Double Mercy

4 ~ Mr Ricci

I had my final show for the week. Thankfully, Naomi's got my back. Naomi, Maya and Ara are the only people who know about my secret - I trust family more than anything. 

"You're not going on stage today," boss said as he walked over to me. 

I place my gloss down and look at him through the mirror. "Excuse me? Yes, I am," I scoff, staring at him. 

"No, you're not. Mr Ricci has requested you for the next hour," boss said, shaking my shoulders. 

"That's not allowed. That's-" He silences me by walking away, pointing to that same damned door. 

I roll my eyes and tighten my mask before standing up - sort of glad I'm wearing something less revealing today. 

I clenched my fists and knocked on the door. "Enter!" I gulped and opened the door, the lights were brightly turned on. 

I walked over and stood in front of him, clasping my hands together. "What do you want from me?" I asked, staring at him. 

He didn't answer as he stared at my body, up and down. Sometimes the feminist in me wanted to shame him for staring at me like I'm food but then I remember it's what they're here for. 

"Sit."

I stared at him as he ordered me. "I'm not a dog. Ask politely," I scoffed, rolling my eyes. 

He didn't say anything instead stood up, towering over me. I rolled my eyes before sitting down on the velvet chair. 

"Why is it you wear a mask?" He asks, now sitting next to me with minimal distance. 

"Because I like my identity to remain a secret," I smile, rolling pieces of my hair around. 

He rubs his chin, his hands are extremely large - covered in tattoos and rings. "Tell me, how many guys have seen that pretty face of yours?" 

"None. I don't give guys their private time," I say, my emotion now blank. 

He hums again. What is it with him humming?

"Look, pretty boy. If you don't want a lap dance or whatever the fuck it is you horny men need to be pleased then let me go. I'd rather be at a college rave," I snap, shooting him glares. 

He doesn't reply. Instead, he fucking laughs. "What's so funny?" I ask, sitting up straight. 

"You're free to leave, mia bella," he smirks, gesturing to the door. 

I give him one final stare before standing up, walking towards the door. My hand's on the knob until he begins to speak. "Just so you know, I will be here every night. Requesting you."

"Looking forward to it," I say before opening the door and slamming it shut. 

I release a breath I didn't even know I was holding and walk to my station. This guy is awful in real life however seems needy around here. I was lucky he didn't recognise me, I don't know what I'd do. 

I grab my phone and send a text to Maya. She lives around the corner and I just want to go home. 

I put on my joggers and sweatshirt, grabbed my bag and snuck outside. Maya's car drove in the second I came out.

As fast as I could, I ran and opened the car door, stepping inside. "Hey," I breathed, fastening my seatbelt. 

"Hey. I thought you didn't finish for another hour," she said, pulling out of the driveway. 

"I don't. This buyer requested my time for a whole hour and let me go after 6 minutes," I explained, leaving out some minor details. 

"Woah- I thought you said you're not going to do that since the whole Leo incident," she said, swerving the wheel. 

Ah, Leo. My amazing ex-boyfriend. 

"It's fine. He didn't try shit. He's actually a Ricci," I added.

"Hold up- Ricci as in the Ricci hotels around the world?" She asks, her eyes widening. 

The Ricci family is very well known for having multiple luxurious hotels around the world. "Yes, Maya," I sighed. 

"Aren't they really private? I swear no one sees the son," she says. 

"I did. Hugo Ricci is an old friend of my dad's apparently. Spent the morning with them at the country club yesterday," I scoffed. 

She looked at me with wider eyes this time. Luckily, we pulled up at my front gate. "Hold on," I gesture. 

I roll down the window and press the buzzer. "It's me, Julio." The large front gates open and Maya drives in. 

"Fucking hell! Can your rich daddy set me up with one of his friend's sons," she laughed.

I rolled my eyes and grabbed my bag. "Don't get cocky. He's a dick, trust me. I'll see you tomorrow," I chuckle and open the door. 

As quickly as I can, I open the door and enter my house. Like always, it's as quiet as it gets however Antonio seemed to be walking up the stairs. 

"Mum left you leftover pasta," he said, not bothering to look behind him. 

Lovely.