The Mafia's Obsession

Chapter 2 Her Father’s Cross SELENA

I pointed my toes and arched my back gracefully in the hands of Sebastian, my ballet partner, as we danced together to the rhythm of the calm music playing in the dance studio. With beads of sweat covering my forehead, I was goddamn tired. I couldn't even sleep well the entire night knowing that some ruthless crime boss out there would be coming for his money soon.

With the now-frequent letters we were receiving, I had a feeling he would be coming very soon.

I was tossing and turning in my sleep, being haunted by this mysterious pair of ocean-blue eyes.

"Ouch!" Sebastian immediately exclaimed as he let go of my body and twisted his toes.

My face turned scarlet red immediately after I realized I must have stepped on his toes.

He winced in pain and crunched his face.

"Selene, what's the problem?" The ballet instructor, Lilith, asked as she came over to my side.

"I am so sorry, Sebastian. It was a mistake." I apologized quickly. The soft music came to an abrupt end and Sebastian nodded his head whilst rubbing his toes.

"Everyone takes a break. Sebastian, come let me give you some ointment for your toes," Lilith said with a sigh. I watched Sebastian limp away with Lilith and I couldn't help but feel guilty. I truly need to learn how to keep my anxious thoughts at bay whenever I am dancing.

I slumped on the wooden studio floor and laid on my back. Sounds of chattering and laughing began echoing around the atmosphere from my fellow ballet workers. They were obviously happy with the much-needed break we got.

Selene, you look so stressed, Hailey, my best friend, asked as her brows wrinkled to a frown.

"I'm just tired, you know. The dance step was really a very difficult one," I replied, wiping away the perspiration that covered my temples.

You need to cool off Hun. Go to the club once in a while and party, Hailey urged with a lopsided grin.

If only she knew I would go to the club every night but not cool off, to swing my body for filthy men.

Besides, I heard that Jake likes you. She squealed as she lay her back next to me.

I'm not interested in him, I simply stated, which got her abruptly jerking up and giving me a quirky look.

"Oh wait, it's because you like Mike, your crush," she teasingly said with a mischievous grin.

I felt my cheeks heat up and I nodded my head. "I do, but I've been so busy. I haven't even had a chance to even go visit him and, you know, I'm so shy to confess my feelings to a boy."

"Well create time. He probably likes you, too, you know." She winked.

I laughed at her reply. The chances of Mike liking me back were slim. I was satisfied with admiring him from afar.

OK, everybody on your toes. We have a performance coming up later in the afternoon, so no mistakes. The high-pitched voice of Lilith cut through our conversation.

It was time to get back to work. I exhaled deeply and stood up with Hailey.

We all arranged ourselves into our dance formations and stuck with our partners as the dance process began from the beginning.

* * * * *

Time moved really fast, and once again the city was sunk back into the darkness, and I was back at the entrance of the club. I felt like a bee, ever so busy with no rest.

I slumped on my shoulders and walked into the familiar dressing room littered with the chattering of women. The usual boisterous noise of the crowd could be heard.

"Selene, you came so early today!" Golden's elated voice sounded throughout the room as she came over to hug me.

I hugged her back and giggled. Of course. I need to dress up on time for my performance. "How won't you come this early with the crazy amount of money you made last night?" Violetta scoffed as she focused on applying mascara to her face.

"Cut the girl some slack. You made that much money on your first day," Golden retorted back, defending me. Anyway, Selene, the boss wants to see you, she added, turning back to face me.

A puzzled expression wiped across my face. "Why?"

We've been in this longer than you, and the boss has never called any of us privately to dance for him, but you just came not so long ago, and all of a sudden, he wants you to dance for him. You've sucked your way to the top, Claire jeered at me.

"I didn't do anything," I said with a shaky voice that lacked enough confidence and power.

I ignore their taunts. It's a good thing you came early today. Come on, get ready so you can go meet him and tell us all the juicy details. Golden eyes sparkled like a puppy who had seen a treat.

I subconsciously nodded my head.

Golden handed me a nude-exposing dress, which I wore, and shoved me onto a chair.

In less than twenty minutes, she had already done her magic again, and I looked so beautiful, older, and sexier.

Don't be anxious, OK. You are lucky, you know. Boss pays well, so you will definitely get enough money today, just like yesterday, "Golden said with glee as she observed my tensed expression. "

He just likes your pretty face, that's all. Don't feel special, Violetta shrugged her shoulders. Shut up and get your ass off the stage, "Golden snapped back."

