DEVIL AT MORNING DAWN

Juliet’s POV

Walking towards the stage, I took a deep breath. The shining bulbs, the music playing, the chattering, and the glamour surrounded me. The eyes of lustful men traced my every move, their gazes running over my body.

“Come on, Juliet!” Daphne's excited call snapped me out of my trance. I sighed, grabbing the pole as I lifted my weight, swirling around it, my body syncing with the music. The men approached the stage, tossing money at me. Seeing the pile of cash, I pushed harder, stripping more, following the beats. One hand guided me on the pole while the other traced down my exposed legs, moving rhythmically. I bit my tongue, twisting and turning, doing everything I could.

Their cheers fueled me, and the money intrigued me to keep going. I was doing all this for the love of my life, my boyfriend. I was sure he would be happy with my earnings tonight.

After trying different positions, I finally wrapped up, getting down from the pole and gathering the money on the stage. A smile spread across my lips; my brother's school money was finally within reach.

“I’m proud of you, Juliet,” Daphne's voice came from behind as she helped me collect the scattered bills.

“These mens are lustful,” I remarked, counting the money. 

“At least this should be enough for your brother's school fees,” Daphne commented, picking up the last piece of money from the floor.

“Not all of it. I have to share it between him and my boyfriend,” I replied, a frown forming on her forehead.

“It’s high time you stop giving your hard earned money to that so-called boyfriend of yours. He's been extorting you, and you’re tired of it, huh?” She challenged me.

‘’He is the freaking owner of this club!!

“Oh, come on. I really don’t have the time for this. He will be waiting for me. See you another time,” I stood up, hugging her before pulling away and exiting the stage.

Getting changed into my regular clothes, taking off my heavy makeup, I sighed, walking straight home. Finally, I got home, pressed the bell button, waiting for a response, but there was none. I opened my phone, giving Tobias a call.

"Hello, I’m outside," I said over the phone.

"I hope you have enough money," Tobias asked.

"Yes, Tobias, I made a lot of sales today," I responded. Not long after, the door opened, and I walked in.

Seeing the face of my boyfriend, it looked as if he was excited. I hurriedly flew to hug him, wrapping my arms around his neck, but he didn't reciprocate as I had expected.

"Did you bring enough money?" he asked. My excitement lowered. I should have expected this.

"Here you go," I said, removing a stack of money from my purse and handing it to him. "I made a lot of sales tonight. Stripping isn't easy." I tried to take off my heels.

"What's this?" His voice was cold and harsh. "Is this how much you make?" He looked confused.

"That’s a thousand dollars, Tobias!" I exclaimed.

"What do you mean by that? This is not enough!" he yelled, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Haven't I satisfied you enough, Tobias?" I burst into tears. It was as if he was waiting for this moment. He was unconcerned, showing no care for my feelings.

"What are you hiding in your purse?" he demanded. His words made me shiver in fear. I took a deep breath, holding my purse tight.

"Come on, darling. You can't hide anything from me," he sneered, stepping closer. I inched backward until my back touched the wall.

"You can't escape, darling," he smirked, giving me an evil grin. Lost in his eyes, I couldn't help but admire his possessive look. Our eyes locked as he leaned in and kissed me passionately. His kisses sent shivers down my spine, making me yearn for more. Suddenly, he snatched the purse away from me.

"You are weak, baby," he muttered, laughing out loud. I shook my head profusely.

"No, you can't do this, Tobias."

"I need that money for my brother's education!" I pleaded, coming to my senses.

"Have you forgotten I found you that job? Is this how you ought to treat me?" he asked with piercing eyes.

Tears dripped from my eyes. "Tobias," I whispered, feeling defeated. "Tobias, he is going to drop out if he doesn't go further, Tobias!!" I screamed, grabbing my head. Rage surged through me suddenly.

I tried to run towards him, trying to grab the money. Instead, a heavy slap landed on my cheek, sending me crashing to the floor. He gave me a heavy kick in the stomach.

Leaving me alone, he went upstairs. Tears flooded my cheeks. My hard-earned salary was gone. I began to sob as my brother's call came in. My heart raced with fear. I felt like a failure. As his only parent, I had to fulfill all responsibilities. Is this how I would let him drop out because of my mistake?

I picked up the call. "Sister, please, I am about to drop out. I need the money quickly, sister," he pleaded, sounding hurt. I sniffed my tears, trying to talk appropriately so he wouldn't know I was crying.

"Don't worry, you will get it after tomorrow," I said with a fake smile spread across my lips.