CHAPTER 2

I stared at him dumbfounded. Mostly, I was in charge, but what was this sexy Adonis doing to me?

I was quiet like a cat got my tongue. Nobody had ever told me to dance privately for them, which meant the pay would be doubled.

“I don't do private dances,” I replied, yet I was screaming in my head.

“Yes, I'm aware. But I'm making an offer, which means— you will stop dancing for everyone else.” He replied in a firm but calm voice.

“And that also means I get paid double.” I moved forward a bit, and he did the same.

“I'll make it times three if you agree.”

I swallowed hard at his words. His face gave no emotion.

“Kyle won't agree.' Kyle was the manager at the club where I worked.

“Kyle! He scoffed, “Kyle will agree to whatever I want.” He spoke with so much confidence.

“Don’t you think bluffing about your money is a bit too much?”

I asked in an equally bold tone.

I saw a slight smile on his face but it disappeared as quickly as it came.

“You think so?” He asked.

“I know so,” I replied.

“Hm, I see. Think about it, my offer still stands.” And then, he walked out of my dressing room.

The whole thing seemed like a dream, just that, this time around, it was more real.

I changed into my casual clothes and stepped out. Covering my head with my hoodie, I walked straight to Kyle’s office. Without knocking, I opened the door and entered. He had his legs sprawled on his desk and hands behind his head.

“Ronnie,” he called out without even opening his eyes to know whether I was indeed the one in his office.

“You're gonna get yourself robbed if you keep doing this,” I said to him, and he chuckled.

“I know your perfume. At least I'm good at telling sensing people’s cologne. It's my gift.”

“Whatever,” I playfully rolled my eyes and sat across him.

“You need something?” He asked, his voice showing care.

“Not really but,” I smiled and continued, “You can tell me about this mystery man who came to my dressing room tonight. I know you know about it.” My brows raised.

“Yes, I know he was in your dressing room. He's not a dangerous person. You know I will never let just anyone to you, right?” He asked and I nodded.

“What's his name?” Goodness, I could cuss that I saw Kyle’s face twitch in surprise.

“Are you for real?” He asked. “You, you don't know his name?”

“Er, no. I don't think I would be asking you if I did.”

“Which century are you in?” Kyle broke out in laughter and I just stared at him.

“What's funny?”

“I, I am so— sorry,” more laughter. “My goodness. Ronnie, oh, Lord.” After a few seconds, he calmed down from his laughter and spoke, “Everyone, 90% of New Yorkers know him. What do you use your phone for?”

“Just tell me who he is already,” I whined.

“No, no I'm not gonna do that.”

“What?” I asked. “I’ve seen him around, and you later send him into my dressing room, and then tell me you won't lemme know his name.”

“Yeah, my favorite little sister.” He replied and then got up from his seat to mess up my hair.

“Ughh! Hey, be careful. And I'm not your sister, not to talk of little.” I pouted.

“So, you don't like the big brother privileges I am letting you enjoy?” He asked in a mocking tone which made me laugh.

Kyle was the manager of the club Aphrodite, where I work. And he's been nothing but kind and generous to me all the time. Yes, more like a big brother.

“Did you hear what I said?” He asked, bringing me back to myself again.

“Er, no.”

“I said you should go home and get some rest, you look tired.”

“Not until you tell me who Adonis is.”

“A—what?” He laughed again. “You know what, you'll get to meet him again, there, you can ask him. Get going, hurry, hurry.”

He helped me up and walked me to the door, pushing me out of the office. “Good night.”

“I hate you!” I laughed out.

“The feeling’s mutual.” He replied.

Outside, I sighed my frustration out and stopped a taxi.

“Take me to 13th Street.”

“Yes ma'am.”

I laid my head on the edge of the seat, with my earplugs in my ears, and I felt like me again.

After a few minutes, I arrived at my apartment and quickly headed for the elevator, minding my own business like I did all the time.

I was on the fifth floor with my best friend, Jerome. He has been my friend since high school and was the only one aside from my dad who did not make me feel like I was the worst person in the world.

“Ding!” The elevator sounded, reminding me of my destination. It was never a dull moment when Jerome was around. Loud music was booming from the inside of the apartment and I wondered the kinda party he was having.

At 2 a.m., he was still awake. I put my keys on the key holder by the door and went straight to the kitchen, taking out a bottle of orange juice.

“Look who is back.” Jerome cheered from the door as he walked to hug me.

“Why are you still up?” I asked.

“I was waiting for you, silly. Why do you think I'll still be up by now?”

“Well, one of your flings could be in your room as we speak,” I said and jokingly nudged him in the stomach.

“Hungry?” Jerome asked.

“No, I'm okay with the juice. I replied and made my way to my room.

“What a long day,” I muttered to myself, stripped off my clothing, and went straight to the bathroom, letting the warm water hit me in all directions, it soothed my aching skin. I can't lie about how much I loved it whenever I got into the shower.

“Dance privately for me. Think about it.” His voice echoed in my head.

Was this how he got all the girls to be falling for him? But then, mine isn't love, it is just lust. A sexual fling I would say.

Again, I remembered my dream; how would it feel to be in his arms?

“No, no, no, Morgan. Stop this.” I whispered to myself as I stepped out of the shower. Finding my pajamas to wear.

“Morgan!' Jerome shouted my name and I rolled my eyes.

“Are you alright, girl?” He asked, and in a second, he was in my room. I just fell on my bed and sighed.

“You've had a long day, I know. Wanna talk, or you wanna go to bed?” He asked.

“He's so hot Jerry. I mean good looking, and he's got a dominant aura around him.”

“Now, whom are we talking about here?” Jerome asked.

“Oh, you know, the ‘He’ I always talk about. I still don't know his name. He was actually in my dressing room tonight after my performance.”

“Really?”

“Mmhm. He's even more handsome in reality, and he asked me to do a private dance for him and if I agree, it's going to be something I'll do all the time. I'll stop dancing in front of those annoying people.”

“Is that going to be the reason why you will accept or you've got motives?” Jerome asked, having a mischievous smile on his face.

I feigned hurt and said, “I can't believe you don't trust me. That's on another level, dude.”

“I trust you, Missy.” He replied, raising his hands in surrender. “Alright, I'll leave to have some rest okay? You look like you haven't slept for a whole week.”

“Good night, Jerry.”

“Good night, Missy.” He replied and kissed my forehead before leaving my room.

I was left with my thoughts all over again. What a day, indeed. I nuzzled the big teddy bear that Jerome bought me and welcomed the sleep that finally took over.

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