Chapter One

Maria's POV

I sat there in silence, watching as my whole life slowly crashed in front of me. Taking away everything and everyone I loved. First, it was my father, and now this, when will all this end?

The room felt smaller and smaller with every passing minute. I felt suffocated, not by the smell of alcohol or cigarettes but from how life chose to treat me.

With a heavy heart and no more tears left to cry, I stood up, changed into my uniform quickly, and stepped out of the restroom.

Music buzzing, bottles clicking, cigarettes, perverted men, how I hate this place, but the pay is good and right now money is the only thing that matters.

“Get me two bottles of whiskey!” Someone shouted.

I turned only to see Mr. Luke, one of our regulars, wasted as usual and was still asking for more.

“Go Maria, serve him,” the bartender handed me two bottles with pleading eyes.

Nobody likes attending to him, because he is loud, rude, and also a womaniser.

“Fine, I will go,” I took the bottles to him.

“Maria!” He yelled the moment he saw me.

I rolled my eyes and forced a smile “Hello Mr. Luke.”

“Why are you being so formal with me Maria? You can call me Luke,” he grinned, showing his perfect white teeth.

“Anything else,” I interrupted.

“That will be all my dear Maria.”

I didn't wait another second before walking away.

“I can't stand him,” I said as soon as I got to the bar.

Emmanuel laughed.

“You will get used to him.”

“Yeah, I don't think so. The only reason I still tolerate him is that he is one of our best customers.”

“And customers are always right,” he added.

“And that, even when they are clearly wrong,” I scoffed.

“Maria!” Someone called out.

I groaned.

I know that voice too well.

“Hi Cassie,” I said without looking.

“I need a favor please,” she asked quietly.

“What do you want this time?”

“I need you to cover for me please, I have a party to attend and I can't miss it.”

“And what's in it for me?” I asked

“The pay is all yours,” she quickly said.

“Alright then”

“One more thing”

“There is more?”

“A customer in the VIP section needs more drinks, it looks like a business meeting is going on.”

“So?” I frowned.

“I want you to help me deliver the drinks to them.”

“No, I'm not doing that.”

“Please, Maria.” She pressed her palms together, lashes fanning against her cheeks as she pouted.

“You know I hate that VIP section. The air is always cold and intimidating in there.”

“Help me just this once.”

“Fine,” I sighed.

“Thank you very much, I owe you one, bye.” And just like that she is gone.

I picked up the tray and headed towards the VIP section.

Typical Cassie always having a party to attend, well some extra cash will help. It's going to be a long night.

The VIP section was quieter, golden lights reflecting off expensive bottles lined in a bucket of ice. It's nothing like the chaos down there, here, people don't party, they talk business, calculate, and make decisions.

I tightened my grip around the tray and took a deep breath.

“Some drinks for table five,” I said to the bouncers at the entrance.

They spoke into their earpiece and as if given instructions they let me in.

I searched around for table five and saw just one man.

But Cassie said it was a business meeting so why is he alone? I muttered to myself.

“Good evening sir,” I said, placing the tray on the table.

There was no response.

I began to place the bottles on the table and then I heard him speak.

His voice was low but controlling, the kind that sends chills down your spine.

“How much?” He asked without looking in my direction.

My brows pulled together. “I’m sorry?”

He didn't respond, instead, he took a sip from his glass. He slipped his hands into his pockets and brought out a black card which he placed on the table.

“Name your price,” he stated calmly.

I glanced behind me expecting him to be talking to someone else but I was the only one there.

“Sir, I don't understand what you—

“Yes you do,” he cut in, this time looking in my direction but not at me.

I finally got a look at him. His blue eyes were heavy but there were no emotions in them, they were cold, His brown hair was perfectly styled. I could tell he was wealthy from his black tuxedo.

“Everybody has a price, so name yours” he took another sip of his drink.

I frowned. What is he talking about?

“I think you got the wrong person,” I said more firmly this time. I wasn't going to let another humiliate me.

“I want a night with you so name your price.”

Anger rushed through me.

“Excuse me? Who do you think I am?”

And for the first time, he looked at me. His eyes moved over my face slowly. His gaze was piercing, like he was looking into my soul.

He didn't react, he just watched me.

“I will double it,” he said softly.

“You must be joking,” I forced a laugh.

He just stared at me like I was some clown, which is when I knew he wasn't joking. He meant every word he said.

“Look Sir, I don't know who you think I am but I promise you I'm not, I just came to give you the drinks you ordered for an—

“Interesting,” he smirked.

I took a deep breath trying to control my anger.

“I'm not interested sir.”

He nodded slowly as if he had just made a decision.

He took one last sip of his drink and stood up.

“My offer still stands,” he whispered in my ear.

And with that, he left.

I stood there confused, watching as he left.