CHAPTER ONE

AVERY'S POV

People keep on saying that "Money can't buy happiness." but for me, money really do buy me happiness. Why did I say so? Well, it's because if I had a lot of money, I can buy whatever I desire. Whatever food that I want to eat, I can easily afford it. Life is much easier if you have a lot of money like your life depends on it. Not to brag but at the age of 20, I already have my own house and that's the result of what I do. I work as a professional stripper but some people may call it a club dancer or a professional entertainer but just so you know, I don't offer one special night to customers. I only work in this club only just to dance in my own way and to earn money. I know that you have a stressful day, that is why I am here to help you enjoy your night. Base from what I said about what I do, there is obviously a clear line drawn between a call girl and a stripper. I don't sell my body, I entertain and feed their thirsty eyes.

"Avery?"

"What is it Sasha?"

"I thought, it's your day off tonight?"

"It is, but boss asked me to come. He wants me to impress a VIP customer that will be around here anytime soon."

"Oh my, I'm sure that you'll be earning more money again tonight."

"Maybe, but don't worry, I will head home once I'm done entertaining the V.I.P client."

If I will compare myself to a food that people usually found in the menus, I considered myself as the all time best seller. Even though I hate to admit it but yeah, I got the looks, I got the charms and the attitude, and as a result, all the boys that laid their eyes upon me will surely be turned on. Well, there's nothing special going on for tonight, just the same crowded place. To be honest, I was disgusted with this place at first because of the smell of cigarettes and alcohol that is seemingly just roaming around the place but now, I am already used to it and I pretty much learned to choose men according to my standards.

"Please welcome, Ms. Avery Mamba and her special dance performance!"

The crowd cheered. I could here them wolf whistling, clapping and screaming my name as I step into the stage. I started dancing and intentionally captivate those who are watching me while I'm under the spotlights. That's right! Spend all your money in me and I will reward you handsomely. I grinned for the whole performance as I continued teasing and seducing everyone that locked their eyes on me.

TYLER'S POV

I never planned on going out and have a quick drink at a bar but because of Steven's perseverance, he won over me with his reasons that I am too busy at work that he can't even have the slightest chance to spend time with him or to catch up. After Madison rejected and turning down my marriage proposal, we both decided that we move in separate ways. Now, I decided to dedicate most of my time on working as a Police Detective.

"Hey bro, I've been so excited to see this Mamba girl. I've heard rumors about this woman with a beauty like no other."

"So, you want me to see her also? You know that I don't have time for women right now."

"I know. We're just here to have fun just like those old times. It's Saturday night. Come on, just loose a little."

"That's why I'm already here with you, right?"

"Ohh. My friend is so stingy."

Before we could even make an order for our drink near the bartender, the announcer introduced Avery Mamba. Everyone cheered and gave here a round of applause. I locked my eyes directly to the stage for me to see and to be convince by what Steven said about this woman. In a short delay, she appeared with a sexy and almost revealing outfit as she dance her way to charm the crowd. She gave the word seduction and beauty a flesh. Steven was right, she really is gorgeous.

"You're staring at her? Your eyes are obviously glued to her."

"I just want to make sure that everything you said was true."

"So, how is she then?"

"Just so-so. Wait, people are throwing and giving her money that easily?"

"That's how it works, bro. Us, men, think that seeing this kind of beauty is our greatest fantasy but for her ..."

AVERY'S POV

That's right! This is just a game. A game that I can really play too damn well. I'm almost done with my performance but I want to make more extra special. I taught myself to do the best that I can because I don't settle for a 6 when I can be a perfect 10? What are you waiting for? Come on, boys, give me every last drop of your money.

"And that's it! Let's give Avery Mamba a round of applause. For those who would like to spend a few hours with Avery, talking and drinking. We have a VIP room prepared for you."

I was extremely tired from my performance earlier but after catching up a few breaths, I ended it with a smile of success. I was arranging all the paper bills that I've earned earlier but while I was it, Sasha and Peach came to me.

"Famous as usual."

"That's my girl!"

"How funny that before working here, I struggled so much that I can't provide something for myself that can help me live throughout the day but now, I earn money so easily like it just flew straight into my hands. With just a few sways of my hips and flipping of my hair is already enough to make boys go crazy."

"True. That's why I decided to have an upgrade with my service to keep up with Avery. She is so good that inspires me to work even harder."

"What upgrade are you talking about?"

"Offering one night of special home services to selected customers and that means, customers who have lots of money."

"Peach, you know that we are prohibited to do that outside even if we are done with our working hours?"

"I know."

"Just a reminder Peach, to never let your guard down, be alert and be meticulous in selecting guys you want to be with. You never know what's running in their mind nowadays."

