All Chapters of HIRED AND WANTED : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

I sat at the edge of the old couch, my heels kicked off, my feet aching, my back sore, my mind somewhere far away, wondering what life would be like if I didn't work as a stripper working to pay hospital bills which by the way, are ridiculously high. My reflection stared back at me from the cracked mirror on the wall. Heavy makeup. Glossed lips. Dark lashes. A version of me that existed only under neon lights.Davina leaned against the counter, scrolling through her phone, one hip popped out like she owned the room. She always looked too relaxed for a place like this, like Luminous Club was just another café she worked at instead of a building full of secrets, desperation, and drunk men with loose wallets.“ You're doing that thing again “ she said without looking up.I blinked. “ What thing?”“The dissociating thing. Where your eyes go empty like you're not even here.”I rolled my eyes. “ I am here.”“ Physically,” She said. Then she glanced up at me.“Mentally? Not so much.”I exhal

I stepped onto the stage, heels clicking against polished floor. The bass hit first. Sharp. Like it was drilling into my chest. Music thumped in my chest, in my bones, my whole body syncing with it like it was an extension of me. Hips swaying, confident. Unapologetic. I was every bit of the Amara the club expected. In control.Just as I was about climbing the pole, I saw him.Dorian Wellington.My eyes must be playing tricks on me. Then I looked again. It's really him. Standing near a high table. Calm. Composed. Wrong here. Out of place. And yet… there he was.No, it can't be. Did he come to see me? To watch me? But I didn't tell him where I worked. I only said “A club”. No, It can't be. It's probably a coincidence. I can't be that important for him to come watch me.My skin prickled from head to toe, tingling in ways I couldn't place. And our eyes meet. He looked surprised yet composed.I didn't falter. My body didn't hesitate. My hips swayed. My hands slid around the pole. I twi

I couldn't get the conversation I had with Dorian out of my head. I don't understand why I'm hurt. Everyone judges me. It's nothing new. Why am I hurt over his own judgement. I mean who wouldn't judge. I just thought I saw something different in his eyes rather than judgement.“Amara, you have a private dance request.” my colleague called from across the room.I swallowed. Kept my face neutral. Professional. I didn't flinch.I stepped into the room.Dorian was seated. Calm. Hands resting on the arms of the chair. Leaning back. Watching.My chest hitched. Pulse spiked. But I didn't show it. Not in front of him.“Why are you here?” I asked, keeping voice steady.“Was I banned from coming here? It's a club Amara.” He stated.I waited. “To prove you wrong,” he said. Calm. Dominant.Controlled.I raised an eyebrow. “Prove me wrong?”“That you think I judge,” he said, eyes sharp. “That I'm like other men.”I scoffed and crossed my arms. “And a private dance is your way of proving that?”“Y

AMARA'S POV****I quickly went into the changing room to change into my stage dress. Yeah, another day, same routine, same men watching me like I exist only for their eyes. Life's so unfair. I wish I could just—“Amara! Someone is here to see you, Guess who,” Davina sing-said. Looking all excited. That made me smile.“Who is here?” I asked curiously.“I said guess, Amara, not ask.”“Well, you'd have to tell me, I can't think of anyone right now.”“You're boring,” she rolled her eyes. “It's Jack. He's requesting for you, he wants to see you.”“Jack? He never gives up, does he?” I said.“I mean, he's blonde, cute, tall, and has a nice physique, probably good in bed,” she teased. “You should be over the moon that a man like that is interested in you. Babe I'd jump at that opportunity if I found one.” I chuckled.“I mean, I like him. But… I don't know.”“Just give it a shot. Go see him. He's out at the bar.” “Alright, I'll be back quickly.” I moved to the door.“Take your time love, I'v

AMARA'S POV*****I just woke up from the best sleep I'd had in weeks. Saturdays are my favourite because I don't have to work or worry about anything. No alarms. No rushing. Just sleep until my body decides it has had enough.My phone pinged. I picked it up to see a text from Jack.Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?I smiled at the text.I slept well. Did you? I replied. Then dropped my phone on the lampstand. Today was for me. Justme. But Dorian seemed to remain a fixed fixture in my head.I got out of bed, tied my hair into a messy bun, threw on an oversized shirt, and headed to the kitchen.Pancakes and coffee felt like the right choice. I mean what better way to start your morning. I played the song Work by Rihanna and danced around the kitchen while cooking, pretending life was light and simple. After eating, I cleaned the apartment.The doorbell rang.I frowned. Who could be at the door. It's just 1pm in the afternoon.I opened the door and immediately regretted it be