Dark Paradise

Chapter 3

ALEXANDRA

—What the hell was that? — I asked myself, running my hands through my hair. I tried to catch my breath and make sense of what had just happened, but the sound of my phone wouldn't let me think. I checked again, and it was an unknown number. It felt strange, so my first thought was of my grandfather, wondering if something had happened to him.

—Hello? — I answered, covering one ear to hear better.

—I need you right now, I'll pay you double — León said on the other end of the line.

Just the sound of his voice made my blood boil.

—I'm not working at this hour, León. It's my day off! — I yelled, furious at the interruption.

—I don't care! If you don't come, you'll pay the consequences, Alexandra! These are very important people, and they specifically asked for the best girls from the club. So, I expect you here in half an hour. If you don't show up, don't ever come back, and your grandfather will find out everything you do. Remember, you have a contract. — León hung up, leaving me full of frustration and anger.

Being the "star doll" of the club was a heavy burden, one that suffocated me every day. This wasn't the first time I found myself in this humiliating situation, but the stupid contract I had signed kept me chained to this hell. That single sheet of paper was my sentence, where the threats were real. I knew that if I didn't fulfill my "job" as a dancer, they would go after my grandfather, destroying the only thing I had left.

I returned to the concert to let Vanessa know I had to leave.

—But the concert's not over yet — she said, confused. I just thanked her for bringing me, hugged her, and ran out of the venue. I took one last glance at the stage, but Gabriel was no longer there.

☻

I arrived at my "wonderful" job and saw all the girls rushing around, putting on their outfits. The excitement on their faces was palpable, but all I felt was anger at what was happening.

—Drop that look, Alexa. Tonight's going to be spectacular — said Rebecca, slipping into her heels.

—What's so spectacular about it? —I spat, full of frustration.

—Life gives us challenges along the way; that's how we shape our future. Just keep dancing! Besides, you've got too pretty of a face to ruin it with that frown, — Rebecca replied, kissing my cheek before leaving the room without saying anything else.

"Keep dancing," and just that phrase lifted my spirits from the hole I had fallen into. I was in the shower when there was a knock on the door: it was Oscar.

—León sent this for you, a little gift. — he winked, extending his hand with the bag. I rolled my eyes; I knew exactly what his "gifts" meant.

—you must go out in 20 minutes; the guys will be here soon.

—Hey, who are they? — I asked before he left.

Oscar stopped in his tracks and gave me an enigmatic smile.

—They say they're big shots. I don't know much more, but it looks like tonight will be... unforgettable.

He closed the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I sighed, feeling a mix of anxiety. I knew the night was just beginning, and I'd have to face it with the best attitude I could muster.

I sat on the couch and opened León's gift. It was exactly what I imagined: leather lingerie.

—He's crazy if he thinks I will wear this. — I muttered, tossing the bag aside as I sat down at the vanity to do my makeup.