KARIMA HEART

I hurried down the corridor, practically jogging into the hallway.

Phew. I was only five minutes late and thankfully, class hadn't started yet. Looks like the new professor was running late too. Lucky me.

"KARRY!" Ellie's voice rang out from the far end of the hall. She had already secured our usual spot, front row, right side. The only place I could focus properly.

Ellie was the life of every party, the queen of chaos and cropped tops. Meanwhile, I was the nerd one, the "neat freak," as she liked to call me. She always had something to say about my outfits, especially my ponytail obsession, while she paraded around in her wavy shoulder-length blonde hair and a little fringe at the fore-head.

She gave me that look the second I reached her, pulling off my backpack to sit.

I didn't wait for the comment, I saw it in her eyes already. So I took the first move.

"I know, okay?" I said, cutting her off before she even opened her mouth. "I woke up late. No time to play fashion show."

"Yeah, yeah. Same excuse, different day," she sighed dramatically, giving my faded sea-blue shirt a once-over. "You look like a homeless child, Karry. Your brother is Malcolm Heart, literally one of the richest businessmen in this city. Could you at least pretend you live in the same house as him? Oh, I forgot, you actually do for God sake"

She rolled her eyes, then perked up.

"Anyway, I brought you a dress. You're wearing it to Jace's party tonight."

Right. Jace's birthday party.

Ellie's proud, overprotective, hot-headed boyfriend. It was wild how he was also best friends with Nathan, my boyfriend. Life really loved making things awkward for me. I avoided getting caught in Jace's temper storms at all costs. Being in between my best friend's boyfriend and my own boyfriend's best friend? A nightmare I didn't want front-row tickets to.

"See, I..." I started, but barely got the words out before a voice interrupted from the front of the class.

"Hello, everyone."

I immediately recognised that voice. I couldn't ever mistake it.

But... Hell, no.... This can't be happening.

My head snapped up like I'd just been electrocuted.

F*ck!

My eyes widened as I stared numb.

"Hell no..." Ellie whispered beside me, nudging my arm, obviously excited, her voice all hushed and giddy "This guy's hot, Karry."

My throat went dry at once.

Standing tall at the front of the class, wearing that same firm, indifferent look...

Owain?

Owain freaking Luther? This has to be a f*cking dream...

He didn't glance at me, not even once, but I couldn't stop staring. He might as well have set the entire room on fire.

"Good morning, sir," the class echoed. Ever student loves a hot professor, right?

Except me. I couldn't even move.

"I don't have much to say," he began, his voice calm and annoyingly confident. "But I'll be the new professor here. I'm Owain Luther. You can call me Owain... if you want."

Just like that, he wrapped it up.

"That'll be all for today. We'll begin properly next class. Good?"

"Yes, sir," the class chorused.

Again... except me.

As soon as he walked out, my gaze dropped straight to the desk.

This can't be real.

He wasn't just going to torment me at home anymore.

Now he had full access to me at school too.

You're doomed, Karima. There was officially nowhere left to hide.

***

KARIMA HEART

Ellie shot to her feet like she'd been stung.

"Look, Karry, I'll catch you later. I've got somewhere to be. Don't ask," she said quickly, cutting me off before I could open my mouth.

I rolled my eyes and gave her a fake smile. She knew what she did right there.

"Don't blame me," she teased, sticking her tongue out. "You still haven't told me where you sneak off to every day at 6 PM. You keep secrets too."

Oh yeah. I couldn't really argue.

How the hell was I supposed to tell her that her nerdy, quiet best friend had a secret night job... stripping?

Yeah, exactly. I wasn't ready for that conversation. Not now. Maybe never.

I was halfway behind the hall building when a hand grabbed me out of nowhere. My eyes widened in panic as I twisted to break free.

"Ever heard of calling someone's name?" I snapped, glaring up, only to find Owain's annoyingly attractive face staring back at me.

Great. What a bad luck...

He wore that same smug and unreadable look. It annoyed me more than I'd admit.

