LOGINGabriel's POV I trailed behind like a shadow, keeping enough distance so she wouldn't notice me. Every few seconds, I told myself to stop hiding, walk up to her, and say something. But each time I thought I was ready, my feet betrayed me. I kept following her, but my courage failed to catch up.I lingered behind her the entire way until she reached her house. She unlocked the door, stepped inside, and shut it behind her.I never spoke to her. And somehow, that was where it all began.For the next few nights, I kept coming back to the club. Every night, I followed her home, convincing myself that maybe this would be the night I'd finally find the courage to talk to her. On that first night, I had noticed how isolated the road leading to her house was, and I told myself it was better to make sure she got home safely before I left.“My payment from the new job is going to be delayed just a little," she said to someone over the phone as I followed behind her."I really thought I would be
Gabriel's POV---I arrived at the club a few minutes before opening time. I intentionally paid for a full table to sit alone. I didn't order any drinks; that wasn't what I was there for. I was by myself. I couldn't stand Ryder and Roland constantly filling my ears with how obsessed they were with the Golden Girl, mostly because I suspected it was Joey.My mind had been spiraling since last night. It couldn't have been her. That was what I kept telling myself. There was no way Joey was the woman hiding beneath that mask.But then again, I knew those green eyes too well, and no matter how much I tried to brush the thought aside during practice today, it just wouldn't go away. So, I did the one thing I had convinced myself to be the only way to confirm my suspicions. I came back to the club.My phone vibrated in my hand. I lifted it to my face, and the word Dad flashed across the screen. I let out a quiet groan. The only reason my father would be calling was that Coach had probably told
Joey's POV"But I was so sure that I checked the schedule," I argued, jamming everything that belonged to me into my bag while balancing my phone between my ear and shoulder."I'm sure you did," Winona said, trying to encourage me. "Maybe you just got carried away with everything that's happened in the last twenty-four hours.”I let out a tired sigh. "So, what's it going to be now?" I asked, honestly confused about what to do next."And how come you're the one calling to tell me about the scheduling problem and not the student?" I asked.She remained quiet on the phone, and I already knew something was wrong before she even spoke."The student reported you. And our employer reached out to me cause he couldn’t reach you.”"I'm not really sure if I can explain everything over the phone. I think you should come to the hospital. We can talk through everything here," Winona said, lowering her voice slightly.I let out an unsure "Okay" before stretching out my hand to hail a cab. I reached
Juan made a weird noise over the phone, making me imagine what his face looked like and how he was probably wearing that smug smile he always had whenever he called me cupcake."Good jobs are difficult to come by these days," he said with a short, soft chuckle. "I'm sure you've realized that by now, probably why you thought to call me."His tone- he sounded almost like he was overly excited that I would come to work for him again."You know you have a special place in my heart," his voice making my stomach churn. "I'll give you your job back.""But unfortunately, you're not going to be earning as much as you were earning before. After you quit, I had to hire a few more strippers to fill your place. Taking you back now would mean that you would have to settle for slightly less pay than before. I'm sure you don't mind."What a bastard. He was already making so much money off me, and by doing this, I figured he just wanted to punish me because my quitting the first time had really hurt h
Joey's POV I stared at the mail, a smile crossing my lips as I walked in through the back. Winona introduced me to her boss, who was in charge of the tutoring firm.With this new job, I can finally quit this one.Besides, I had already saved up enough money for Cassian's tuition. That was more than enough.“Hey, Natie!” One of the other girls called out to me.“Hey, Golden Girl!”I smiled and waved to them as I reached for my face, making sure that my mask was in place.Thankfully, it was. The last thing I wanted was for someone in school to recognize me here.I walked towards the Manager's office and knocked.“Come in,” He called out from inside.I took a deep breath before walking in.When he saw me, he leaned forward, his smile spreading into a grin. “If it isn't Natasha, my Golden girl.”He turned his chair and reached for my face. “You know, you don't have to wear this when it’s just us”I took a step back, evading his touch.“Come on, now, cupcake,” he said. “You don't have to
Gabriel’s POVRoland stared at Ryder. “Who else? Natasha. The Golden Girl,” sounding proudEven I looked at him. “You actually did?”He nodded proudly. “I had to spend half my monthly allowance.”Ryder almost choked on his drink. “Half?”Roland nodded again. “Half. It hurt my wallet, but it was totally worth it.”“You've lost your mind,” Ryder said, laughing.“I haven't. You just haven't seen her perform.” He leaned closer to us. “People wait for weeks to get a private session with Natasha. She's the biggest dancer in this club.”“So how did you get one?” Ryder asked.Roland smiled proudly. “I paid the manager extra.”Ryder burst into laughter. “I knew it!”Roland shrugged. “Judge me all you want. Once you see her dance, you'll understand.” Then he looked at me. “And tonight is exactly what you need, Captain.”I raised an eyebrow. “How?”“You've been thinking too much lately. One dance from Natasha and you'll forget whatever has been bothering you.”“I doubt that.”Roland laughed. “Ju







