Valerie's POV

“Val, the man at table fifteen needs a bottle of champagne,” Reina—my coworker's voice cuts through the noise in the clubhouse.

“I'm coming,” I screamed back and quickly drop the glass of beer for the man at table six.

“Thank you,” he said with a polite smile that made him look so hot, sexy and younger than most men of his age.

My eyes narrowed in disbelief. No one has ever appreciated me here, they think it's my duty to serve them, even though I'm dying due to exhaustion.

“You welcome, sir,“ I replied with a rare smile of mine.

I call it rare because there's really nothing fun to smile about in my life.

As I moved towards the counter, I resisted the urge to let out a frustrated sigh. This is how life has always been. Difficult. Sad. Lonely.

I work three jobs per day, yet I could barely afford a decent meal for myself. I don't even have a place to lay my head after the chaotic day work.

I took the tray from Reina, “Be careful.“

“Sure,” I answered and started weaving through the crowd as carefully as possible. This would cost up to two hundred dollars and I really don't have the money to pay for a replacement if it's stumble on the floor.

I dropped the bottle and flute at table fifteen in front of Mr. Johnson. I rolled my eyes in irritation when I realised he was the one. He was a regular at the bar—one of the people who made the work harder than it's already is.

For weeks now, he's talking about being interested in me. This was a man who is old enough to be my father. I had refused his advances numerous times but he won't give up.

Even though I'm drowning in debts and challenges of life, I, Valerie Gaston, would never sell my body because of money. Never!

“Took you long enough,” he growled, his eyes sizing me up like I was a prey to be devoured.

I shifted uncomfortably, pulling up my blouse when I noticed his eyes lingering on my cleavage.

“I'm sorry, Mr. Johnson. There's a lot of customers tonight.“

“I said you should let me take care of you Val,” he cooed, his voice disgustingly sweet.

“You are way too beautiful to be working in this kind of place. Just one night, Val.. and I will give the money that is enough to get you established.“

“No,” I snapped back, irritation curling inside me.

“Please don't tell me this again! It's starting to get me annoyed.“

As I turned to leave, I felt his hand on my ass cheeks.

Smack!!!

I turned back at him, my hands tightening around the tray.

Mr. Johnson was smirking playfully as if I was a toy—his plaything.

“Why the hell would you hit me!“ I snapped at him.

My voice was loud, and angry which attracted the attention of the other customers.

The smirk washed off his face. “You like it, don't you?“

“What?“ My brows furrowed in a mix of disbelief and disgust.

I didn't think; I just acted. I slapped his face with the tray in my hand.

Shocked gasps, whispers and murmurs echoed through the room.

Mr. Johnson clenched his fists, and snapped his eyes at me. “You bitch. Get me the manager now!“

Before I know what was happening, Mr. Josh—the club manager was already beside me and it was only then that I realised what I have done.

“What the hell did you do?“ He said, glaring at me.

“He… smacked my ass,” I stammered.

“So? You should be glad Mr. Johnson here found you worthy of his touch.“

Then he turned towards Mr. Johnson who let out a exaggerated attention, cursing at me and saying something never to come to the bar until I'm being fired.

Really? My feelings doesn't matter. My lips was trembling with rage, tears blurring my vision.

“You're fired!“ Mr. Josh says.

My stomach sank. No….. no. This can't be happening. I need this job—the paycheck and tips from here was better than the other two jobs I do.

“Please Mr. Josh… don't fire me. He hits me first.“

He didn't say anything; not even a glance. With a flick of his hands he summoned the bouncers. “Get her out of here.“

The two hefty men grabbed my arms and started dragging me out of the bar.

“Mr. Josh… please. At least pay me for the hours i have worked this month,” I pleaded desperately, tears streaming down my cheeks.

It was when we reached the entrance that I noticed rain was pouring heavily.

“Wait… wait. At least let me wait until the rain is over—”

The men threw me inside the rain, my side hitting the floor sharply. I clenched my side, pain coursing through me.

“Get lost.“ And just like that, they were gone leaving me alone.

The alley was cold, empty and dark. I was scared, pained and exhausted. I quickly wiped off my tears and pushed myself up.

And just then my phone chimes in my Jean pocket. I retrieved the device and it was a message from the hospital.

“We've stopped your mother treatment until you pay up the outstanding bills.“

My Mother's hospital bill was pilling up and I had just lost my job.

At that moment, I regretted fighting back. I should have held back, I should have just walked away from that accursed man.

Then another beep.

“We'll have to discharge her tomorrow if you don't make a deposit.“

No… no. Mother can't be discharged.

Mother was diagnosed with Severe Valvular Heart Disease. She needed surgery, but I couldn’t afford the deposit. So they started with medications and Diuretics instead—to slow the spread. But now, they won’t continue even with that unless I pay up.

I turned towards the direction of the hospital. It was already 10. P.m., and coupled with the downpour, I couldn't find a taxi.

I kept walking, shivering from the cold and glancing over my shoulders suspiciously.

This was the first time I'm walking on the street by this time—I have always slept at the layover in the clubhouse and then go to the hospital to take my shower before resuming for the day jobs. It wasn't comfortable, but it has been able to save me some money on rent.

Just as I turned a corner, strong hand shot out and grabbed my wrist, pulling me in.

My breath seized and my eyes wide with fear.

“shhhh—” He pressed his palms over my mouth, muffling the screams threatening to spill.

My eyes landed on him and it was the man from earlier—the one with the heartwarming smile.

“Please help… me,” he groaned painfully. “I was shot… and there are some people after me.“

“Where could've he have gone to?“ A deep voice from outside asked. “Search everywhere.“

And then we heard hurried footsteps everywhere.

My heart raced with fear. Can today get any worse?

In a blink of an eye, the man pressed his lips on mine and started kissing me.

I clenched my fists, trying to stop myself from screaming.

“Please, help me,” he whispered against my mouth. “I will make it up to you.“

I should probably help him, shouldn't I?

Swiftly, I turned him around while I stood in front of him. I began kissing him while moaning loudly because I could hear footsteps approaching us.

I saw the shadow of someone just few steps away and then moaned even louder.

“Get a room, would you?“ He snapped, his voice laced with irritation. Then he turned outside. “He's not here. Let's search the other street.“

I got lost in the sweet taste of his soft lips. This was my first kiss but I was willing it give it up to this stranger.

“I think they already left,” he whispered.

I pulled back, embarrassment colouring my features. “Sure.“

“hmmm,” he let out a gruttal growl, clenching his arms.

I stepped closer and noticed a gun shot wound, his blood staining the floor.

I looked around and there was nothing I could use to stop the bleeding. There was no way to get him to the hospital either.

“There's a motel down the road… should I help you there, so I can treat your wounds?“ I asked.

“Yes….“

By this time the rain had stopped pouring. So, carefully, I slung his arms around my shoulders and the other one on his waist and I led him towards the motel.

Inside the motel room was small but clean. I helped him laid on the bed, quickly ran into the bathroom and grabbed a bucket of water and towel.

He bite down on the towel while he removed the bullet himself. Then I cleaned his wounds with a cotton wool and disinfectant which I had gotten from the receptionist.

Finally after what seems like hours, I was able to stop the bleeding, plaster the wound and let him sleep on the bed.

And then, I remembered my own predicament.

Mother.

I have to get to her now.

“You should go to the hospital for proper treatment, tomorrow,” I said. “I will leave now.“

I turned to leave but he grabbed my wrist.

“Just… stay. Please. I don’t want to be alone tonight.”