Love Or Revenge

1

APHRODITE POV

Beep.. Beep.. Beep..

I woke up to the sound of my alarm. I swear this crap just seems to be getting louder & louder. I groaned loudly. I knocked my alarm clock on the floor. I snuggled back under my blanket to get some more sleep but before I knew it my phone alarm started going off again. I inwardly cursed myself. I frustratedly kicked the blanket off my body. I walked in the bathroom to empty my bladder, take care of my hygiene and shower. Stepping out of the shower, I wrapped my towel around myself, walking over to my mirror. I ran my fingers through my tousled hair. Grabbing my spray bottle with my all natural hair care products in it, I sprayed my hair. I decided I was going to do an intimate hairstyle to match my dress I was wearing tonight for work. I braided two horizontal braids on each side of the front of my head then braided the rest of my hair into individuals. I added my favorite light brown and tan beads to a few braids, then proceeded to put every individual braid into bantu knots. Once I was finished and satisfied with my hair I did a natural beat on my face. Using brown and tan for my eyeshadow and a light tan matte lip gloss & liner for my lips. I smiled to myself because I knew I looked good. I walked out the bathroom but came to a stop. I looked around my very small studio apartment. I frowned at my living situation. I am a 22 years old orphan. My mother died giving birth to me and my father never wanted me, leaving me to the system. A wonderful lady by the name of Everlyn Smitt, adopted me and took care of me. She died when I was 18 years old. She didn’t have anything to leave me so I had to get it how I got it. I danced, and no before yall jump to conclusions I wasn’t a stripper. I was a background dancer for some upcoming artists. That didn’t keep the lights on so I used one of my other gifts, singing. I started by singing on the street corner until I met Poppa Red. Poppa Red was the owner of a black affair gentlemen’s club called Phoenix in Berlin, Germany. Phoenix was a very luxurious club for the rich and famous, a normal person like me couldn’t even get in if I didn't work there.

You had to come dressed in your finest or you'd be shown the door. I sighed. I am thankful for Poppa Red because he really looked out for me as far as offering me the job and giving me a real shot. My first night when he heard me sing and he got positive feedback from his customers and clients he knew then he was going to hire me, according to him. I’ve been working there for three months now and I made enough from my checks and tips to at least get a place to lay my head. I guess it could be worse. I walked to my chest to get out my dress & put it on. I looked at myself in the mirror and did a spin. I was wearing a tan off the shoulders mermaid dress that has a split all the way to the top of my thigh.The customers and clients tipped better when I gave them something for their imagination. I grabbed my purse, phone and key while making my way towards the door. I walked down my stairs to see Samatha already waiting for me.

“Damn bestie! You look good in that dress honey!” Samatha said

“ Of course I do, my bestie made me for me” I said while giving her a kiss on each cheek.

“You know I had to hook my girl up but did you hear?!” she practically yelled. I furrowed my eyebrows at her because I had no idea what she was referring to.

“Cameron & Colton Black will be at Phoenix tonight girl!” she told me. My mouth dropped. They were the IT couple, even if they were two men, respectfully. They were the proud owners of Fruh Kolsch, a manufacturer of cars. They have the best cars in all of Germany, it was nothing they couldn’t make for you. They had the most legendary car shows which were held a few times a year.

“Noooo! Are you kidding?!” I said shockingly

“Am I so serious b***h! This could be the break you were looking for best! You know the car show is two weeks away! They are probably looking for performers.” Samatha stated. I was stunned I didn’t know what to say or how to react. If you performed at Kolsch Festival your life changed after that.

“I don’t know Sam, what if I’m not good enough?” I said, looking down, twiddling my fingers.

“Oh stop! As long as you sing your heart out like you do every night they will definitely ask you to perform! And, if they don't, it is their loss!” Sam said, kissing my cheek. This is why she is my best friend, she believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I was getting so emotional.

“Alright sis, no tears. Let's get you to work so you can knock 'em dead!” Sam said giggling

We both got in the car and headed to Phoenix.

********************************

“Aphrodite!”

I turned around to see Poppa Red walking up to me. Like every night, Poppa Red had on his signature bright red suit. Poppa Red was handsome for a 43 year old. You would think he is in his late twenties, but his salt and pepper beard told you the truth.

“Yes Poppa Red?” I answered with a wide smile.

“I am sure Sam already told you but we have special guest coming tonight’

“Yes sir,' she told me. Did they have any requests?” I asked.