Why did it feel like he suddenly had all the time in the world... just to mess with me?

"Avoiding me, huh?" he asked, stepping in close, his hands tucked in his pockets.

I backed up instinctively until my spine met the cold wall.

"You'll be coming with me somewhere by 7 tonight," he said casually.

"I can't," I answered quickly. "I have my shift. I can't miss it."

But he didn't move. Instead, he leaned in, his face just inches from mine. I swallowed hard, trying to look anywhere but at his lips... God, those lips.

"Okay," he whispered, a smirk dancing on his face. "You handle your shift... I'll see you around."

And the way he said it made something flutter in my chest. Stupid heart. Of course, he wasn't just accepting my little excuse, he was just trying to be in control. He always that, trying to show me who was in charge.

Just as his body leaned slightly into mine and my grip tightened around the books in my hands, then... bang!

A sudden force shoved him back.

Owain staggered, blood trickling down his lip as he wiped his mouth.

"What the hell, Nathan?!" I shouted in shock.

Nathan didn't even glance at me. His eyes were burning, locked on Owain.

Then they turned to me, hotter and angrier.

"You were out here messing with another guy?" he snapped, grabbing my arm roughly. "You think I wouldn't find out?"

Yeah... I probably should've mentioned... Nathan's anger had a habit of turning violent. He always apologized after. He'd say he couldn't help it.

But this time, he didn't get the chance.to do what he does best.

Owain's hand shot out, catching his mid-swing and shoving him hard. He crashed to the ground with a thud.

Owain stood over him, his muscles tense, his thin shirt doing nothing to hide the firm veins beneath it.

My heart raced, it felt like I was watching a scene from some twisted hero movie.

He turned to me, grabbed my waist with one firm arm, and pulled me close.

"She's my girlfriend now," he said coldly. "And unless you're asking for trouble, don't come near her again."

My mouth fell open as he walked me out of the scene like it was nothing. Nathan just sat there, stunned, still trying to process the scene.

And me?

Yeah... I had no idea how things had escalated this far.

KARIMA HEART

TWO DAYS AGO

"Karry, Karry, Karry!"

The club thundered with my name as I stepped onto the stage, my heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. The lights dimmed, and a seductive rhythm pulsed through the speakers. I wore nothing but a strapless black bra and a matching thong that clung to my skin like a second layer, and a glittering mask that hid half my face, but not my intentions.

I love hearing them shout my name like a sweet song...

As I walked to the main platform, every step was deliberate, every sway of my hips a silent invitation and subtle temptation. The crowd roared louder, a sea of voices all demanding the same thing... Of course Marry.

Here, in this room soaked with lust and rhythm, I wasn't the nerdy quiet student at college, who aced her tests and smiled politely at church. I wasn't the quiet or shy girl who avoided eye contact with bullies back at college or always said thank you even when I shouldn't.

Here, I was Karry. A wild, unapologetic, free girl. Nobody knows my real identity or judges me. I was just Karry.

I curled myself around the pole like I belonged to it. The moment my fingers gripped the cold metal, I let the music take over me. I moved with it, twisting, sliding, and arching my back as I rolled my hips slowly and seductively. I dragged my fingers over my skin, letting the crowd see just how much I loved my own body. The more they screamed, the more alive I felt.

Money rained down on me, crumpled bills of lust, greed, and admiration. I danced in it, for it, letting the praise and raw hunger in the room soak into my pores.

Yeah, that was what I wanted. The d*mn money... The only reason why I found myself here.

Then... I spotted a dude. He was new, I didn't see him before... Well, I wasn't a sl*t but... Getting a target, making him hot and getting him to spend, was my speciality.

He was seated at the far end of the club, in a shadowed booth where the light barely reached, dressed sharply in a tailored suit, dark tie, wristwatch that probably cost more than my tuition fee. But it wasn't his outfit that caught my attention.

It was his stillness.

