CHAPTER 3

POV: Akayda

It was finally sunday night.

My last night here.

The neon lights flickered against the hallway walls, causing the whole place to glow purple and blue as I tightened the straps of my heels.

I couldn’t believe it—after today, after a few more hours of forcing a smile, after one last climb on that pole, I would finally be done. No more Jade Firefly. No more late nights dancing. No more fake flirting with drunken men.

Just… Akayda Jordan. A secretary at Knight Enterprises.

God, it still sounded unreal.

“Girl, I’m really happy for you.” Bunny said as she brushed her curls in front of the mirror. “I mean, who would’ve thought that you’d actually get your dream job after all those countless interviews?”

Melina scoffed dramatically. “I knew she would get it. It was only a matter of time.”

I smiled. “Thanks, Lina.”

Another stripper—Cherry—let out a long sigh. “I’m jealous, honestly. I’ve already given up on ever finding a job in the corporate world.”

Before I could respond, Starlight leaned against her locker with a smirk. “But tell me something, Jade…” She stretched out her words like she was licking them. “You ever gone all out with a client?”

My brows pulled together. “All out? What do you mean by that?”

Bunny chuckled and spinning a lock of her hair. “Come on, you know exactly what she means.”

I blinked at them. “I really don’t.”

Starlight folded her arms. “I mean… have you ever kissed a client? Let them touch you? Slept with them?”

Melina groaned. “Guys, can you stop putting her on the spot, please?”

“I thought all that was against the club rules…” I said, confused.

All the girls burst into laughter.

“Oh sweetheart,” Bunny said, patting my shoulder like I was the slow kid in class. “Of course it is. But the client is always right. Aren't they, girls?”

“Yeah,” Starlight added with a wink, “if they want anything other than a dance in a private room, you give it to them.”

“What?!” My jaw nearly hit the floor. “You mean… you guys—”

“Oh stop acting like a nun.” Starlight rolled her eyes.

Then she grinned slowly. “Ooooh, I know. Since tonight is your last day… why don’t you go all out with a client?”

Bunny squealed. “Yes! Consider it a farewell gift to yourself. You really need it.”

Melina slapped her palm on her thigh. “Okay, that’s enough.” She turned to me, eyes soft. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, okay? Ignore them.”

Before I could answer, the door pushed open.

Madam Iris walked in—tight red dress, sharp perfume, eyes that saw everything.

“Come on girls, it’s time to get up on stage and make me some money.”

Everyone jumped up. I was about to follow them when she said:

“Jade. I need to talk to you.”

I swallowed. “Okay.”

Once the door closed behind the others, Madam Iris crossed her arms. “So… tonight is really your last night.”

I winced. “I was going to tell you after work. But I guess you heard the conversation, didn’t you?”

She nodded. “Can’t you reconsider? You’re one of my best dancers out there.”

“I’m sorry, Madam Iris. But… this world isn’t for me.”

She sighed—long, dramatic, but sincere. “You make me a lot of money, girl. And I hate that you’re leaving. But I can’t stand in the way of your dreams.”

I felt warmth fill my chest. “Thank you… really.”

“You’re welcome.” She patted my cheek. “Now go. Let’s make this last night your best.”

When she left, I turned toward the mirror.

My brown contacts covered my real blue eyes, and the silver mask glittered under the bulbs. The purple fringe bra and panties left almost nothing to the imagination—perfect for Jade Firefly, but not for Akayda Jordan.

I took a deep breath.

“Let’s get this over with.”

And I walked out.

The music thumped through the floor, vibrating in my bones. The crowd roared as the spotlight hit me, but all I heard was my heart—loud, steady, reminding me this was the last time ever.

I wrapped my hand around the pole, swung forward, flipped, and slid down in a fluid motion. My hair fell over my shoulders as whistles and cheers rose around me.

A drunk man flung a bundle of cash at my feet.

“Dance for me, baby!”

Another shouted, “You’re all mine tonight!”

I ignored them.

