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2,746,147	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	📚💞《The Billionaire Alpha Contract Lover》ALL chapters for Free！😍💕🔞	💔“My first love has returned, you are fired,” Alpha told me, not knowing that I would die in three months.😭 Griffon Knight’s private jet landed at the airport at 7:00 p.m., just as the sun was starting to set, vivid orange and red giving way to the bright light of the moon. Within a half hour of his arrival, he requested that I be brought to his downtown penthouse. Per our contract, I must be thoroughly cleansed “inside and out” without any traces of perfume or makeup. As an Alpha, his senses were more perceptive than most wolves. I strictly followed his preferences and requirements, changed into freshly washed silk pajamas, and then went to the bedroom on the second floor. Griffon was sitting in front of the fire in his leather wing chair, one ankle resting on his knee in a relaxed manner, flipping through a stack of documents. When I entered the room, he gave me a glance before placing the papers on the side table next to him. “Come here,” he demanded, his wolf flashing amber in his dark eyes as a secondary narrowed his gaze at me. A chill ran over my spine. His voice was gruff and emotionless, weighing heavily on my heart as it always did. I longed, just once, to hear something in his tone when he spoke to me. But he always maintained his powerful and mysterious aura, never indicating what he was thinking or feeling. I didn’t dare to hesitate for a moment, worried that any delay might anger him. Keeping my head tilted down in deference to his formidable presence, my bare feet were silent on the plush carpet as I rushed over to him. As soon as I was at his side, he pulled me into his arms and onto his lap, lifting my chin with his large hand. He lowered his head and kissed my waiting lips aggressively, without any traces of the warmth I longed for. His tongue delved into my mouth, twisting around mine, and desire flowed through my body, pooling in my nether regions. Griffon might seem noble and restrained to his pack and other pack elites, but he showed no such thing when it came to sex. He was never restrained, never tender with me. No sweet talk, no soft kisses. Just hunger, desire, sex. With me, he was always the animal. Always the coarse Alpha, never the cool, calm, and collected leader that others saw. He had been away on packing business for three months; he probably wouldn’t let me go easily tonight. As I had expected, he was rougher than usual. It was as if he were all feral wolf instead of just mostly wolf like he typically was. Griffon didn’t stop his thrusts until I was too exhausted for more, his wolf shining in his eyes and his face twisted in a snarl the entire time. When I woke up, I found myself alone in bed. Instead of the usual silence I typically wake up to, I heard running water coming from the bathroom. I frowned in confusion and looked in the direction of the sound surprised to see Griffon’s tall and muscled form reflected in the glass door of the shower. He usually left immediately after our encounters. No goodbye, no waiting for me to wake up. I struggled to sit up, my body spent from hours of lovemaking, and I quietly waited for the man to come out. A few minutes later, the water stopped, and Griffon came into the room, a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets from the tips of his dark hair fell onto his bronze skin, slowly sliding down his well-defined abs. His face was finely chiseled, exquisitely handsome, with sharp, distinct features. His eyes, almond-shaped and hazel, were aloof and distant, deep and unreadable. Even in his human form, his dark wolf side showed through, creating even more of an enigma surrounding the Alpha. To everyone else, he was charming yet distant, friendly yet aloof and unattainable. With one glance, people could tell he was not an easy man to get along with, but not completely impossible. To me, he was simply cold, harsh, and unreachable even when he was inside me. Seeing that I was awake, he gave me a stony look and said, “You don’t need to come anymore.” I blinked, clutching the covers tightly around my body, my knuckles white as a sliver of panic raced through my heart. What did he mean? Griffon turned around, went to the side table, to the papers he’d been looking through last night. He shuffled through them, then tossed one onto the bed in front of me. I’m canceling our contract. You’re laid off. I felt the blood drain from my face, and my heart stopped for minute. Fired not we’re breaking up? Regardless of how our relationship had started, regardless of how I’d come to feel about him, I knew this day would come. Because in reality, we had no “relationship”. We were employer and employee, and I served only one purpose for Griffon. Nonetheless, his words stung. I’d never expected that he would end things so abruptly. I’d thought I’d have more time. Sure, I’d expected his typical unemotional coldness, but this was beyond that. After being with him for five years, he gave me no reason or explanation. He didn’t think I deserved that, and it was painful to think about. Suppressing the sharp pain in my heart, I slowly raised my head from staring at the document on the bed and gazed at Griffon. Enough time had passed with my being frozen by his words that he was now fully dressed in his typical dark suit. “But…the contract will expire in six months. Can’t we wait for a little longer?” My voice was partially pleading, and I struggled to keep it from cracking. The doctor said I only had three months left, and the only thing I wanted to stay with the doctor until the end of my life. Griffon remained silent, staring at me with his stoicism and vacant expression, as if he were kicking away a toy he had grown tired of playing with. His silence was all I needed. His decision was final. After five long years of trying, I had failed to thaw Griffon’s frozen heart. It was time to wake up from my illusion. I took the contract and plastered on a fake smile, attempting to feign indifference. “Don’t be so serious. I was just joking.” Then, I added, “I’m glad this is over. I get six months off. How perfect!” Griffon paused as he adjusted his shirt sleeves, then lifted his gaze at me. It took everything in me to make sure there was no sadness in my eyes, to make sure the only emotions he could see were excitement or relief. The absolute last thing I felt. Griffon narrowed his eyes and frowned. “You’re glad it’s over?” I nodded and shrugged one shoulder as if I hadn’t a care in the world. “Yup. I’m not the little girl I was when I agreed to this. It’s time for me to get married and have children. I can’t always be your contract lover, can I?” Inside, I laughed at myself. It was impossible for me to get married or have children, but I’d be damned if I ever let Griffon know that. I would leave with dignity and grace. I forced another smile and asked, “Does that mean I can finally have a normal boyfriend once I leave here?” Griffon’s eyes were filled with deep and unidentifiable emotions. After staring at me for a while, he looked at his watch and turned to leave. “Do whatever you want.” Looking at his back as he turned and walked away, my smile faded. Griffon hated it when other people touched his things, including his woman. His wolf would push through, his eyes flashing amber and his claws coming out. But this time, there were no reactions. He truly was done with me. Chapter 2 Unimaginable Hope After Griffon left, his assistant walked in .Andre handed a morning-after pill to me and said respectfully, Ms. Palmer, please take it as usual. ”Griffon would never allow me to get pregnant. Not only was I just his contracted lover, I wasn’t even a wolf shifter. I’d always grown up around wolves, and had spent time in the shifter orphanage, but I never phased into a wolf at puberty. No one knew where I came from, though the assumption had always been that at least one of my parents had to have been a shifter in order for me to be dropped off at the shifter orphanage. Staring at the small pill in the palm of my hand, my heart started to hurt even more. I wasn’t sure if the pain was caused by my heart failure or Griffon’s cruelty, but regardless, it was so intense that I struggled to take a breath. “Ms. Palmer…”When I didn’t immediately take the pill, Andre urged me along with a nervous expression. He was probably afraid that I would caused trouble since it had been my last night with Griffon. I swallowed through the pain in my chest and tossed the pill in my mouth. I didn’t even bother with water, forcing it to dry. Andre let out a sigh of relief, then took the apartment and checked his briefcase and placed them in front of me. “Ms. Palmer, this is Mr. Knight’s compensation for you. In fact addition to the real estate and cars, he had also placed five million dollars in your account.” How generous. Too bad, he never knew what I truly wanted. “I don’t want it.” I set my mouth in a grim line and shook my head. Andre was stunned and confused. “Do you think it’s not enough?” My heart shattered beyond what I’d thought possible. Even Andre thought I was doing it for the money. It was too much. So much money, plus an apartment and a luxury car. Was he afraid I would ask him again for more money in the future? I picked up the bag beside me with a bitter smile, took out a debit card, and handed it to Andre. “This is all the money. Griffon paid me over the years. I never spent a single penny, and I don’t want it. The pin is his birthday. ”Andre was dumbfounded, a confused look making his brows furrow. I didn’t care whether he believed me or not. I placed the card on the pile of documents. Then I left the penthouse without another word. Winter was cold in Arcadia. I walked down the empty street, alone and shivering. The shadow of my thin figure was cast on the ground by the streetlight, gaunt and fragile. I tightened my beige coat, gritted my teeth, and walked back to my apartment in my high heels. I pushed the door open. It was huge inside, taking up an entire floor. Despite the warmth inside and the luxurious decor, the apartment couldn’t dispel the chill that flooded me. I sat on the sofa, staring blankly at my surroundings for a moment. Then I began to pack. Griffon had purchased this apartment for me to live in so that I would be close to his penthouse, able to rush over at a moment’s notice. I had loved that he wanted me close by, wishing and praying to the goddess above that somehow it meant more than what it really did. Since he didn’t want me anymore, I didn’t want anything that came from him. Taking out my suitcase, I opened the closet and pulled out all of my clothes. I hadn’t brought many things with me, and it didn’t take me long to pack up everything and leave. I packed quickly and efficiently, with no outward emotion, nothing like the girl from five years ago. The desperate, crying girl who’d begged Griffon to purchase my virginity. After getting into the car, I sent a text message to Andre. The key code for the Hudson Apartment is 0826. Andre returned to the Knight Pack headquarters, handed the documents to Griffon, and told him what Taya said with an indifferent gaze, Griffon glanced at the items on his desk. His stoical gaze fixed on the debit card. “You checked the balance?” “Yes, Alpha.” “Is there additional money in there?” “Yes, Alpha.” Andre nodded. The exact amount Griffon had paid Taya for her virginity. Griffon frowned, and Andre heard his wolf rumbling. After a moment of staring at the card, he stretched out his hand, picked up the piece of plastic, and snapped it in half, his claws starting to extend. He pushed the pile of documents toward Andre, his fingers curled and starting to crumple the papers. He was clearly resisting his wolf’s urge to shred them. “Get rid of it then. ”Andre opened his mouth and wanted to say something nice, forget Taya, but the Alpha had already turned away and was looking at his phone, a snarl on his face. He knew better than to speak when his Alpha was like this, so he picked up the pile of documents and left the office. I took my suitcase to my best friend Harper Duke’s. I gently knocked on the door and waited. Harper had grown up with me in the same orphanage, and we were like sisters. Except Harper had her wolf. “If anything happens, come home,” Harper had said when Griffon took me away five years ago. It was because of Harper that I could leave everything from Griffon behind. As soon as Harper opened the door, a broad smile appeared on her face when she saw me.“What are you doing here?” I tightened my grip on the suitcase. “I need a place to crash,” I said quietly. Only then did Harper see the suitcase, and the smile on her face disappeared, a look of worry replacing it.“What’s wrong?” “I just broke up with him.” I forced a smile to hide my pain.Harper looked closely at me and saw past my pretense in a matter of seconds. Her eyes narrowed, then she frowned. I knew how I looked. I was thin and pale, my eyes sunken. Harper hugged me tightly. “Don’t worry. I’m here for you.” I couldn’t help but tear up at her words. I hugged Harper and patted her gently on the back. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.” Harper knew how much I liked Griffon, how much more I wanted the powerful, distant Alpha. We shared everything. Over the past five years, I had worked hard to earn the amount Griffon had paid me, so I could give it back to him. I was so naive and innocent, I believed that if I returned the money, his feelings for me would change. Maybe then we could be something more than just “employer and employee.” But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Harper remembered that rainy night five years ago just as I did. If it weren’t for Silas Johnson, I wouldn’t have met Griffon. If the accident never happened, I could have had a happy life. I didn’t want to burden Harper with my sorrow. After gently pulling back from the hug, I smiled and said, “Girlie, aren’t you going to let me in? It’s freezing out here!” I stood there, forcing myself to believe that I would soon recover from this. For orphans like us, who had no one to rely on, being abandoned was just another day, right? Harper took my suitcase and led me into the house. “You don’t need a place to crash. This is your home, too.” After that, she turned around, fetched clean pajamas, and handed them to me. “Go take a shower. I’ll make you something to eat, and you can get some sleep. Don’t think about anything else, okay?” “Okay.” I took the pajamas and nodded. Harper had always been like this. She was unconditionally good to me, like a beam of light that sliced through the darkness. Most other people didn’t know what to do with me. I lived in a gray area…raised by wolves yet not a she-wolf. It was a pity that I suffered from terminal heart failure, and my life was soon coming to an end. Had I been blessed by the goddess with my wolf, there would be other options, other treatments. But with no wolf to help me heal… If Harper found out that I was going to die soon, she would be devastated. And the last thing I wanted to do was burden her with that knowledge. I gazed at the busy figure in the kitchen and slowly walked over. “I want to quit my job.” Harper nodded in agreement and said, “You should. You’ve been working so hard for so long. God, you must be exhausted. Quit your job and take some time to yourself. Don’t worry about anything; I’ve got your back.” I wrapped my arms around my best friend and squeezed her tightly, filled with too many emotions to verbalize them. Then, I turned around and went to the bathroom with tears in my eyes. Fate had never favored me. If Harper and I were meant to be apart, I should use the last three months of my life to be with her. To be with someone who truly loved me. The next morning, I applied makeup to conceal my pale face and lips and went into the office to quit my job. Just as I sat down and was about to turn on the computer to write my resignation letter, my colleague Brielle came over. “Have you seen the email?” I shook my head. I’d spent the whole weekend in Griffon’s penthouse; I hadn’t had time for