The Billionaire And The Stripper. ARI LEVINSON

Chapter Five

Warnings: Mature content. Mention of the objectification of women (slight)

Author's note: No proofread. All mistakes my own. Let me know your thoughts about this chapter after
reading. Enjoy it!

This part of the city amazes you. It’s another world, another reality. The air is different, the people…They are living in a whole different world. It’s incredible how different everything can be with more money.

You stand in front of the address Ari gave you. the first thing that catches your eye is its imposing exterior, adorned with rich red brick that exudes an aura of timeless elegance. The restaurant stands tall and proud, its architecture reminiscent of a bygone era of opulence and refinement.
The air is tinged with an air of exclusivity as if only the chosen few are granted entry into this culinary sanctuary. A discreet valet stand stands ready to whisk away luxury vehicles.

As you step inside, you're greeted by the warm glow of soft lighting and the murmur of animated conversation.
The interior is refined luxury, with velvet furnishings, marble floors, and tasteful accents of gold and crystal.
Every detail has been carefully curated to create an atmosphere of refined sophistication, from the flickering candlelight on each table to the soft strains of classical music that drift through the air.
A sense of unease washes over you. Despite the allure of its opulent surroundings, you can't shake the feeling of being out of place. Your attire, simple and understated, stands in stark contrast to the glamorous ensembles of the other patrons.

You glance down at your modest clothing, suddenly hyper-aware of its inadequacy in this bastion of luxury. While others are draped in designer labels and shimmering fabrics, you find yourself feeling uncomfortably exposed.
But despite your discomfort, however, you steel yourself.

A woman dressed impeccably in a tailored suit approaches you, her demeanor exuding a combination of elegance and discernment. Her gaze sweeps over you with a subtle hint of judgment, but she maintains a polite smile as she addresses you.

“Good evening, madam,” she says, her voice smooth and composed. “Welcome to Birchwood. May I inquire if you have a reservation?”

You meet her scrutinizing gaze with a tentative smile of your own. “Um, no, I don't. I'm— I'm here to see Ari Levinson.”
The mention of the name seems to surprise her, a flicker of recognition passing through her eyes before she quickly regains her composure. “Ah, Mr. Levinson. Of course. Right this way, please.”

With a graceful gesture, she leads you deeper into the restaurant, her heels clicking against the marble floor with each step. Despite her initial judgment, there's a sense of respect in her demeanor, as if she recognizes the importance of you being here to see Ari.
Both reach to a secluded corner of the restaurant, where Ari Levinson sits at a table overlooking the serene view outside. He acknowledges your presence with a curt nod as you approach, his expression unreadable.

You take a seat opposite him, feeling your nerves fluttering anxiously. Ari remains silent until she leaves, his gaze fixed on you with an intensity that sends a shiver down your spine.

“I see you are interested in the proposition I have”. His voice is like ice. He eyes you up and down, but not in the same way the woman in the reception did. No. He's simply observing you.

“I didn’t know how to dress for here, didn’t know it was this kind of place” You add, making it clear that you noticed his action.
Ari sits straight in his seat, “You needn't fret about the setting,” Remarks, his voice retaining its icy edge. “Appearances can be deceiving.”
His expression remains impassive.“It's irrelevant,” he states bluntly. “What matters is whether you're capable of handling what I have to offer.”

You nod, steeling yourself against the prickling discomfort of his scrutiny.

Ari leans forward, his gaze unwavering as he explains the nature of the arrangement. “Your role will be simple,” he begins, his voice low and measured. “I require a private dancer, someone to entertain me when I see fit.”

You want to laugh at his words, “Why me?”

Ari ignores your question, his expression betraying no hint of emotion“You're already a dancer, are you not?

“If you want to call it that, then yes” You admit.

Ari's lips curve into a thin smile, but there's a hardness in his eyes that sends a shiver down your spine.

You swallow hard, “I need to know more before I can agree to anything.”

Ari nods. “I will provide the place and arrange transportation as needed. You will be given a phone solely for this purpose, and you are expected to answer whenever I call.”

“Why do I need a separate phone?” You inquire, your voice tinged with apprehension.

Ari's gaze remains steady, his expression impassive. “It's so I can reach you whenever I require your services,” he replies matter-of-factly. “I expect you to be available at all times, without fail.”
Your heart sinks at the implication of his words, the weight of his expectations pressing down on you like a leaden weight. “And if I fail?” you ask, your voice barely above a whisper.
“Failure is not an option,” he states firmly. “But if by some chance you do disappoint me, the consequences will be severe. Your payment will be reduced to 30% of the total agreed-upon amount.”

The threat hangs heavy in the air, and you swallow hard, your mind racing with the implications of Ari's words. It's clear that failure is not an option in this arrangement, and the consequences of falling short are too dire to contemplate. You won’t tell him about your personal life. He wouldn’t care if you did. But this is a new job opportunity with the man that left you standing like a stupid.

“How much will the payment be?” You ask after a short period of silence.

Ari's gaze flickers briefly, a calculating glint in his eyes before he reaches into his pocket and produces a sleek envelope. “Everything you need to know is detailed in the contract,” he replies smoothly, handing you a contract folder “You have three days. If you decide to accept, simply sign and call the number on the envelope. I'll ensure it's taken care of.”

You accept the envelope with trembling hands, feeling the weight of the decision resting heavily upon you. As you gaze down at the contract, a surge of determination courses through you. Whatever lies ahead, you'll find a way to make it work—for the sake of your siblings, and for your own future.

You spot Marie waiting eagerly. Her face lights up with a radiant smile as she catches sight of you. “Y/N!!” She exclaims, bounding forward to wrap her arms around you in a tight hug. “I missed you!”

“Me too Sweetie.” You return her embrace, a pang of guilt tugging at your heart. Despite the turmoil swirling within you, Marie's joy is infectious, momentarily lifting the heavy burden from your shoulders.

“Did you have a good day today?” You ask, ruffling her hair affectionately as the two of you walk together to the other gate waiting for Alex. Today you will pick them up and take them home.
She nods “Can we go to the park later? Please, please Y/N!” She flashes those beautiful puppy eyes, and you can’t say no to her.
“Okay but we need to wait for Alex first, Yeah?”
She jumps excitedly and nods.

In that moment you knew your answer to the proposition.