“Surprisingly no they didn’t. Just make sure you bring the house down.”

“You know I alway do,” I said with a smirk. I turned to walk away but he grabbed my shoulder. I turned around to see what else he had to say

“Also, we have a couple here who just got married. The groom wants you to sing the song that was playing when they met”

“Okay, no problem. What is the song?”

He smirked “Love takes time by Mariah Carey”

I smiled at him and gave him a nod. From the corner of my eye I saw Harvey, the security guard walking up. He whispered something in Poppa Red ear. He nodded and dismissed him.

“They are here, I will see you after your set” he kissed my forehead and walked away. Now before yall ask, no me and Poppa Red are NOT involved. I look at him as the father I never had and he looks at me as his daughter. He even introduces me as such sometimes. I walked to the bar to get a drink before my set.

“The usual queen?” Jeffery asked. I smiled at him then nodded my head. When he brought me my drink I paid him, even though I did not have to because I worked here. Drinks and food were free for most of the staff. As I sipped on my drink, my attention was diverted to the door when two greek god-like men walked in holding hands. The man on the right had the most mesmerizing green eyes with a hint of gold in them. He had soft cheekbones but a chiseled chin. His lips were small and plump & so pink. He was a sexier version of Channing Tatum. The man on the left, just screaming authority with his all black armani suit. His chestnut brown eyes made my panties wet. He had a defined dimple in his right cheek and the juiciest lips I wanted to lick. He was a brown sugar version of Idris Elba. I know they are a couple but they were the sexiest men I have ever seen in my life. What the hell Aphrodite?! Get it together and stop lusting over these men. I shook my head to get myself out of the trance I was in.

“Aphrodite, sweetheart, is it not time for you to get on stage?” I heard Poppa Red beside me. I almost choked on my drink, he scared the hell out of me. I was so lost in checking those sexy stallions out I didn’t even notice he was coming up to me. I turned around to face him but I was met with him and the two men I was eye f*****g. I made eye contact with the gentleman in the black suit. All of a sudden my breath was taken away from me, he was even more beautiful up close. We stared into each other's eyes and I swear I was looking in his soul. I heard someone clear their throat and I blushed looking back at Poppa Red. I smiled

'I was going DAD’ I said, emphasizing dad. He chuckled, shaking his head. We heard someone else clear their throat. Poppa Red and I looked at our guest.

“Ah right, Aphrodite, this gentleman in the blue suit is Colton and the other gentleman is Cameron. Cameron & Colton this is my daughter Aphrodite”

“You never mentioned having children Red” Colton said

“He is not actually my father. He just likes telling people that” I chuckled

“Well, either way it is very nice to meet you,” Colton said. Cameron took my right hand and Colton took my left hand. They both planted a soft and gentle kiss on my hand. I couldn’t help the blush that invaded my face. I cleared my throat.

“Well, it was a pleasure meeting you both however I have to get ready for my set”

I bowed my head a bit and turned to leave. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding when I got a good distance away from them. Don’t turn around. Don’t turn around. I chanted to myself. I groaned and looked back to see if they were watching me walk away. They were! I hastily walked to the stage to start the show.

“Y’all ready?” I asked the band.

“Always for you Aphrodite” said Davis, the drummer

“Good, we are doing a Mariah Carey song that was requested by a newly wedded couple.”

“Yes!” they said excitedly

“You are going to kill this babe!” Frank the pianist said, kissing both my cheeks. I hear a growl, at least that's what I think I heard. I turned around to come face to face with Colton & Cameron. Red had seated them in the front row with the newlyweds. Cameron looked very angry about something and Colton was whispering something in his ear. I got nervous all of a sudden. Why would Red do this to me? He knew I was nervous but this just made it worse. I groaned and turned back to the band.

“Love Takes Time, get ready and wait for my que”

I turned around with a smile on my face as I walked a few steps towards the mic. Everyone got quiet for me to speak.

“How is everyone doing tonight!?”

I heard shouting and cheering. I couldn't help but giggle a bit because the feedback was amazing.

“Good. Good. We have a newlywed couple here tonight. The groom had a request for me to sing a very special song that is dear to his and his wife's heart. Mr. & Mrs.Peterson, this is for you”

Once I finished my sentence I heard applause, hoops and congrats ringing out. I closed my eyes taking a deep breath before I started. The band started to play and I opened my eyes ready to let the melody escape my lips.