anything else other than him and…recovering from him. “Lila sent a letter saying that Elder Thorns' daughter is taking over today,” Brielle said. I had no impression of the elder daughter , so I wasn’t interested. Plus, I was about to quit anyway. Brielle, on the other hand, was very intrigued. “I heard she had just returned from studying abroad in one of the European pack cities, so she doesn’t have much work experience with pack politics and business. Is she even qualified?” Another colleague, Margaret, sneered and said, “Who would dare question her? She’s the long-lost love of Alpha Knight.” Chapter 3 Heartbreak And Secret Oh em gee, REALLY? Brielle’s jaw hung open in shock. She pulled Margaret close and whispered excitedly, “Didn’t you say that Alpha Knight wasn’t interested in women? Sounds like he might have a secret love! And she’s the future head of our firm!?” Margaret patted Brielle’s hand with a smile. “You really should try to be more informed about these things, Brielle. How can you work here and not know all this hot gossip? Our jobs literally revolve around pack politics.” “Well, come on, hurry and tell me now. I’m all ears!” Brielle said, tugging at Margaret’s sleeve. Margaret lowered her voice. “Alpha Knight and Elder Thorin’s daughter were childhood sweethearts. Rumor has it, Alpha asked her to be his Luna five years ago. But she turned him down to focus on her studies, said she didn’t want the responsibility of that, so they split up. They haven’t spoken since. But as soon as Ms. Thorin returned to the country, Alpha Knight personally went to the airport to pick her up. That’s enough to prove that he still has strong feelings for her.” Brielle covered her mouth, her big, round eyes wide. “Oh my god! It’s like the perfect romance!” My heart spasmed, and misery spread through me. So, the truth was that Griffon had terminated our contract early because his long-lost love-his real love-had come back. But if he was already in love with someone, why did he force me to sign a contract to continue our “relationship” after sleeping with me only once? And whenever he touched me, he went so crazy that he couldn’t control his wolf. He was unable to keep his hands off me, and we’d spend hours and hours in bed. Those weren’t the actions of a man who didn’t want someone. Just as I was about to ask Margaret where she’d heard this, the elevator opened with a ding. The executive assistant to the head of the firm, Lila, and several department managers walked out first. Right after, a man with a face and body carved and chiseled by the goddess herself walked out. He seemed almost unreal, like he’d stepped out of an oil painting, a mix of power, refinement, and indifference, always keeping a distance from others. Unlike other Alphas who were warm and friendly while maintaining their position of authority, this Alpha was aloof, Stoic…unattainable. I would recognize him anywhere. Lila gestured to the shifters who’d stepped off the elevator. Alpha Knight, Ms. Thorin, this way, please.” Why is he here? I thought, watching Griffon turn and offer his hand to someone in the elevator. Then, a delicate, fair hand was placed in his, and a woman stepped out. The moment I saw her face, I understood why Griffon bought me for the night and drew up that contract five years ago. Except for a few minor differences, I had almost the same face as Griffon’s former lover, the woman he’d wanted to make. His Luna. I used to think Griffon would return my feelings one day and love me for who I was, although I had no wolf and could never truly be his Luna, but now I knew… I was only a temporary substitute. My chest tightened almost to the point I couldn’t breathe, and pain swept through my body, turning my face pale even despite the makeup I wore. Brielle immediately asked with concern, “Taya? What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick? I shook my head, and before Brielle could say anything else, Lila led Griffon and Ms. Thorin over. I quickly lowered my eyes and didn’t dare look Griffon or the woman in the eye. I couldn’t stop my hands from trembling on. The keyboard, as Lila introduced them. The assistants here are available to help you with anything you need, Ms. Thorin.” Ms. Thorin nodded, looked at us, and said softly, “Good Morning, everyone. My name is Tara Thorin. Starting today, I’ll be the new CEO of the Midwest Packs Association.” Tara… I couldn’t seem to get enough air into my lungs, and I felt lightheaded. Memories started flooding back of me and Griffon, our bodies writhing and entwined in bed. Every time, he’d softly call out my name. So softly I could barely hear it. Only now did I realize that he wasn’t calling out to me, but to Tara… I clenched my fists. My long nails dug into my flesh, but I felt no pain. Suffocating feelings of humiliation and abandonment overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t fight back the tears. I was so stupid to have fallen in love with Griffon, the wolf who would never love me back. After exchanging pleasantries, Tara took Griffon’s arm and followed Lila to the CEO’s office. Brielle craned her neck and looked at their backs with envy. “Alpha Knight personally picked her up and escorted her into the office on her first day of work? That HAS to mean he still loves her!” Margaret patted her shoulder and said, “It’s not just that. She’s only just returned to the country, and she’s already taking over as CEO. The rest of the elderly may not be completely convinced she’s up to the task. By personally escorting her on her first day, Alpha Knight is warning everyone that she has the backing of the Knight Pack.” “He’s so quick to show his love and support for her. Alpha Knight really is the perfect mate.” Brielle sighed. Margaret’s eyes were also full of jealousy. “If she weren’t Elder Thorin’s daughter, she wouldn’t have been chosen by the most powerful Alpha in the Midwest Packs,” she said. Brielle shook her head disapprovingly. “I don’t think so. Ms. Thorin is accomplished, too. She’s highly educated and refined, and she's obviously beautiful. She’ll make a perfect Luna for him. Speaking of her looks…” Brielle looked at me. “Taya… don’t you think you look kind of similar to our new CEO?” Margaret came over to take a closer look. “Goddess. You do look a bit like her, Taya. But honestly, I think you’re way prettier!”“Don’t be ridiculous, I said abruptly, and then I got up and went to the bathroom. I heard Brielle behind me. “What’s up with her?” Margaret chimed in. “Maybe she’s jealous because she thinks Tara is so much luckier than her, even though they practically have the same face. After all, Tara is a true she-wolf.” Mortification washed over me at her words, and I walked faster. I entered the bathroom and quickly took out my heart medication, turning on the faucet and scooping up a handful of water to swallow it down. After calming down for a few long moments, I splashed my face with cold water and looked up at my reflection. It was clear that illness was ravaging my body; my cheeks were sunken, my skin dull. But Tara… While I was in a daze, the bathroom door opened, and in came Tara, her high heels clicking with each step. Her face was soft and delicate, with a rosy glow, and she exuded an effortless elegance.It was like Brielle said. She wasn’t just beautiful. She was Educated, classy, successful… The perfect she-wolf who would make the perfect Luna. Everything that I wasn’t. When her eyes met mine, inferiority pierced through me. I quickly lowered my head, pulled out a tissue, and turned to leave. “Wait a minute,” Tara called out. 👉To continue reading the story for free, download the app and search📚《The Billionaire Alpha Contract Lover 》. Enjoy Romance Now🥰	LEARN_MORE	https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4	Wonderful novel	https://www.facebook.com/61561928424575/	1,931	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	page.joyreadings.com	IMAGE		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=7447&brand=2&app=0&ppid=3766&pid=FBW2A&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_term={{adset.id}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&badid={ad.id}&pixel_id=816574679413893&ori_campaign_id=120218665258090439&ori_adset_id=120218665260820439&ori_ad_id=120218665300280439	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481099918_606866492184808_5607713683520490126_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rDFGrZlcC6kQ7kNvgHtYNL4&_nc_oc=AdiumAlvVkkLFVA5GcyvQkHYJwB5oTO5KfhTLx4_BxEsp4toW2x3kDW082RrVVvmDUuCCCPv7M14CaLfkF4Y1LJ5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AW2fE_4fYiJrXnc4wwy7ixP&oh=00_AYCMqrqfN_9oPkS5-oZ4uNAPoxMDj4-eZHU9X41EEVcNiw&oe=67CB99FD	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wonderful novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,746,185	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2746230}'	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Captive of my mafia crush📜	💖🔞💋I worked as a stri*pper to help pay my boyfriend's debts and cover our rent, but he despised my profession and said it was disgusting and impure. Worse, he sold me to the mob and told them I was a vir-gin to increase my value. I was bought at the auction and the buyer was no other than my brother's best friend, and also my childhood crush. Him: My little one, I would never take my eyes off you. ----- "I don’t like the idea of my girl stripping, Iris,” my boyfriend Steven says, glaring at me with his arms crossed. “It’s disgusting and impure. And I need my girl to be pure.” Steven is my college sweetheart – we’ve been dating for nine months, even though he’s graduated. He's very disciplined and reserved, the son of a pastor, though he’s very good to me. He's always stressed that we'll wait until the night of our wedding to be intimate, which makes me feel so respected and safe. On top of that, he's made millions of dollars trading cryptocurrencies. As someone who grew up with nothing, that financial security makes me feel so protected. He’s the most generous and intelligent guy I'd ever met and I’m so lucky to be with him. "Steven,” I reply, “I swear to god I would never do anything to betray you at the club – I just dance." I kiss his cheek. "But I'm running late, and we need to pay rent. Everything will be fine." Lately Steven's tied up his money in some crypto investments. To ensure the best returns, he’s invested everything he has and is staying with me for the moment. He’s been working so hard for the last month, but it’s taking a toll on him. He rarely takes phone calls, doesn’t really leave our place, and he drinks more alcohol than he used to to calm his nerves as he stares at his computer almost all day long. So, I took up a couple shifts at the strip club to cover us in the meantime. I am a university student in hotel management, but dancing is in my nature - at first it was a weight loss goal as a teenager, then it was a way to hold on to thoughts of my mom, and then it became part of who I am. Unfortunately, there’s no money in cltootshieical ballet, my favorite. So, even though it wasn't what Steven wanted, I took a part-time gig at a strip club and I give Steven my salary to help with his business. Being an exotic dancer wasn’t my first choice either, but if I can make money from idiots who want to shove their hard-earned dollars into my g-string? I don’t see any shame in that. Eventually I convinced Steven that this is true – my dancing is just an investment in his company. I am glad he’s letting me help – I just want to do whatever I can to get our life started. I arrive at the club at 8:00 on the dot, smiling at Pete, my manager, who gives me a nod. The music pounds through the low-lit club and I note that it’s busier than usual tonight. Some of the other dancers wave to me and I wave back, but I make a beeline right for Anthony, who’s already got a big smile on his face just for me. “Hey cutie,” he says, pulling me close as I slip behind the bar and wrap my arms around his waist. “Hey gorgeous,” I say, laughing up at him. Anthony – he is gorgeous, but alas, my heart belongs to Steven. And even if it didn’t, Anthony is as gay as a purple handbag. Still, he’s my best friend here, and I love when his bartending shift overlaps with my dancing. “What’s going on tonight?” I ask as he slings an arm around my shoulders. There’s a busy, exciting vibe and the dancers all have on their flashiest outfits, their best perfume. “Nothing escapes you, does it, baby?” Anthony replies, I grin at the compliment. “Rumor has it big shots are coming in – mob guys, the real deal. Some are saying that the Mafia King is going to make an appearance.” “Whoa,” I say, my eyes going wide. “Seriously? Isn’t he…dangerous?” “Only if you go against him,” Anthony says with a shrug. “I heard he took out his own brother,” I whisper, leaning close to Anthony and looking around anxiously, like he’s already here. “That he’s completely ruthless –“ Anthony just laughs, shaking his head. “Iris, just don’t do anything to piss him off. For us? The presence of the Mafia King in our club just means money,” he says, grinning. “So, I’ll finally be able to afford that Botox I’ve been dreaming about, and you can hand your tootshiehole boyfriend an even bigger check than you usually do!” “Shut up,” I say, scowling and smacking my friend half-heartedly on the chest. Anthony, like Emi, isn’t Steven’s biggest fan. “I won’t get any of the money anyway,” I sigh. “Pete never puts me in the VIP room on nights like this.” “Because you,” Anthony says, teasing me, “only like to shake your little booty – you’re never willing to let anyone touch it –“ “Ew!” I wrinkle my nose at Anthony even as I push away, laughing and hoisting my bag higher on my shoulders. “I’m not letting some old mafia lech touch me for a couple of extra bucks –“ “For how much these guys are going to drop?” Anthony says, raising an eyebrow at me. “heck, I’ll let them touch me.” Laughing again, I wave over my shoulder and head for the dressing room. Anthony calls after me, wishing me luck. I blow him a kiss as I move through the curtain. It’s always better working here on nights like this, when everyone’s in a good mood, even if I am anxious about the prospect of the Mafia King being here. I mean, he’s been all over the news, and where he goes? Violence seems, inevitably, to follow. The good mood in the room completely changes all of a sudden when Lily – our top dancer – gives a little moan and collapses to the floor. Our manager Pete is through the curtain a minute later with some of our bouncers, who pick Lily up and carry her to the back. Pete’s pissed though. He spins, looking around the room with his arms crossed “You!” he says suddenly, pointing at me. My eyes go wide. “Irene! Come here!” “Iris,” I correct, and then I bite my lip with anxiety when Pete rolls his eyes like it doesn’t matter and beckons me closer. “You’re going into VIP for Lily tonight,” he snaps. His eyes flick over me. “And I don’t want to hear any of your bulldang about just being a dancer, all right? ” He spins me around, shoving me towards the door. “Now get out there and remember what I said - the only answer you have for these mafia bosses is yes.” My legs shake as I walk towards the curtain. .............................................................................. “Welcome to the stage…Bambi!” The DJ says, using my stage name. Dancing comes naturally to me – music has always made me feel at home in my body, and when the music is sexy? Well, then I feel sexy too. I whip my hair back at the crescendo of the music, my eyes moving directly to the man in the money seat directly in front of me, who paid a great deal to be there. As I move my body in slow, sultry ways, the spotlight is on me, which means that I can’t see the details of the VIP’s face. But even without specifics, I can tell that this is the most important man in the room. He just radiates power. My breath hitches when I look over the powerful lines of his muscled silhouette. If the Mafia King is here, this is definitely him. He looks like a man who belongs in the shadows, and even though there are other men here, I feel like I’m dancing just for him. The Mafia King’s eyes are fastened on