Chapter 3 Stripped Of Choices

KATHLYN'S POV

"You have to give me some time to figure something out, sir. You can't kick us out of the house on such short notice-I'm begging you," I pleaded, my voice trembling as fear gripped me.

This was beginning to feel like a nightmare. Where was I supposed to get money for the rent?

"My men will be coming by in the morning to move you and your family out," he said coldly. I nodded as hot tears streamed down my cheeks.

"Don't cry, Kathy. You're a strong girl. You've always been strong. You can't let this break you," I whispered to myself over and over again.

I watched him drive out of the compound and took a deep breath. "Sheryl. I need to call Sheryl," I said, tapping rapidly on my phone before pressing it to my ear, biting down on my bottom lip.

"Pick up, Sheryl. Please pick up," I muttered under my breath, my eyes drifting back to the house. No matter what, I couldn't go to bed without sorting this out. I walked out into the street and flagged down a cab.

"Luscious," I said to the driver. He glanced at me with a raised brow. I'd just named the most expensive club in the city while looking like I didn't belong.

"Whatever's on your mind, I just want you to know-you're a strong girl," he said with a nod.

"Thank you, sir. Thank you so much," I whispered, tears sneaking out as I chuckled bitterly.

When we arrived, I paused outside the club, inhaling sharply. How was I supposed to get in?

I was still standing there when a fancy car pulled up, and a guy stepped out. Mid-twenties, lush brown hair, and hazel eyes that gleamed under the night lights.

I moved toward him like we were supposed to walk in together. His brows lifted in amusement.

"Who the f*ck gave you this kind of audacity, baby girl? 'Cause it's quite alarming," he said. I took another deep breath.

"I just need to get inside. I have to talk to my best friend," I said honestly, my voice soft.

"This better not be some journalist stunt. I've had a sh*tty day, and I don't need more drama," he said, eyeing me suspiciously.

"Trust me, sir, I don't even know who you are," I replied, and he chuckled.

"Name's Eli. That's all you need to know," he said, then surprisingly held my hand gently. One thing was clear-I had just met a gentleman.

"So... what's your name?" he asked once we got inside. Loud music pounded from the speakers as bodies writhed together in the haze.

It was clearly an adult club. Naked women strutted past. I panicked. "I gotta go," I said quickly and slipped away before he could ask more questions.

"Good evening, I'm looking for Sheryl," I blurted as I burst into the changing room. "Now girls! Step up your game and make some money! How else are you going to survive?" a harsh voice yelled, clapping her hands. She was an older woman, sharp and cold.

I flinched at her tone. The other girls looked desperate to please her. It made me sick.

"Why, hello there, beautiful. You must be new," she said, blowing smoke in my face.

"No, ma'am. I'm here to see-" I started, but she cut me off.

"Dom! Dominic!" she called, and a guy walked over.

"Get her dressed. The Boss said to expect new ladies tonight. I bet she's one of them. Make sure she's taken care of," he said.

I stared at them like they were insane, but Dominic led me to a room where girls applied makeup and put on ridiculously revealing clothes.

"Look at me. I know you're new, but can you stop staring like that? It's unsettling," Dominic snapped.

"You heard me-don't hate sinners for sinning differently. And don't sleep with a client unless he offers triple. You're new, beautiful, and that means you're serving VIP," he added.

My heart sank.

"Sir, I came here to find my friend. I'm not a stripper, and I don't know anything about this place. I'm just... really frustrated," I admitted, tears returning.

"Crying won't help you, honey. Strip or do the other thing. The world's wicked, princess. We've all got our stories, but nothing changes. These rich folks pay $1,000 a night. Double if you sleep with them," he said. I stared in disbelief.

"Why bother finding whoever you're looking for when you can just make yourself useful?" he teased.

"I hope whatever's troubling you gets sorted out tonight-then you'll see how useful this job really is. But first, sign some documents and change that outfit," he added, then left.

I sat on the floor and cried. When he returned, I didn't hesitate. I signed the insane contract and tied my hair into a messy bun.

"Your eyes are too puffy from crying. I have just the solution," Dominic said, returning with a mask and placing it gently on my face.

ARTHUR'S POV

"I heard it myself-Elijah was here. Don't you dare deny it," I said to my cousin, who looked at me like I'd lost it.

"So you're telling me you left your comfort zone just to keep tabs on your brother? Who the hell wears a suit and glasses to an exclusive club?" Noah Clayton teased.

Noah is my maternal cousin and the only person who tolerates my habit of pushing people away. He doesn't care how pissed I get.

"Noah, I think I should leave," I said, turning away.

"Why?" he asked, amused.

"I came because of the intel. Eli has already dragged the family name through the mud lately. I just wanted to make sure it didn't get worse. Now that it's clear, I'll go get some rest," I said. But he grabbed my arm.

"When was the last time you got laid? You've got this perfect idea of life, and it's insane. Stay a while. Get one of these girls to give you a good time," he suggested.

That's when I saw her.

One of the masked girls on stage. She looked like she wanted to be anywhere else but there.

Men chanted, "Go! Go! Go!" as she moved to the rhythm. Then she turned, and our eyes met.

"I want that girl," I said.

Noah looked at me like I was crazy. "Bro," he said, shocked.

"I want the girl in red. Thought you wanted me to have fun? You in or should I leave?" I asked.

He sighed and started typing on his phone.

"You'll need to book a suite or something," he said.

"Have her brought to my penthouse," I replied.

"You want a wh*re in your penthouse? Do you know what these women are capable of?" he asked, but he could tell I wouldn't back down.

"You're only getting away with this because you hold the illegal side of my business. This breaks every rule," he said, walking away.

I don't do random women. I prefer clean, classy, wealthy, off-the-grid girls. No public relationships. No family introductions. Ever.

"Bad news, Lawson. The girl refused. She's happy with the $1,000 and wants to leave," Noah said, smirking.

"Offer her $5,000. I want to see her," I replied.

"She said she'll only meet you in one of the exclusive suites. Take it or leave it," Noah said. I raised a brow.

"Fine. We do it her way," I muttered and walked toward the suite.

Still in my suit, I watched her walk in. I couldn't see her face clearly, but her body... she owned the room.

"I was starting to think you had some principles, rejecting that offer," I said.

"What song do you want me to dance to, sir? Or should I-" she began.

"I don't want you to dance, Pearl," I said, staring at the necklace around her neck.

"Then why the hell did you buy my time?" she asked icily.

"I want you to strip," I said.

And our eyes locked.