"Don't worry, I always carry a bottle of pepper spray and a taser gun in my bag. Also, I'm doing all of this so that I can support myself to finish college. If I have saved enough money for college, then I will quit this job."

"Speaking of quitting, do you have any plans on resigning, Avery?"

"Yeah, right. You've been living all by yourself anyway."

"I've been thinking about that thought lately but I feel like, I can't do it so easily. I'm still saving money for myself as well but if maybe someone could prove to me that he is worthy and marry me, then that's the time that I will quit permanently and live my life to the fullest."

"But the question is, are there still any good guys left in this world? I mean, if they found out where we came from, they might use it against us and win every existing arguments."

"That's somehow a probability but there are also cases that even if women came from a decent family background with a decent job, they still face violence and abuse from men. Boys will always be f*cking up your life."

"Isn't that what boys always do? F*cking up your whole life."

Sasha, Peach and I then burst into laughter at the backstage while we are preparing ourselves. A few minutes later, I was called for me to entertain our expected VIP customer which I believe is our boss' acquaintance. I waved Peach and Sasha goodbye before I leave them and finally moved on to the said VIP room.

"Hello, sweetheart."

"Hello. Are you Mr. Morgia?"

"Yes, I am. Come, have a seat."

I took a seat almost next to him and just like what I usually do to our VIP customers, I have a decent conversation, laughter and gave him smiles as we both continued talking about almost anything. While we are at it, he keeps on ordering expensive foods and drinks just to satisfy me for a night which is arguably benefits me good time.

"What are your plans after your working hours?"

"I'll probably head home and have a good night sleep."

"How about spending a night at my house? I assure you that we'll have so much fun."

I was irritated with the guts of this guy. Is he even aware that I don't have the kind of job description that he's expecting me to be? Why do men keep taking advantages when women are kind, decent and humane, and honestly, I'm not that surprise anymore. Even with the fact that I'm irritated by this man, I tried my best not to show it in my face and just gave him a smile while rejecting his invitations politely.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Morgia but I only entertain customers during working hours. I am not allowed to come with anyone and even if I am allowed to do so, I still won't go."

"Why?"

"It's for my safety, Mr. Morgia and also for the person I am with. You know that we can't trust people easily these days. Right?"

I caressed Mr. Morgia's cheeks which made him stop and refrained himself from asking me more questions and demands. I then poured an incredibly expensive bottle of champagne to our goblets which were held in both of our hands earlier. I immediately gave his own glass and without any noticeable hesitations, he drank it all before giving me a smile.

TYLER'S POV

Steven and I finally went out of the bar and then we parted ways because we have different routes to take. It's almost 11 in the evening and I remembered that I still have to review the suicide case of Ms. Laranjo tomorrow therefore, I should hurry back home and have my good night sleep. While I took a short break inside my car and read a few informations that was gathered from the witnesses around Ms. Laranjo's neighborhood, I realize that something's not right.

(Flashback)

"Did you notice anything strange about the actions of Ms. Laranjo?"

"Unfortunately, I haven't notice anything about her but as far as I know, she keep leaving her house. She said that she has a lot of debtors that needs to pay her back because she needs it to pay for her apartment."

"So she has his loaning business?"

"I believe so, Sir. She is accompanied by her boyfriend, everytime they go out."

"And by any chance, do you know her boyfriend's name is?"

"Oh! Her boyfriend's name is Joffer Ramirez, sir."

"Well, have you notice anything between these two, I don't know, maybe having their an argument or physically hurting each other?"

"As far as I could remember, I haven't seen them fighting physically since the day she moved here in our neighborhood. They even laugh and obviously in a good mood everytime they went out."

"Okay, thank you. I will just come back here if I still have further questions and a few clarifications."

"Sure thing, sir."

(End of flashback)

A suicide case usually ends immediately especially if it is supported by an evidence but it still depends if the authorities found something off about the case because there have already been reported cases that it may look like a suicide case but later on, be found as a staged suicide case meaning it may appear as a suicide case when the truth is, it is a murder case due to some clues or evidence found. So, I was having this kind of thought that if I were Ms. Laranjo, why would I commit suicide when I have lots of money to be collected and I am currently living with a happy life. I guess financial problem is clearly not the reason to commit suicide. This could possibly be a murder case even though others see it as a suicide case, and maybe one of her debtors is the possible suspect. I started the car engine and drove immediately back home. While I was driving, I keep on thinking about Ms. Laranjo's case. If this will turn out to be a murder case, the process will take too long to finish. It would be disappointing if this case will be considered as a suicide case when I can clearly see that her death is not that convincing for it to be called as a suicide case. I better wait for the autopsy report before conducting further investigation.