me as I get my six-inch heels beneath my body and slowly raise myself into the air tootshie-first. I let him get a good look at every bit of me before I smirk, and turn, and move to the pole. Am I imagining it in the darkness? Or is there something…familiar about the way he watches me? I let the thought fade, concentrating instead on pulling out all my best tricks. And as I hook my leg around the pole, spinning myself and letting my hair flare out wide, I see that these tricks are working tonight. Shouts and whistles begin, and the Mafia King leans forward to lay a stack of bills on the stage in front of him. I almost stutter to a stop. Seriously? That much cash, this early in my dance? He leans back in his chair, raising a dark eyebrow at me, inviting me to show him more. So, I do. I pick up my pace, arching my back as I spin around the pole, climbing up it and sliding slowly down. As my song ends I’m excited to see that there’s quite a bit more money on top of the pile. “Thanks,” I murmur, crawling across the last bit of stage towards him. “I’m glad you liked my dance.” There really is something familiar about his blue-grey eyes… I reach for the stacks, but suddenly a meaty hand slams another pile of money down next to it, startling me. “Double what he’s put down, honey,” the man grinds out, leering, “and I’ll take you in the back for a private dance.” “Sorry,” I say, casting my lashes down. “I’m just a stage girl.” I know Pete said to give these guys whatever they wanted, but I’m really not comfortable touching anyone. “Oh, come on,” the man says, grabbing my chin with his thick fingers and pulling my face up. The Mafia King is immediately on his feet. “Pretty tart like you? I bet you can do more than just dance –“ I gasp, pulling my face from his hands as I slide off the edge of the stage, wanting to get away from him as soon as possible. “I said,” the man growls, grabbing me and slapping me in the face with the handful of bills, “that I want you, you little tart. And I’m willing to pay for it, so you’d better screwing –“ I shriek, trying to push away from the man, but he’s so much bigger than me! Suddenly the man shouts and falls away, his grip making me stumble forward. When I find my feet, my eyes go wide to see the Mafia King straightening up, blood on his knuckles. The man who grabbed me - he’s laying on the floor and there’s blood pouring from his mouth. “Oh my god,” I gasp. “Get him out of here!” the Mafia King shouts over to the bouncers, and then he pulls a handkerchief from his pocket as he turns to glare at me, wiping off his hand. I flinch back a step, surprised by the venom in his eyes. “Here,” the Mafia King says, dropping my arm and lifting his stack of bills off the stage alongside the two stacks. “Take it, get out of here.” “Wha…” I breathe as he shoves the money into my hands. “But I…” “Trust me, Bambi,” he says, his voice dry. “You earned it. Now screwing go.” He turns away, putting himself between me and the bouncers, and I turn and run for the bar, ducking behind it. Anthony gapes at me. “Are you all right!?” “Anthony…” I whisper, holding up the piles of cash in my hands, staring at them in awe. “Holy dang Iris!” Anthony whispers, stepping closer and staring at the money. “Look at all that screwing cheddar! For a dance!?” “I know!” I squeak, “this is going to get us so close to paying off the debt –“ Anthony groans, wiping a hand down his face. “What?” I ask, frowning up at him. “I just wish you’d spend it on yourself, Iris, instead of that deadbeat.” “Anthony,” I sigh, my shoulders slumping. “I’m not explaining this to you again.” He rolls his eyes as I sit down on the little stool at the back of the bar. I always hang out with Anthony after my dances, but if he’s going to be mean I’ll just quietly count my cash. While I do, I mentally compose an email that I’ll send to my old friend Christian later. Christian – he would understand. He was my brother’s best friend growing up. Even though he only saw me as a little sister, he always understood me more than anyone else. Plus, he called me Daisy, and I just loved that. I stayed in touch with Christian after he moved away suddenly – but he never replied. And even though I’m sure he doesn’t read my emails…well, I keep up the habit for fun. Inwardly, I debate how to tell Christian about my night. I want to tell him about my triumph – I’ve always wanted Christian to be proud of me. But I do fudge the truth a little in my emails. For instance, I write that I’m a company dancer, which is true… I just don’t mention that my style of dance is exotic, not ballet anymore. I smirk a little, excited to tell Christian that I impressed a powerful client and got a big bonus. But how would he feel, really, if I told him that the client was the Mafia king? I sigh, thinking that Christian probably wouldn’t be happy. He always wanted me to be safe, and dancing for the Mafia King? I’m sure Christian wouldn’t approve. I’m halfway through deciding precisely how to word my email when I hear my name. “Is that Iris?” Two men peer around the edge of the bar. Anthony steps in front of me as I shy away. How did they know my real name? I always go by Bambi here. “Who’s asking?” Anthony asks, wary. “None of your business,” the taller of the brutes says, shoving Anthony aside and stepping forward, looming over me. “Hand over that cash, little girl. You’ve been sold - you work for Don Bonetti now.” My jaw drops almost to the floor. .............................................................................. I stare at the two men in shock, clutching the money to my chest. “What – what the heck are you talking about!?” “Your little boyfriend,” the smaller guy says, sneering and pushing Anthony away when he tries to get to my side. “He sold you to Don Bonetti as part of his debt.“ “What!?” I shout, jumping to my feet. The cat house!? They’re trying to make me work as a prostitute!? I stumble backwards, my back pressing into the countertop at the back of the bar. “There must be some mistake – you have the wrong girl –“ “No, we don’t,” the first guy says, reaching out and grabbing my arm. “Iris Scott? Yeah, your boyfriend Steven showed us a picture. We knew you the second you stepped on stage.” He leans closer now, leering into my face. “We also know where you go to school, and where your best friend lives – so don’t even try to escape.” “Here,” the second guy says, shoving a phone towards me, the video already playing. My attention is immediately fastened on the screen, because I recognize the voice I hear. I gasp, realizing that it’s Steven. I lean forward, staring at the video, which shows Steven sitting on the couch. He’s crying, a gun pointed at him, and he’s begging the two men standing before him – telling them to take whatever they want, he just needs more time. My eyes go wide when I hear the next words spill from his mouth, because he offers them me. Steven tells them everything that I’m a stripper and where I work. When he tells them how much money I bring in every month, their eyebrows go up. One of the mobsters on the screen makes a phone call – maybe confirming the details? I don’t know. In the video, Steven babbles on, revealing information that shocks me to the core. Steven's entrepreneurial ventures are all a façade. He was secretly performing some backdoor accounting for the mafia. But he embezzled the mafia funds, thinking he could buy and sell crypto without them noticing and keep the profits for himself! Suddenly, everything makes sense - Steven insisting we get a new apartment really fast, Steven staying inside all the time, Steven drinking more, Steven allowing me to earn money to pay off his debt while he stays in the house staring at the computer all day... “She’s – she’s a virgin too!” Steven stumbles out in the video, his eyes frantic. “That will be worth more, won’t it? You can like – action off her v-card to the highest bidder!” I blush and an angry huff of air falls from my lips, not only because that’s a lie but because my boyfriend is actually trying to sweeten the pot! Not only is Steven not fighting for me - he’s trying to get more out of the deal by convincing these mobsters that I’m worth more! In the video, the mobster gets off the phone and nods to the guy with the gun. Then all three agree to the deal. Me – all of me, forever, to do whatever they want with – for half of Steven’s debt. I go pale at that, because either Steven has sold me for a couple of grand, or he is way, way more in debt than I thought he was. “That’s enough,” the smaller man in front of me snaps, ripping the phone away as the big guy grabs me by the shoulders. “You’re coming with us, pretty girl. Time to get to work.” “Get your hands off me!” I shout, trying to kick, to rip free – anything. “It’s the twenty-first century! You can’t just buy girls from their boyfriends! This is ridic-“ I shriek, pushing hard at his chest. The big man glances at the smaller man when he sees that I’m frantic, that I won’t go peacefully. “Get the rabble bag on the phone.” Suddenly Steven’s Facetime is flashing before me. “Steven!” I gasp as his face appears on the screen. “What’s – what’s happening!? Tell these guys to get off of me! I –“ “Iris,” Steven sighs, but a nasty little sneer in his voice steals my voice. I go perfectly still, staring at him. “I told you I didn’t want your dirty money anyway – but you insisted. You dug your own grave with this one.” My blood runs absolutely cold, wiping out even the fear from my veins. “Tell them to get their hands off me, Steven,” I growl, glaring at him. “If you don’t want my dirty money, fine, but I am not paying another dang cent to your dirty debt –“ “Why don’t you go cry to that ‘old friend’ you’re always emailing,” Steven snaps, his voice nasty. “He’ll get you out of it, won’t he?” He leans forward to the camera. My jaw drops open because – I mean, I have told Steven so much about how my childhood friendship with Christian means to me, how much I miss him. But I never expected him to throw it in my face like this. “Just as I thought,” Steven says, rolling his eyes. “You’re just a tart, Iris. Always mooning on about your childhood crush, more dedicated to a memory than to me. If you really did love me, you’d go with these guys willingly to help me pay of this debt! Guess that was a lie too. I always knew you were a hooker – that you worked at that strip club because you like getting these rabble bags off –“ “Shut your god dang mouth, Steven,” I snap, and to my surprise he does, turning back to the phone to stare at me. Because I never, ever talk to him like that. “At least Christian would never have treated me this way. But I am going to make you pay for this,” I hiss, “if it is the last thing I ever do.” “Yeah, yeah,” the guy holding me says, jerking me away from the phone. “That’s enough – come on, let’s go.” The smaller guy ends the call and the big guy starts to haul me away, but I kick and scream, demanding that they get their dang hands off of me. Suddenly, the sound of a champagne cork pops, and I gasp as champagne sprays over me, dripping down from above. The guy holding my arms shouts and drops me, starting to wipe at his face into which a stream of champagne is flowing – “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Anthony’s voice rings out. “How could this have happened!? I’m so clumsy!” But I don’t have time to look at Anthony, or to try to understand the diversion he set up for me - because the big man has dropped my arms. And I screwing run. .............................................................................. I say a little prayer of thanks to Anthony as I bolt, clutching my money and throwing myself through the curtain at the back of the bar. Behind me I hear shouting and the sound of something that sounds like a fist on flesh – God, I hope Anthony is okay – But there’s no time to worry about him. I hear another shout as I’m halfway down the hall and I suddenly realize that there’s no way I’m getting into the dressing room without those two jerks seeing me if they give chase. So, I make a split decision and grab the knob to the rarely-used closet I know is here, whipping it open and hurling myself in. Suddenly, a sound erupts back in the club.BANG BANG! I gasp, slapping my hands over my ears. God, it sounds like fireworks were lit off inside the club – or like gunshots. Screams erupt in the VIP room, and girls in the dressing room start to shout and panic as well. I gasp, pressing myself deeper into the dark closet, listening to pounding footsteps running up and down the hall as everyone tries to run out. “She must have gone on to the dressing room!” A deep voice shouts just outside the closet door. I bite my lip as hope rushes through me, because that sounded a lot like the big guy. “What the screw are you doing in my club?!” My breath freezes in my chest. My hope is dashed, because that’s Pete, my manager – and he’s stopped right outside the closet door. “Get the screw out of here! This is a respectable joint – you can’t come in here and -“ “Listen, tootshiehole,” the big guy snarls. I can’t help peering through the crack in the door. The big guy grabs Pete by the collar, curling his bicep so that Pete is basically dangling from his fist, his feet scrabbling for purchase on the floor. “We do whatever we want in here, okay?” the big brute snaps, leaning in close to Pete’s face so that it’s sprayed with spittle. I go pale then as mobster pulls a gun out of his suit jacket, pointing it right at Pete’s head. “Now,” he says, his voice dangerous and soft. “You show me where that girl went.” “This way –“ Pete’s voice squeaks, his face turning red with fear and lack of air. “I’ll show you –“ Silently, I curse Pete for being a traitor like Steven – though honestly, with a gun to his head, I’m not sure that’s entirely fair. The big guy lowers Pete, and Pete darts forward, leading him to the dressing room. I shriek suddenly, my head flying up as I hear two more gunshots and the door whips open. My eyes are wide with terror as I look, expecting the brute, or his smaller, smarmy friend – But this man – he’s neither of them – he has dark hair that falls into his eyes, and I gasp in surprise when I see that his shirt is covered in blood. “Come on, Bambi,” the man snaps, his voice dry as he reaches into the closet and tugs me by the wrist, making me stumble forward into the hall. I tripping on something on my way out of the closet and my mouth falls immediately open when I catch a glimpse of a body laying in the doorway to the dressing room, blood all around its head – I can’t fully see at this distance, but I gasp because I’d swear it’s the big brute, the one who was chasing me. But before I can even look any closer the man tugs me up straight before his shoulder hits me in the stomach and I am lifted up into the air over it, hoisted high as he wraps his arm around the back of my thighs. He holds me tight as he starts to stride back towards the club. “Let me down!” I shout, pounding on his back as best I can with my hands still full of my cash. He just shakes me, frustrated, trying to get me to shut up and stop moving as he strides the length of the club, where patrons and dancers are shouting, fleeing for the doors. I shout along with them, my words mingling with theirs, but this man completely ignores me. My cries are frantic as I continue to pound on his man’s back – who is he!? Does he work for the Mafia Don who bought me – is he taking me to the tart house!? I struggle and kick, but I go absolutely still with shock when the man spanks me hard on my mostly-bare tootshie with the flat of his palm. “Stay still, Bambi,” he orders, laughing, his voice cold. “You’re making this way harder than it needs to be.” I’m still gaping in shock as he carries me right out the front door. I turn my head in both directions, trying to see where he’s taking me, and a black SUV skids to a stop immediately in front of the club. The man carrying me doesn’t break his stride, instead carrying me around the car and wrenching the back door open to toss me bodily inside. He slams the door shut behind me and I pant, my head spinning with anxiety. But I gasp again when I hear someone clear their throat, pressing