Novels by Jovita Raphael

DORIAN'S POV****I couldn't stop thinking about her after I left the club.I wanted her to know that I would never judge her for her job. That was what attracted me to her— not her body or the way she moves it, but the way she carries herself, unashamed of what she does.So I went back to the club to show her that.When I arrived, I asked for a private dance. They brought me a different girl, which I rejected. I specifically requested for Amara, though I paid more which didn't matter. All I wanted was her.When Amara came out, I saw surprise and nerves flash across her face, but as usual, she buried it beneath layers of confidence. I loved that about her.I told her that I wanted a private dance, that I wanted to show her that I never looked down on her. She looked slightly doubtful, asking if a lap dance was supposed to prove that.I said yes. She moved to the pole, locked eyes with me, and did what she knew best. She slid up and down the pole, doing things I didn't think a body cou

AMARA'S POV*****I just woke up from the best sleep I'd had in weeks. Saturdays are my favourite because I don't have to work or worry about anything. No alarms. No rushing. Just sleep until my body decides it has had enough.My phone pinged. I picked it up to see a text from Jack.Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?I smiled at the text.I slept well. Did you? I replied. Then dropped my phone on the lampstand. Today was for me. Justme. But Dorian seemed to remain a fixed fixture in my head.I got out of bed, tied my hair into a messy bun, threw on an oversized shirt, and headed to the kitchen.Pancakes and coffee felt like the right choice. I mean what better way to start your morning. I played the song Work by Rihanna and danced around the kitchen while cooking, pretending life was light and simple. After eating, I cleaned the apartment.The doorbell rang.I frowned. Who could be at the door. It's just 1pm in the afternoon.I opened the door and immediately regretted it be

AMARA’S POV****I arrived at the restaurant. It was huge, beautiful and quiet. People spoke in low voices, like they were in a library. It looked expensive. Expensive people, expensive dresses. And here I was. But I certainly wasn't going to talk down on myself. I looked beautiful too. I wore a red gown with a slit, thin straps, V- neck, showing just a little cleavage. I look good. If they can come here, I can too. After the affirmations, I walked in, head held high. Jack had already texted me where we'd be sitting. I walked up to the table. He stood to acknowledge me and drew the seat out for me to sit.“Thank you.” I said.“You're welcome.” He sat and gasped. Staring at me intensely.“Hope I didn't keep you waiting so long,” I asked.“Not at all. If it means I get to see this rare beauty, I don't mind waiting my whole life.” he whispered.“Really, you have your way with words” I said, giggling.“I'm not flattering you, you look… breathtaking, gorgeous. I'm at loss for words.” He sa

AMARA'S POV****I quickly went into the changing room to change into my stage dress. Yeah, another day, same routine, same men watching me like I exist only for their eyes. Life's so unfair. I wish I could just—“Amara! Someone is here to see you, Guess who,” Davina sing-said. Looking all excited. That made me smile.“Who is here?” I asked curiously.“I said guess, Amara, not ask.”“Well, you'd have to tell me, I can't think of anyone right now.”“You're boring,” she rolled her eyes. “It's Jack. He's requesting for you, he wants to see you.”“Jack? He never gives up, does he?” I said.“I mean, he's blonde, cute, tall, and has a nice physique, probably good in bed,” she teased. “You should be over the moon that a man like that is interested in you. Babe I'd jump at that opportunity if I found one.” I chuckled.“I mean, I like him. But… I don't know.”“Just give it a shot. Go see him. He's out at the bar.” “Alright, I'll be back quickly.” I moved to the door.“Take your time love, I'v

AMARA’S POV****“Amara, you’re late again.”I peeked around the hospital door and grinned at Mom. Her hair was in that messy bun she swore made her look younger, and her eyes squinted like she was already plotting something.“Traffic,” I lied. Hospital traffic, sure. And the elevators that take forever. And probably fate conspiring against me. “You know how it is.”She raised an eyebrow. “Traffic? At ten in the morning? Amara, please.”I laughed, walking over to her bedside. “Fine. Maybe I left my shoes at the club. You’d understand if you worked in my world.”Mom huffed. “Don’t even start. I survived raising you; I survived high school gossip. I can survive your club nonsense too.”I froze mid-step. “Club nonsense?”She grinned. “I don’t know, maybe the place you keep talking about. The cafe? The restaurant? Whatever it is you said you work at.”“Oh, that.” I cleared my throat. “Yeah, that.”She narrowed her eyes, clearly thinking. “You’re hiding something.”I shrugged. “Maybe.”“May

I couldn't get the conversation I had with Dorian out of my head. I don't understand why I'm hurt. Everyone judges me. It's nothing new. Why am I hurt over his own judgement. I mean who wouldn't judge. I just thought I saw something different in his eyes rather than judgement.“Amara, you have a private dance request.” my colleague called from across the room.I swallowed. Kept my face neutral. Professional. I didn't flinch.I stepped into the room.Dorian was seated. Calm. Hands resting on the arms of the chair. Leaning back. Watching.My chest hitched. Pulse spiked. But I didn't show it. Not in front of him.“Why are you here?” I asked, keeping voice steady.“Was I banned from coming here? It's a club Amara.” He stated.I waited. “To prove you wrong,” he said. Calm. Dominant.Controlled.I raised an eyebrow. “Prove me wrong?”“That you think I judge,” he said, eyes sharp. “That I'm like other men.”I scoffed and crossed my arms. “And a private dance is your way of proving that?”“Y