Think carefully about my offer, Elara. I'll give you twenty-four hours. Sell yourself to me, and I'll erase your father's debt and ensure Ivy's future. Refuse, and you'll face the consequences." Matteo's words were cold, unwavering, and laced with power-words that would change Elara's life forever. He was her tormentor and her savior. Matteo lived in shadows, a dangerous sinner who made no apologies. Elara was his light, a woman he could neither possess fully nor let go. She swore never to yield to him, but Matteo was determined to break down every wall she built. When tragedy strikes and her world crumbles, Elara finds herself pushed to the edge, forced to take a path she once considered unthinkable. Her hatred for Matteo fuels her resistance, but his obsession with her sparks a dangerous game of love, power, and redemption. What she doesn't know is that Matteo isn't just playing the game. He's ready to risk everything to carve a place in her heart-and in her life.
Chapter 1 Elara's POV
I closed my eyes, forcing myself to take deep, steady breaths. Even though I'd been doing this for weeks, my legs still felt too heavy to move. Ballet was my passion-something I excelled at. But tonight, I wasn't on a stage performing for an adoring crowd. Instead, I was about to dance as a stripper in front of men old enough to be my father.
My stomach twisted into tight knots, and I fought the overwhelming urge to throw up. I hated every second of this job, hated what it made me feel, but there was no escaping it. No matter how much I wished for a different life, my reality wouldn't change.
Since our parents' deaths, it had been just me and Ivy, my younger sister. The weight of fending for both of us fell squarely on my shoulders. It was unbearable, but what other choice did I have?
My father had left behind a mess-a massive debt of seven hundred thousand dollars owed to a crime boss. His gambling addiction had destroyed him in life, and even in death, it continued to haunt us. It felt cruel that my mother had to die with him, leaving me to shoulder the aftermath.
I took this job out of desperation. I needed to protect Ivy, to pay off our father's debt, and to keep food on the table. By day, I danced ballet in a professional studio, something I loved. But by night, I stripped for strangers in a club I despised.
"Why aren't you ready yet, princess?" Amara's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
I turned to see my colleague standing in the doorway of the dressing room. Her fiery red hair was tied back, and her expression was soft but knowing.
"I'll be ready in a minute," I replied, managing a faint smile.
Amara walked over and pinched my cheek lightly. "Listen, sweetheart. I know this isn't the life you dreamed of, but food isn't going to magically appear on your table. You've got to do what you've got to do. Now, let me help you with your makeup."
I nodded, too tired to argue. Amara's hands moved quickly, transforming my face with layers of powder and color. When she was done, I barely recognized the person staring back at me in the mirror.
"You're amazing at this," I told her honestly.
Amara grinned, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Of course, I am."
Before I could respond, the door burst open. Two other dancers strode in, their skin glistening with sweat.
"Elara, what are you still doing here? The men are waiting!" Claire scolded, tossing her wig onto the couch.
"Boss is here tonight, and he's not in the mood for mistakes," Violetta chimed in, eyeing me critically.
"Relax," Amara interjected. "Elara's never messed up, and she won't start now." She turned back to me, her expression softening. "You'll do great. Just go out there and show them what you've got."
I nodded, taking a shaky breath as I adjusted my white lingerie and lace underpants. My dagger heels clicked against the floor as I walked toward the stage. The loud, pounding music grew louder as I approached the curtains.
When the thick velvet parted, I was greeted by a chaotic scene of strobe lights, blaring music, and drunken cheers. Men danced shamelessly with women, and waiters darted between tables, carrying trays of liquor. The air reeked of sweat, sex, and cigarettes.
I stepped onto the stage, gripping the cold metal pole for support. The DJ changed the track, and the crowd roared in anticipation.
"Take it off, baby!"
"Show us what you've got!"
I wanted to run. My skin crawled at their lewd remarks, but I pushed the feelings aside. I swayed my hips to the rhythm, running my hands down my body seductively. Slowly, I twirled around the pole, letting the music guide my movements.
My gaze swept over the crowd as I danced, landing on a man sitting in the shadows. Unlike the others, he wasn't cheering or yelling. He just stared at me with piercing, icy blue eyes that seemed to strip me bare.
My breath caught in my throat. His dark, silver-streaked hair fell over his shoulders, and his tailored suit clung to his broad frame.
I felt his gaze burn into my skin as he watched me with the intensity of a predator locking onto its prey. I quickly looked away, focusing on my performance. The faster I finished, the faster I could leave.
When the music stopped, I collected the money tossed onto the stage and walked briskly off the platform. My heart was racing.
"You killed it tonight!" Amara said as she greeted me backstage.
"Thanks," I said, showing her the thick wad of cash. "I think I made over a thousand dollars."
"Keep up the good work, sis," she said with a wink.
I quickly changed out of my outfit and headed home. Ivy greeted me at the door, her warm smile a welcome sight after a long night.
"How was work today?" she asked, handing me a glass of water.
"Tiring, but worth it," I replied. "I made eight thousand dollars tonight!"
Her eyes widened. "Wow, that's amazing! At this rate, we'll pay off Dad's debt in no time."
Her mention of our father made my stomach churn.
"I don't want you joining me," I said firmly when she offered to help. "Stick to your book sales job. This isn't a life I'd wish for you."
She nodded reluctantly, and I let out a small sigh of relief. As I slumped onto the couch, she handed me a letter.
I already knew what it said. Another reminder from the crime boss about the deadline to pay our father's debt.
---
Chapter 1 Elara's POV
20/02/2025
Chapter 2 Elara's POV
20/02/2025
Chapter 3 Elara's POV
20/02/2025
Chapter 4 Elara's POV
20/02/2025
Chapter 5 Elara's POV
20/02/2025
Chapter 6 Elara's POV
20/02/2025
Chapter 7 Elara's POV
20/02/2025
Chapter 8 Elara's POV
20/02/2025
Chapter 9 Elara's POV
20/02/2025
Chapter 10 ELARA'S POV
20/02/2025
Chapter 11 11
03/03/2025
Chapter 12 12
07/03/2025
Chapter 13 ELARA'S POV
07/03/2025
Chapter 14 Elara's Pov
07/03/2025
Chapter 15 ELARA'S POV
10/03/2025
Chapter 16 ELARA'S POV
10/03/2025
Chapter 17 17
10/03/2025
Chapter 18 ELARA'S POV
10/03/2025
Chapter 19 19
10/03/2025
Chapter 20 20
14/03/2025
Chapter 21 ELARA'S POV
14/03/2025
Chapter 22 ELARA'S POV
14/03/2025
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