He didn't cheer. He didn't even lean forward like the others, or grinning and drooling. He wasn't even pretending to enjoy the show.

He was just watching.

No, not even that. He was present, but not engaged. His eyes flicked across the room like he was bored, and when they did land on me, just briefly, they moved away just as quickly.

And that made my skin burn. I didn't have an habit of walking up to a man but I did this time.

Because, I was curious. Truth be told, I hated it too.

How dare he come here and not look at me like I was worth undressing him for? How dare he act as if I were invisible, a passing breeze in a room full of hurricanes?

So I did what I knew best.

I slid down from the platform, letting another dancer take my place, and made my way through the crowd with the slow, sultry steps of a woman who owned every gaze in the room. The money clung to my skin, but I didn't stop to peel it off. I had something else in mind.

I reached his table, and for the first time, he looked directly at me. His gaze was calm, assessing me, but I didn't let it shake me. I leaned forward slightly, close enough for him to smell the vanilla and smoke on my skin, my hand reaching for his tie as I coiled my fingers around the silk.

"Why come to the club if you're not going to enjoy yourself?" I asked, my voice a low purr as I teased the knot of his tie between my fingers.

A small, cold smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He took my hand gently but a little bit firm, and let it go like it meant nothing.

"Sorry," he said smoothly. "I don't do strippers."

That hit harder than a slap. My skin burned in anger.

What the hell? Me?

My smile faltered, but I tried to contain myself. The heat that rose in my chest wasn't shame, it was pure fury, laced with intrigue too. I leaned in closer, letting my bre*st brush his chest, my lips just inches from his ear.

"Then what do you do?" I whispered, my voice honey-sweet. I was beginning to get more interested in him. "Students? Little girls? Because I can be that for you too... if you want."

His eyes darkened, not with lust, but something deeper, something dangerous. His gaze locked on mine then, finally seeing me, not the stripper, not the masked girl, but something else.

"I don't do those either," he said, his voice low, almost amused. "But you... you're a daring woman, I'll give you that."

He didn't speak more than a few phrases but something flickered between us. Not desire, at least not in the way I was used to, but recognition. He didn't want me for the reasons everyone else did. And somehow, that made me want him even more.

I stood up straight, slowly, my eyes never leaving his. My fingers slid from his tie down to his chest, pausing there for a heartbeat before I stepped back.

"You'll remember me," I said quietly, turning away with a sway of my hips that could bring men to their knees.

"How about you try,"His words hung in the air.

I turned slowly to him, confused, but a cocky smirk played on his lips."Try?" I echoed.

"Try to get me to remember you." He said,

My head tilted back, a short laugh escaping my lips. I turned to the side, trying to grasp the weight of what he'd just said-

Then that was when my eyes caught HIM.

F*cking hell!

What the actual f*ck was he doing here?

My heart skipped. Then it pounded hard.

Malcom?

He was pushing through the crowd, his eyes on his phone, like he was trying to reach someone. He hadn't seen me yet, but he was getting closer.

Was he searching for me... He couldn't right?

Panic shot through me as I turned to the guy still standing beside me. I grabbed his hand, clutching it tight, my eyes pleading."Please, save me. Get me out of here, hun?" I whispered urgently.

My eyes darted around the room again, Malcom was already halfway in now, scanning the space like a d*mn predator.The new dude, stood up slowly, almost amused.

"Running from someone?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, curious now. The confident girl from seconds ago? She was gone. What stood in front of him now was someone shaken and scared.

"That's Malcom, my brother. He can't see me here. Please..." I begged.

Because if Malcom saw me?He wouldn't just drag me out, he'd burn the whole place down.I couldn't risk it. I couldn't risk him.

Before I could say more, the guy pulled me behind the crowd with him, fast but smooth. My eyes stayed locked on Malcom. He had his phone pressed to his ear now, pacing. Still searching while he stood still now.

We reached the back door. I didn't even know the building had a back exit, and I'd been working at DAWN for three months.

