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Two

LUCA AVANTE leaned with an air of effortless charisma. He was the kind of man who wore danger like a well-tailored suit. With his unruly midnight hair and chiseled features, he seemed to have been carved by some divine, mischievous sculptor. The look in his piercing green eyes held a potent mix of allure and menace, drawing people in like moths to a flame.

Luca's reputation preceded him—a prince of the underworld, heir to the mafia royalty, the Avante’s. He ruled New York City's underground with an iron fist, and even in the glitzy chaos of Club Den, everyone knew not to cross him.

A sleek black suit hugged his muscular frame, and the jacket casually draped over his shoulder. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the bar counter, a silent command that summoned the bartender, a wiry man with nervous eyes.

"What'll it be tonight, Luca?" The bartender stammered, sweat beading on his forehead.

Luca's smile was a wicked curve of lips. "Surprise me, Tony."

Tony scrambled to mix a concoction of top-shelf liquor, an offering to the prince. Luca watched with predatory intensity, the corners of his lips twitching as Tony presented the drink.

"Your finest, as always," Tony said, his voice shaky.

Luca took the glass, his fingers lingering on Tony's with a chilling grip. He tilted the glass slightly, observing the amber liquid. "Good," he purred, taking a sip that spoke of indulgence.

As he set the glass down, Luca's attention drifted to the dance floor. His gaze locked onto a woman—a striking beauty with fiery red hair and an air of confidence that drew his intrigue. Her movements were a sensual art, weaving through the crowd like a serpent.

Luca's lips curled into a half-smile. He had a knack for spotting those who dared to stand out in his domain.

Tony, sensing Luca's distraction, ventured, "Luca, are you sure about this one?"

Luca's eyes never left the woman as he replied, "Oh, Tony, it's not about being sure. It's about the thrill of uncertainty."

With that, he downed the rest of his drink, placed the glass back on the counter with a finality that sent a shiver down Tony's spine, and moved towards the dance floor, every step exuding power and allure.

Elena walked into Club Den through the back door. She was late on her first day, something she would never do on a normal day.

She went to the manager’s office.

"You were supposed to be here before 6 p.m., Ms. Elena,” the manager said.

“I am sorry, sir. Please, I really need this job,” she pleaded.

The manager shook his head. There was a shortage of staff in the club, and they really needed to fill in for the shortage.

He signalled one of the men in suits who stood guarding the VIP area.

"Yes, sir." The guard appeared.

“Call Josh,” he said.

Josh walked in, a tall, dark man in his mid-twenties. He had dark eyes and dreadlocks; he was in his uniform.

Elena looked at him with admiration. Josh was very good-looking, but she did not know if it was her lack of sex that was making every single male in New York look attractive to her.

“This is Josh; he will show you around and give you a uniform. You are to work as a waitress. Hurry up; you are already late." The manager spoke and gave her a name tag.

Elena nodded. She was ready to do anything for cash. Her survival was important.

Elena walked behind Josh, carefully assessing the small room that led to a door.

"Where is this place?" she asked him.

Josh was quiet.

He pointed to the door and gave her uniform. A short black gown with an apron.

"Where am I supposed to change?” She asked him.

He shook his head.

"Have you checked what’s behind the door?” She heard Josh speak for the first time.

His voice was soft and did not sound like the way he looked.

"Hurry up, before the manager gets upset,” he told her.

Elena went into the room and changed into the short dress that was given to her.

She looked in the mirror.

Josh, I think something is wrong. I don’t think this dress is my size,” she said.

"Follow me,” Josh replied, ignoring her first question.

They used a private staircase that led underground.

Elena gasped as she entered the VIP section of the club. She couldn’t believe the luxury that was hidden underneath.

"We have only one rule here. Anything you hear here stays here. So, say nothing to no one,” Josh told her. “This side of the club is reserved for only royalties—the royalties of each sector. They have the power to make one call, and your life is gone,” he briefed her.

Elena was confused.

"How can they place a call to ruin your life?”

“Silly girl. That’s how powerful they are. So, if you don’t want to have a life anymore or are tired of living, then do the opposite of what I said. You are in charge of table fifteen; go and take orders." He spoke and left her there.

Elena walked towards the table where she was to serve.

She was scared; her gown was too short, and there were so many men. Dancers were performing for them; they were lap dancing, and they were spending money. These people were wasting money—money they could keep and money she could use to pay her rent and feed her for a year.

Elena walked up to the table, where they were.

“Do you need anything to drink? Your table has run out of drinks,” she said politely.

Luca’s friend Antonio looked at Elena.

"I have not seen this one around. She’s really pretty,” Antonio said, raising his hand to feel her ass.

Elena slapped his hand.

"Please do not do that." She struggled to raise her voice.

Antonio was Luca’s best friend; he met Luca when he was 15, and since then they have been so tight.

Luca did not believe in having seconds; he was the opposite of everything his family wanted him to be.

But one thing was for sure: he carried all the qualities of a mafia heir. Luca was ruthless and business-minded. He was feared by everyone.

Antonio got up.

"Do you know who I am? You should be honoured that I even looked your ay." He raised his voice.

Elena laughed.

"Honored?  Did I ask for your attention? Sir, please, today is my first day; you have nothing to lose, and I, on the other hand, will lose everything if I lose this job." She tried to control her tone.

Luca was sitting far away from Antonio, but he could hear their conversation. He laughed. Antonio had always been the type to have his way because everyone knew that offending Antonio would automatically mean offending Luca.

Luca was surprised to find out that a new employee did not know the basics of hierarchy.

"So, you're here to make money, eh?" Antonio asked her.

Elena was reluctant; she did not want to answer him.

"I know you do. You just said a few seconds ago that this job was important to you. Come to my bed this night, and I will give you the money you need,” Antonio said to her, taking his hand to her ass.

Tears welled up in her eyes; she was forced to choose between her situation and her values. It had not even been up to three hours, and she was already passing through this. Was this how workers in clubs got their money? The thought ran through her head.

Elena raised her hand and slapped Antonio on the cheek as hard as she could.

Luca was forced to stand; no one had ever done that.

The slap affected the people in the club, even with the loud music in the background.

"Do you know the gravity of what you just did?” Antionio shouted.

Antonio held her by her hair, dragging her to the floor. He forced his lips on her own.

Elena started shouting in pain.

"You are coming to my bed tonight, and after that, you will go back empty-handed,” he told her.

Luca walked up to his Antonio.

"Antonio, it is enough; you should not be doing this in public. You know that already." Luca intervened for her.

He sighed and dropped Elena on the floor.

"You saw what this fool did. She disrespected me and even physically assaulted me,” he shouted.

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