Chapter 3 Look away if you dare

"Dance!"

"Dance? Me? You must be fucking crazy Gavin." I said unrestrained.

He was out of his mind. Do I look like a stripper that I'd start dancing on a pole to entertain some sick bastard because of money? I was a business man, and we make deals.

"Are you refusing? His words were harsh this time.

"Hell yes I'm refusing. And fuck you Gavin!" I cussed again as I headed for the door angrily.

"Know that if you walk out, I'll never let you approach me again, and I'll make sure no one lends you the money. But if you dance for me, I won't lend you the money, but I'll give it to you as a gift." He threatened and I stopped in my heels.

The Slade family wasn't that powerful in the start, but after this asshole came back from studying abroad five years ago, the Slade corporation became a powerhouse in the nation and even internationally. Almost all businesses are controlled by him. I have been surviving all this while because we don't cross each others paths because we know how much we have hated each other since childhood.

So if he's saying this, he definitely means it.

"You are a big bully Gavin." I said painfully as I turned around and he simply snickered.

"Get up there already. And make it worth 5 billion." He said without a hint of remorse.

I bit my jaws as I tried to decide whether to fuck everything and walk out, or swallow my pride and dance for this psycho. It's all because of that Jaxon. If only... I can't think about that now.

"Okay." I said as I slowly walked and climbed up the stage and he relaxed himself into his couch as he grabbed his glass of liquor and a small smile spread on his lips.

I stepped onto the stage, the pulsating beat seemed to match the rhythm of my racing heart.

Gavin eyes were fixed on me like a predator sizing up its prey. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I met his gaze.

"I don't know how to dance," I said embarrassed.

Gavin's frown deepened. "Don't play dumb Logan. You've pole danced before."

Me? When? I shook my head. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Gavin's smirk returned. "You did it on the last day of high school. And I didn't get to watch. So I'll watch it now."

My eyes narrowed as I recalled what he was talking about. "You're doing this to embarrass me, aren't you? Because you didn't get to see me dance in high school? How petty are you? And that was a fucking dare back then." I said in an outburst.

Gavin's smirk grew wider. "Maybe. But that's not the point. The point is, you're going to dance for me, or I'll change my mind about the money."

I bit back my argument, my anger and frustration simmering just below the surface. I took a deep breath, letting the music wash over me.

I started to dance, my movements quirky and awkward. I felt like a big fool, a puppet on strings. I couldn't believe I was actually doing this, and if anyone walks in on me right now, I'll bury myself alive. But as the music continued to pulse, I began to relax, letting my body move to the rhythm.

I started to swing my hips and my hands, hoping I wasn't looking entirely embarrassing. I kept my eyes locked on Gavin's, my gaze burning with intensity. I could see the surprise in his eyes, the spark of interest that he couldn't quite hide.

As I danced, I started to feel a sense of freedom, of release. I was doing this for my family, for our company. But I was also doing it for myself, to prove that I could do it.

My movements became more sensual, more seductive as my hands roamed over my body slowly. I could feel Gavin's eyes on me, his gaze burning with desire. I kept my eyes locked on his, my expression daring him to look away.

But Gavin never tore his gaze away from me. He watched me with an intensity that made my skin prickle with awareness. Awareness that his eyes were only for me.

Just as I was getting into the rhythm, Gavin suddenly got up and walked towards the stage. He threw a bundle of cash at me, the bills fluttering through the air like confetti.

I stopped dancing, my eyes fixed on the money. I felt like a stripper, a prostitute. I lowered my gaze, my fist clenching in anger and frustration.

Gavin's voice was low and husky. "You're worth every penny Logan. Much more than those cheap bitches."

I looked up at him, my eyes blazing with anger. But Gavin just smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"You're not done yet, Logan," he said, his voice dripping with promise. "We're just getting started."

"I already danced for you. Don't go back on your words." I said in frustration.

He snickered lightly. "I don't plan to. Get your secretary to come over tomorrow to get the contract."

"Thank you." I forced the words out. "And," I looked at him with desperation. "Please don't tell anyone what happened here." I could beg on my knees if he wanted. No one must know.

He pinched my chin as he stared directly into my eyes. "Why would I tell anyone about my new favourite toy?" his words were like a knife. Asking for money from this maniac, I'm certainly going to get cut more times than I can count.

"I'll make the arrangements." I said as I pushed his hands off and walked out of the room to see Peter still waiting for me.

"Let's go." I said before he could ask any questions. I didn't want to talk about it. I felt like a whore. Fuck you Gavin! And fuck you Jaxon! For wrecking the company. Most importantly, fuck you dad and your bitch of a mistress too.

~~~~~

The next day, Gavin did as promised and Peter secured the money. It was handed over to our financial director as the finance department tried to revive the company and pay off the banks we were owing so we could escape bankruptcy.

It was a hectic and long day, but I was glad everything was falling in place. I went back home exhausted and it seemed like there was a party going on inside. I was surprised by the music playing from inside of the house. Maybe it was just Hilda dancing to one of her stereos again, but her son was in prison so she couldn't possibly be dancing.

Peter handed me the agreement and I took it from him before he said his good bye and left. I headed inside the house and to my surprise, there was actually a mini celebration going on as Hilda was dancing happily with her son Jaxon while father poured wine for them.

So they got him released after all. They ignored me as I headed upstairs to the treasury room to securely store the agreement. I was happy the music was reduced in this part of the house, because I don't want to hear such horrible instrumentals in my dream. I entered the treasury room and placed the document with other important ones, and I was about to leave when I noticed something was missing. Something important. My mind reeled as I realised what it was and I hurried downstairs to the happy family.

"Father, where's my mother's diamond necklace?" I demanded and he paused to look at me with annoyance.

"Which one? There are so many of them." He said casually.

"Her family's heirloom. That one." I pointed out and he looked away. My eyes darted to his mistress Hilda and I strode towards her as I grabbed her shirt forcefully to see if she was wearing it. She gasped as she struggled to push me off.

"The fucks wrong with you nitwit?" Jaxon pushed me off his mother and she glared at me, but it wasn't on her neck.

"Do you think I'd wear that old thing? Heirloom my arse!" she sneered and father pulled me by the hair roughly.

"You unfilial child! How dare you lay hands on my wife!" he shouted at me but I pushed him off. I knew he had the necklace.

"Where is it?" I asked again through gritted teeth and he sneered.

"That piece of crap? I sold it!" his words were like hot lava boiling in my stomach.