CHAPTER 3

~Carolina~

When I arrived at the Blues Club, I tensed and made my way to the magnificent club's gate.

Some of the passersby peered at me as if I had missed my way.

As I approached the front entrance, a tough-looking security guard stopped me. "Hey! Where are you going?"

"I am here to see a friend of mine, Lucy Campbell," I replied nervously as well-dressed men and women made their entry.

The security guard's eyes narrowed at me suspiciously.

"There's no one with that name here. Call her on the phone or wait outside until you see her!" he yelled, making me jump back in fright.

However, I collided with someone behind me, and a deep voice gasped, "Easy, miss! Watch your step!"

I stilled as a pair of firm arms caught my waist, and the masculine fragrance of coffee invaded my nostrils.

The man had caught me after I lost my balance and stepped on his feet.

Time stopped as we gazed into each other's eyes. His enchanting brown eyes locked with my piercing blue ones.

"Are you alright, miss?" the handsome man asked, steadying me.

I was breathless for a moment, as I hadn't seen a man like him before. He appeared like a billionaire from a magazine cover.

"Yeah… I'm… fine," I stammered, my heart throbbing faster and my cheeks flushing as I met his sharp gaze.

He towered above me, and I lowered my head in embarrassment. I wasn't expecting a man like him to catch me after the security guard had given me a scare.

"That's fine," the man replied with a friendly smile before he took in my features. His brows furrowed as his eyes trailed down to my body and back up to my face.

A look of disappointment marred his features when he saw my faded clothes. It felt like the ground should open for me to hide my shame.

When our gazes met, his brows furrowed, and he said, "Come with me."

"Me?" I asked in surprise, thinking he was disappointed.

"Yes, you. I just want to have a short conversation. What did you come here to do? You seem out of place," he said, pointing at my poor clothing compared to the elegantly dressed patrons frequenting the luxury club.

I lowered my head in shame, knowing the man was only asking out of concern. Before I could open my mouth to explain, my phone rang, breaking the awkwardness.

"Excuse me, sir. My friend is calling," I said. I swiftly moved away to answer. "Hello, Lucy," I said, looking back.

The man was gone. My heart ached, but I bit my lower lip and focused on my call.

*Maybe he saw who he came here to spend time with,* I thought.

"Hey, Carolina. Where are you? I just came out and cannot find you anywhere. Do you know what time it is?" Lucy shouted, her voice booming over the call.

"Yeah, I know," I laughed sadly.

"It's 8:30 p.m. I am outside the Blues Club and the security guard refuses to let me in," I said.

"Come over now. My boss is waiting to see you," Lucy said.

"Alright," I replied, ended the call, and moved to the front of the club.

Lucy stood there elegantly like a queen, dressed in a short red dress and black shoes. She was my age, her thighs and cleavage exposed. Her feet tapped on the ground as she watched me hurry over.

"Where did you go? I almost thought you weren't coming," Lucy voiced her complaint, her face frowning.

"I'm sorry, Lucy. The security guard refused to let me in and said no one named Lucy works in their club," I explained.

Lucy laughed and replied, "Yeah. You do not expect me to use my real identity here. We use fake names, and that is what you are going to do. From now on, your name is Joy."

"What?" I gasped. She dragged me into the club, and I wasn't stopped by the security guard. He eyed me narrowly, but his lips remained shut.

Sighing, I looked around as I followed Lucy.

Soft music filled the air, soothing my troubled heart. There were several patrons, VIP tables, and pretty ladies dancing around the pole to entertain the men.

The club was lively as night fell, and dim lights shone around us.

It was my first time in a five-star club; my legs quivered as I felt the richness of those present.

"Walk fast, Joy," Lucy called my new name, and I stilled.

She led me to the VIP section on the first floor. A tall man stood there, dressed in black and exuding authority. Seated beside him was another tall man in a suit and a beautiful blonde lady in a revealing green dress. Her black stilettos clicked, and her bust threatened to pop out of her dress, which barely covered her.

Taking a deep breath as their gazes landed on me, they scowled. Lucy spoke up, "Excuse me, Mr. Karen."

The manager looked from me to Lucy before stepping forward.

"Yeah. Agnes, how can I help you?" he asked, his voice barely containing his anger.

Lucy cleared her throat and said, "Sir, this is the best friend I spoke to you about. Her name is Joy, and she needs a job as a server."

The man peered at me from head to toe. "Have you worked in a club before?" he asked coldly.

"No, sir," I replied nervously.

"Well, do you know what your job entails? You will have to entertain my clients, not just serve them drinks. If you like, you can sleep with them, but remember to use protection," he said firmly. My cheeks flushed.

"Um, sir, I can interact with the clients, but I cannot sleep with anyone," I replied. He scowled.

Lucy quickly nudged my arm and chimed in, "Mr. Karen, you do not have to worry. I will lecture Joy well, and she will do just fine."

"Mm…" Mr. Karen peered at my face and said, "It's fine, Agnes. I am counting on you. Take your friend to change these rags she is wearing before she offends our prestigious patrons."

"Okay, sir," Lucy breathed out with relief before dragging me to the elevator.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked, not happy about the job.

"To the boutique on the second floor. Don't you know the Blues Club has a private boutique for clients to change clothes? In case someone gets their clothes torn or dirty, or if you spend a night in the club's hotel and need a change," she explained as we stepped into the elevator.

"Seriously?" I asked in surprise.

"Yeah," she replied.