Chapter 02

Gabriel Dantas

I left the room feeling the weight of that meeting still hanging over me. The magnitude of the company was hard to ignore. Impeccable corridors, people coming and going with surgical efficiency. This atmosphere of silent luxury made anyone realize exactly where they stood in the world. I was between two worlds, desperately trying to escape one to cling to the other.

As I waited for the elevator, I looked at my reflection in the mirrored walls. The white shirt, the tailored suit, the perfectly fitted tie. Everything seemed so out of place on me. But I wanted to believe that it was only the beginning, that I would soon belong in a place like this.

As soon as I walked through the revolving doors and found myself back in the chaos of the city of Valmont, I took a deep breath. The dream was still there, but reality was pulling me back. I needed to get back to my routine, to that damn job I wanted to get rid of so badly.

I stopped on the sidewalk and waved for a cab. As soon as I got in, I gave the address.

- Club Royale, please.

The driver glanced quickly in the rearview mirror, but didn't say anything. The Royale was well-known, but few talked about it openly. An exclusive club in the heart of the city, frequented by the elite who were looking for something more... discreet.

As the cab made its way through the busy streets, I observed the city around me. Valmont was a place of extremes. Shiny corporate buildings shared space with narrow alleyways and the rubble of broken dreams. I knew exactly where I was in the hierarchy of this city - in the middle, desperately trying to climb up.

I arrived at the Royale, a discreet but imposing building. The outside lights were soft, almost mysterious, and the entrance was guarded by two muscular security guards who didn't need words to command respect.

I paid the driver, took a deep breath and walked through the doors. As soon as I entered, the scent of expensive perfume and leather took over my senses. The lights were low, creating an intimate and seductive atmosphere. The sound of muffled laughter and soft music filled the space, and the luxurious décor made it clear that this was not a place for just anyone.

I walked up to the counter, but before I could take two more steps, I heard that familiar voice.

- Gabriel.

I swallowed before turning around. Alexandre, the owner of the Royale, was standing near the entrance to the bar, arms crossed and with a piercing stare that always made my stomach turn. He was a tall man with broad shoulders and an impeccable suit that seemed to be an extension of his authority. His dark eyes analyzed me with the precision of someone used to command.

- What happened to you? - He tilted his head, a discreet, curious smile playing on his lips. - Don't tell me you decided to change careers without telling me.

- I had an important appointment and I needed these clothes," I replied, trying to sound casual, but knowing that he could see right through me.

Alexandre uncrossed his arms and took a step towards me, his gaze assessing every detail of my appearance.

- Important enough to go out in the middle of the day and come back... informal like that? - The word "informal" came out as a provocation, but there was a hint of genuine curiosity in his tone.

- I had a job interview," I admitted, holding his gaze. - A place that could get me out of here.

He raised an eyebrow, as if processing the information, and then gave an almost imperceptible smile.

- Ambitious. I like that. But be careful, Gabriel. The world outside can be just as cruel as it is in here.

- I already know that," I replied firmly. - But I have to try.

Alexandre watched me for another second, as if he wanted to say something more, but chose not to. He turned, pointing towards the bar.

- Well, while you're still here, get your head on straight. It's going to be a busy night, and our customers don't pay for distractions.

I nodded, knowing he was right. The Royale was a world apart, where everyone wore masks, and I was just another one of the pretty faces offering company and pleasure in exchange for money.

For now, I needed to get back to my role. But as I made my way to the dressing room to change, a single certainty filled me: I would do whatever it took to get out of there. And if Mr. Leonardo was my ticket to another world, I would face any test he threw my way.

I changed quickly in the dressing room, trying to ignore the knot that was beginning to form in my stomach. My work clothes - a fitted black shirt, tight pants and shoes that shone under the lights of the Royale - were like a suit of armor that I hated wearing, but that was part of the routine.

I was just finishing fixing my collar when I heard firm footsteps behind me. I sighed, knowing who it was before I even turned around.

- Gabriel. - Alexandre's voice carried that usual authoritative tone, but there was something slightly ironic about it this time. - Your client is waiting.

I looked at him through the mirror, already exhausted before I even asked.

- Who is it?

He crossed his arms, leaning on the doorframe, and gave a slight smile.

- Sales.

I rolled my eyes so hard that my head almost hurt.

- Of course it is. - I sighed, closing the last button on my shirt and turning to face him. - I'll be right with you.

Alexandre tilted his head, still with that teasing smile, as if he knew exactly how much I hated dealing with Sales.

- Don't make that face, Gabriel. He pays well.

- And he thinks that gives him the right to treat me like one of his possessions," I retorted, picking up the bottle of perfume and spritzing a little on my neck.

Alexandre shrugged, not caring about my complaint.

- You know how it works, my dear. Customers like to imagine they have control. It's up to you to decide how much you can actually deliver to them.

I didn't reply. There was no point in arguing with Alexandre, who always seemed to see the world as a chess game where everyone was a piece - including me.

When I left the dressing room and walked towards the main hall, I spotted Sales immediately. He was sitting on one of the leather sofas in a reserved area, a glass of whisky in his hand, looking as comfortable as a king on his throne. Sales was a tall, robust man with well-kept gray hair and a predatory look that made me want to disappear.

As soon as he saw me, he smiled in a way that gave me goose bumps. It was the kind of smile that said "you're mine".

I took a deep breath, adjusted my posture and walked over to him with a rehearsed smile on my face. After all, Sales paid well, but that didn't mean I had to like him.

- Good evening, Sales," I said, keeping my voice polite and professional as I sat down next to him.

- Gabriel, always so punctual," he replied, his thick voice laden with a tone that bordered on possessiveness. He reached out and grasped my wrist, as if to make sure I wasn't going anywhere. - I couldn't wait to see him.

My smile remained, but inside me, I was already counting the minutes until this encounter was over. Sales always tried to turn our interactions into something personal, as if he could trap me somehow.

- What would you like tonight? - I asked, keeping my voice neutral.

He leaned a little closer, his eyes fixed on mine.

- Just your company, as always. You know how much I like exclusivity.

I swallowed my irritation and kept up an impeccable façade. Exclusivity. That's all he wanted to hear, and I was paid to keep the game going. But as we talked, a single thought remained in my mind: this wouldn't be forever. I would get out of there. Whatever it took.