Karla Francis

"This right here is why I don't be stripping." I complained meanwhile twirling my straw in my drink. The club was beyond dead tonight which had become usual as of lately, the only popping days were Friday and Saturdays but since I just returned they were giving me the worst shifts possible until I worked my way up. I wasn't planning on being her permanently, it's just that after my abortion and everything that went down with Myles and I; doing my regular just didn't feel right.

I'm not saying I plan on stopping but I for sure, for sure just needed a bit of a break. However, stripping was the next best thing so here I was, again.

"I'm telling you girl. These few hundreds a day aint paying no bills." One of the girls; Monica, that worked with me said as she counted up her money by the bar. I looked around to see a couple men that had already been attended to, there were also a few broke niggas in the corner that were complaining to our manager about the service. I shrugged it off though cause, if you aint throwin, we aint throwin either. "Thank God, we got this event coming in tonight." she said, after banding her money up and putting it in her little wristlet.

"Event?" my eyes widened. "What kind of event." The Gentlemen's club was a strip club by day and a full-on night club by night which is what I liked. Being located in New York City we attracted a lot of ballers and celebrities. If you were able to work an 'event night shift' you would be securing a major bag.

"Karma, he's hosting his single release party here. What the hell, you didn't know?"

"No." I folded my arms across my chest. Although I wasn't a fan of Elijah and his music, I was a big fan of his new rich friends and the money they brought with them.

"Bruh, you gotta find a damn way to get a shift tonight. He's bringing the whole damn OVO crew here tonight, plus some."

"But I'm sure the seniors have already secured those shifts."

"I mean yes, but what's one more girl?" she shrugged. "Anyways, I'm going to get back to work. I think I see a sugar daddy coming in." Our attention went towards the door, and she was definitely right. A group of men were ushered in meanwhile my eyes caught the one they were guarding; Judas. Sugar daddy indeed. Judas was trouble, big trouble and he didn't make visitations for no reason.

Monica tried to greet him but she was quickly brushed off as the group made their way over to Roger who nearly jumped at the sight of them. I had to admit, they were intimidating, without a doubt but before all else; a hood man was the sexiest thing to me. Roger was an older Italian man so compared to them, he was no match.

"Judas my man!" Roger, our manager said as he dapped him up. "What brings you in today?"

"You know, just here tryna scope out the place." Judas' voice was deep and a little raspy. It rumbles as he spoke. "Mind if we speak in a more private area?"

"Not a problem at all." Roger looked over at me but I quickly turned back to my drink, so he wouldn't think I was eavesdropping.

Roger led the group up the stairs and into his office behind the VIP section. I watched as a few guys stood watch outside, one of them specifically catching my eye. I hadn't seen him around before but he seemed to be pretty seasoned in his job. He was a bit older, dark skinned, beautiful smile and deep brown eyes that you could see from a distance.

God, the things I would do to him in that back room. Chile!

I don't even think I would charge him.... Matter of fact, with those looks; I definitely wouldn't!

"You seeing what I'm seeing?" Monica asked, leaning on the bar counter.

"Girl, how could I miss that?"

"I'd honestly go toe-to-toe with you for that one."

"No need, because you know I already won." I flipped my hair behind my shoulder, situated my boobs in the lace bra I wore then got out of the seat. Swaying my hips from side to side as I made my way up the stairs towards VIP. The rest of the guys that stood watch outside the door, were dazed with the sight of me. Their eyes widened and their jaws dropped. However, I was baffled when the one I came for didn't even blink.

I cleared my throat, and his eyes moved towards me. He sized me up before staring directly in my eyes. "What's up?"

"I was about to ask you that? You want a drink, a dance... a lovely lady to keep you company?"

"Nah, I'm straight." He smirked. "Thanks for the offer."

My brow raised and I listened to the snickering of the other guys around me. "Excuse me?"

"I said I'm straight."

"You aint tryna get to know me?"

"Negative." He licked on his bottom lip then returned his attention back to staring right ahead. I sucked my teeth as I began to walk away.

"You aint even that cute anyways." I mumbled, trekking down the stairs.

"What happened?" Monica asked.

"Nothing. He's gay." I answered before taking up my drink and sipping it. I continued watching him from a distance. I had never not gotten something I didn't want. Which just made me want it even more.

A few moments went by, I made some money, entertained a few business men before I saw Judas and Roger exit the office. Judas had a slight smirk on his face meanwhile Roger looked, very afraid. They talked as they walked down the stairs, Judas even gave me a head nod which caused the girls to basically envy me.

"Anyways, I'll see you tonight." Roger said, shaking his head at the door. Judas didn't say a thing he just stepped out with his entourage on his tail. Roger waited for the coast to be clear before he let out a deep sigh and turned towards us.