myself back against the car door when I realize that there is already someone sitting in the dark of the back seat. I go perfectly still as my eyes rove over the figure, which as much man as it is predator. Broad-shouldered, the man lounges in apparent ease in the seat across from me, his tall frame corded with muscle, power dripping from every inch of him. Though he sits in darkness, a shaft of light crosses in a streak across his face, revealing those blue eyes that I recognize… My jaw drops open when I realize that…that it’s the Mafia King. Who…who is this man? Why am I in his car? Because…the Mafia King is different from Don Bonetti, who apparently owns me now – in fact, they’re famous rivals. So why… I jump, suddenly, when the front ptootshieenger door wrenches open and the man who carried me leaps in. “Let’s screwing go!” he shouts. “Hit it, Frankie!” My head snaps to the driver – is that Frankie? – who nods and slams his foot down on the gas, the car ripping forward away from the club. I start to shake now, both from the cold outside of the club as well as my fear – Who are these men? What do they want with me? Are they…are they going to make me… “Well, Bambi,” the man on the other side of the car says, bringing my eyes immediately back to him. His voice oddly accents my stage name like he knows it’s fake. “You sure as heck started a lot of trouble for me tonight. We’re going to have to -” But his words are interrupted by a huge crash and my scream as the rear window of the car shatters, the sound of gunshots echoing in the air. .............................................................................. I scream again, covering my head and ducking down as low as I can go, my feet drifting over the back seat and kicking the Mafia King in the thigh – “screwing go, Frankie!” the Mafia King shouts, “they’re on our god dang tail!” “Get down!” the Mafia King shouts, ducking and throwing his body over mine as Frankie pulls the car hard to the right, our tires squealing on the road. I scream then, I think, curl back up into my ball, muttering prayers I haven’t said since I was a kid in Catholic grade school, and which I didn’t really believe then. But now I’m begging anyone who might be out there listening to please, please save my life. The bullets stop, and I feel the Mafia King’s weight lift off of me. I start to raise my own head, but suddenly our whole car wrenches to the side and I can tell, somehow, that we’ve been hit from behind. “screwing turn, Frankie!” the Mafia King shouts, frantic, pulsing more bullets out of the broken window. “I can’t – there’s no place to –“ “Onto 42(nd) street!” the guy in the ptootshieenger seat shouts, his voice frustrated and sharp with fear. “On it!” Frankie shouts now, wrenching the wheel to the side so sharply that the whole car bends to the right – The car turns up on two wheels and I shout in fear as my body slides across the back seat. Lights flash across the windows and horns blare, because Frankie is cutting off a whole line of traffic to make the turn. My shout turns to a scream as I go completely airborne, but suddenly hands snatch me, one grabbing my waist, the other flying to my head and covering my skull the moment before it smacks into the gltootshie of the window – I gasp, my eyes flying open as I’m pulled into the Mafia King’s lap, and as my eyes meet his I realize that if his hand hadn’t been there to take the impact against the gltootshie, my brains would be all over this car right now. I stare into wide-eyed into his face, which is suddenly so close to mine. Our SUV rights itself onto four wheels and flies down the street, weaving madly between traffic. The Mafia King as he curses fluidly, ripping his gaze from mine and towards Frankie. He shakes his hand out to get rid of the pain. “Did we lose them!?” “You tell me, boss!” Frankie calls over his shoulder, and – with me still in his lap – the King twists, looking out the back window. I look too but… All I see are taxis, sedans. No sign of them. “For now,” the King growls, tense. “We’ve lost them for now.” He looks for a few more moments but then his body relaxes, just a little bit. He exhales sharply and turns back to the front of the car. “Brown Street apartment, Frank,” he says, cooler now than he was before. “We’ve got to lay low for a while.” “You got it,” Frankie says, still driving quickly but blending into traffic a little bit more now. After all, nothing screams criminal activity like flying through the city with a broken back window and a kidnapped stripper. It makes sense that they want to blend, now, so that we can disappear. So that we won’t be found by whoever was chasing us, for whatever reason. “Please,” I breathe, my voice shaky – and I surprise myself when I hear the word come from my lips. I said it without thinking. The Mafia King immediately turns his attention to me. “You can – you can have it all –“ I say, gesturing towards the cash scattered all over the back seat now, blowing lightly in the wind coming through the back window. “Just…let me go…” The Mafia King studies me for a long moment and the he smirks. “A third of that money was mine not long ago,” he says, his voice cold, calculating. “And I gave it up readily enough for a dance. What makes you think that that,” he says, nodding to the money on the seat and the floor, “is going to be enough to buy your freedom?” I hesitate, not knowing what the answer should be. “I’ll – I’ll get you more,” I mumble, desperate. “I can work –“ His smirk deepens and he stares at me, starting to shake his head a little, almost in…disbelief? I don’t know – I don’t get it. I can’t read his expression. “Please,” I beg, my voice soft as my eyes fill with tears. “Please don’t give me to Don Bonetti…don’t sell me to the cat house…” The Mafia King’s arm tightens around me as his face falls with sadness, pity even. And suddenly he’s cradling me against him, raising his hand and softly running his knuckles down my cheek, staring into my eyes. “Iris,” he murmurs, and I go still when I hear my name on his lips. And suddenly, I remember something. I was too distracted then, but he called me Iris before, didn’t he? After I finished dancing… Is he somehow connected to Bonetti too? “How…” I whisper, shaking my head at him in confusion, “how do you know my name?” “Iris…” he whispers, “don’t you recognize me?” I pull back a little, studying him, taking in the strong line of his lightly stubbled jaw, his straight nose, the blue-grey eyes under dark brows…. And as I stare at him I realize that there really is something familiar about him, especially about his eyes. I’m not just imagining it. But I can’t put together what… “You’re the Mafia King,” I murmur, frowning at him, willing my mind to put the pieces together. Because I’m missing something here, I just know it. “Yes, and?” he says, raising an eyebrow at me in a way that strikes some sort of memory. How – how the heck did I know he was going to raise his eyebrow like that? “And you…kidnapped me? To get…revenge? On Bonetti? Or because I saw someone get shot? Or…” He smiles at me, more broadly now, letting his eyes flick over my features. “I kidnapped you to protect you, Daisy.” My eyes widen as I hear my childhood nickname on his lips and everything snaps into place. Memories come flooding back to me in an instant. Late-summer twilights spent running through the back fields with the boy who called me Daisy, after my favorite flower. Sneaking out at midnight with my brother to go to the house next door, to play board games until dawn with the boy who lived there – where he taught me to play poker. A thousand winter afternoons building snow forts with my brother and with his laughing, blue-eyed best friend… “Christian,” I breathe, my fingers curling in the fabric of his shirt. I stare at him unblinking, like he’ll disappear if I take my eyes off him for a second – like I’ll lose him again, forever this time. “Hey, my little one,” he murmurs, softly stroking my cheek. “I will never take my eyes off you. ”	LEARN_MORE	https://www.novel-oasis.com/share/middle/srbxz4zw5	Lereader-Perfect Novel	https://www.facebook.com/61550076675613/	692	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	www.novel-oasis.com	VIDEO		https://www.novel-oasis.com/share/middle/srbxz4zw5zy02jil3f2la2f3?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218211200450653&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481954693_1200678404734342_2091079399820791205_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4SekIg8TaBcQ7kNvgF2Ew4d&_nc_oc=AdjLNgLah-zaTh7EvCrkfobTHkayfHgWxBx2vU5dbTiscc9oL1Mz7hIIPimeQMrngXgCSHQWPjXT5fPYeOx2nz_C&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AW2MYhrGvh0g6VEK4rWx74w&oh=00_AYDsX650Nv08i_GLDtxEVearskKYMfbtUz-IFMTrrmDVow&oe=67CB7F97	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Lereader-Perfect Novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,745,878	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	RCLF - Keynote Speaker Dr. Jonathan Schroeder	2nd Annual Roanoke Chowan Literary Festival Keynote speaker Dr. Jonathan Schroeder. Free & open to public. Call 252-319-6168 or email cultivatornc@gmail.com to reserve your spot today!	EVENT_RSVP	https://www.facebook.com/events/1103607584309400/	Roanoke Chowan Literary Festival	https://www.facebook.com/61556188731319/	77	1969-12-31 18:00	INTERESTED	RCLF - Keynote Speaker Dr. Jonathan Schroeder	EVENT	RCLF Keynote speaker Dr. Jonathan Schroeder. Free & open to public. Questions/info 252-319-6168 or email cultivatornc@gmail.com	https://www.facebook.com/events/1103607584309400/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481298320_1811950249593589_3371458037503510929_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HBJDJpE-aC4Q7kNvgH8w7CB&_nc_oc=Adjx4MjZN1cF2jO57BcU8oOfC66kXeXOo6vkH8rSrBEg9LSBtKsh7gT5wFR0uvMKdqE5csN-HxMFkYQduyWBcO3P&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ANupo7gjcvokgaB5IHhyQHZ&oh=00_AYDcOa1lu3L9Kl0vFkJxb8Hi6uARBQbptjoouc7i9LVH4g&oe=67CB834F	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Roanoke Chowan Literary Festival	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,745,476	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2745475}'	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Get Yours at 50% OFF + Free Shipping	The world's first 100% personalized ASTROLOGY BOOK for your self-growth & better relationships. ✨Custom design with your name & birth chart on the cover ✨Personalized birth chart analysis ✨Love & relationship insights ✨Personality & life path profile ✨Career & success guidance Take a 3-minute QUIZ to create your personalized Nordastro book!	LEARN_MORE	https://nordastro.com/start?qz=na1&locale=EN_US	Nordastro	https://www.facebook.com/61562597241042/	11,957	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	nordastro.com	VIDEO		https://nordastro.com/start?qz=na1&locale=EN_US	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466850071_1688352878399450_3402546618467103035_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rjgDSHfX8T4Q7kNvgGId8bQ&_nc_oc=Adjok985WBwrPc2d_BYj0RRoWIBG3aWx7xQ0KNFUyjM2fBYiAkQGtan61VTQIJqPXDs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AIdlZX26bp2MrWFZ61m8ETY&oh=00_AYA9y51UKcVmmluSRYmyH5YdXXJLqAzSNjnePtUwpUQtuw&oe=67CB74BA	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Nordastro	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,747,004	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	🔥 Slash Lead Costs & Book 10+ Deals—Guaranteed!	🚨 DO NOT Buy Another Real Estate Coaching Program Until You Watch This! Most coaching programs charge thousands just to give you more information. But info doesn’t get you clients. Appointments do. 💡 Here’s what they won’t tell you: 👉 Ads are a waste of money… if you don’t know what you’re doing. 👉 Cold calling is a grind… and most agents won’t stick with it. 👉 Chasing referrals is NOT a real business model. What if there was a proven system that delivers QUALIFIED buyers & sellers straight to your calendar? 📌 Join my free training and see ho	LEARN_MORE	https://iwantmoreclosings.com/video	Josh Sayre Real Estate Brokered with eXp Realty	https://www.facebook.com/joshsayrerealestate/	262	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	iwantmoreclosings.com	DCO	No cold calls, no fluff. Just a proven system to get real appointments on autopilot.	https://iwantmoreclosings.com/video	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481480228_588415974172358_8607949995506845527_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KFQ3XL8TqwcQ7kNvgEW2IZB&_nc_oc=AdjRw6PlsUTsOpH36D9aDSrtVJ_cHqPSHCvVEJZzlM1CEJCSXkRI7oVt9WlgiTEufQgvCSrZ9MQ5FtcsmnbVBULW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Awz263MP3apn9pGVHGrT8cd&oh=00_AYDRDniPLgfnxdq-C4HZA4bjSGjf6S5jWvriPLtMPWSsmQ&oe=67CBA41E	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Josh Sayre Real Estate Brokered with eXp Realty	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,745,597	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Read next chapter👉	Three years of passion without love. But after every night in bed, he took his first love to her checkups. She struck back--filed for divorce and hired a model who looked just like him... for wild, endless nights! ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &9&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-e	Lime novel-E	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	361	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	IMAGE		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=F5168A8F4492BA0F8CC38E08FF80C005B3BD1708CD191427	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481261512_1645011482772301_8017617424154677542_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7ZnisMBSkRMQ7kNvgFSC6gG&_nc_oc=AdhLrD4alF3ZvmaBEzQDfvUjQRh-aQvApVQT3TYkfMoh3H6SnwasDkw12EwXtncaDjA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-NOmKTRlRqpJL7KiEZuhDL&oh=00_AYDYtGG5qY_mfhVk_kvaSx4bKwa0q2-WiAA7NYEVSOCo7g&oe=67CB7BE5	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Lime novel-E	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,746,176	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	📚💞《The Billionaire Alpha Contract Lover》ALL chapters for Free！😍💕🔞	💔“My first love has returned, you are fired,” Alpha told me, not knowing that I would die in three months.