I spun, my back arching as I lowered myself, every movement slow, deliberate, rehearsed. The lights painted my skin purple and gold, but suddenly—my breath caught.

Someone was staring at me. I could feel the eyes on me.

Not like the others. Not with lust or drunken cheering.

His eyes felt… sharper, intense. Like it pierced straight through my mask. Like he could see my soul.

I turned, scanning the faces in the room—and then I saw him.

Grey eyes. Black hair. A jawline carved from stone. His body looked ripped even

Under all that layer of clothes.

He was young, in his thirties. And he looked sober. His eyes were glued to me like he was studying every centimeter of my body. His expression was unreadable.

Cold. Intense. Almost… dangerous.

The man beside him leaned in and whispered something, and his grey eyes shifted away from me.

I exhaled.

Why did I feel… disappointed?

And almost immediately, the next set of girls arrived, signaling our break.

****

Now back in the dressing room, I still couldn't get my mind off of him.

“That guy was so into you, Jade!” Starlight squealed.

I swallowed. “I didn’t see him.”

“Oh please,” Bunny said. “I would kill to give him a private dance.”

The girls laughed, but my mind replayed those grey eyes again and again.

If I had him in my room…

God, I might be tempted to do more than dance for him.

I shook my head hard.

“Get a hold of yourself, Akayda. It’s your last day.” I whispered.

The door opened and Madam Iris stepped in.

“Jade, there’s a request for you in VIP room four.”

My stomach tightened. “Okay. I’ll be there soon.”

As I stood, Starlight smirked. “Remember what I said earlier, Jade. It’s your last day. Go all out.”

I ignored her and headed down the hallway.

VIP ROOM FOUR.

The letter stood boldly on the door.

I pushed the door open.

And froze.

Sitting on the couch—perfect posture, legs spread slightly, leather jacket open enough to reveal a tight black shirt underneath—

It was him.

The grey eyed man.

Up close, he was even more handsome. Broad shoulders. Long fingers. A face sculpted like sin itself. He looked too controlled, too composed, too… powerful to be in a place like this.

I swallowed my surprise, walked behind the couch, and dragged my fingers slowly across his shoulders.

My voice came out low. “What do you want me to do for you tonight?”

His reply was deep. Unrushed. Commanding.

“Do what you normally do for your clients.”

A shiver traced my spine.

I circled around to face him and gently pushed him back until he leaned into the couch.

“Relax,” I whispered. “Let me dance for you.”

The music was slow, heavy bass, dim lights painting the room gold. I started with soft hip rolls, then slid a leg over his lap, positioning myself on my knees on either side of him.

His hands settled on my waist—firm, warm, possessive.

His eyes didn’t leave me.

Not once.

I ran my fingers up his chest and over his shoulders, feeling the tension there, the strength beneath his clothes. Then I leaned in closer, letting my breath touch his ear before moving down.

A kiss on his neck.

Another on his Adam’s apple.

A teasing brush against his cheek—dangerously close to his lips.

I pulled back slightly, waiting for him to push me away.

Instead, his eyes darkened… daring me to go further.

So I leaned in again.

And this time, I pressed my lips to his.

For a moment—just one heartbeat—I thought he wouldn’t respond.

Then his left hand slid to the back of my neck, holding me in place, and he kissed me back.

Hard.

Deep.

Commanding.

Hungry.

Like he’d been waiting for this moment.

My breath hitched as he took control of the kiss, his mouth moving against mine with a dominance that made my body want to submit to him.

Heat curled in my stomach. My fingers tangled in his shirt. Every part of me responded to him—wildly, helplessly, instantly.

I had never been kissed like this.

Never been handled like this.

Never felt this kind of raw pull toward a stranger.

His lips moved with purpose.

His grip tightened at my waist.

His heartbeat pounded against my chest.

I didn’t want to pull away.

I didn’t want this to stop.

I didn’t—

And then—

I heard the door handle turned.

I froze. I didn't lock the door when I came in.

His grip around my waist loosened.

And the door began to open…