the contract marriage

CHAPTER 2

Emily

When I arrive home, my heart races as I rush to get dressed. I can already hear the thumping bass of the music vibrating through the walls. The moment I step inside The Edge, the smell of booze hits me like a punch to the gut. Neon strobe lights flicker across the empty stage, creating an unsettling dance of shadows.

It’s still early, and the club is quiet. No girls on stage, no patrons filling the seats. But I know the private rooms are probably bustling with activity.

I weave through the dimly lit hallway, finally reaching the storage room where we stash our belongings. It’s a gentlemen’s club, and my job is to manage drinks—not dance on stage like the others. Unfortunately, I don’t have their courage or grace.

As I enter, Candy greets me with a bright smile, her hot pink dress hugging her curves. She looks stunning, but I know that outfit won’t last long on stage.

“Hey, you!” she calls, brushing her hair as she checks herself in the mirror. “Why not dance? You’d make so much more money!”

I feel a wave of unease wash over me at the mere thought of being half-naked in front of a crowd. “I don’t have your confidence, Candy. I’d probably break my neck if I tried to dance like you.”

She shrugs, turning back to the mirror. I saunter back out, the anticipation of the night creeping in. The tables are filling with eager patrons, ready for the show to begin.

On my way to the bar, I pass Vinnie, the bouncer. He’s a gentle giant—his muscular frame and scarred face can be intimidating, but he always treats me with respect. His green eyes meet mine, and he nods as I greet him.

“Hey, Vin,” I say, forcing a smile.

His casual demeanor shifts slightly. “Marcus wants to talk to you.”

My stomach drops. What does he want? I can feel my heart racing in response to Vinnie’s words.

“It’s nothing to worry about,” Vinnie assures me. “Just go see him in the office.”

I nod, but the rhythm of my heartbeat doesn’t settle. As I walk toward the back of the club, I feel the bass reverberate through me—my heart pounding in sync with the music.

Marcus’s dark energy sends shivers down my spine. I knock twice on the black door that resembles his soul. “Come in, Emily.”

With a tremor in my hands, I open the door, stepping inside. He sits behind his desk, whiskey in one hand, cigar in the other. Scars crisscross his arms and face, remnants of a life I can only imagine.

“Vinnie said you wanted to see me,” I manage to say, trying to keep my voice steady.

Marcus leans forward, placing his cigar down. “There’s a girl who called in sick. I need you to work overtime tonight—and I’ll pay you double.”

I wrestle with myself. Working until 5 a.m. means I’ll be exhausted for my shift with Aiden at 6 a.m. But the thought of easy money tempts me. I clear my throat. “Okay. What time do I leave?”

He explains my responsibilities, instructing me to deliver drinks to tables and then return to the bar. I nod, confidence slowly building. It can’t be that hard, right?

After he dismisses me, I dive into the chaos of cocktail orders. The night drags on, and I manage to spill a drink on myself, its sticky scent bringing back unwanted memories of my father.

When I head to table 10 with a tray of tequila shots and whiskey tumblers, I feel eyes on me—gazes that crawl under my skin. I put on a smile, reminding myself to be polite.

“Here you go. If you need anything else, just let me know,” I say, setting the tray down.

Just as I turn to leave, a hand slides up my thigh. I whirl around to see a man with brown hair grinning at me. “Come sit on my lap, sweetheart. Let’s see what pops up.”

My face drains of color. I step back, shaking my head, my heart racing.

Returning to the bar, I find Vinnie watching the scene unfold. He leans over, concern etched on his face. “What happened?”

I swallow hard, hair falling in my eyes. “He touched me.”

His gaze hardens. “Stay here,” he says, storming toward the table.

As he confronts the man, my breath catches. “What did we say about touching our girls?” Vinnie’s voice is low and dangerous, and I flinch at the authority in it.

Despite the man’s horror, I can’t help but feel a flicker of fear for him. I don’t want violence.

Once the situation settles, I serve the remaining customers. When the girls take the stage, I watch with folded arms, admiring their skill. Candy spins effortlessly around the pole, drawing bills from the captivated audience, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy.

“Enjoying the show?” a voice says beside me.

I turn to find an attractive man leaning against the bar. Heat rushes to my cheeks. “I’m admiring her talent.”

“Talented for sure. But I wonder how you’d do up there. I bet you’re just as talented.”

I laugh genuinely for the first time that night. “I lack balance. I’d fall flat on my face.”

He smirks, clearly not believing me. “I doubt that.”

“What can I get you, handsome?” I ask, trying to keep my composure.

“Three fingers of whiskey, please.” He winks, making my cheeks heat further.

As he flirts with me, I can’t help but feel flattered. But my attention shifts when Marcus approaches, his intense gaze fixed on me.

“Emily,” he says, and my heart skips a beat. “Next time something happens, I need you to tell me or my guards right away. Understand?”

I nod, a wave of guilt washing over me. I hate being a snitch, but I know he’s just trying to protect us.

“Yes, sir. I’m sorry. I’ll make sure to do that.”

His expression softens momentarily, but I can see the worry etched on his face. He’s not just a boss; he genuinely cares.

“Some men here aren’t gentlemen. Stay at a distance when serving, alright?” he warns.

“I will, I promise.”

As he turns, my heart races at how handsome he looks in that fitted suit, his captivating tattoos peeking from the sleeves.

The hours drag on, and my feet scream for relief by 5 a.m. I’m exhausted, and I know I need to be up again soon.

As I step outside, I hear Vinnie calling my name. I turn, holding the door open as he approaches with a white envelope.

“Forgot your wages. Marcus said to take the night off and get some rest.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “No sleep for me. I work in the city until 6 tonight.”

Vinnie narrows his eyes. “And you didn’t tell him why?”

“It’s not a big deal. I need the money, and I’ll be fine.”

His voice drops, concern evident. “That’s not funny.”

I smirk, tapping his cheek playfully. “I’m fine, Dad. See you tomorrow, okay?”

“Emily, go home or you’ll be grounded,” he says, shaking his head with a smile.

“Bye, Daddy!” I call back, wiggling my fingers as I hop into the cab waiting to take me home.

The night may have been chaotic, but tomorrow is a new day—and I’ll face it all over again.