The Devil's Disguise

Chapter 5

"So, do you have any plans for tonight, Ms. Dames?" Rafael asked, as I sipped the over-priced latte he had ordered for me.

"I can make a better latte than this," I grumbled, frowning.

He let out a chuckle, leaning his elbows on the table. "I wouldn't know, you didn't treat me to a cup."

"You didn't want to be at my coffeehouse." I shrugged.

"I mean, I just didn't want trouble for you. You know I'm always thinking about you." He winked.

A smile tugged at my lips. "Don't do that."

"Don't do what?"

"Don't flirt with me."

"Why not?" He grinned.

"Because then you'll fall in love with me, and then it's gonna get messy."

Rafael chuckled, his blue eyes shining with amusement. "And why would that be? You think I'm a mess?"

"I never said that."

"You never say anything, do you, Ms. Dames?"

I went silent for a second, before leaning closer to him. "Well, talking isn't what I get paid for."

He laughed again, eyes narrowing just a bit. "You know I quite fancy a girl like you."

"You do?"

"Mhm. You're confident, beautiful, clever, and loving. You're the perfect package."

"And, you're forgetting how good of a dancer I am."

"Of course," he nodded, grinning. "God, you make me smile too much."

"If it's any consolation, you make me smile all day." The words left my mouth before I could stop them. But I didn't regret it too much, not when he gently took my hand in his.

"I like that," he said softly, his gaze intent. "What are you doing tonight?"

"The same thing I do every-day. Stripping, for men."

He scrunched his nose up. "Okay, I'm not trying to sound judgemental, or stupid. But... do you enjoy this job?"

I scoffed, giving him an incredulous look. "Of course. I am extremely passionate about dancing and taking my clothes off in front of strange men, whilst they shove their hands into their pants and make wonderful sounds."

His nose scrunched up further, and he blinked a couple of times. "Okay, that was a disgusting image."

"Tell me about it." I rolled my eyes, proceeding to take another sip.

"So then leave it. Come with me tonight," he offered.

I chuckled, shaking my head at him. "Yeah, no."

"Why not?" He laughed.

"Because, you're not the who pays me. Elene hates me already, for taking away the customer with the heaviest pockets."

"Okay. Go on a date with me tonight, and I'll cover your tips. You get paid for your time anyway."

"I get paid for my job. By the club. I consider myself a dancer, because it makes me feel better about the whole thing. Going out exclusively with you, and getting paid for it, is really gonna tarnish my self respect."

He let out a sigh, eyes narrowing. "Okay, so... what if I come to your club, and ask for you again?"

"That's up to you, Mr. Knight. If you wanna see me again, you're free to stop by."

"But I don't want to see you dance, I just want us to talk. Spend time together. Maybe... kiss a little?"

"Kissing is off limits in the club."

"What about here? Can we kiss here?"

"Mr. Knight, are you trying to get into my pants?"

"You're the one who wants me to get you out of them."

I narrowed my eyes, making him chuckle.

"Just kidding, my darling. Okay no, let's drop the kissing. How about just a date?"

I thought about it for a moment. "I don't know, it doesn't feel right. I feel like a gold digger. Like... you're my sugar daddy."

He shook his head, smiling. "Nah, I'd wife a woman like you."

My eyes widened at his words, and I let out a nervous laugh. "Now, now, Rafael, don't go on making promises you won't keep."

"It's not a promise, no," he said, "it's... a conclusion. I'd love to find a woman like you. I told you, you're the perfect package."

"So my career choices do not make a difference to you?"

"Well, they would, if you'd choose to continue it even after we get married..."

"I totally would," I stated.

"Oh, that's a shame."

"Maybe you could convince me otherwise."

"Maybe, I will. When I do plan on getting married to you."

"Okay stop." I laughed. "All jokes, and fake marriage promises aside, are you gonna be there tonight?" 

He thought for a moment. "Most probably. But, but, I don't know if there will be any sudden things that make me busy. You know, like, surprise meetings, and stuff. It's kind of hard, being a businessman."

I nodded. "I understand, I do. But if you do show up, remember to ask for Rosie, not for Lara. If you do wanna see me, that is."

"Why would I not?"

"I don't know. Maybe you'll see another one of pretty dancers and call her over. You seem like you're easily moved by beauty."

"Wow, alright. Fair enough. Save me a dance, then, will you?"

"Sure, I will."

"Perfect."

"Anyway, I should go now," I said, grabbing my wallet and my phone. "Please tell me how much this latte cost."

"Don't worry about it," he replied, frowning. "And I'll drop you home."

"No, absolutely not. I'm paying for my own stuff. I'd offer to pay for you too, but I'm a little broke."

"You don't have to do either. I don't take a woman out on a date, and then make her pay for herself. When you ask me out, you can pay for both of us."

"Hm, what makes you think I'll ask you out?"

"I don't know, maybe I'll get lucky."

I smiled. "Maybe you will. But you're not lucky enough to drop me home today. I can go, Rafael, thank you so much for this. For everything."

"You're always welcome, Lara. For anything."

"Good bye," I said, my gaze softening.

"See you soon," he replied, before taking my hand and pressing a kiss to it. In spite of the number of times he had already done so, my cheeks never failed to redden whenever he did it.

