A Brother’s Concern.

Angel’s POV

The dim glow of the bedside lamp flickered slightly as I sat at the edge of the hotel bed, my legs crossed, wearing something far more revealing than I was comfortable with.

The black lace barely covered anything, making me feel exposed in more ways than one.

My hands rested on my lap, but I could still feel the slight tremor in my fingers.

No matter how many times I told myself this was necessary, my heart still pounded like a war drum.

For the sake of my mother. For the sake of my brother, Luca. I had to do this, and I really do hope I don’t lose what I have kept for years.

The door creaked open, and the man stumbled inside, his presence filling the dimly lit room.

The strong stench of alcohol clung to him, making my stomach twist in disgust.

I slowly lifted my gaze, studying him under the dull light.

Sandy blonde hair, hazel eyes, and a slightly toned body.

Not bad-looking, but the slimy smirk on his lips and the way his gaze greedily roamed my body made me inwardly recoil.

“It seems like you lack courtesy, sir. Have you ever heard of ‘do not keep a lady waiting’?” I spoke in a monotone voice, tapping my nails against the glass on the nightstand to keep my nerves in check.

His smirk widened, and he staggered toward me, his steps slow and heavy.

His breath reeked of whiskey as he leaned in, and I had to resist the urge to turn my face away.

“I’m sorry, princess,” he slurred. “Next time, I’ll remember that.”

Next time?

I fought the urge to grimace. There would be no next time.

“So, Ashley,” he drawled, using the fake name I had given. “Show me what you’ve got. Make me remember this night forever.”

His attempt at seduction was laughable. If I wasn’t so disgusted, I might’ve rolled my eyes.

Taking a deep breath, I mustered up my best sultry smile and leaned in slightly.

“I’m sorry, sir, but I don’t do my job without a little… motivation.”

He chuckled, completely oblivious.

“Well, I’m already drunk. One more drink won’t hurt.”

I smirked, reaching for the prepared drink beside me.

“Then let’s make it a night to remember.”

We clinked our glasses together. I took a small sip while he downed his in one go.

Good. Now all I had to do was wait.

The drug I had slipped into his drink was already working its way through his system.

His blinks became slower, his grip on the glass loosening as he lazily rolled his head back.

“Let’s make this night memorable,” he mumbled, his words slurring even more.

I hummed in response, setting my drink down as I climbed onto his lap, moving my hips in slow, deliberate circles against his arousal.

His breath hitched, and a weak groan escaped his lips. His hands reached up, but they fell limply onto the bed before they could touch me.

Perfect.

“How much are we talking about here, sir?” I whispered into his ear, making sure my body brushed against him in just the right way to keep him distracted.

His glazed-over eyes struggled to stay open.

“S-seven thousand dollars,” he mumbled.

I almost froze. Seven thousand?

I expected a lot, but not that much.

“You must be very generous,” I murmured, playing along as I reached for his phone. He was barely conscious now, completely at my mercy.

With ease, I navigated to his banking app, transferring the promised amount to myself.

And then, I added three thousand more.

The moment the debit alert came in, I deleted the message.

“Now, give me a kiss, Ashley,” he murmured, his lips twitching into a lazy smile.

Fuck!

I had completely forgotten I was still straddling him.

I faked a sultry grin and leaned in slowly, keeping my movements controlled, calculated.

But before I could even press my lips to his, his head lolled to the side, and soft snores filled the air.

Finally. I exhaled, relieved.

“Phew. That was close,” I muttered to myself as I climbed off his body and grabbed my bag.

The consistent buzzing of his phone drew my attention. I hesitated, then reached for it.

The name ‘Amore’ flashed on the screen. A wife? A girlfriend?

My stomach twisted uncomfortably. Did she know what her husband was up to?

Did she have any idea that while she was waiting for him at home, he was here, paying for a night with someone else?

Before I could talk myself out of it, I answered.

“Hey, honey, I’ve been trying to reach you for the past hour! I went to your office, but you had already left—”

I froze. Her voice was soft, worried. She truly cared about him.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. Fuck.

“Uhm, good evening,” I said cautiously.

Silence.

Then, her voice turned sharp. “Who the hell are you, and why do you have my husband’s phone?!”

I bit my lip, quickly thinking of a way to handle the situation.

“Look, I’m sorry, ma’am, but it isn’t what it looks like,” I lied smoothly. “Your husband was found unconscious outside a club, so I brought him to my place to keep him safe.”

Silence again. Then, her panicked voice broke through.

“Oh, heaven! I’m sorry for judging you. Please, tell me where you stay, I’ll come get him—”

“Relax, ma’am. Just send me your address, and I’ll drop him off.”

"You don’t have to go through the trouble—”

“Don’t worry, ma’am. I got this.”

She hesitated, then finally agreed. Once she sent the address, I hung up. I hated cheaters, but I wasn’t about to ruin some poor woman’s life tonight, especially when their money would be the reason I paid my bill.

I hope she finds out someday. I sighed and left.

I found Red in the hallway and quickly explained the situation.

“Don’t worry, Angel,” she assured me. “I’ll make sure he gets home safely.”

I let out a breath of relief.

“Thank you, Red. Do you remember the lie and address?”

She smirked. “Angel, please. I’ve done this before.”

I smiled sheepishly, and nodded.

“Go home,” she urged. “You’ve done enough for one night.”

“Thanks, Red.”

She pecked my cheek, and I finally left.

Home

The apartment was dark when I stepped inside. Good. Mom was already asleep.

I sighed in relief, tiptoeing toward my room.

But the moment I switched on the light, I nearly jumped out of my skin.

“Luca, what the fuck?!” I hissed while glaring at him. My younger brother sat on my bed, arms crossed, his expression stern.

“You’re late,” he pointed out the obvious.

I rolled my eyes as I unpeeled my boot and took off my coat.

"And you’re not my dad.” I snapped back. He stood and grabbed my hands, his eyes filled with concern.

“Angel, please quit this job. I hate the thought of you working in a strip club.” I sighed, pulling my hands away.

“You know I can’t do that, Luca. We need the money.”

“We can find another way—”

“No, we can’t!” I snapped. “What kind of job do you think I can get that pays as much as this? Babysitting? A waitress? None of those will cover Mom’s hospital bills or your college expenses.”

He looked pained. “I can work, too—

“You have school,” I cut him off. “Let me handle this.”

“Angel—”

“Shh,” I forced a smile. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be alright.”

I was lying through my teeth. But he didn’t need to know that.