Chapter 1

The bright lights of the company's halls stretched on endlessly as I made my way through. This morning was a bummer. Mom and I had a really terrible argument that made me utterly upset. Life has been really tough these day, I know. But stripping, really? Mom suggested that, saying it pays better than my old office job.

Although her excuse was it was only for dancing and entertainment, and nothing more, I still didn’t like that idea. No way, right? I'm all about keeping my dignity, even if it means living on instant noodles.

So, there I was, strolling through these bland-ass corridors, still replaying the whole argument in my head. My mom's hustle-over-dignity pitch clashed hard with my principles. The office cubicles loomed like a maze, each step feeling like a protest against the compromise I was never gonna make.

Stripping, huh?

“God…” I couldn’t help but massage my temple. The argument I had with her earlier was one of the worse, and I ended up going to work without us being okay. It was… terrible.

Walking around, I noticed a few glances thrown my way. Maybe it's the combo or just folks being curious, who knows? Either way, I'm not giving it much thought. Sometimes you've got to work with what you've got and own it. Whether they're staring or not, I'm just here doing my thing, strutting my stuff in borrowed skirts and tight polo.

Rocking a white long-sleeve polo that's doing a bit of a tight dance around my blessed chest – whatever, right? Paired it up with a skirt, a borrowed one from a friend. It's on the shorter side, just enough to play the modesty card and cover half of my legs. No choice, you know how it goes. Completed the look with a killer pair of black stilettos.

Entering Mr. Jonathan's office on the 25th floor, where the CEO also resides, I was in awe upon seeing how large and spacious the floor is. After all, this is where the CEO stays.

“Hi, I’m Claire,” I said and extended my hand.

He took my hand for a handshake. “I’m Jonathan Alcantara, nice to finally meet you, Ms. Claire,” he said through his serious voice. His thick eyeglasses hung through the tip of his nose as he explained to me the description of my job— as if I didn’t know already.

I scored this job as the personal assistant to the CEO, and let me tell you, it's a whole different ball game from being a regular secretary. Why? Well, the previous secretary tapped out – couldn't handle the constant demands of our CEO. So, now, I'm the go-to person for anything and everything. It's like being his personal maid, no kidding. Coffee duty, running errands, and basically making sure his day runs like a well-oiled machine. But you know what made me say yes to all this? The salary. It's a number I couldn't say no to. As the breadwinner in my family, this opportunity came at just the right time.

Life took a different route for us. Mom used to work as a stripper, and it's not your everyday story, but it worked for us. I'm 22 now, and my little brother is seven. Different dads – yeah, that's how our family tree shaped up. Growing up without a dad in the picture was just the way it was. Mom did her thing, juggling the bills and bedtime stories. It wasn't the textbook family setup, but it was ours, and it kind of worked. Mom decided to retire from stripping and embrace her 'mommy' groove. At 45, she looks like an angel and defies aging norms. Leaving the stage didn't dim her spark; she swapped stilettos for a 'mom-next-door' vibe. Her face hints at the secret to eternal youth. Age is just a number, right? Mom's living proof. She's rewriting the rules on what 45 looks like, and I'm here for it. Who says moms can't be both angel-faced and effortlessly cool?

But… mom stopped stripping because she's sick, and my younger brother's sick too.

That's the real deal.

“Please be careful with your choice of words when talking to the CEO. If possible, do not speak to him unless he tells you to. I didn’t want you quitting this job immediately, Ms. Claire. The salary is pretty good, and the job was only simple; follow his orders,” Sir Jonathan said while they walked through all the rooms and corners of the 25th floor. “Mr. Knight didn’t like noisy things, and he wanted to keep his privacy at most, so refrain from asking too much questions and keep quiet.”

I nodded frantically. It’s an easy thing to do. Following orders is a piece of cake for me as long as I get paid generously.

“And, oh, by the way, I forgot to mention that Mr. Knight has a friend.”

I frowned. “Friend?”

“Yes, and you should call him Mr. De Luca. He’s a very close friend of Mr. Knight, so respect him as much as you respect the CEO.”

I nodded my head once again. If that is all, it would be easy. “Noted that. Thanks for the heads up. I promise to do my beat. Any tips?"

Jonathan smiled, "Stay focused, work hard, and don't get discouraged. That's what Mr. Knight values. Show that, and you'll be fine."

Leaving Sir Jonathan's office, my mind buzzed with tons of thoughts. Questions danced around, and I needed a minute to sort things out.

Feeling suddenly in need of a drink, I noticed a water dispenser down the corridor. I almost shrieked in glee. I was thirsty!

I crouched to grab a disposable cup, hoping a sip of water would help clear my mental fog. But, it was as if the cup had different plans. It slipped right through my fingers, falling on to the floor. Cue a loud clatter, breaking the hallway's silence.

"Seriously?" I mumbled, half expecting someone to pop out of an office, having witnessed my not-so-elegant water-fetching escapade. Good thing there wasn’t any person around.

Or so I thought.

Bending down to grab the fallen cup, I had no clue that my choice of underwear was now on display beneath the short skirt that I only borrowed. I was oblivious because I was busy trying to get the goddamn disposable cup that had fallen.

The realization only hit when all of a sudden, a hand smacked my ass.

My eyes widened.

“Fuck. This ass is a masterpiece.”

It felt like a bucket of cold water was just thrown at me, my body stiffened. The man’s deep and low voice ran through my head like a broken radio. My rear was stinging to high heavens and my mind was stil processing the whole situation I am in.

Someone… spanked me.

Oh, my fucking gosh!

I gritted my teeth as anger surge through me. Just what the fuck?

I stood up straight as I tried to fix my creased clothes. I will not let anybody disrespect me just like that. I may be a woman, but I knew how to make men know their places. Fuck, there is no way I will let him get away with this!

As I slowly turned around, I readied myself for the consequences of my actions. I don’t care who this man is or wat position he has in this company. He disrespects me, so I should only return the favor.

However, as I turned around, I found myself face to face with a grinning, handsome stranger. His green eyes were bore into mine as if I’m the last meal in this world. His hair was dark and tousled, as if he just brushed it off with his fingers. He was tall and lean, like he always hits the gym. He was only wearing a white long sleeve polo and black jeans. His perfect set of white pearl teeth were on display as he grinned at me and his thick brows were shot up while he was giving me an amused look. To say he was hot was probably an understatement.

But that’s not what only made me startled…

It is the fact that there was another equally attractive man behind him, wearing a dark and intense expression as he observed the situation!

In stark contrast, the other man exuded a different kind of allure. His icy blue eyes, seemingly devoid of emotion, were fixated on mine as if he was scrutinizing my whole existence. Dressed impeccably in a well-tailored suit, he stood at the same height as the first man, with no less different body built.

“What…” I uttered, my lips parting.

Embarrassment and humiliation was drawn upon me as I bit my lower lip and took a step back. My knees were suddenly weakening as the two guys stared at me intently.

“I suppose you’re that girl from last night, no?” the man with green eyes asked, eyes glinting with mischief.

I couldn’t help but wonder what he was talking about, and I was about to ask when a doctor suddenly creaked open and a voice echoed through the corners of the room.

“Just about time, Mr. Knight, Mr. De Luca. The meeting is about to start,” Sir Jonathan’s voice reached my ears as he entered the room.

Wait, what?

A gasp left my lips as my eyes almost pop out from its sockets when I realized the names he just mentioned…

It was the CEO and his friend!