"Everything alright boss?" I asked.

"I..I wish." She walked over to the bar and pointed towards a water bottle, the bartender gave it to him and he popped the top off, drinking all of it down in just a few gulps. When he was done his used the back of his sleeve to wipe off his lips. "Bring it in girls!" he yelled, and everyone even the ones that were currently on stage left their posts to come here what he had to say.

Once again, he was lucky it was dead because on a regular day he would've had trouble from the customers.

We all got together and he rubbed his temples before he opened his mouth to speak. "Tonight, I'm going to need all hands-on deck. I want every single girl to be on the floor tonight, it's going to be crazier than I thought." I felt myself smiling on the inside, more money for me and I'd get to see that honey again. "Tonight, I'm going to need you girls to keep your eyes and your EARS completely opened. I can't go into details but you are my girls and I want to make sure each and everyone of you are safe."

"We always keep them strapped up." Monica cracked, causing all of us to laugh.

"No Monica, this... aint something you can strap up for. Nor is it the time to crack jokes. Girls, I'm begging you; around 1:30 AM... please make sure you are located at the closest exit." Everyone's brow raised at the same time. "Don't ask questions just please be sure of that. If you see one of your co-workers lingering around, drag their asses there with you."

"May I ask why? Is this a fire drill or something?"

"Nah..." Roger said, "this is the real deal."

Monet DaSilva

Now that Nadia was finally gone, I took the time out to look into everything she was offering me as a manager. Although I was sure that I didn't need one, this one meeting proved otherwise. It was clear that she had a lot of connections, knew a lot of people and knew how to get me to where I needed to go. I actually did get a good vibe from her and thought she would be best suitable for me.

However, one thing that caught was towards the end of our meeting she suggested that I got rid of the baby, said this isn't what I needed so early in my career. Nadia also sure did bring up Dejounte a lot, and me never going back to that relationship if I wanted to strive as an independent athlete and not just be known as 'Dejounte's girl.'

She was right about Dejounte but the pregnancy, that right there is what threw me off, she said she had heard about the rumoured pregnancy and the first thing she thought was that I would lose out on so much. I didn't believe that, but then again, she was the professional, right?

Underneath the papers she had given me was a bit of information on a nearby abortion clinic that a lot of celebrities went to due to their NDA clause. Many clinics would actually run with it if I were to go with them. I read about their information a little bit more before I felt a flutter in my stomach. My head dropped and I ran my hand over my little bump.

"No thank you." I whispered as I ripped up the paper. With a yawn I stood from my seat and walked over to the fridge, grabbing the contained filled with cut-up fruit. I placed it on the counter and as I began to eat it my phone vibrated.

Kingsley:

I know you probably aren't down for the idea of being around Zahra, Aaliyah or Preston but it's my birthday at 12 and I'd love for you to come out and celebrate with me tonight at the club.

Me:

It would be totally awkward for me.

Kingsley:

I got you girl, I'll make sure you enjoy yourself.

Me:

Wouldn't it be ratchet? I'm pregnant..

Kingsley:

And look better than half the people that'll be there. Just come through.

For me.

Please 😪😪

Me:

I'll think about it.

I locked my screen and looked up to see Myles coming from downstairs, he wore nothing but a pair of ball shorts, exposing his beautiful body and the sweat the dripped from it. Clearly, he had been working out; removing his earphones, he walked past me, grabbing a water bottle from the fridge.

Coming back into my view he finished off his water and tossed it into the garbage. I wanted to say something to him so badly, this whole thing was weird. I wanted to hate Myles for everything but it was harder than I thought, especially with our chemistry and the relationship we had built. My ex-best friend stood right in front of me and I couldn't bring myself to words. I didn't even know how to go about communicating with him after our conversation earlier, but just as I was about to say something his phone rang.

Myles took the phone out his pocket, bringing it to his ears. "Talk to me." He spoke, as he made it way down the stairs. I shrugged it off, it was probably Karla anyways.

I finished off my fruit then headed up the stairs. As I dug through the moving boxes for something to wear, I thought about having no choice but to bring Myles with me. Which was something I didn't want to do, especially with Kingsley around. The tension between them was real but I knew my dad wouldn't allow me to go anywhere without a body guard.

Pondering the thought my brow raised as I heard the front door shut. I headed for the window and watched Myles hop into his car and back out of the driveway. I, then watched a few other guards drive out right behind him. What the hell...

My phone rang and my father's name popped up on the screen. "Hello?" I answered, as fast as I could.

"Hey baby, what you up to?"

"Oh nothing. Just in my room."

"Had a good day today?"

"It was pretty successful. I met with that manager, you were talking about."

