Eighteen-year-old Ivy Silver's life took a dark turn when the glittering facade of a famous strip club concealed a future she never envisioned. Trapped, she desperately sought freedom, only to fall into the clutches of Hermann Rodriguez, an arrogan...
Hours had passed since my explosive argument with Hermann. Miguel had tried to coax me out of my room, but I’d ignored him. I needed to clear my head, to sort through the tangled mess of my thoughts and feelings. It wasn't about where I wanted to be, but where I needed to be. With Hermann. It was my only chance to find my mother, and I couldn't throw it away.
Pull yourself together, Ivy, my inner voice urged. It’s okay. Everything will be… Trust the process.
Whether it was my demons or angels speaking, I couldn't tell. I swung my feet to the floor, took a deep breath, and threw open the door.
“Can’t sleep?” a deep voice asked, and I jumped. Hermann stood against the wall, his expression unreadable. My heart pounded.
“Thirsty,” I managed, swallowing hard.
“Let’s get you some lemonade, then,” he said, taking a step toward me. My eyes seemed to have a life of their own, fixated on him.
“You coming?” He stopped in front of me, his gaze intense. I nodded and followed him.
The kitchen lights flickered on as we entered. I sat on a stool as he poured me a glass of lemonade.
“That should do it,” he murmured, his eyes locking with mine.
“Thank you,” I whispered, unsure if he even heard me. ______________________________________________
HERMANN RODRIGUEZ POV.
I watched her take a sip, the way her lips tugged afterwards. She was mine now, and I wasn't letting her go… not yet. The thought of another man having her fueled a possessive fire within me.
She raised her eyes, those round, almond-shaped eyes that spoke volumes I couldn’t quite decipher. As i locked my stare with hers for sometime, she dropped hers and the silence stretched, heavy and pregnant.
“Tomorrow, I’m attending a funeral. I’m taking you with me,” I said breaking the silence. She looked up, her question sharp.
“Why?”
“I don’t need a reason,” I said, my voice deliberately "I’m… not your escort,” she retorted, that spark of defiance I knew so well igniting in her eyes.
“You’ll play whatever part I want you to,” I said, my face inches from hers, feeling the warmth of her breath on my skin.
She didn’t answer, just gave me that deadpan stare before storming off, leaving me with the half-empty glass of lemonade.
_______________________________________________
IVY SILVER POV.
It was 10 am. The sun shone brightly, as if promising a new beginning. I was in the room with Carlos and Miguel, listening to their ridiculously dramatic (and hilarious) story of how they first met Hermann. Their past was as painful as mine, but they somehow managed to spin it into a comedy routine.
Miguel carried my dress, bridal style, his eyes sparkling. “I should really be a designer, you know?” spoke proudly.
“Why aren’t you?” I asked.
“Hermann would kill me… who would train the new recruits?”
“Himself,” I replied.
They all burst into laughter.
“Can’t he?” I asked, surprised.
“He’d kill them all. There’s a devil inside him, and that devil is his temper,” Carlos finally said, offering me a hand.
I took it, and Miguel carefully handed me the black dress.
“Go get dressed. We’ll be waiting downstairs,” Carlos said. I gave them a small smile instead.
I looked in the mirror. I looked perfect. My hair was styled simply, my makeup subtle but effective. The black dress fit perfectly.
Downstairs, Norman was the only one there. He smiled, and I returned it, hoping it felt as warm as his. Conversations with Norman were always awkward.
“Hermann’s waiting outside in the car,” he said, breaking the silence.
I nodded. He took my hand and led me out. It was the first time I’d left this gilded cage. A black Ferrari waited. Hermann opened the door, his eyes raking over me, making me feel naked even in the dress. He murmured something in Italian to Norman, and I got in, ignoring his offered hand. Norman closed the door.
“Black suits you,” Hermann said.
“So does white,” I replied.
We arrived before he could suffocate me with his words or his stare. A wave of relief washed over me. “Stay beside me at all times and, don't leave my sight.” he pinned. his voice sharp. Before I could protest, he threw the car open and offered me his hand as I struggled to get out.
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Thank you lovelies for waiting for this new chapter that took almost forever to publish... Sorry for taking such a long time. I had a lot going on but i'm in a stable position to start up the speed again. Love you all.. please vote and comment . Your support is my strength.
