CHAPTER 3

ELLA'S POV

I left the hospital that day with my heart in my hands and my bag filled with pain-relieving medicines. The doctor had asked me to get surgery but I couldn't. I didn't have enough money for that. What was the use anyway? I couldn't bear a child anymore.

My mom hated the fact that I existed, my ex-boyfriend beat me up until I lost my child and womb; what else was I living for? I decided to quit my job and just live my life the way I wanted. I was tired of living by the rules when life had been nothing but unfair to me.

I gave up on fashion designing, the only thing that ever made me happy. No company had agreed to take me in, and I got tired of sending out my application letters so I gave up.

Sylvia had tried reaching out to me but I ignored her, not wanting her to know what I was going through. I started going to clubs and drinking like a wild animal, things I would have never thought of doing in my whole life.

That was when the feeling started. It first came like small urges to have sex, but I had a lot of self-control, so I ignored it. Then it became so difficult to ignore that I had to get myself a sex toy so that I didn't throw myself at any man I saw on the streets.

That night, I was at the club, admiring people who danced on the floor when I heard excited screams from the back. I turned to see girls surrounding a man who looked extremely nervous and out of place. He looked uncomfortable with the way they touched him and from his expression, it probably was his first time here.

I gulped down the glass of whiskey as I took in his appearance and he looked like a hot shot. A very handsome one at that. What was someone like him looking for in a low-quality club like this?

He looked like he could use some help so I got off the chair and waltzed over to them, pushing the girls out of the way as I made my way to his side, causing them to stare at me like I was their enemy.

“Don't you girls think you're making this man uncomfortable?” I asked as I crossed my arms and stood in front of him, shielding him from them.

“And what has that got to do with you? We just wanted to keep him company.” A blue-haired teenager spoke, and I scoffed in response.

“Keep him company? Shouldn't you be studying at home?” I retorted and her face burned like I had just said something offensive.

“What about you? Aren't you old enough to be in your husband's house? Shouldn't you be making your parents proud? Coming here to drink every night like a depressed widow, aren't you ashamed of yourself?”

Every word of hers felt like a blow to my chest and I could feel the world spinning around me wildly. She was right. What the hell was I doing?

I felt a firm grip on my wrist and I turned to see the strange man staring at me with a worried expression. I let out a deep sigh before turning to the group of young girls that stood in front of me.

“I don't care what you do with your lives, but stay away from my man. Alright?” I could see the look of surprise on their faces and even I was surprised by what I just said. I didn't mean that; I only wanted to get him out of there.

“Your man? Since when?” One of them said and I raised my hand to show that he was gripping it firmly like his life depended on me.

“Does this prove my words?” I asked smugly, and after a few minutes of mumbling, they slowly walked away from us, leaving just me and the strange man alone.

“Thank-”

“Come with me.” I interrupted him as I took his hand and led him out of the club. When we were outside and far away from people in the club, I crossed my arms and stretched out my hand.

“What?” He asked in confusion and I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

“I just saved your ass from getting eaten up. You should pay me to show your gratitude.” I stated and he let out a scoff of disbelief as he eyed me up and down.

“I really gotta pay you?” He questioned and I was mesmerized by how smooth and silky his voice was. That crazy sexual urge returned in full force and I knew I had to get away from him immediately.

“Let me guess, you're just some broke dude pretending to be a hotshot, right?” I said mockingly and he laughed in surprise before running his hand through his hair, a very fucking attractive move to make.

“I'm not pretending. Just because you don't know me doesn't mean you can walk around me anyhow.” He mumbled in dissatisfaction as he took out a business card from his pocket and handed it to me.

“Damien Rojas. CEO of Daro and Co.” I read out loud and a frown formed on my face. The name was too damn familiar. My eyes widened when it suddenly clicked and I stumbled back in shock.

“You're the Damien Rojas. The owner of the biggest fashion industry in Texas!” I exclaimed and he nodded in satisfaction. “What is someone like you doing in such a low-quality club? Aren't you afraid of getting raped?”

He scoffed in amusement at my question and I chuckled as well before handing him his business card.

“I should get going,” I said as I turned around to walk away but he stopped me.

“Wait. Don't you want your reward anymore?”

“Oh… right. I do. Hundred dollars for helping you out.” I said as I stretched out my hand again and he chuckled before taking my hand in his and placing a soft kiss on it, sending butterflies all over my stomach.

“What are you-”

“Spend one night with me and I'll pay you a thousand dollars.”