Chasing My Stripper Ex Wife

Warning This is an 18+ dark romance with mature themes including obsessive exes, morally gray characters, steamy encounters that blur lines, and emotional manipulation wrapped in passion. If you're not into toxic love, dangerous situations, and characters who make terrible decisions, turn back now.Derek's POV"Twenty thousand for an hour with our most exclusive dancer," the manager says, running my card without hesitation. "She doesn't sleep with clients, just to be clear. This is for her time and attention only.""Understood." I don't care about the rules. After closing the Morrison deal this week, I deserve to celebrate with the best, and from what I've heard about Crimson Lounge's top girl, she's worth every penny.He leads me down a hallway to a private room, all black leather and red lighting with a small stage and pole. There's already expensive whiskey waiting on the table. I pour myself a glass and settle back into the couch, loosening my tie.The music shifts and the doo

Vanessa's POVI know it's wrong the second I see Derek's name on the private booking list. Twenty thousand dollars again, same room, requesting me specifically. My hands shake as I stare at the schedule and I should cancel, should tell the manager I'm sick, should do anything except walk into that room.But I don't. Because three days have passed since we were tangled together on the floor of our old house and I haven't been able to think about anything else. The way he touched me, the way he said he'd burn his company down for me, the look in his eyes when I told him about the baby.Marcus notices me staring at the schedule. "You okay? You've been off since that incident the other night.""I'm fine," I lie, forcing a smile. Marcus has been my security at the club for eight months now, always professional, always protective. He doesn't need to know that the man he punched is back and I'm about to see him again."If that guy shows up again—""He won't," I cut him off, even though that'

Vanessa's POVI'm surrounded by the ruins of two years of work. Torn canvases, spilled paint, broken frames. Marcus destroyed the portfolio I was building to finally escape the club, to open my own gallery like I always dreamed. Now it's just garbage scattered across my apartment floor.Derek is still holding Marcus down but neither of them are fighting anymore. Marcus is just crying, this broken sound that makes my chest ache because I did this to him. I made him fall for me knowing I wasn't over Derek, knowing I was just using him to fill a void."Let him up," I say quietly. Derek looks at me like I'm crazy but releases Marcus anyway, who just sits there on the floor with his head in his hands."I'm sorry," I whisper, kneeling next to him. "Marcus, I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you like this.""But you did." He looks up at me with red, swollen eyes. "I told you I loved you and you couldn't even say it back. Now I know why.""I tried to love you. I really did try.""That's some

Vanessa's POVI wake up in Derek's penthouse for the second time in a week, except this time I'm here because a doctor told me I need bed rest and Derek refused to let me go anywhere else. Sarah tried to argue that I could stay with her but Derek pulled out his CEO voice and suddenly I was being carried to his car like I couldn't walk on my own.Pregnant. I'm pregnant and I don't know who the father is. The thought makes me want to throw up and I don't think it's morning sickness.Derek is asleep in the chair next to the bed, his head tilted at an angle that's going to give him a terrible neck ache. He insisted on staying with me all night even though I told him I was fine. He looks exhausted, dark circles under his eyes and worry lines etched deep into his face.My phone buzzes on the nightstand and I grab it before it can wake him. Three missed calls from Marcus and a text that just says "We need to talk." I delete it without responding because I can't deal with him right now, can't

Vanessa's POVMarcus survives. Barely. By the time Derek physically pulls me away from the hospital three hours later, Marcus is stable but still unconscious and the doctors are talking about brain swelling and possible permanent damage. I'm numb, completely shut down, as Derek drives us to Cross Enterprises for his emergency board meeting."You don't have to come up," he says as we pull into the parking garage. "You can wait in the car with security.""I'm coming with you." My voice sounds hollow even to my own ears. "You said I need to stay where you can see me. So I'm staying where you can see me."He doesn't argue, just takes my hand as we walk through the building. People stare as we pass and I realize I must look terrible, still in yesterday's clothes with no makeup and eyes swollen from crying. The whispers follow us all the way to the executive floor.The boardroom is full when we enter. Twelve people in expensive suits turn to look at us, their expressions ranging from concer