😭 Griffon Knight’s private jet landed at the airport at 7:00 p.m., just as the sun was starting to set, vivid orange and red giving way to the bright light of the moon. Within a half hour of his arrival, he requested that I be brought to his downtown penthouse. Per our contract, I must be thoroughly cleansed “inside and out” without any traces of perfume or makeup. As an Alpha, his senses were more perceptive than most wolves. I strictly followed his preferences and requirements, changed into freshly washed silk pajamas, and then went to the bedroom on the second floor. Griffon was sitting in front of the fire in his leather wing chair, one ankle resting on his knee in a relaxed manner, flipping through a stack of documents. When I entered the room, he gave me a glance before placing the papers on the side table next to him. “Come here,” he demanded, his wolf flashing amber in his dark eyes as a secondary narrowed his gaze at me. A chill ran over my spine. His voice was gruff and emotionless, weighing heavily on my heart as it always did. I longed, just once, to hear something in his tone when he spoke to me. But he always maintained his powerful and mysterious aura, never indicating what he was thinking or feeling. I didn’t dare to hesitate for a moment, worried that any delay might anger him. Keeping my head tilted down in deference to his formidable presence, my bare feet were silent on the plush carpet as I rushed over to him. As soon as I was at his side, he pulled me into his arms and onto his lap, lifting my chin with his large hand. He lowered his head and kissed my waiting lips aggressively, without any traces of the warmth I longed for. His tongue delved into my mouth, twisting around mine, and desire flowed through my body, pooling in my nether regions. Griffon might seem noble and restrained to his pack and other pack elites, but he showed no such thing when it came to sex. He was never restrained, never tender with me. No sweet talk, no soft kisses. Just hunger, desire, sex. With me, he was always the animal. Always the coarse Alpha, never the cool, calm, and collected leader that others saw. He had been away on packing business for three months; he probably wouldn’t let me go easily tonight. As I had expected, he was rougher than usual. It was as if he were all feral wolf instead of just mostly wolf like he typically was. Griffon didn’t stop his thrusts until I was too exhausted for more, his wolf shining in his eyes and his face twisted in a snarl the entire time. When I woke up, I found myself alone in bed. Instead of the usual silence I typically wake up to, I heard running water coming from the bathroom. I frowned in confusion and looked in the direction of the sound surprised to see Griffon’s tall and muscled form reflected in the glass door of the shower. He usually left immediately after our encounters. No goodbye, no waiting for me to wake up. I struggled to sit up, my body spent from hours of lovemaking, and I quietly waited for the man to come out. A few minutes later, the water stopped, and Griffon came into the room, a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets from the tips of his dark hair fell onto his bronze skin, slowly sliding down his well-defined abs. His face was finely chiseled, exquisitely handsome, with sharp, distinct features. His eyes, almond-shaped and hazel, were aloof and distant, deep and unreadable. Even in his human form, his dark wolf side showed through, creating even more of an enigma surrounding the Alpha. To everyone else, he was charming yet distant, friendly yet aloof and unattainable. With one glance, people could tell he was not an easy man to get along with, but not completely impossible. To me, he was simply cold, harsh, and unreachable even when he was inside me. Seeing that I was awake, he gave me a stony look and said, “You don’t need to come anymore.” I blinked, clutching the covers tightly around my body, my knuckles white as a sliver of panic raced through my heart. What did he mean? Griffon turned around, went to the side table, to the papers he’d been looking through last night. He shuffled through them, then tossed one onto the bed in front of me. I’m canceling our contract. You’re laid off. I felt the blood drain from my face, and my heart stopped for minute. Fired not we’re breaking up? Regardless of how our relationship had started, regardless of how I’d come to feel about him, I knew this day would come. Because in reality, we had no “relationship”. We were employer and employee, and I served only one purpose for Griffon. Nonetheless, his words stung. I’d never expected that he would end things so abruptly. I’d thought I’d have more time. Sure, I’d expected his typical unemotional coldness, but this was beyond that. After being with him for five years, he gave me no reason or explanation. He didn’t think I deserved that, and it was painful to think about. Suppressing the sharp pain in my heart, I slowly raised my head from staring at the document on the bed and gazed at Griffon. Enough time had passed with my being frozen by his words that he was now fully dressed in his typical dark suit. “But…the contract will expire in six months. Can’t we wait for a little longer?” My voice was partially pleading, and I struggled to keep it from cracking. The doctor said I only had three months left, and the only thing I wanted to stay with the doctor until the end of my life. Griffon remained silent, staring at me with his stoicism and vacant expression, as if he were kicking away a toy he had grown tired of playing with. His silence was all I needed. His decision was final. After five long years of trying, I had failed to thaw Griffon’s frozen heart. It was time to wake up from my illusion. I took the contract and plastered on a fake smile, attempting to feign indifference. “Don’t be so serious. I was just joking.” Then, I added, “I’m glad this is over. I get six months off. How perfect!” Griffon paused as he adjusted his shirt sleeves, then lifted his gaze at me. It took everything in me to make sure there was no sadness in my eyes, to make sure the only emotions he could see were excitement or relief. The absolute last thing I felt. Griffon narrowed his eyes and frowned. “You’re glad it’s over?” I nodded and shrugged one shoulder as if I hadn’t a care in the world. “Yup. I’m not the little girl I was when I agreed to this. It’s time for me to get married and have children. I can’t always be your contract lover, can I?” Inside, I laughed at myself. It was impossible for me to get married or have children, but I’d be damned if I ever let Griffon know that. I would leave with dignity and grace. I forced another smile and asked, “Does that mean I can finally have a normal boyfriend once I leave here?” Griffon’s eyes were filled with deep and unidentifiable emotions. After staring at me for a while, he looked at his watch and turned to leave. “Do whatever you want.” Looking at his back as he turned and walked away, my smile faded. Griffon hated it when other people touched his things, including his woman. His wolf would push through, his eyes flashing amber and his claws coming out. But this time, there were no reactions. He truly was done with me. Chapter 2 Unimaginable Hope After Griffon left, his assistant walked in .Andre handed a morning-after pill to me and said respectfully, Ms. Palmer, please take it as usual. ”Griffon would never allow me to get pregnant. Not only was I just his contracted lover, I wasn’t even a wolf shifter. I’d always grown up around wolves, and had spent time in the shifter orphanage, but I never phased into a wolf at puberty. No one knew where I came from, though the assumption had always been that at least one of my parents had to have been a shifter in order for me to be dropped off at the shifter orphanage. Staring at the small pill in the palm of my hand, my heart started to hurt even more. I wasn’t sure if the pain was caused by my heart failure or Griffon’s cruelty, but regardless, it was so intense that I struggled to take a breath. “Ms. Palmer…”When I didn’t immediately take the pill, Andre urged me along with a nervous expression. He was probably afraid that I would caused trouble since it had been my last night with Griffon. I swallowed through the pain in my chest and tossed the pill in my mouth. I didn’t even bother with water, forcing it to dry. Andre let out a sigh of relief, then took the apartment and checked his briefcase and placed them in front of me. “Ms. Palmer, this is Mr. Knight’s compensation for you. In fact addition to the real estate and cars, he had also placed five million dollars in your account.” How generous. Too bad, he never knew what I truly wanted. “I don’t want it.” I set my mouth in a grim line and shook my head. Andre was stunned and confused. “Do you think it’s not enough?” My heart shattered beyond what I’d thought possible. Even Andre thought I was doing it for the money. It was too much. So much money, plus an apartment and a luxury car. Was he afraid I would ask him again for more money in the future? I picked up the bag beside me with a bitter smile, took out a debit card, and handed it to Andre. “This is all the money. Griffon paid me over the years. I never spent a single penny, and I don’t want it. The pin is his birthday. ”Andre was dumbfounded, a confused look making his brows furrow. I didn’t care whether he believed me or not. I placed the card on the pile of documents. Then I left the penthouse without another word. Winter was cold in Arcadia. I walked down the empty street, alone and shivering. The shadow of my thin figure was cast on the ground by the streetlight, gaunt and fragile. I tightened my beige coat, gritted my teeth, and walked back to my apartment in my high heels. I pushed the door open. It was huge inside, taking up an entire floor. Despite the warmth inside and the luxurious decor, the apartment couldn’t dispel the chill that flooded me. I sat on the sofa, staring blankly at my surroundings for a moment. Then I began to pack. Griffon had purchased this apartment for me to live in so that I would be close to his penthouse, able to rush over at a moment’s notice. I had loved that he wanted me close by, wishing and praying to the goddess above that somehow it meant more than what it really did. Since he didn’t want me anymore, I didn’t want anything that came from him. Taking out my suitcase, I opened the closet and pulled out all of my clothes. I hadn’t brought many things with me, and it didn’t take me long to pack up everything and leave. I packed quickly and efficiently, with no outward emotion, nothing like the girl from five years ago. The desperate, crying girl who’d begged Griffon to purchase my virginity. After getting into the car, I sent a text message to Andre. The key code for the Hudson Apartment is 0826. Andre returned to the Knight Pack headquarters, handed the documents to Griffon, and told him what Taya said with an indifferent gaze, Griffon glanced at the items on his desk. His stoical gaze fixed on the debit card. “You checked the balance?” “Yes, Alpha.” “Is there additional money in there?” “Yes, Alpha.” Andre nodded. The exact amount Griffon had paid Taya for her virginity. Griffon frowned, and Andre heard his wolf rumbling. After a moment of staring at the card, he stretched out his hand, picked up the piece of plastic, and snapped it in half, his claws starting to extend. He pushed the pile of documents toward Andre, his fingers curled and starting to crumple the papers. He was clearly resisting his wolf’s urge to shred them. “Get rid of it then. ”Andre opened his mouth and wanted to say something nice, forget Taya, but the Alpha had already turned away and was looking at his phone, a snarl on his face. He knew better than to speak when his Alpha was like this, so he picked up the pile of documents and left the office. I took my suitcase to my best friend Harper Duke’s. I gently knocked on the door and waited. Harper had grown up with me in the same orphanage, and we were like sisters. Except Harper had her wolf. “If anything happens, come home,” Harper had said when Griffon took me away five years ago. It was because of Harper that I could leave everything from Griffon behind. As soon as Harper opened the door, a broad smile appeared on her face when she saw me.“What are you doing here?” I tightened my grip on the suitcase. “I need a place to crash,” I said quietly. Only then did Harper see the suitcase, and the smile on her face disappeared, a look of worry replacing it.“What’s wrong?” “I just broke up with him.” I forced a smile to hide my pain.Harper looked closely at me and saw past my pretense in a matter of seconds. Her eyes narrowed, then she frowned. I knew how I looked. I was thin and pale, my eyes sunken. Harper hugged me tightly. “Don’t worry. I’m here for you.” I couldn’t help but tear up at her words. I hugged Harper and patted her gently on the back. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.” Harper knew how much I liked Griffon, how much more I wanted the powerful, distant Alpha. We shared everything. Over the past five years, I had worked hard to earn the amount Griffon had paid me, so I could give it back to him. I was so naive and innocent, I believed that if I returned the money, his feelings for me would change. Maybe then we could be something more than just “employer and employee.” But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Harper remembered that rainy night five years ago just as I did. If it weren’t for Silas Johnson, I wouldn’t have met Griffon. If the accident never happened, I could have had a happy life. I didn’t want to burden Harper with my sorrow. After gently pulling back from the hug, I smiled and said, “Girlie, aren’t you going to let me in? It’s freezing out here!” I stood there, forcing myself to believe that I would soon recover from this. For orphans like us, who had no one to rely on, being abandoned was just another day, right? Harper took my suitcase and led me into the house. “You don’t need a place to crash. This is your home, too.” After that, she turned around, fetched clean pajamas, and handed them to me. “Go take a shower. I’ll make you something to eat, and you can get some sleep. Don’t think about anything else, okay?” “Okay.” I took the pajamas and nodded. Harper had always been like this. She was unconditionally good to me, like a beam of light that sliced through the darkness. Most other people didn’t know what to do with me. I lived in a gray area…raised by wolves yet not a she-wolf. It was a pity that I suffered from terminal heart failure, and my life was soon coming to an end. Had I been blessed by the goddess with my wolf, there would be other options, other treatments. But with no wolf to help me heal… If Harper found out that I was going to die soon, she would be devastated. And the last thing I wanted to do was burden her with that knowledge. I gazed at the busy figure in the kitchen and slowly walked over. “I want to quit my job.” Harper nodded in agreement and said, “You should. You’ve been working so hard for so long. God, you must be exhausted. Quit your job and take some time to yourself. Don’t worry about anything; I’ve got your back.” I wrapped my arms around my best friend and squeezed her tightly, filled with too many emotions to verbalize them. Then, I turned around and went to the bathroom with tears in my eyes. Fate had never favored me. If Harper and I were meant to be apart, I should use the last three months of my life to be with her. To be with someone who truly loved me. The next morning, I applied makeup to conceal my pale face and lips and went into the office to quit my job. Just as I sat down and was about to turn on the computer to write my resignation letter, my colleague Brielle came over. “Have you seen the email?” I shook my head. I’d spent the whole weekend in Griffon’s penthouse; I hadn’t had time for anything else other than him and…recovering from him. “Lila sent a letter saying that Elder Thorns' daughter is taking over today,” Brielle said. I had no impression of the elder daughter , so I wasn’t interested. Plus, I was about to quit anyway. Brielle, on the other hand, was very intrigued. “I heard she had just returned from studying abroad in one of the European pack cities, so she doesn’t have much work experience with pack politics and business. Is she even qualified?” Another colleague, Margaret, sneered and said, “Who would dare question her? She’s the long-lost love of Alpha Knight.” Chapter 3 Heartbreak And Secret Oh em gee, REALLY? Brielle’s jaw hung open in shock. She pulled Margaret close and whispered excitedly, “Didn’t you say that Alpha Knight wasn’t interested in women? Sounds like he might have a secret love! And she’s the future head of our firm!?” Margaret patted Brielle’s hand with a smile. “You really should try to be more informed about these things, Brielle. How can you work here and not know all this hot gossip? Our jobs literally revolve around pack politics.” “Well, come on, hurry and tell me now. I’m all ears!” Brielle said, tugging at Margaret’s sleeve. Margaret lowered her voice. “Alpha Knight and Elder Thorin’s daughter were childhood sweethearts. Rumor has it, Alpha asked her to be his Luna five years ago. But she turned him down to focus on her studies, said she didn’t want the responsibility of that, so they split up. They haven’t spoken since. But as soon as Ms. Thorin returned to the country, Alpha Knight personally went to the airport to pick her up. That’s enough to prove that he still has strong feelings for her.” Brielle covered her mouth, her big, round eyes wide. “Oh my god! It’s like the perfect romance!” My heart spasmed, and misery spread through me. So, the truth was that Griffon had terminated our contract early because his long-lost love-his real love-had come back. But if he was already in love with someone, why did he force me to sign a contract to continue our “relationship” after sleeping with me only once? And whenever he touched me, he went so crazy that he couldn’t control his wolf. He was unable to