THE CINDERELLA OF THE NIGHT - CHAPTER 1

HIROTO’S POV

"And now, the moment you’ve all been begging for," the host’s voice boomed over the speakers as he introduced me. "Lock your eyes on the main stage for the undisputed star of the Hookah Lounge... Cinder!"

It was show time.

The curtain swept back. Red spotlights cut through the hazy, smoke-filled air, catching the glitter on my skin. I stepped out with a black body suit that was cut out really high coupled with net stockings and heels.

“They're more than usual today,” I muttered under my mask as I approached the pole. My shows were exclusive and for those who had enough money to waste so seeing this many people made me realize just how much I was craved. “It makes me want to give my all to seduce them.”

A single hand wrap around the pole was all it took for them to go wild, screaming my name as their desperate hands reached toward the stage.

I let my body arch back slowly with my hand still wrapped around the pole and the crowd gasped. I pivoted, dropping into a low, hypnotic body roll that had the front row gripping the edge of the stage.

“Seducing men had to be the easiest thing to do,” I thought. I mean, I hadn't even done anything yet and these people were throwing cash at me. I wasn't complaining though.

Leaping softly, I hooked my knee and spun, climbing the pole with effortless grace before dropping into a sudden, gravity-defying upside-down split. I let my head hang back, my eyes locking onto a few breathless faces in the crowd through the slits of my mask. They were completely ours—mine and the rhythm's.

I slid down slowly, the friction burning just right, before landing in a soft crouch and arching my back, giving them exactly what they came to see.

“Let’s hear it one more time for the absolute heat, the one, the only... Cinder!” the host’s voice came once more as my performance had come to an end.

Just as I was basking in my glory, about to leave, the owner of the bar walked out on stage. What was he doing?

"Tonight is different," Marcus announced, his voice booming over the confused murmurs of the wealthy elite. "Tonight, the 'Untouchable' is finally up for grabs and yes, it's exactly what you think. We’re auctioning off a weekend with Cinder."

My eyes widened in horror, this wasn't the plan. I looked at Marcus who now had his hand on my shoulder.

“I never agreed to this, Marcus,” I said, looking back at the crowd. We couldn't afford to fight on stage in front of paying clients.

“Think about the money we'll make if I do something so spontaneous,” he whispered back. “The money you'll make tonight will be more than your three months salary, and since it's you, I'll only be taking thirty percent.”

He was a snake and times like this made me wonder why I ever trusted him. I hated that he knew my situation and knew that money mattered to me the most.

“I swear, I'm gonna kill you one day,” I threatened him and he chuckled.

“It shouldn't be a problem, didn't you say you were gay?” he just had to say that.

“That doesn't mean I just drop on my knees whenever I see a dick,” I rolled my eyes and I honestly wish he'd seen it. Besides, I'd never once had sex before. And here I thought I'd at least lose my first time to someone I actually loved. I should really punch Marcus after this.

"Opening bid: five thousand,” he announced, completely ignoring me. At this point, I could only pray to end up with a decent looking guy.

"Ten!"

"Twenty!"

I scanned the VIP lounge as the bidding went on, my gaze landing on a man who looked out of place in a crowd of perverts. He had thick, chestnut blonde hair pulled back into a low ponytail and eyes the color of a frozen lake.

He looked at me, and my breath hitched.

"One hundred thousand," he said and the room went silent. The man stood up and walked toward the stage, his presence taking all the attention from me.

Marcus let out a breathless laugh. "Sold! To the gentleman in the grey."

The man stepped onto the stage. Up close, he smelled of expensive sandalwood. He reached out, his large hand wrapping around the back of my neck.

"You’re a pretty little thing, aren't you?" he murmured, his accent making my hair stand. He was gorgeous… and hot. “Don't look so scared. In a bit, you'll be begging me to keep you.”