Then, the guy raised his phone."Hello? Yeah, let's meet up tomorrow. Something came up."

His voice calm, but his eyes? Locked on me.

He ended the call, then gave me one long look, from my head to my shoes."It's been a long while, Karima Heart."

My blood ran cold.

How did he know my full name?I didn't know him. At least... I didn't think I did.

But in that moment, I just knew my world was about to flip...

And... That was when it started. My misery. He was my misery.

KARIMA HEART

TWO DAYS LATER

The moment we got to his car, I yanked my hand out of his grip like it burned.

He turned to face me, sliding his hands into his pockets, his expression cold, like it was carved from d*mn stone.

"What the hell was that back there?" I snapped.

"You didn't just hit my boyfriend, you also f*cking told him I was your girlfriend? Are you out of your mind?!"

My voice shook with rage. At this point, I didn't care anymore, whether he had something on me or could spill my secret at any second.

He hit Nathan!

That alone was enough to make me lose it.

Yeah, maybe Nathan could be a jerk sometimes, but no one gets to lay a finger on him. Not even Owain.

He cocked his head, completely unbothered.

"Are you mad because I saved you? Or because I punched that little prick? Be honest."

I scoffed and clutched my bag tighter, my fists itching to meet his face.

"Don't you dare cross me, Owain," I warned him. "I don't joke when it comes to my boyfriend."

And then? He clapped.

Like I'd just performed a d*mn Broadway monologue he loved.

Was this guy for real? Was he kidding me right now?

"Now, that's the Karima I met at the club," he said with a glint in his eye. "Fierce and fearless. But honey... you're just with the wrong guy. I just did you a favor right now, saving you from Jace. That cheating *ssh*l*. I saved your a**."

I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly got stuck.

"Saved me?" I hissed. "You mean the part where you assaulted him? Or the part where you lied about us dating? And for your information, he's not cheating."

He stepped closer, his tone darker now.

"You sure about that?" he murmured. "Because you might regret being so confident."

He moved in again, very close. His lips hovered near mine, his breath ghosting over my face.

Then came he whispered,

"What if I show you something? Will you completely obey me after that?"

Something in his voice made my stomach twist, not just because he sounded serious, but because deep down, I was scared he wasn't bluffing.

Still, I straightened up, my lips curling into a fearless smirk.

"You already have something over me," I said calmly. "What more could you possibly want? My heart? Forget it. I love Nathan and I will never fall for you, Owain. But sure, let's see what you've got."

His smile deepened with a wicked and slow grin.

"I'll take that as a yes," he said. "And don't worry, Karima Heart. I don't bluff. I like your confidence, it's what makes breaking you so tempting."

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"By the time I'm done, you'll kneel before me willingly."

Then he pulled out his phone.

"7 PM. I'll send the address. You choose, Karry. I won't force you. But if you don't show..."

He didn't finish his statement. But... It was more scarier than if he had to finish it.

He just walked away, leaving me standing there in confusion, and more scared than I wanted to admit.

***

KARIMA HEART

I stared down at my phone, my fingers frozen. The address Owain sent still glowed on the screen like it was mocking me.

And here I was, standing right in front of DAWN, yet my feet wouldn't budge.

Tonight should've been yet another night to make some cash, about slipping into stilettos, walking through the crowd, and clocking out with bills in my purse. But instead... I was stuck, debating whether to walk right into Owain's little trap.

Going to that address? It'd mean I actually gave his twisted words a chance. It'd mean I believed even a shred of what he said. But let's be real, a part of me didn't just want to prove him wrong. I wanted to know.

Deep down, I needed to see it with my own eyes. Because Jace? Jace couldn't cheat on me.

We'd been together for over a year. We laughed, shared secrets, and definitely fought too, and eventually made up with kisses... I knew him and I trusted him. It couldn't be true, Right?

My thumb hovered the screen, then I tapped my call log and hit Zack's name.

He picked up instantly.