keep his hands off me, and we’d spend hours and hours in bed. Those weren’t the actions of a man who didn’t want someone. Just as I was about to ask Margaret where she’d heard this, the elevator opened with a ding. The executive assistant to the head of the firm, Lila, and several department managers walked out first. Right after, a man with a face and body carved and chiseled by the goddess herself walked out. He seemed almost unreal, like he’d stepped out of an oil painting, a mix of power, refinement, and indifference, always keeping a distance from others. Unlike other Alphas who were warm and friendly while maintaining their position of authority, this Alpha was aloof, Stoic…unattainable. I would recognize him anywhere. Lila gestured to the shifters who’d stepped off the elevator. Alpha Knight, Ms. Thorin, this way, please.” Why is he here? I thought, watching Griffon turn and offer his hand to someone in the elevator. Then, a delicate, fair hand was placed in his, and a woman stepped out. The moment I saw her face, I understood why Griffon bought me for the night and drew up that contract five years ago. Except for a few minor differences, I had almost the same face as Griffon’s former lover, the woman he’d wanted to make. His Luna. I used to think Griffon would return my feelings one day and love me for who I was, although I had no wolf and could never truly be his Luna, but now I knew… I was only a temporary substitute. My chest tightened almost to the point I couldn’t breathe, and pain swept through my body, turning my face pale even despite the makeup I wore. Brielle immediately asked with concern, “Taya? What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick? I shook my head, and before Brielle could say anything else, Lila led Griffon and Ms. Thorin over. I quickly lowered my eyes and didn’t dare look Griffon or the woman in the eye. I couldn’t stop my hands from trembling on. The keyboard, as Lila introduced them. The assistants here are available to help you with anything you need, Ms. Thorin.” Ms. Thorin nodded, looked at us, and said softly, “Good Morning, everyone. My name is Tara Thorin. Starting today, I’ll be the new CEO of the Midwest Packs Association.” Tara… I couldn’t seem to get enough air into my lungs, and I felt lightheaded. Memories started flooding back of me and Griffon, our bodies writhing and entwined in bed. Every time, he’d softly call out my name. So softly I could barely hear it. Only now did I realize that he wasn’t calling out to me, but to Tara… I clenched my fists. My long nails dug into my flesh, but I felt no pain. Suffocating feelings of humiliation and abandonment overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t fight back the tears. I was so stupid to have fallen in love with Griffon, the wolf who would never love me back. After exchanging pleasantries, Tara took Griffon’s arm and followed Lila to the CEO’s office. Brielle craned her neck and looked at their backs with envy. “Alpha Knight personally picked her up and escorted her into the office on her first day of work? That HAS to mean he still loves her!” Margaret patted her shoulder and said, “It’s not just that. She’s only just returned to the country, and she’s already taking over as CEO. The rest of the elderly may not be completely convinced she’s up to the task. By personally escorting her on her first day, Alpha Knight is warning everyone that she has the backing of the Knight Pack.” “He’s so quick to show his love and support for her. Alpha Knight really is the perfect mate.” Brielle sighed. Margaret’s eyes were also full of jealousy. “If she weren’t Elder Thorin’s daughter, she wouldn’t have been chosen by the most powerful Alpha in the Midwest Packs,” she said. Brielle shook her head disapprovingly. “I don’t think so. Ms. Thorin is accomplished, too. She’s highly educated and refined, and she's obviously beautiful. She’ll make a perfect Luna for him. Speaking of her looks…” Brielle looked at me. “Taya… don’t you think you look kind of similar to our new CEO?” Margaret came over to take a closer look. “Goddess. You do look a bit like her, Taya. But honestly, I think you’re way prettier!”“Don’t be ridiculous, I said abruptly, and then I got up and went to the bathroom. I heard Brielle behind me. “What’s up with her?” Margaret chimed in. “Maybe she’s jealous because she thinks Tara is so much luckier than her, even though they practically have the same face. After all, Tara is a true she-wolf.” Mortification washed over me at her words, and I walked faster. I entered the bathroom and quickly took out my heart medication, turning on the faucet and scooping up a handful of water to swallow it down. After calming down for a few long moments, I splashed my face with cold water and looked up at my reflection. It was clear that illness was ravaging my body; my cheeks were sunken, my skin dull. But Tara… While I was in a daze, the bathroom door opened, and in came Tara, her high heels clicking with each step. Her face was soft and delicate, with a rosy glow, and she exuded an effortless elegance.It was like Brielle said. She wasn’t just beautiful. She was Educated, classy, successful… The perfect she-wolf who would make the perfect Luna. Everything that I wasn’t. When her eyes met mine, inferiority pierced through me. I quickly lowered my head, pulled out a tissue, and turned to leave. “Wait a minute,” Tara called out. 👉To continue reading the story for free, download the app and search📚《The Billionaire Alpha Contract Lover 》. Enjoy Romance Now🥰	LEARN_MORE	https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4	Wonderful novel	https://www.facebook.com/61561928424575/	1,931	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	page.joyreadings.com	VIDEO		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=7447&brand=2&app=0&ppid=3766&pid=FBW2A&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_term={{adset.id}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&badid={ad.id}&pixel_id=816574679413893&ori_campaign_id=120218665099620439&ori_adset_id=120218665100530439&ori_ad_id=120218665109660439	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482059038_1170401137951070_2894002135032401569_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=m_As_zd4ZvoQ7kNvgHmeHf7&_nc_oc=AdhyM0R_ErT-9FjteMhGLo7Zndlbg0DuEQusUkU6Igye3kn5rfp-FD1h0cCsIHGr04orBWsWolI-SzYcFlH9rKUI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AGI8z4r8EpAMuf8La0eqBfa&oh=00_AYAdr9mDHbofIN351oQqggs4k2Dgr4Xxp6KnNHmZkAjIog&oe=67CB9C0B	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Wonderful novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,745,702	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2745700}'	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Ask an Expert	Neglecting your hearing health comes at a cost. Let’s walk through your benefits together.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.audibelindependence.com/hear/insurance	Audibel Hearing Center - Independence	https://www.facebook.com/100065395572932/	30	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	audibelindependence.com	DCO	Book a free consultation.	https://www.audibelindependence.com/hear/insurance/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476836892_609481618612163_8081598924537634854_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5uTe5Wz-_vwQ7kNvgF9s_wG&_nc_oc=AdhGZ2o05Qd2a_2Uwwy7yITV1qWEiG2-Qv4BsTL9X7vEozCDlrMJrDFrfgO6OShTLPg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AXQ7YXn9LGiLw9cAKRU4muJ&oh=00_AYBS6P7KRrsa4GvpqRtPl_yXt-8eBZcc_nZ0vMnTiXEzgA&oe=67CB8206	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Audibel Hearing Center - Independence	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,746,191	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2746214}'	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	👇Download ReelShort TV to watch more series	Damian, the CEO of the world's most powerful military-industrial group, is mistaken for a poor salesman earning only $3,000 a month. Unexpectedly, he enters into a quick contract marriage with Iris, a company’s boss. Damian accompanies Iris to her hometown for a Christmas dinner, where he faces constant belittlement from her relatives and ridicule from Iris's suitor. Damian continually turns the tables on the antagonists, proving his power and status, and ultimately finds true love with Iris.	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.n	Romantic short films	https://www.facebook.com/61562339311860/	2,079	1969-12-31 18:00	Install now	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newleaf.app.android.victor	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481114809_954049896929892_7910703911675874387_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AqjySwUuv1kQ7kNvgGgqEX2&_nc_oc=AdiwLr8USSO4W5XmJLMkbz6FhupSlV10SKTfkhiYEcydag6pF3o-VzEEZG6aDGfmpUTDM09TIYxf5lSVF6tpzWKQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AW2MYhrGvh0g6VEK4rWx74w&oh=00_AYAwk0d6OjJVWNrO5FCjWF7YQh_EZKy9iH1nFp1VJrrnEw&oe=67CB9047	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Romantic short films	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,745,884	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2745880}'	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Apply now to claim		LEARN_MORE	https://publicdebtrelief.com/blog/us-loan/f/debt37	Information Worth Sharing	https://www.facebook.com/100067527021508/	6,893	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	publicdebtrelief.com	DCO	{{product.description}}	https://publicdebtrelief.com/blog/us-loan/f/debt37206/index.php?ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&source={{site_source_name}}&placement={{placement}}&cpid=8f46694f-fcd2-4f99-8bdd-ad94d6c76faa&lpid=4aede943-625f-4545-94c3-c12d2396ba66	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481175679_1211762743853919_8958753994131493849_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G0nYySSRmfYQ7kNvgFPcAjB&_nc_oc=Adiep-EM-wllx6nK3_IEXFj9liroAkIOHTF0pWVqmYw-K41YtwUEQoi0tmiFiQyBUX5iOu-9Vu_B-uhYsFXR7I-C&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aimbv-WstZHhybjX28S3CHR&oh=00_AYAjWFbxRb-N7LHiCmfiG7_YYYgqXPyois5amp48qZzGYQ&oe=67CBA9E8	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Information Worth Sharing	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,745,568	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2745517}'	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	4 interest-free payments	Prepare the surprise of love 🎁 early, for a perfect Valentine’s 💞 ✅Any order 10%off & more promotions enjoy now Shop Now👉:http://italojewelry.io/Cwo Free shipping & After Pay	SHOP_NOW	https://www.italojewelry.com/?utm_source=facebook.	Italo Jeweler	https://www.facebook.com/italojeweler/	20,451	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop now	www.italojewelry.com	VIDEO	✅60-day Return & One Year Warranty	https://www.italojewelry.com/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=fb-1130-02&utm_campaign=1211-17	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/472942299_1338002420717537_3094368897031711697_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=m70YYc1BiSUQ7kNvgEs_L9e&_nc_oc=Adgfm4cHkbmCyxjs4nOtZ2B9tuqdqe0aPSCODFhf4z_IUIpuq3409d-Ywk4TLkGZ8fA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABwAD1H2jkeO55eA_rkQhS3&oh=00_AYDigE65jzxj-6jkDHrIiFNsooIMbcfVnJHOzY1l52K8-Q&oe=67CB9F14	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Italo Jeweler	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,747,020	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Get Grounded While You Sleep!	Heal your body with Nature's electrons. Try grounding today 👇 - Helps you get deeper and more restful sleep - Improves energy levels and mood - Helps with Inflammation & chronic pain Get yours at 👉 https://www.groundingwell.com/products/groundingwell-bedsheet	LEARN_MORE	https://www.groundingwell.com/products/groundingwe	GroundingWell	https://www.facebook.com/groundingwell/	52,817	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	www.groundingwell.com	VIDEO	Free shipping	https://www.groundingwell.com/products/groundingwell-bedsheet	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481302580_879431897583084_4047746200510517789_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yDOoToENSOAQ7kNvgEaTJn7&_nc_oc=Adjo2tCswrwj4VdZCV9EBC1JV8-A7ZmOA9olEcqWbsDqc9WQLw0CAo2HUuptATvtYunA9GQv7PwweA0nUF9PhZop&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AzV0pmIW0Xaky2JLZdYiB3B&oh=00_AYDA6mcJaHv1_CHkK1I8wYf0iBxU2v_cf34MKacelxSdOw&oe=67CB8736	PERSON_PROFILE	0	GroundingWell	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,745,482	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	The LOUDEST Polos in Golf!	Who said golf polos have to be boring? Our loud, buttery-soft designs deliver style and stretch to keep you looking sharp and swinging free.	SHOP_NOW	http://obnoxiousgolf.com/	Obnoxious Golf	https://www.facebook.com/ObnoxiousGolfShop/	11,059	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop now	obnoxiousgolf.com	IMAGE	Look great, on and off the course	http://obnoxiousgolf.com/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480744635_2027024491143345_2212261847817191421_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0wH46nVRKpsQ7kNvgFBKQfU&_nc_oc=Adjgd7QidXIdXQ_wq7E6onwyuDSGVl4a8pfo-i7zxYw8QBXZ3rzNrdn6fJ3oJ5c57Cw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AIdlZX26bp2MrWFZ61m8ETY&oh=00_AYAGekvs9OOyIcdcTIwLGR-9xVT7j3B7zT0wV-x7y1UyKw&oe=67CBA881	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Obnoxious Golf	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,746,505	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	💥 Secrets. Lies. A second chance at love.	💔 One lie. One heartbreak. A love worth fighting for. Avery Harrington thought she had it all—until she discovered her husband Bernard’s closeness to another woman. Heartbroken, she divorces him, rebuilds her life, and raises their daughter alone. But what if everything she believed was a lie? 💥 Unbeknownst to Avery, Bernard’s actions were driven by gratitude, not betrayal. As truths unravel, can they heal the damage and find their way back to each other, or will misunderstandings keep them apart forever? 📽️ Don’t miss this emotional rollercoaster of love, betrayal, and second chances!	