CHAPTER TEN

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 could do. It drew me in even more. But I kept myself composed. 

She moved towards me, clearly wondering why I hadn't left. She didn't think I would stay. When she looked into my eyes, I saw desire and confusion mixed together. 

“No touching or I will stop,” she said.

I nodded.

She straddled me. Swaying. I could see she wanted to do more than this to me. I could feel she felt the same things I felt. Her eyes and her body language gave her away. The thought made me smile.

She stood up and moved to the pole. Danced for a while then the song came to an end. She walked up to me.

“That's all.” She said, then turned and left.

I wanted more of her. I wanted to know her. The things she liked, disliked, her family…. I'm curious about her.

So I decided to dig up information about her. 

I took out my phone and dialed my secretary.

“Hello, sir.”

“I need information on someone. She works at Luminous club. Her name is Amara.” I said. “That's all I know.”

“Get me every information on her. Everything.”

“Right away, sir.”

I ended the call and left the club.

*******

“Come on man, you're either working or working,” Jayden said. He had come over to my place. “You never have fun or even go out to eat. You just work and order in.”

“I'm not complaining,” I replied.

“That's why I exist– to complain on your behalf,” he said.

“Leave work for today. Let's go to a restaurant. If you don't agree, I have a better plan of disturbing you today.” He lifted a pillow, ready to throw it. 

“Fine. Where are we going?”

“It's a surprise.” He grabbed the car keys. “ So, I surprise you, I drive and you pay.”

I looked at him, ready to refuse.

“Come on. You're the billionaire here. Not me.”

“Fair point.”

He drove us there, and we arrived at the restaurant.

Jayden had already reserved a table. While he debated orders with the waiter, I looked around, admiring the interior decoration. Then my eyes landed on a slender lady who looked familiar.

She was laughing hard. She lifted her hand to tuck her hair behind her ear then our eyes met.

Amara.

The lady was Amara. She was sitting with a guy whose back was to me, so I couldn't see his face. Jealousy surged through me. I kept looking at her, unable to tear my gaze away from her. She looked beautiful. The red gown complimented her skin perfectly. 

Jayden kept calling my name waving his hand in my face, but I ignored him. He looked back trying to find what caught my attention. He spotted Amara, and smiled.

“She's beautiful. Planning to steal her from her man?” he teased. “Come on, man, she's on a date. Focus on me.”

I wasn't listening. Anger was creeping in.

She suddenly stood up and headed to the restroom. 

“Jayden, let's go. I'll take you to a better restaurant.”

“But we just got here.”

“Let's go, or you can stay here alone.” 

He tipped the waiter, apologized, and we left.

I couldn't sleep nor work properly for days. Thoughts of her filled my head.

It was the weekend. Isabel rang my phone at exactly 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning. Who does that? Then I remembered — Isabel does.

“Dorian,” she shouted. “Good morning, sunshine.”

“Really?” I muttered.

“I don't remember being banned from calling my big brother,” she said. “I wanted to be the first person you talked to today.”

“Congratulations on your win,” I said dryly.

“Anyway, how's Amara?” That jolted me awake.

“I miss her. Dad and I are going to the private beach tomorrow. We thought we'd have a family time.”

“Why would I bring her?” I asked, trying to sound indifferent.

“Because she's my sister in-law.”

“We're not married.”

“I like her,” she said. “So you're bringing her or I'll find a way to call her myself.”

“Don't.”

“Glad we agree. See you both tomorrow.” She hung up.

I considered making an excuse tomorrow. But Isabel was unpredictable.

I picked up my phone, dialed her number as my secretary had already sent the information on Amara including her number.

I called her.

It rang thrice before she answered.

“Hello.”

Her voice did things to me.

“Amara,” I said.

“Mr Dorian?” She sounded surprised.

“Yes,” I paused. “My family is in town. They want to see you.”

Then silence.

“I'll check my schedule and get back to you.” She replied.

And I ended the call.

I texted her. She didn't say yes immediately. And I didn't push. But I told her I'd pick her up anyway.

I knew I should leave her alone. But I couldn't.

Whatever came next was on me.