I truly liked how fierce and bold Golden was. I wished I were like that.

She hissed at both of us and exited the dressing room.

I wasn't even concerned about her taunts, I was concerned about meeting the boss.

I had never met him, but I heard he was cruel and unforgiving. A man who held so much raw power and money.

I really hope I won't mess up in my performance.

The door to the changing room opened, and a tall bald man stepped inside, squinting his eyes around until he met my terrified eyes. Was he the boss?

"She is ready, Bruno," Golden spoke up with hesitation.

"Good. Boss wants you doll," he said nonchalantly, not even minding the half-naked women in the dressing room.

The order was loud and clear.

My heart began palpitating, wanting to break out of the rib cage, and my hands began to feel sweaty.

Golden gave me a reassuring smile as I stepped out of the dressing room with him.

Oh! Goodness. Who was this boss?

Would I meet a middle-aged man, hairy and rugged?

Heaven knew I felt so nervous as a million thoughts ran through my mind about the type of man I would meet.

He led me to a private lounge before exiting. The interior was breathtaking; walls aligned with marble stood out, and a chandelier stood in the center of the lounge, illuminating it with beautiful, dim lights. There was also a mini podium in the center of the lounge.

Right there, seated on a velvet-colored sofa, was the tall frame of a man whose one hand was strapped around the waist of a blonde who held a cigarette, puffing the smoke out of her parted lips.

My breathing got caught in my throat the moment our eyes locked. He was the same man who stared at me the other night. Now seeing him at a closer range, I had a better view of his face. He had the body of a Greek god. I didn't expect the boss to be a young man, a handsome one at that.

His impeccable suit hugged his arms, showing off his muscles. His silver-colored hair was let to fall like yesterday, its locks dangling dangerously over his shoulders.

His jaw line was sharp, and his cheekbones were pointed.

His lips were a shade of peach and pink, and under his long eyelashes peeked those cold ocean eyes, colder than ice, that stared intently at me. It felt like he was staring deep into my soul. I felt so naked under his brutal gaze. "Leave us," he ordered the blonde, who kept on puffing smoke in the air. His tone was dark and commanding.

She scrunched her face and glared at me, but she didn't dare to object to his orders. She stood up with inaudible grumbles and scurried out of the room, her heels clicking against the floor.

I cast my gaze downwards and stood on the spot, unsure of what to do.

"Selene Price." His baritone voice boomed after a torturing moment of silence enveloped the atmosphere.

How did he know my name?

Y-yes? How do you know my name? "I stuttered."

He chuckled and flopped his head back on the sofa. "Believe me, I know a lot more than your name."

I was suddenly doused in an ominous feeling as I stood with this man.

I locked my fingers together, trying to control my nervousness.

"You have a debt to pay off," he simply stated in that dark tone.

I almost choked in the air when hearing that. How did he know that? Who was this man? "How—how did you know?"

" Because I am the one whom your father owes.

Too bad he passed away. Now you have to carry his cross, he replied huskily.

So he was the crime boss my cruel father borrowed money from. I didn't even know how to react. I felt glued to the spot. Knots got tied up in my stomach as his blue orbs peered intensely at me.

"Get naked for me," he ordered.

What?

That was absurd. I know I am a stripper, but I can't do that.

I can't do that, I objected, trying to sound brave and stop the jitters from spreading across my body, but my trembling voice gave me away.

He chuckled slowly. Do it. You can't pay me back my money with those chicken bucks you earn daily. Let me at least help you. His tone held a mocking aura in it.

He was right. I had only managed to raise two hundred thousand out of the seven hundred thousand. Life was really so tough for my sister and me.

I gulped and, with shaky hands, I began undressing myself whilst he hungrily fed his eyes on every inch of my body.

I couldn't believe I was fully naked in front of this beast. Who does this to a woman?

He didn't come over to touch me; his eyes had already done the touching as they hungrily took on my body. "Now go over to the pole and dance for me," he demanded.

I was so doused in shame and embarrassment. I had let down my dignity as a result of a stupid loan my dad took to waste on gambling. Goosebumps began covering my bare skin as the cold air slapped against it.

I ponderously walked over to the stage and held on to a pole.

There was no music playing, so I just had to close my eyes and think of a song in my head so I could dance effortlessly.

Silence enveloped the atmosphere, and the only sounds heard were the sound of my