"Hello, honey pie! Been waitin' on you. You not at the club yet?" His voice was full of bounce, with music thumping loud behind him.

I bit my lip.

"Yeah... I, um... I've got something I need to handle tonight. Can you just... give me this one night? I'll make it up to you, Zack. Promise."

He swore. I heard it loud and clear. But it didn't matter. He does it every time he was p*ss*d.

"Alright, but no days off this weekend. Deal?"

I rolled my eyes, groaning.

"You not in? Forget it then. Bye."

I quickly cut in just before he hung up. "Okay, okay... don't threaten me. I said it's a deal. Alright?"

"Good girl. And for the record..." I could hear the smirk in his voice. "It's Zacky, not Zack. Get it right, sugar."

I rolled my eyes again, but smiled.

"Right. Zacky."

I ended the call.

Sometimes I honestly wondered how Zacky even passed as a boss. Cross-dresser, check. Zero charisma, check. But who cared? One year and I'd be done with the club, and with Owain's mind games and threats, with all of it.

I swiftly flagged down a cab and slid in.

"Swiss Hotel," I said quickly before the driver hit the gas.

***

SWISS HOTEL

The moment I stepped out of the cab, my eyes locked on him, Owain, already waiting at the entrance like some smug prince.

D*mn it. He knew I'd come.

And that arrogant smirk on his face? Like he'd just won a bet with the devil proved it.

He waved at me but I pretended I didn't see it. I stormed toward him, my heels clacking like gunshots against the pavement.

He flicked away the puff he'd been smoking and stepped into my path.

"Right on time," he said smoothly. "Knew you'd show up."

I bit back the urge to roll my eyes. He wanted a reaction, badly. But I won't give him.

I just forced a half-smile. "I'm here. So, let's just get this over with, shall we?"

He held up a small pack. "Got you some wipes. You might need them later."

The cockiness in his voice made my skin crawl.

I gave a short nod, ignoring the jab, and followed him in.

Each step echoed under my stilettos. My legs trembled slightly, but I kept my chin up, walking as if fear wasn't gnawing at me.

We slipped past the mini bar. He casually approached a bar attendant and, he slid something into the guy's hand like it was second nature. Like he'd done this a million times before.

I quickly averted my eyes just as his gaze flicked in my direction.

I glanced around, pretending to admire the walls, the décor, anything but him.

"Shall we?" he said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

We continued down the hallway until we stopped at a sleek, black door. He pulled out a pass card and, beep, the lock clicked open.

I stepped in, my eyes scanning the room. Dim lights plus posh couches. A long, glass panel stretching across the far wall. It looked... normal.

Then, without warning, he grabbed me from behind.

"Hey, what the hell?" I snapped.

His arm locked around my waist, his other hand covering my mouth. I thrashed, but he pinned my wrists behind me, and turned my face toward the glass.

"Relax, Karry," he whispered, his breath warm against my skin. "The fun's just beginning. That room on the other side? We can see them... but they can't see us."

My chest tightened.

"In a few seconds, everything will make sense. Just watch closely."

I closed my eyes shut, resisting, but his grip tightened.

"Don't just watch. Let it sink in. Every d*mn second."

And then I slowly open them.

God... I just looked.

At first, the room on the other side was empty.

Then Nathan walked in. Yeah, my Nathan.

Another figure slipped in behind him, and just like that, she was pulling off his shirt.

Then they crashed onto the bed together.

That was when I saw them properly.

Nathaniel? And... Ellie. My best friend.

I froze.

My breath hitched. My lungs refused to fill.

Tears welled up and spilled faster than I could stop them.

"You see it?" Owain murmured.

But I wasn't hearing him anymore.

I yanked myself from his grip, my hand flying before I even thought it through. It kissed his face hard.

The sound echoed through the room as my palm paused on his face.

"You a**hole!" I shouted, tears now streaming faster.

My voice shook the walls.

My heart shattered all over the d*mn floor.

And in that moment, I knew exactly what I'd do next...