WATCH_MORE	https://reelzaptv.com/videos/1062?token=vfysR5gx	FlashPlot1	https://www.facebook.com/100083513055062/	0	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch more	reelzaptv.com	VIDEO		https://reelzaptv.com/videos/1062?token=vfysR5gx	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481359869_1339858574013935_8088124697647730443_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Wl7Gv3wkFyoQ7kNvgGe-C3v&_nc_oc=AdjrewEctZMj88y9rGWaOVDcMoQkb2sPIdYVqXfp95H4xM_k7JkN0-BQh-z93zI8gqUpV1shrONlzNDG6h7AcLd7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Az84Q-PcbioOQ6zumgjZHU5&oh=00_AYACbUoFS5SXNJgaduXFRScljoipw-mGTT0b46WnKquIuQ&oe=67CB8822	PERSON_PROFILE	0	FlashPlot1	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,746,234	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2746215}'	Yes	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Captive of my mafia crush📜	💖🔞💋I worked as a stri*pper to help pay my boyfriend's debts and cover our rent, but he despised my profession and said it was disgusting and impure. Worse, he sold me to the mob and told them I was a vir-gin to increase my value. I was bought at the auction and the buyer was no other than my brother's best friend, and also my childhood crush. Him: My little one, I would never take my eyes off you. ----- "I don’t like the idea of my girl stripping, Iris,” my boyfriend Steven says, glaring at me with his arms crossed. “It’s disgusting and impure. And I need my girl to be pure.” Steven is my college sweetheart – we’ve been dating for nine months, even though he’s graduated. He's very disciplined and reserved, the son of a pastor, though he’s very good to me. He's always stressed that we'll wait until the night of our wedding to be intimate, which makes me feel so respected and safe. On top of that, he's made millions of dollars trading cryptocurrencies. As someone who grew up with nothing, that financial security makes me feel so protected. He’s the most generous and intelligent guy I'd ever met and I’m so lucky to be with him. "Steven,” I reply, “I swear to god I would never do anything to betray you at the club – I just dance." I kiss his cheek. "But I'm running late, and we need to pay rent. Everything will be fine." Lately Steven's tied up his money in some crypto investments. To ensure the best returns, he’s invested everything he has and is staying with me for the moment. He’s been working so hard for the last month, but it’s taking a toll on him. He rarely takes phone calls, doesn’t really leave our place, and he drinks more alcohol than he used to to calm his nerves as he stares at his computer almost all day long. So, I took up a couple shifts at the strip club to cover us in the meantime. I am a university student in hotel management, but dancing is in my nature - at first it was a weight loss goal as a teenager, then it was a way to hold on to thoughts of my mom, and then it became part of who I am. Unfortunately, there’s no money in cltootshieical ballet, my favorite. So, even though it wasn't what Steven wanted, I took a part-time gig at a strip club and I give Steven my salary to help with his business. Being an exotic dancer wasn’t my first choice either, but if I can make money from idiots who want to shove their hard-earned dollars into my g-string? I don’t see any shame in that. Eventually I convinced Steven that this is true – my dancing is just an investment in his company. I am glad he’s letting me help – I just want to do whatever I can to get our life started. I arrive at the club at 8:00 on the dot, smiling at Pete, my manager, who gives me a nod. The music pounds through the low-lit club and I note that it’s busier than usual tonight. Some of the other dancers wave to me and I wave back, but I make a beeline right for Anthony, who’s already got a big smile on his face just for me. “Hey cutie,” he says, pulling me close as I slip behind the bar and wrap my arms around his waist. “Hey gorgeous,” I say, laughing up at him. Anthony – he is gorgeous, but alas, my heart belongs to Steven. And even if it didn’t, Anthony is as gay as a purple handbag. Still, he’s my best friend here, and I love when his bartending shift overlaps with my dancing. “What’s going on tonight?” I ask as he slings an arm around my shoulders. There’s a busy, exciting vibe and the dancers all have on their flashiest outfits, their best perfume. “Nothing escapes you, does it, baby?” Anthony replies, I grin at the compliment. “Rumor has it big shots are coming in – mob guys, the real deal. Some are saying that the Mafia King is going to make an appearance.” “Whoa,” I say, my eyes going wide. “Seriously? Isn’t he…dangerous?” “Only if you go against him,” Anthony says with a shrug. “I heard he took out his own brother,” I whisper, leaning close to Anthony and looking around anxiously, like he’s already here. “That he’s completely ruthless –“ Anthony just laughs, shaking his head. “Iris, just don’t do anything to piss him off. For us? The presence of the Mafia King in our club just means money,” he says, grinning. “So, I’ll finally be able to afford that Botox I’ve been dreaming about, and you can hand your tootshiehole boyfriend an even bigger check than you usually do!” “Shut up,” I say, scowling and smacking my friend half-heartedly on the chest. Anthony, like Emi, isn’t Steven’s biggest fan. “I won’t get any of the money anyway,” I sigh. “Pete never puts me in the VIP room on nights like this.” “Because you,” Anthony says, teasing me, “only like to shake your little booty – you’re never willing to let anyone touch it –“ “Ew!” I wrinkle my nose at Anthony even as I push away, laughing and hoisting my bag higher on my shoulders. “I’m not letting some old mafia lech touch me for a couple of extra bucks –“ “For how much these guys are going to drop?” Anthony says, raising an eyebrow at me. “heck, I’ll let them touch me.” Laughing again, I wave over my shoulder and head for the dressing room. Anthony calls after me, wishing me luck. I blow him a kiss as I move through the curtain. It’s always better working here on nights like this, when everyone’s in a good mood, even if I am anxious about the prospect of the Mafia King being here. I mean, he’s been all over the news, and where he goes? Violence seems, inevitably, to follow. The good mood in the room completely changes all of a sudden when Lily – our top dancer – gives a little moan and collapses to the floor. Our manager Pete is through the curtain a minute later with some of our bouncers, who pick Lily up and carry her to the back. Pete’s pissed though. He spins, looking around the room with his arms crossed “You!” he says suddenly, pointing at me. My eyes go wide. “Irene! Come here!” “Iris,” I correct, and then I bite my lip with anxiety when Pete rolls his eyes like it doesn’t matter and beckons me closer. “You’re going into VIP for Lily tonight,” he snaps. His eyes flick over me. “And I don’t want to hear any of your bulldang about just being a dancer, all right? ” He spins me around, shoving me towards the door. “Now get out there and remember what I said - the only answer you have for these mafia bosses is yes.” My legs shake as I walk towards the curtain. .............................................................................. “Welcome to the stage…Bambi!” The DJ says, using my stage name. Dancing comes naturally to me – music has always made me feel at home in my body, and when the music is sexy? Well, then I feel sexy too. I whip my hair back at the crescendo of the music, my eyes moving directly to the man in the money seat directly in front of me, who paid a great deal to be there. As I move my body in slow, sultry ways, the spotlight is on me, which means that I can’t see the details of the VIP’s face. But even without specifics, I can tell that this is the most important man in the room. He just radiates power. My breath hitches when I look over the powerful lines of his muscled silhouette. If the Mafia King is here, this is definitely him. He looks like a man who belongs in the shadows, and even though there are other men here, I feel like I’m dancing just for him. The Mafia King’s eyes are fastened on me as I get my six-inch heels beneath my body and slowly raise myself into the air tootshie-first. I let him get a good look at every bit of me before I smirk, and turn, and move to the pole. Am I imagining it in the darkness? Or is there something…familiar about the way he watches me? I let the thought fade, concentrating instead on pulling out all my best tricks. And as I hook my leg around the pole, spinning myself and letting my hair flare out wide, I see that these tricks are working tonight. Shouts and whistles begin, and the Mafia King leans forward to lay a stack of bills on the stage in front of him. I almost stutter to a stop. Seriously? That much cash, this early in my dance? He leans back in his chair, raising a dark eyebrow at me, inviting me to show him more. So, I do. I pick up my pace, arching my back as I spin around the pole, climbing up it and sliding slowly down. As my song ends I’m excited to see that there’s quite a bit more money on top of the pile. “Thanks,” I murmur, crawling across the last bit of stage towards him. “I’m glad you liked my dance.” There really is something familiar about his blue-grey eyes… I reach for the stacks, but suddenly a meaty hand slams another pile of money down next to it, startling me. “Double what he’s put down, honey,” the man grinds out, leering, “and I’ll take you in the back for a private dance.” “Sorry,” I say, casting my lashes down. “I’m just a stage girl.” I know Pete said to give these guys whatever they wanted, but I’m really not comfortable touching anyone. “Oh, come on,” the man says, grabbing my chin with his thick fingers and pulling my face up. The Mafia King is immediately on his feet. “Pretty tart like you? I bet you can do more than just dance –“ I gasp, pulling my face from his hands as I slide off the edge of the stage, wanting to get away from him as soon as possible. “I said,” the man growls, grabbing me and slapping me in the face with the handful of bills, “that I want you, you little tart. And I’m willing to pay for it, so you’d better screwing –“ I shriek, trying to push away from the man, but he’s so much bigger than me! Suddenly the man shouts and falls away, his grip making me stumble forward. When I find my feet, my eyes go wide to see the Mafia King straightening up, blood on his knuckles. The man who grabbed me - he’s laying on the floor and there’s blood pouring from his mouth. “Oh my god,” I gasp. “Get him out of here!” the Mafia King shouts over to the bouncers, and then he pulls a handkerchief from his pocket as he turns to glare at me, wiping off his hand. I flinch back a step, surprised by the venom in his eyes. “Here,” the Mafia King says, dropping my arm and lifting his stack of bills off the stage alongside the two stacks. “Take it, get out of here.” “Wha…” I breathe as he shoves the money into my hands. “But I…” “Trust me, Bambi,” he says, his voice dry. “You earned it. Now screwing go.” He turns away, putting himself between me and the bouncers, and I turn and run for the bar, ducking behind it. Anthony gapes at me. “Are you all right!?” “Anthony…” I whisper, holding up the piles of cash in my hands, staring at them in awe. “Holy dang Iris!” Anthony whispers, stepping closer and staring at the money. “Look at all that screwing cheddar! For a dance!?” “I know!” I squeak, “this is going to get us so close to paying off the debt –“ Anthony groans, wiping a hand down his face. “What?” I ask, frowning up at him. “I just wish you’d spend it on yourself, Iris, instead of that deadbeat.” “Anthony,” I sigh, my shoulders slumping. “I’m not explaining this to you again.” He rolls his eyes as I sit down on the little stool at the back of the bar. I always hang out with Anthony after my dances, but if he’s going to be mean I’ll just quietly count my cash. While I do, I mentally compose an email that I’ll send to my old friend Christian later. Christian – he would understand. He was my brother’s best friend growing up. Even though he only saw me as a little sister, he always understood me more than anyone else. Plus, he called me Daisy, and I just loved that. I stayed in touch with Christian after he moved away suddenly – but he never replied. And even though I’m sure he doesn’t read my emails…well, I keep up the habit for fun. Inwardly, I debate how to tell Christian about my night. I want to tell him about my triumph – I’ve always wanted Christian to be proud of me. But I do fudge the truth a little in my emails. For instance, I write that I’m a company dancer, which is true… I just don’t mention that my style of dance is exotic, not ballet anymore. I smirk a little, excited to tell Christian that I impressed a powerful client and got a big bonus. But how would he feel, really, if I told him that the client was the Mafia king? I sigh, thinking that Christian probably wouldn’t be happy. He always wanted me to be safe, and dancing for the Mafia King? I’m sure Christian wouldn’t approve. I’m halfway through deciding precisely how to word my email when I hear my name. “Is that Iris?” Two men peer around the edge of the bar. Anthony steps in front of me as I shy away. How did they know my real name? I always go by Bambi here. “Who’s asking?” Anthony asks, wary. “None of your business,” the taller of the brutes says, shoving Anthony aside and stepping forward, looming over me. “Hand over that cash, little girl. You’ve been sold - you work for Don Bonetti now.” My jaw drops almost to the floor. .............................................................................. I stare at the two men in shock, clutching the money to my chest. “What – what the heck are you talking about!?” “Your little boyfriend,” the smaller guy says, sneering and pushing Anthony away when he tries to get to my side. “He sold you to Don Bonetti as part of his debt.“ “What!?” I shout, jumping to my feet. The cat house!? They’re trying to make me work as a prostitute!? I stumble backwards, my back pressing into the countertop at the back of the bar. “There must be some mistake – you have the wrong girl –“ “No, we don’t,” the first guy says, reaching out and grabbing my arm. “Iris Scott? Yeah, your boyfriend Steven showed us a picture. We knew you the second you stepped on stage.” He leans closer now, leering into my face. “We also know where you go to school, and where your best friend lives – so don’t even try to escape.” “Here,” the second guy says, shoving a phone towards me, the video already playing. My attention is immediately fastened on the screen, because I recognize the voice I hear. I gasp, realizing that it’s Steven. I lean forward, staring at the video, which shows Steven sitting on the couch. He’s crying, a gun pointed at him, and he’s begging the two men standing before him – telling them to take whatever they want, he just needs more time. My eyes go wide when I hear the next words spill from his mouth, because he offers them me. Steven tells them everything that I’m a stripper and where I work. When he tells them how much money I bring in every month, their eyebrows go up. One of the mobsters on the screen makes a phone call – maybe confirming the details? I don’t know. In the video, Steven babbles on, revealing information that shocks me to the core. Steven's entrepreneurial ventures are all a façade. He was secretly performing some backdoor accounting for the mafia. But he embezzled the mafia funds, thinking he could buy and sell crypto without them noticing and keep the profits for himself! Suddenly, everything makes sense - Steven insisting we get a new apartment really fast, Steven staying inside all the time, Steven drinking more, Steven allowing me to earn money to pay off his debt while he stays in the house staring at the computer all day... “She’s – she’s a virgin too!” Steven stumbles out in the video, his eyes frantic. “That will be worth more, won’t it? You can like – action off her v-card to the highest bidder!” I blush and an angry huff of air falls from my lips, not only because that’s a lie but because my boyfriend is actually trying to sweeten the pot! Not only is Steven not fighting for me - he’s trying to get more out of the deal by convincing these mobsters that I’m worth more! In the video, the mobster gets off the phone and nods to the guy with the gun. Then all three agree to the deal. Me – all of me, forever, to do whatever they want with – for half of Steven’s debt. I go pale at that, because either Steven has sold me for a couple of grand, or he is way, way more in debt than I thought he was. “That’s enough,” the smaller man in front of me snaps, ripping the phone away as the big guy grabs me by the shoulders. “You’re coming with us, pretty girl. Time to get to work.” “Get your hands off me!” I shout, trying to kick, to rip free – anything. “It’s the twenty-first century! You can’t just buy girls from their boyfriends! This is ridic-“ I shriek, pushing hard at his chest. The big man glances at the smaller man when he sees that I’m frantic, that I won’t go peacefully. “Get the rabble bag on the phone.” Suddenly Steven’s Facetime is flashing before me. “Steven!” I gasp as his face appears on the screen. “What’s – what’s happening!? Tell these guys to get off of me! I –“ “Iris,” Steven sighs, but a nasty little sneer in his voice steals my voice. I go perfectly still, staring at him. “I told you I didn’t want your dirty money anyway – but you insisted. You dug your own grave with this one.” My blood runs absolutely cold, wiping out even the fear from my veins. “Tell them to get their hands off me, Steven,” I growl, glaring at him. “If you don’t want my dirty money, fine, but I am not paying another dang cent to your dirty debt –“ “Why don’t you go cry to that ‘old friend’ you’re always emailing,” Steven snaps, his voice nasty. “He’ll get you out of it, won’t he?” He leans forward to the camera. My jaw drops open because – I mean, I have told Steven so much about how my childhood friendship with Christian means to