The Billionaire’s Bargain

ChapterTwo

STRIP BAR AND LOUNGE, LOS ANGELES

Ethan's POV

I had just walked into the lounge, my favourite spot to relax, after another stressful day filled with meetings and cutthroat deals.

I headed straight to the bar and took my usual seat. The bartender knew my drink without asking

As I took a sip, I noticed her.

Petite. Pretty. A redhead in a short, soft-looking dress, standing in a group of three women. They looked like friends, probably celebrating something.

Even from where I sat, I could tell she wasn’t used to this kind of place. The way she moved, the way her eyes darted around. She looked a little lost, but also kind of charming.

Not really my type, i’m not into redheads. But something about her, the way she swayed to the music, her figure, the curve of her hips, it made me pause.

I watched as she mumbled something to her crowd, handed her glass to the girl beside her, didn’t realise how much I’ve watched her till I found myself standing in reaction to her almost falling.

“Ethan get a hold of yourself”, I muttered to myself. “She’s just another pretty girl. This doesn’t have to mean anything.”

But I couldn’t look away.

She moved through the crowd, and I found myself watching her, then following a few steps behind, just in case she tripped again.

She pushed the door open and stepped outside.

Then she just, stopped.

I nearly bumped into her. She stood still, eyes closed, breathing like she was finally catching her breath.

I stepped to the side, just to see her face. And damn!

I’ve been around beautiful women. Models, actresses, socialites, women who know how to turn heads.

But this one?

With her red hair falling softly over her shoulders, eyes closed, lips slightly parted, she didn’t even need to try.

She didn’t look like someone trying to stand out.

She looked real.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s what caught me off guard.