I stood up after he reluctantly let go of my hand, and walked out of the cafe, with a huge smile playing on my lips. Sure, I had been getting a lot of stares the entire time from people around, and there was a certain person I could feel was burning holes into the back of my head, but these meetings with him were so worth it. I knew full well that Rafael Knight was merely toying with me. Especially after that comment he made about marrying me. I was a project to him, and he wanted me to sleep with him. Just so he could prove to himself that he could get any girl he'd want.

But... he was so romantic. And a stupid part of me kept wanting to believe his sweet words. It wanted to trust, that a man like him, could actually fall for someone like me. As miraculous as that would be.

For now, I wanted to enjoy myself.

After all, who doesn't like attention? And that too, from such a gorgeous man?

- - - -

Rafael ditched me once more. I spent the night waiting for him to show up. But once again, he never did.

With every dance, my disappointment grew. Was this what he enjoyed? This game he was playing with me? Hot and cold? Nice and mean?

It reached a point where I considered leaving the club. Just so I would stop glancing towards the entrance whenever I was free. But I decided against it, reminding myself that women like me did not have that luxury. I wasn't doing this for fun. I was doing this because I had a sick mother to take care of. Because I needed that money. If I ended up losing my job because of him, I would be done for.

Minutes turned into hours, and I gave a middle-aged man my last dance. It was almost six in the morning, and the sky was fortunately turning people. As soon as the man left the room, I put on my clothes, and tied my hair, ready to leave.

I made my way to Elene's room, and knocked, to let her know that I was done for the day. She yelled a 'come in', but the second I opened that door, I froze.

Sitting in front of her desk, was no other than him, Rafael Knight, for the first time dressed in a casual black T-shirt and jeans. He wore a silver chain around his neck, and his usual, calm smile, although today it looked almost... wicked for some reason.

My eyes narrowed at their own accord, but I didn't allow him to sway me.

"I'll be taking my leave now, Elene. See you tomorrow," I stated.

"Oh no, you can't," she said immediately. "I already committed to him."

"Well, maybe you should've asked me first," I replied, crossing my arms. "I'm tired. I'm going home."

I didn't dare glance at him as I said all that. I mean, I understood, maybe he was busy. But I couldn't ignore the way it was making me feel. That s**t was not healthy for someone of my occupation. Or for anyone else, for that matter. 

"Lara, listen to me." She stood up, making her way over to me. "Rafael Knight just bought full rights to you as long as you're within this club, on a shift. I can't say no to him now."

"What?" I asked incredulously, now staring at him. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"It means, you'll only be dancing exclusively for him. You'll get your monthly salary, but you'll come here to dance only if he asks for you. As for your tips, I've already calculated the average you make per month, including my share. All of that will be paid to you in bulk at the end of the month. Even if you don't give him a single dance."

My hung open, and I felt an entire rollercoaster of emotions in that single moment. Shock, anger, annoyance, excitement...

"Can I speak to my exclusive client in private for a bit?" I said through a clenched jaw.

"Of course. She's all yours, Mr. Knight," Elene smiled.

"I'm not all his," I grumbled as she left, closing the door behind her.

Before I could even begin, Rafael stood up and strode up to me. I opened my mouth to ask him what on earth was going on, but he seemed to know what was coming and placed his finger on my lips.

"Shh. Before you say anything, just hear me out, alright?"

"No," I replied, pushing his hand off. "Who do you think you are to make that decision for me, Rafael? Look, I understand, that you're trying to make things better for me. And I am grateful to you for that, but I do not want your favours. I do not want to owe anyone anything, I already have enough on my plate. Please, I don't want your money."

"No," he replied, frowning. "Wow, you think I'm doing this for you and you're still fighting with me? You don't even know my real intentions yet."

My heart beat quickened slightly. "What do you mean?"

"I am not doing this for you, Lara," he smiled nervously, "I'm doing this so you're at my disposal whenever I want. I realized that I cannot barge in here at any second, and instantly be entertained by you. I have been waiting here for the past fifteen minutes, because Elene refused to disturb your performance. And it felt like s**t. I don't like waiting, and I can't wait here knowing that you're busy dancing for some absolute creep."

I stared at him dumbfounded. 

"You... You're the one who sounds kinda creepy right now, Rafael. So you just decided to place a claim on me?"

"Well," he rubbed the back of his neck, "yeah."

I scratched the bridge of my nose. 

"Okay. I just hope that you know I'm still not kissing, or sleeping with you. My services to you will remain perfectly professional. And now that you've done this weird thing, we can't meet outside of work. Because you're starting to freak me out a little," I said honestly.

Something seemed to shift in his eyes, and he smiled, stepping closer to me. "And here I thought you liked freaky."

I took a deep breath, stepping away from him.

"I'm gonna go now. See you whenever you decide to call me."

"What about now?"

"Not now. We start this tomorrow. I'm tired, please."

"Okay." He nodded. "But there is one more thing I need to speak to you about before you leave."

"What is it? Make it quick."

"You said I cannot see you outside of work. So... will you work for me?"

"What?"

"RK Aerospace. I think I have the perfect job for you. Quit the coffeehouse. Be at my disposal all day long, Lara."

Holy crap.

- - - - - -

Hey guys. So sorry for disappearing suddenly. Life is happening to me. I know, I should have informed you guys. I just didn't have the energy to. Really sorry. Stay tuned!