Claimed By The Tycoon

~2~

Aria was a prostitute. A woman without honor. That was how she felt when she stared at herself in the mirror.

Paula had given her a few of her dresses to try for tonight’s interview, but Paula may have forgotten how prude Aria can be.

“You’re exaggerating,” Paula said lazily rolling her eyes

“Exaggerating??? Half of my breasts are out for the whole world to see!!” Aria gawked. She truly resembled a prostitute.

“Aria, you’re not applying for a job at a bank, it’s a club. And you have to look the part.” Paula called out as she waltzed into her walk-in closet to bring out other dresses that were as modest as the one Aria had on. Most of the clothes Paula had were very scandalous, even for someone born and raised in the city- so finding a dress that would satisfy Aria’s moral standards would be hard to find.

“It just feels so uncomfortable.” Aria fumbled with the hem of her dress and the drooping neckline; she had never worn anything like this in her life… you couldn’t even find this type of dress in her town- it was taboo.

“Well if you really want the job, you just have to suck it up,” Paula said tightly as she handed another dress to her “Try this”

She eyed the dress in her hands warily, she just hoped it was better than the provocative monstrosity she had on.

“You stopped writing. Care to tell me why?” It’s been eating Paula alive since Aria showed up at her doorstep unannounced.

The last time she had heard from her was 6 months ago, and that was when her mother died.

“I was just really busy, that's all. The workload increased” Aria answered quickly, carefully avoiding eye contact. Paula had known her long enough to spot when she was lying, and this was one of those moments.

“I won’t push it, but eventually, I hope you can tell me what happened” There was a trace of hurt in her eyes, but she masked it quickly - that was the difference between Aria and Paula, she was a damn good liar.

Silence hung in the air like a drenched coat. Aria did not enjoy hiding things from Paula, but she had no choice. If Paula knew what she did, she wouldn’t be able to forgive her… no one would.

She had already lost her mom, she couldn’t bear to lose Paula too.

She threw on the gown Paula had given her and it was slightly better than the previous one. It was a black figure-hugging gown slightly above the knee, her full breasts teased through the low neckline, but not completely revealing.

She wasn’t completely comfortable in it, but she had never seen herself this way before.. what was it called?

“Sexy. That's more like it!” Paula was excited, she had wanted Aria to come to the city for so long, so they could both build a fulfilling life together.

Now she’s right here, but under some circumstances Paula wasn’t privy to at the moment.

Aria couldn’t help but smile, she felt an air of confidence surround her.

“Now let’s go through the rules - 1, if anyone asks, we are not childhood friends. 2, outside this apartment, you call me Diamond, not Paula. And 3, do not mingle with anyone after work hours.”

“Why can’t anyone know were childhood friends? And diamond? Where did that come from? ” Aria’s brows furrowed in confusion.

“Because I don’t want anyone to know we have a personal connection. I wouldn’t want you to be a liability Aria.”

“A liability?” Now she was offended. Is that how she saw her? A liability??

Paula sighed in exasperation “That's not what I meant Aria. This business is dangerous, and let’s just say I’ve made some enemies along the way. You're important to me, and you know it, but I don’t want them to know that, do you understand me now?”

Aria nodded slowly. She understood, Paula was just trying to protect her. Deep down she was starting to second guess taking the job, maybe she should opt for something safer.

As if sensing her distress, Paula grabs her hands softly, giving it a tight squeeze “I won’t let anything happen to you, alright? Trust me” She reassured, and Aria believed.

Paula would always fight off bullies for Aria because she was always too scared to stand up to anyone. So when she left that night, It was so hard for Aria, because her shield was gone.

“And as for diamond, that's my stage name- suiting isn’t it? I am a diamond after all” Paula said, giving her hair a sassy toss.

“Of course you are” Aria giggled.

Paula glances at the wall clock and grabs her purse from the bed. “Shall we? “ She smiles

“Yes, we shall” Aria returns the gesture and they exit the apartment.

On their way to the club, Aria could only wonder what it would be like, the kind of people she would find there, if there were drugs at every table.

Once again, the books have disappointed her.

It was calm. Very few people were seated, the lighting was dim, and the music was as sober as she was. She wondered if they were at the right place.

“It’s still early, wait till you see this place by 10pm, that's when the whole chaos begins” Paula whispered with a twinkle in her eyes.

Aria could recognize that look from a mile away, and it never really ended well.

“Diamond! Who’s your pretty friend ?” The tall lanky man eyed her like a piece of meat.

“She’s new in town, looking for a job, you think you can fill her in as a waitress?”

“I believe there’s room for one more” he smiled slyly, his eyes never leaving Aria “What’s your name pretty girl?”

“A-Aria” she answered nervously, her eyes leaning away from his.

“Aria; beautiful name for a beautiful girl,” Paula couldn’t help but roll her eyes

“Aria, this is Tim, he’ll be your supervisor,” she turned to Tim “Behave.” She said menacingly low.

“I need to go change, I’m up in less than an hour. If he touches you, let me know; if you kicked him in the balls before letting me know, that would be so much better” Aria gave a small smile “I’ll be fine pau - diamond”

“I know you will” Paula suddenly felt protective over Aria, like she used to. But she knew she wouldn’t always be there to fight for her.

“So, all you have to do is take orders; if you have any issues just let me know, I’ll be happy to help- “Suddenly Tim paused, and took 3 steps away from her, his eyes darting towards another direction, shaken with fear.

She looked for the cause of his agitation and there he was, standing in the gallery above her, his eyes darting into her soul.

His stare is daunting but she cannot bring herself to look away.

He smirked and walked away, her eyes still stuck on the gallery.

Tim cleared his throat nervously “Start taking orders” he said quickly and walked away.

Who was that man? And why was Tim so afraid of him?