Now and Always

Chapter 9

Xander's POV

Walking into Club Paradise, I looked around at the pack of people drinking and laughing, and also the dancers doing such a great job entertaining them.

This place was my only getaway spot, a place where I could just go and unwind without any interference from my job.

And I must tell you, my job isn't a small one, it requires me to take a lot of hard decisions and that can be so draining.

So here... was the only place I could go and just relax without thinking about work.

“Stay here, I will go in alone," I turned to my bodyguards, saying

Yes Boss," they both responded in unison.

And you can also get a few dancers to keep you entertained," I smiled as I walked into my private lounge.

Seating, I was immediately poured a glass of whiskey on ice by a waitress

“Oh you are here. I wasn't expecting you until Friday," Dan walked in looking all nervous.

Well, it's your lucky day because I'm here now," I said, smiling as I sipped my drink.

Oh yes okay, I will just get you your dancer right away, Draco," he said nervously as he ran out.

Shaking my head, I downed the contents of my glass quickly as I breathed out heavily.

I know you might be wondering why he is referred to as Draco.

Well, that's because I haven't really introduced myself properly.

My name is Xander Díaz, better known as the Draco in this city.

Why am I called that? Remember I told you my job requires me to make hard decisions. Yeah, that's because I decide who lives or dies.

Being a dreaded Mafia boss is how I earned that name.

People say, because of my evil deeds, the angels cursed me with those red eyes, that my eyes are swimming with the blood of the people I have killed.

But no, I think the devil blessed me with these eyes because they instil fear and terror in others.

I own this city and everything in it, starting from politicians to the cops.

So nothing is done in this city without my authorization.

I know you are shaking your head, wondering why I do the things I do. It's because I was born into this life.

My father was el El Jefe until he retired, giving me the rank of the business

So guns, money and violence are all I have ever known.

And I like it, it brings me respect, power, money and, most especially, I could have any woman I want.

“Draco, your dancer will be out shortly," Dan ran on saying, totally interrupting me from my thoughts, so I nodded my head, smiling.

And soon enough, the lights dimmed and I knew my dancer had arrived, adjusting myself on my seat, a smile grew on my face as she walked in, wearing my favourite red mask.

She was slender and petite, with her hair blonde as the morning sun.

She was nervous, I could tell, because she was fidgeting with her fingers.

I was intrigued by her, even her presence was alluring and when she started dancing.

Goodness, I was mesmerized...

I never cared to know which girl was dancing for me, or who was behind that mask before. I just wanted whoever to entertain me and leave, but now I would give up all my fortune just to see who was behind that mask now.

There was something about her, something so igniting

“Yes... her innocence. I could smell it from a mile away, and it was drawing me in so effortlessly.

I was like a shark drawn to blood

This couldn't be my usual dancer, this girl was different," I said to myself.

So when the music stopped, I knew I had to see her up close.

So as she was about to hurry out, I stopped her in her tracks.

“You are not my usual dancer," I asked as I walked up to her.

No... I'm filling in for Bambi," she nervously said, and she was still shaking with her eyes trailing down onto the floor.

I knew one of my rules, where none of the girls dancing for me should look at me in the eyes, but now I hated the fact that she couldn't do that, as I wanted so badly to see those eyes of the woman that had intrigued me so much.

“Damn... who was this girl to ignite such emotion within me," I asked myself as I walked around her curiously.

And that was when I knew, I had to know who she was.

So then tell me

“Who are you?" I asked as I lifted her face to look at me.

......................................................

Isabella POV

With a racing heart and sweaty palms, I blinked profusely trying to find my composure, but his red eyes were not helping in any way.

Because when I thought I had gotten control of myself, when I thought I could finally speak, that my lips would give me the access I needed to say just about anything right now, his flaming red eyes took control of my very being.

Shutting down every atom of courage I thought I had

“Smacking my lips and shivering under his intense gaze, I prayed for some kind of miracle to save me right now.

“Didn't you hear me," he let out.

Who are you," he asked again as he moved closer to me.

Now my breathing was going a hundred miles per hour and I didn't know how to make it stop.

”I'm no one," I nervously let out.

And I'm done here, I should go," I said as I quickly ran for the door, but he grabbed me by my hand, pulling me forcefully at him.

I was so close to him that I could smell a hint of whiskey on his breath, with his hands slowly caressing my lower back, making my breath hitch almost immediately.

“I am not done with you, no one walks out on me, you leave when I say you are done," he whispered with every word laced with authority.

Now let's see who is behind this mask," he smirked as he was about to bring his fingers to my face, trying to remove the mask.

That was when I knew I had to stop him.

He couldn't see my face, not now, not ever," I said to myself.

And somehow, the courage I needed took over me.

“Get your hands off me... Douchebag," I ordered, pushing him away in an instant.

Don't you ever touch me like that again. It is the club rules, no dancers are to be touched," I warned him with a stern expression on my face.

The surprise was evident on his face, and I liked I was in control right now.

Huffing, I was about to walk out of the room when he said.

“Princesa..." he walked up to me, towering above me as he said.

“Your tip," he smiled, handing me a bundle of money.