Chapter 2

After Darius asked that question, I knew I had to act quick. I took out the tablet and slowly dropped it into my mouth, pretending to gasp.

Furrowing my eyebrows, I climbed down the stage with a blank look. “A stimulant? Why’d I use such a thing?”

“How dare you lie to me.” he growled and stepped forward, his leg kicking the table. I bowed my head, averting his gaze as I chewed on the small tablet. It was bitter and melted almost immediately.

“Answer me!” He snapped.

“I..I’m not lying.” I bit my lips. The hairs on my neck rose as tremors raked my limbs. “I wouldn’t dare.”

“Mikayla,” He turned to the lady who handed the bottle to him. She leaned forward and smiled at him. “You’re sure you found this in her dressing room?”

She gave a crisp nod. Darius’s lips curled, veins appearing around his neck.

“Get the doctor now,” he said to no one in particular. Then his eyes flicked back to me. “Enzo, Keep her in the waiting lounge till he comes.”

My heart slammed against my chest. I was going to be locked up. Enzo, the same bouncer who had attempted dragging me out, headed over to me.

“Come with me,” he said in a deep tone. I followed, gazing around the hallway as we walked.

No way to escape even if I planned to. A shiver ran through my spine bringing pleasure when we got to the lounge. It wasn’t a cell after all.

The guard left. I sat down, gently shaking my legs as I pressed both hands on the chair making my shoulders rise. The room had a glass door so I could still gaze through it.

“She’s always so unlucky,” a muffled voice said from outside. “The last time she almost died after being locked out for days with no food. Poor Tess.”

“I heard he was letting her go today. She hasn’t brought him a cent since she was brought into the showroom. Now she’s twenty two and still not useful to him.” Another voice added.

With a pang in my chest, I stood, walked to the door and pressed my ear to the wall. These bitches clearly knew I could hear them.

“But why was she suddenly dancing like that?” A scoff followed, then she sucked in breath. “Darius was obviously really impressed.”

“I was going to say the same,” another agreed.

“It makes no sense to me though. He once offered her protection and billions of dollars just to make an effort yet she failed every time.”

A laugh echoed. “She didn’t fail. She intentionally turned it down. Tess wanted nothing to do with Darius.”

I pressed my lips together then took a few steps backward making sure I didn’t make a sound. If this gossip were true then…. the owner of this body was nothing but a fool. I mean yes, he might have tortured her. But the offer was enough to set her free. Enough to change her identity.

The door burst open and Kristin popped her head in. I flinched and bent, placing my palm on my chest.

She clicked her tongue, still chewing her piece of gum. “The doctor is here. You took the tablet right?”

“Yes,” I replied and stood up straight. “Thank you…Kristin.”

She waved her hand, smiling. “Come on. Let’s not keep Darius waiting.”

I exhaled and thrust out my chest before following her, watching as her hips wiggled. So far, it seemed Kristin was the only friend Tess—now me—had. Or maybe it was just because of the dressing room we shared. But whatever it was, I was glad I had someone on my side.

The showroom wasn’t as crowded as it was earlier. Most strippers might’ve remembered they had work but few still remained, hanging around the room probably waiting for when I would be tested positive for taking the stimulant. And to be an eye witness of Darius kicking me out.

The doctor was seated in a corner with his fingers placed gently on a black case.

I took the empty seat in front of him, adrenaline spiking through my system. He leaned closer and took my arm, keeping a straight face. He wiped my wrist then inserted the medical needle into my vein.

Groaning, I shut my eyes. The pain wasn’t much. But I feared the tabletwouldn’t be effective. The doctor released his grip around my wrist, pulling the needle out with my blood.

I blinked my eyes open, and straightened my leg around the edge of the chair. While we all waited, I plopped my head against the wall scanning the room.

Mikayla leaned against the couch beside Darius. She had a wide grin playing across her face as she seemed to be enjoying the show. Beside her were two other strippers. It was obvious they were friends. I hated their guts and I'm sure they hated mine too or rather Tess’ gut.

The doctor was done. His gaze narrowed to me and then to Darius. I couldn’t read his expression so it only made my heart drum.

“The result is out,” he paused, then lifted his chin to clear his throat. “She’s clean. But she’s extremely low on iron. I’d advise her to quit all strenuous activities for now.”

After he was walked out by one of the guards, Darius’s gaze drifted to mine once again. He stared at me silently for a really long time, his cigar smoke making it hard to see him clearly.

“You danced good today,” he finally spoke, pulling the cigar away from his lips.

I wanted to scoff. Firstly, I deserved an apology for the inconvenience and running a test and secondly, I danced good? Oh wow.

“Darius I did more than good. You literally had your mouth open and your eyes glued to me the whole time.” I didn’t say that. But I wish I could. The crowd was tough.

His dark eyes were still on me. I glanced away and bit my lips, picking the tip of my nails. He took a deep breath and said coldly, “I will grant you one request.”

“She’s going to ask to be free from him forever,” someone whispered behind me.

I stifled a sigh. If only they knew. Darius stared blankly at me, one brow slightly raised up while Mikayla clenched her fists, her lips stretched into a tight pout. Good.

I whipped around and caught Kristin’s gaze who winked at me, then I turned back to Darius. “Uhm.” I cleared my throat, wringing my hand together. “Will you grant anything I ask for?” “Anything,” he said almost immediately.

The whispers around had increased. I paid less attention to what they said as I held Darius’ gaze. Oh god!

I hesitated then gulped down my nerves. “I wish to serve you,” Gasps erupted across the room. I forced myself to complete my sentence. “With a room in your private suite.”