Chapter 5

CLARK

I had been wandering around the entire bar for almost an hour, offering condoms to patrons. Selling condoms to people at the bar definitely required confidence and boldness, which explained why the agency offered a decent salary for it.

I refocused my attention on my work and resumed my rounds, searching for more potential clients. During my rounds, I unintentionally approached a table where a group of men was seated. I immediately moved closer to offer the product, but before I could say a word, someone suddenly called out to me.

“Clark!” a loud voice shouted.

I quickly turned to the man seated on the round sofa. It was Lucius, the bartender who had handed me a free drink earlier. I couldn’t help but wonder how he managed to drink during work hours.

“H-Hi,” I greeted awkwardly. “So, you’re allowed to drink while on duty?” I asked.

He chuckled. “My shift’s already over,” he replied.

I simply nodded, then turned to his companions—only for my gaze to meet a familiar pair of eyes. My breath hitched when I caught sight of his dark expression. I couldn’t understand why his face always seemed to burn with anger every time our eyes met.

“Clark! How are the sales?” Alma nudged, pulling my attention towards her.

“I-I only manage to sell two packs,” I answered, stammering. I really couldn’t understand why my heart pounded so hard every time that domineering man was around.

“I’ll buy everything so you can both sit with us,” Cadmus said seriously.

My mouth fell open at his words, while Alma nearly jumped with excitement. Without hesitation, she immediately sat down beside Lucius. I, on the other hand, remained standing in front of them for several minutes, unsure of what to do.

“Hey, Clark! What’s wrong with you? Sit down already. You have no excuse now since he said he’s buying all our items,” Alma said, brimming with excitement.

Even before, Alma had always been the more outgoing and free-spirited between the two of us. No matter how hard her work was, she never forgot to enjoy herself. That was one of the things I admired about her.

"Get up, Alma. Since, he's going to buy all our products, we have no reason to stay here," I bravely replied. I turned towards Cadmus with my head held high, "Thank you for your generosity, Mister. Here are the boxes of condoms that you bought. We'll take cash or check, but we prefer cash."

Alma quickly get up and pulled me to the corner. "What the hell are you doing, Clark? This is our chance to get these rich and handsome men. Why are you trying to blow it off?"

I roll my eyes at her. "Do you even know what kind of people are you dealing with, Alma? That man was the Alpha of the most powerful and dangerous pack in the city. Do you have a death wish?"

"Well, all the more reason for us to be friends with them! Aren't you tired of being at the bottom of the food chain? Humans are at the bottom and they are at the top. I'll trade anything just to be in their circle." With that, she turned her back on me and walked back towards the table.

If it was just for me, I will definitely walked out of that bar right now. But knowing how dangerous Cadmus could be, it's hard for me to leave my friend alone with him.

I quietly drew in a deep breath and slowly approached the round sofa. I carefully sat down beside Cadmus, making sure to leave some space between us. That’s why I was so startled when he suddenly shifted closer, resting his arm along the backrest of the seat I was on.

“Now, are you ready to answer my question?” His voice was filled with danger, as if it were a warning I shouldn’t dare ignore. I swallowed hard, my nerves on edge, especially with his skin brushing against mine. The sensation sent an unfamiliar shiver through my entire being.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I stammered.

“I asked you, what the f*ck are you doing in a place like this, wearing almost nothing?” he demanded through gritted teeth.

I could feel his hot breath against my cheek. I couldn’t bring myself to turn toward him, knowing that if I did, our lips might almost touch from the mere inches that separated our faces.

“I don’t know why it’s so important for me to answer your question,” I said boldly.

“Perhaps you’ve forgotten that your father owes me a great debt?” he said in a serious tone.

Annoyed, I turned to him sharply. Though I gasped at how close our faces had become, I forced myself to put on a brave front.

“I haven’t forgotten that,” I said firmly. “That’s exactly why I’m working so hard—because I haven’t forgotten the debt we owe you,” I snapped, refusing to let him throw my father’s debt in my face.

“And you intend to pay me back by working as a wh0re?” he sneered.

My jaw tightened in anger. How dare he call me a wh0re.

“With all due respect, mister. What we're doing here was far from what's in your head. It's not my concern if your head was filthy,” I retorted sharply before quickly standing up.

“If you’re going to sell your body, why don’t you just sell it to me? I can pay you a handsome amount of money—”

I didn’t wait for him to finish. My palms landed hard on his cheeks in a sharp slap. I could still feel the sting in my hands. Lucius and Alma immediately turned toward us, shock written all over their faces.

I had planned to apologize once I came to my senses, knowing that what I had done could put me and my family in danger. He could kill me right here in just a blink of an eye.

“I-I'm sorr—”

But before I could even speak, he swiftly stood up, forcefully pulled me by the waist, and without hesitation crushed his lips against mine. My eyes widened in shock. I froze, unable to move, as his arm clamped tightly around my waist while his other hand gripped the back of my neck.

What shocked me even more was the bold intrusion of his tongue into my mouth.

“Mmm…” I moaned softly, a mix of surprise and the tingling sensation brought by his punishing lips. The kiss made me dizzy. It felt so tempting to just remain in his heated embrace and surrender to the passion of his lips.

I couldn’t even fight back. My mind went blank under the confusing emotions that overwhelmed my chest from his relentless kisses. I was utterly dazed by the softness of his lips. It was only when he finally released mine that I came back to my senses.

“I don’t want to see you in this kind of place again. And if I do, I’ll make sure you regret not listening to my warning,” he whispered coldly, our faces still only inches apart. Then he abruptly let go of me and turned his back without another word.

“And one more thing,” he added before leaving. “My offer still stands. You know where my office is. I’ll wait for you.” With that, he walked away swiftly.

I was left standing there in a daze, as if my mind had yet to fully grasp what had just happened. This was the second time he had claimed my lips so boldly. What I couldn’t accept was the fact that a part of me wanted to feel it again. It was as if I longed even more for his lips. I knew I should be angry at his audacity—but instead, I felt the opposite.

“Clark, are you okay? What happened?” Alma asked, worried.

“N-Nothing,” I replied.

“Nothing? You just assaulted the powerful alpha in the city! Now, I will be the one to ask you, do you have a death wish?” she exclaimed.

“But it didn't happen. So, it's all good,” I said.

"No, it's not good! Not to mention that he devoured you right in front of us!"

I blew a loud sigh. "It's a long story."

“Ugh, fine! But you better tell me next time, okay?” she insisted. “But wait! Since already left, who’s going to pay for these?” she added, sounding disappointed.

“Don’t worry, I’ll pay for that,” Lucius said.

The price was a bit steep, so I hesitated to let him shoulder the payment. Especially since I had no idea how much a bartender here actually earned.

“N-No, that would be too much. I’ll just sell them to someone else,” I protested.

“I insist. After all, I lost a drinking partner because of you. So now, it’s your obligation to keep me company tonight,” he explained.

I wanted to argue further, but he was persistent. In the end, I gave in. Just as he wanted, we stayed with him while he drank. I couldn’t stop myself from drinking either, trying to drown the heat that still lingered in my body from Cadmus’ daring kiss.

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