging deep into my skin and it was painful as hell.

"Yes you will, or get ready to kiss your old man goodbye!"

My mouth fell open immediately as I stared at Gio, "You won't dare!" I croaked out, trying to break free from his iron grip on my arm but all my efforts seemed to be fruitless.

"Oh honey I will, I'm Giovanni Rastson for a reason. Now get your ass ready, you've got work to do tonight" He deadpanned and pushed me before walking into the club.

I fell on my knees with a great thud. Revulsion churned in my gut as I thought of what I was about to do but I pushed it down.

You have done worse for lesser money before Nat. This is different, This is for your dad.

I stood sharply from the marble floor, dusting off a few specks of makeup dust that had clung to my jacket before making my way to the backstage

As soon as I got there, I sat on my dressing mirror and began touching up my makeup. I was almost done when Gio appeared in the doorway.

He ducked his head for me to follow him. "C'mon, princess. Your client's here and he's already got a bottle of Cristal on ice waiting."

I shot him a deadly glare and drew in a steadying breath before putting on the glittery masquerade-style mask that covered the upper half of my face. At least my identity would be concealed from whatever sleazebag Gio had lined up.

“And smileeee, I didn't hire a statue for a stripper so don't make me think otherwise” he added,

I scoffed and shot him my signature Halloween smile. The nerves he has to try to patronize me seconds after manhandling me.

As I emerged from the hallway, I did a double-take as I recognized the man Gio was leading me towards - it was the same arrogant asshole from outside the hospital! He was leaning against the bar, looking devilishly handsome, his perfect brows knitted together, probably bored. Wearing a perfectly-tailored suit sipping the tequila in one hand as he surveyed the club with an air of superiority.

"You've got to be kidding me," I scoffed as I mumbled under my breath. Of course the universe would serve up this cocky bastard as my big payday.

Gio must have caught my look of dismay because he shoved me forward with a low hiss. "Get it together and work that magic, you little tramp. I don't care if he's the queen of England herself - you drain this prick dry, or you can kiss your old man goodbye. Capisce?"

"Yeah, I'm in." I threw him a withering glare as I made my way over to the bar, my stomach twisting into knots.

I really hope this goes well.