HIS DOUBLE LIFE, HER SECRET

CHAPTER 4: IMPROMPTU RELATIONSHIP

MATEO

I walk into the club through the back door when the music is down and the lights are on. The space is almost empty except for the few people cleaning, and her. She’s pacing the room as if looking for something-her key. I picked it after the lap dance but she left before I could give it to her. “Looking for something.” I ask, startling her out of her search. “Yes, I can’t find my room key…I’ve checked everywhere.” The face she's wearing makes me want to give her the key but I decide against it, her performance left me wanting more so I do the one thing I’m good at. She’s a stripper and probably needs money so there’s only a percentage chance of her turning me down. “You can extend your working hours. Let’s go to my apartment,” I say, looking at her. She gives me a once over as if thinking against the idea but she nods, surprising me. I lead the way and we drive to my apartment in silence-me focusing on the road, her looking out the window.

Once in the apartment, I want to be patient with her seeing that she’s my student but I can’t resist the urge to grab her so I do just that and she gasps, her eyes widening. “I'll let you have me for free and you'll keep quiet about my job, Mr. Romero.” she says, her face deadpan and I give her a slight nod. She walks over to the bed surprising me with how professionally she strips down. She then softly sets herself at the center of my my bed, gesturing for me to walk over so I do, losing my clothes with each step. When I get to her, I pump my fingers in and out of her and grab a condom from my nightstand, tearing it open and rolling it along my length. Without kissing her, I push into her, thrusting back and forth but she doesn’t moan. When I'm done roll to one side of the bed, trying to catch my breath.

***

I’m awakened by the sound of my alarm and the time is 9AM. There’s no Roseline laying next to me so I get up and check around the apartment and still, she’s nowhere to be seen. She’s gone. I begin to pick the clothes that are scattered on the floor and the realization that I fell asleep without even trying hits me. I think about that for some time and settle on the thought that maybe I was just a little too tired. I shower, order some junk and spend the rest of the day reading through the documents for the casino's opening.

When the sun sets, I drive to Las Montez and walk straight through the back door. I assume I’m the last person to walk in because Bobby, the tunnel guard walks behind me. The casino looks beautiful so I pause to marvel at the finishing. Bobby and I walk to the table where all partners and employees are gathered. When we get there, the meeting begins. “I welcome you all to the official opening of the dualistic casino belonging to the dualistic family,” Lina says, tying her black hair into a ponytail. “May the don, address us now.” I stand up and begin talking, “Thank you, Lina. I was marveled by the work we’ve put up when I walked in-I appreciate you all for partnering with me in this. We all know our roles here so I won’t run through them, let’s just perfect our skills. The casino starts functioning tomorrow and Paul, make sure to search everyone thoroughly before letting them in. Lastly, we need to trust each other. One f**k up and you're gone. Betrayal shall not be condoned and…”

“Footsteps,” Lina says interrupting me as she walks to the door exiting the room. A few minutes later, Lina walks back in, a girl trailing behind her. When I see Roseline, I drop my gun and order everyone else to drop theirs. “Meet my girlfriend, Rosie. Excuse me.” I say, grabbing her hand and leading her out of the tunnel and into the club. I drag her out of the club, to my car and order her to get in. “What the f**k were you doing there?” I ask and she flinches. “What were you doing with my room key?” she replies, her voice shaky. “I followed you there because I needed to find out why you had my key.”

“Shut up!” I shout, not knowing what to say. “Who are those people? Why do you own a gun?” she asks, fearlessly. “Listen to me, you can’t tell anyone about this.” I say, withdrawing my gun and pointing it at her. “You’ll either keep my secret and play my girlfriend starting now, or take a bullet.” She’s silent and shaking now. I want to let her go but that’s a risk I’m not willing to take. My project in Las Vegas can’t end before it even begins. “But it’s wrong. You’re my lecturer and…” “That’s another secret we’ll have to keep,” I cut her off. “I’ll keep your secret and you’ll keep mine." She doesn’t respond so I close the space between the gun and her temple and she nods, shutting her eyes. “Let’s go home.” I say driving her to my apartment, ordering some food on the way. She doesn’t say anything while we eat. “You’re staying the night.” I command, giving her one of my pyjama tops and she just nods. I lead her to my bedroom even though she knows her way there by now and tuck her in. I don’t intend on sharing the bed with her so I go to the study room where I type up a contract and print it. Without giving it much thought, I walk to my bedroom and into my duvet where I lay quietly and watch her sleep until surprisingly, I fall asleep too.

She's already awake and staring at me when I wake up “Why was my room key with you?” she asks

“I picked it after the lap dance but you left before I could give it to you.” She sighs, “Can you take me back to my room?”

“Not before you sign the contract.” She stands up changing out of my pyjamas. “It’s dangerous out there! Until everyone is convinced you’re my girlfriend, you’re a threat to them. To us.” She paces the room a few minutes and sits on the bed. She says something but I don’t hear it because I’m lost in thought, wondering how I’ve been able to sleep easily when I’m next to her. “Did you say something?” I ask.

“Where's the f*****g contract?” she asks, probably repeating herself and I walk to my nightstand, withdrawing the papers from my drawer. I hand them to her and she begins reading them silently, her facial expressions morphing throughout. “Engagement?” She asks when she finishes reading. “What do you want from me?”

“To protect you! I want to protect you only because I dragged you into this when I decided to keep your key.” I say, “Until you’re safe, you’re going to be my fiancé. We can terminate the contract when safety is ensured.”

“I don’t need you to protect me MR. Romero,” she whispers. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” I reply “And call me Mateo.”

“I don’t need you to protect me, Mateo!” She says standing up, the strength of her voice surprising me. I look into her eyes long enough to notice their color–black. “Sign the papers, now!” I command and she grabs the pen I’m handing to her, signing the papers frustrated. “Take me back now.” She says and without getting out of my pajamas, I walk her out of my apartment and drive her to school.