me, how much I miss him. But I never expected him to throw it in my face like this. “Just as I thought,” Steven says, rolling his eyes. “You’re just a tart, Iris. Always mooning on about your childhood crush, more dedicated to a memory than to me. If you really did love me, you’d go with these guys willingly to help me pay of this debt! Guess that was a lie too. I always knew you were a hooker – that you worked at that strip club because you like getting these rabble bags off –“ “Shut your god dang mouth, Steven,” I snap, and to my surprise he does, turning back to the phone to stare at me. Because I never, ever talk to him like that. “At least Christian would never have treated me this way. But I am going to make you pay for this,” I hiss, “if it is the last thing I ever do.” “Yeah, yeah,” the guy holding me says, jerking me away from the phone. “That’s enough – come on, let’s go.” The smaller guy ends the call and the big guy starts to haul me away, but I kick and scream, demanding that they get their dang hands off of me. Suddenly, the sound of a champagne cork pops, and I gasp as champagne sprays over me, dripping down from above. The guy holding my arms shouts and drops me, starting to wipe at his face into which a stream of champagne is flowing – “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Anthony’s voice rings out. “How could this have happened!? I’m so clumsy!” But I don’t have time to look at Anthony, or to try to understand the diversion he set up for me - because the big man has dropped my arms. And I screwing run. .............................................................................. I say a little prayer of thanks to Anthony as I bolt, clutching my money and throwing myself through the curtain at the back of the bar. Behind me I hear shouting and the sound of something that sounds like a fist on flesh – God, I hope Anthony is okay – But there’s no time to worry about him. I hear another shout as I’m halfway down the hall and I suddenly realize that there’s no way I’m getting into the dressing room without those two jerks seeing me if they give chase. So, I make a split decision and grab the knob to the rarely-used closet I know is here, whipping it open and hurling myself in. Suddenly, a sound erupts back in the club.BANG BANG! I gasp, slapping my hands over my ears. God, it sounds like fireworks were lit off inside the club – or like gunshots. Screams erupt in the VIP room, and girls in the dressing room start to shout and panic as well. I gasp, pressing myself deeper into the dark closet, listening to pounding footsteps running up and down the hall as everyone tries to run out. “She must have gone on to the dressing room!” A deep voice shouts just outside the closet door. I bite my lip as hope rushes through me, because that sounded a lot like the big guy. “What the screw are you doing in my club?!” My breath freezes in my chest. My hope is dashed, because that’s Pete, my manager – and he’s stopped right outside the closet door. “Get the screw out of here! This is a respectable joint – you can’t come in here and -“ “Listen, tootshiehole,” the big guy snarls. I can’t help peering through the crack in the door. The big guy grabs Pete by the collar, curling his bicep so that Pete is basically dangling from his fist, his feet scrabbling for purchase on the floor. “We do whatever we want in here, okay?” the big brute snaps, leaning in close to Pete’s face so that it’s sprayed with spittle. I go pale then as mobster pulls a gun out of his suit jacket, pointing it right at Pete’s head. “Now,” he says, his voice dangerous and soft. “You show me where that girl went.” “This way –“ Pete’s voice squeaks, his face turning red with fear and lack of air. “I’ll show you –“ Silently, I curse Pete for being a traitor like Steven – though honestly, with a gun to his head, I’m not sure that’s entirely fair. The big guy lowers Pete, and Pete darts forward, leading him to the dressing room. I shriek suddenly, my head flying up as I hear two more gunshots and the door whips open. My eyes are wide with terror as I look, expecting the brute, or his smaller, smarmy friend – But this man – he’s neither of them – he has dark hair that falls into his eyes, and I gasp in surprise when I see that his shirt is covered in blood. “Come on, Bambi,” the man snaps, his voice dry as he reaches into the closet and tugs me by the wrist, making me stumble forward into the hall. I tripping on something on my way out of the closet and my mouth falls immediately open when I catch a glimpse of a body laying in the doorway to the dressing room, blood all around its head – I can’t fully see at this distance, but I gasp because I’d swear it’s the big brute, the one who was chasing me. But before I can even look any closer the man tugs me up straight before his shoulder hits me in the stomach and I am lifted up into the air over it, hoisted high as he wraps his arm around the back of my thighs. He holds me tight as he starts to stride back towards the club. “Let me down!” I shout, pounding on his back as best I can with my hands still full of my cash. He just shakes me, frustrated, trying to get me to shut up and stop moving as he strides the length of the club, where patrons and dancers are shouting, fleeing for the doors. I shout along with them, my words mingling with theirs, but this man completely ignores me. My cries are frantic as I continue to pound on his man’s back – who is he!? Does he work for the Mafia Don who bought me – is he taking me to the tart house!? I struggle and kick, but I go absolutely still with shock when the man spanks me hard on my mostly-bare tootshie with the flat of his palm. “Stay still, Bambi,” he orders, laughing, his voice cold. “You’re making this way harder than it needs to be.” I’m still gaping in shock as he carries me right out the front door. I turn my head in both directions, trying to see where he’s taking me, and a black SUV skids to a stop immediately in front of the club. The man carrying me doesn’t break his stride, instead carrying me around the car and wrenching the back door open to toss me bodily inside. He slams the door shut behind me and I pant, my head spinning with anxiety. But I gasp again when I hear someone clear their throat, pressing myself back against the car door when I realize that there is already someone sitting in the dark of the back seat. I go perfectly still as my eyes rove over the figure, which as much man as it is predator. Broad-shouldered, the man lounges in apparent ease in the seat across from me, his tall frame corded with muscle, power dripping from every inch of him. Though he sits in darkness, a shaft of light crosses in a streak across his face, revealing those blue eyes that I recognize… My jaw drops open when I realize that…that it’s the Mafia King. Who…who is this man? Why am I in his car? Because…the Mafia King is different from Don Bonetti, who apparently owns me now – in fact, they’re famous rivals. So why… I jump, suddenly, when the front ptootshieenger door wrenches open and the man who carried me leaps in. “Let’s screwing go!” he shouts. “Hit it, Frankie!” My head snaps to the driver – is that Frankie? – who nods and slams his foot down on the gas, the car ripping forward away from the club. I start to shake now, both from the cold outside of the club as well as my fear – Who are these men? What do they want with me? Are they…are they going to make me… “Well, Bambi,” the man on the other side of the car says, bringing my eyes immediately back to him. His voice oddly accents my stage name like he knows it’s fake. “You sure as heck started a lot of trouble for me tonight. We’re going to have to -” But his words are interrupted by a huge crash and my scream as the rear window of the car shatters, the sound of gunshots echoing in the air. .............................................................................. I scream again, covering my head and ducking down as low as I can go, my feet drifting over the back seat and kicking the Mafia King in the thigh – “screwing go, Frankie!” the Mafia King shouts, “they’re on our god dang tail!” “Get down!” the Mafia King shouts, ducking and throwing his body over mine as Frankie pulls the car hard to the right, our tires squealing on the road. I scream then, I think, curl back up into my ball, muttering prayers I haven’t said since I was a kid in Catholic grade school, and which I didn’t really believe then. But now I’m begging anyone who might be out there listening to please, please save my life. The bullets stop, and I feel the Mafia King’s weight lift off of me. I start to raise my own head, but suddenly our whole car wrenches to the side and I can tell, somehow, that we’ve been hit from behind. “screwing turn, Frankie!” the Mafia King shouts, frantic, pulsing more bullets out of the broken window. “I can’t – there’s no place to –“ “Onto 42(nd) street!” the guy in the ptootshieenger seat shouts, his voice frustrated and sharp with fear. “On it!” Frankie shouts now, wrenching the wheel to the side so sharply that the whole car bends to the right – The car turns up on two wheels and I shout in fear as my body slides across the back seat. Lights flash across the windows and horns blare, because Frankie is cutting off a whole line of traffic to make the turn. My shout turns to a scream as I go completely airborne, but suddenly hands snatch me, one grabbing my waist, the other flying to my head and covering my skull the moment before it smacks into the gltootshie of the window – I gasp, my eyes flying open as I’m pulled into the Mafia King’s lap, and as my eyes meet his I realize that if his hand hadn’t been there to take the impact against the gltootshie, my brains would be all over this car right now. I stare into wide-eyed into his face, which is suddenly so close to mine. Our SUV rights itself onto four wheels and flies down the street, weaving madly between traffic. The Mafia King as he curses fluidly, ripping his gaze from mine and towards Frankie. He shakes his hand out to get rid of the pain. “Did we lose them!?” “You tell me, boss!” Frankie calls over his shoulder, and – with me still in his lap – the King twists, looking out the back window. I look too but… All I see are taxis, sedans. No sign of them. “For now,” the King growls, tense. “We’ve lost them for now.” He looks for a few more moments but then his body relaxes, just a little bit. He exhales sharply and turns back to the front of the car. “Brown Street apartment, Frank,” he says, cooler now than he was before. “We’ve got to lay low for a while.” “You got it,” Frankie says, still driving quickly but blending into traffic a little bit more now. After all, nothing screams criminal activity like flying through the city with a broken back window and a kidnapped stripper. It makes sense that they want to blend, now, so that we can disappear. So that we won’t be found by whoever was chasing us, for whatever reason. “Please,” I breathe, my voice shaky – and I surprise myself when I hear the word come from my lips. I said it without thinking. The Mafia King immediately turns his attention to me. “You can – you can have it all –“ I say, gesturing towards the cash scattered all over the back seat now, blowing lightly in the wind coming through the back window. “Just…let me go…” The Mafia King studies me for a long moment and the he smirks. “A third of that money was mine not long ago,” he says, his voice cold, calculating. “And I gave it up readily enough for a dance. What makes you think that that,” he says, nodding to the money on the seat and the floor, “is going to be enough to buy your freedom?” I hesitate, not knowing what the answer should be. “I’ll – I’ll get you more,” I mumble, desperate. “I can work –“ His smirk deepens and he stares at me, starting to shake his head a little, almost in…disbelief? I don’t know – I don’t get it. I can’t read his expression. “Please,” I beg, my voice soft as my eyes fill with tears. “Please don’t give me to Don Bonetti…don’t sell me to the cat house…” The Mafia King’s arm tightens around me as his face falls with sadness, pity even. And suddenly he’s cradling me against him, raising his hand and softly running his knuckles down my cheek, staring into my eyes. “Iris,” he murmurs, and I go still when I hear my name on his lips. And suddenly, I remember something. I was too distracted then, but he called me Iris before, didn’t he? After I finished dancing… Is he somehow connected to Bonetti too? “How…” I whisper, shaking my head at him in confusion, “how do you know my name?” “Iris…” he whispers, “don’t you recognize me?” I pull back a little, studying him, taking in the strong line of his lightly stubbled jaw, his straight nose, the blue-grey eyes under dark brows…. And as I stare at him I realize that there really is something familiar about him, especially about his eyes. I’m not just imagining it. But I can’t put together what… “You’re the Mafia King,” I murmur, frowning at him, willing my mind to put the pieces together. Because I’m missing something here, I just know it. “Yes, and?” he says, raising an eyebrow at me in a way that strikes some sort of memory. How – how the heck did I know he was going to raise his eyebrow like that? “And you…kidnapped me? To get…revenge? On Bonetti? Or because I saw someone get shot? Or…” He smiles at me, more broadly now, letting his eyes flick over my features. “I kidnapped you to protect you, Daisy.” My eyes widen as I hear my childhood nickname on his lips and everything snaps into place. Memories come flooding back to me in an instant. Late-summer twilights spent running through the back fields with the boy who called me Daisy, after my favorite flower. Sneaking out at midnight with my brother to go to the house next door, to play board games until dawn with the boy who lived there – where he taught me to play poker. A thousand winter afternoons building snow forts with my brother and with his laughing, blue-eyed best friend… “Christian,” I breathe, my fingers curling in the fabric of his shirt. I stare at him unblinking, like he’ll disappear if I take my eyes off him for a second – like I’ll lose him again, forever this time. “Hey, my little one,” he murmurs, softly stroking my cheek. “I will never take my eyes off you. ”	LEARN_MORE	https://www.novel-oasis.com/share/middle/srbxz4zw5	Lereader-Perfect Novel	https://www.facebook.com/61550076675613/	692	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	www.novel-oasis.com	VIDEO		https://www.novel-oasis.com/share/middle/srbxz4zw5zy02jil3f2la2f3?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218211200590653&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480970002_1335504821130046_1248311318250395038_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PY3wFZbYrxMQ7kNvgEx1q2O&_nc_oc=Adh9suRS_P_f5sEChBUd2n8_tuQ3xVLiH7fHKIMzU0QFb8KisTmsmqKe7hiJWsPkyXwsEm_xi6cpuoNe4tSJbkFx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=An-lAaU1cwRNBVvB_-39akP&oh=00_AYCKgbJeZzgxHvEGuuMKEpCdAvw5nHy9-kSHF2jP5gF1cw&oe=67CBACFA	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Lereader-Perfect Novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,745,707	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2745739}'	No	2025-03-03 09:09	active	2758	Free Consultation	Interested in hearing aids but not sure what insurance covers? We’re happy to help.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.audibelshawnee.com/hear/insurance/	Audibel Hearing Center - Shawnee	https://www.facebook.com/100064982392785/	9	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	audibelshawnee.com	DCO	Book yours today.	https://www.audibelshawnee.com/hear/insurance/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476837316_974387200856985_3065613830179454509_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aBcaSe6zeJUQ7kNvgEEg6P2&_nc_oc=AdgmWuiyAXDQi9ojGaJXtGGlMxO1VOwTqPDgsesM36Xu9pRly08wV4Gzpnyrct43wws&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AXQ7YXn9LGiLw9cAKRU4muJ&oh=00_AYBpyCbPavjz6M_xT3NQyY-cKZ7lMy-a_B7EeEvGX6v0-w&oe=67CB8C77	PERSON_PROFILE	0	Audibel Hearing Center - Shawnee	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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