"You liked her?"

"She was okay." I shrugged, "she left a couple things behind for us to take a look at when you get home."

"Sounds good. I'm working a little late tonight but tomorrow morning we could sit down and go over it."

"Perfect."

"You turning in for the night?"

"Uh... n-." I thought to tell him about the club but immediately remembered how protective my dad was. At the mention of him not being home till late, I thought a couple hours spent with Kingsley at the club wouldn't hurt. "Yes, I am." I lied, I wanted a free night. No guard, no protection. Just fun.

"Alright. Get some rest princess. Talk to you later."

"Bye dad."

I hung up and quickly shot Kingsley a text.

Me:

Address?

Myles Thomas

"I know I said I wouldn't allow you to get your hands dirty but this is something I think you'd be best fit to handle." Judas said.

"What is it about."

"Your sister."

That was all Judas had to say, to get me out the house and on the road. To get my hand dirty for my family, wasn't even a question.

I pulled up to the trap house and grabbed my gun from the glove compartment before walking in to join everyone else.

Leisa Thomas

"Listen, I want you to go inside and just rest. When I say I got this. I mean it."

"I know, it just hurts. I don't know how he could do this to me." I sniffled and wiped away the tears that began to flow for the twentieth time tonight. Kylan and I sat outside of my house, I was waiting for the right moment to go in because I couldn't deal with the questions.

"Look, Lee." Kylan placed his hand under my chin. "When I say I got you, just know that I got you." He said looking deeply into my eyes. "You're a beautiful, intelligent, funny, charming girl and any nigga would be lucky to have you. Don't let this one make you forget your worth aiight?" I sniffled, and felt myself nodding to his words. "When I say I got you. I mean it."

"O..Okay." I looked from his eyes to his lips then down at my nervous hands that tugged on the sleeve of my sweater. Kylan kissed my cheek before hitting the lock button to let me out. "I'll call you later tonight, okay?"

"Please do." I said as I collected my things.

"Message me if anything."

"I will, bye Ky."

"Bye baby girl."

I shut his door, threw my bag over my shoulder then walked up my driveway, using the side entrance to go down to my room. Hoping to get a chance to clean up my face before I saw my mom.

I flipped the lights on and walked into the living room, throwing my bag onto the couch. I stripped out of my sweater then walked into my room. I turned on the lights then jumped at the sight of Elijah, sitting on the edge of my bed. "What the hell are you doing here?" I asked him.

Elijah sat there looking off into the distance, his eyes were low. I watched as he sat up, leaned over then pinched the bridge of his nose. "I messed up." He said.

"Get our of my house!" Was all I could say.

"Leisa. Please" he looked up at me with tears welled in his eyes. "I'm so sorry. I should never have done that."

"But you did, you betrayed my trust. You're everything you said you weren't." I began to break down again. "I hate you so much."

"But I love you." He stood up and walked towards me but I began to step back.

"Don't touch me."

"Leisa please" tears ran down his face as he placed his hand on my waist and pulled me towards him. "I can't say sorry enough. I love you." He began to kiss my forehead.

"How could you do this to someone you love?"

"It was the management. They wanted me to do something to get the internet talking."

"So you used me."

"I was thinking out of my ass. I wanted to change my mind but by the time I decided, it was too late."

"I don't believe you!" I slapped his chest. "You used me to get back at my brother."

"I would never do that Leisa! I don't care about that nigga or the industry to be exact. If I can't have you; I don't want anything." Elijah bent down to kiss me but I slapped him across his face.

"I hate you."

"I love you and I need you. Please let me apologize to you properly. Come out with me tonight. I want to show you off to world as my girl."

"Elijah. No."

"Leisa. Please. I'm proud to call you mine." He was saying all the right words but just at the wrong time. "Come our and let me prove it to you." He pulled my hair out of the ponytail it was in and walked me over to the bed where a white dress laid out on the bed with two jewelry boxes laid out perfectly. "Put this on."

"No." I shook my head and Elijah reached for one of the boxes. He opened it displaying a rose gold diamond ring. It was beyond beautiful, breathtaking to be exact. "I don't trust you."

"And I don't blame you." He took my hand and placed the ring onto my ring finger. "But I promise you from this day forward to be loyal, allow me to make up for my biggest mistake. I know that I don't want to lose you." He stood behind me and placed a kiss on the back of my neck. "Please. Just give me a chance." He licked a spot that had my eyes rolling back and my knees so weak.

"I can...can't" I said, trying to catch my breath.

"Please baby." He sucked on the spot before running his hand down my stomach and into my panda. I tried to stop him but he had already gotten into my panties, rubbing over my pearl. "Just let me prove it to you." He said before bending me right over that bed.