Karen's situation could be likened to leaving a gorilla's cage only to step into a snake's den. Why a snake? Because Karen felt that the man who had just arrived was far more dangerous and cunning than the one before.
But of course, Karen had no intention of surrendering her body to either of the men before her. Hell would freeze over before that happened.
The man in glasses was still watching her with the same smile. A dangerous, condescending smile.
"You're still here? Not planning to leave?"
If that man intended to help her, it wasn't needed. Karen neither asked to be saved nor felt she had to scream. Only weak women screamed, like crows.
But she didn't answer him. Instead, the man in the beach shirt spoke up, "You'll have to wait your turn, pal. She's mine."
"I'm not a prostitute," Karen repeated.
"Of course you are," he sneered. "So tell me, darling, what's your price?"
Karen moved quickly before Jehd could intervene. She truly didn't want to do this, but it seemed this man needed a little enlightenment.
She stepped closer, her expression flat as she placed both hands on his shoulders. The man grinned and slid his arm around her waist—just as Karen bent her knee and drove it sharply into his groin.
The man doubled over with a groan, clutching himself as he collapsed onto the floor. Even Jehd winced, while the man in glasses looked thoroughly entertained.
"Thank you for visiting. We'll look forward to seeing you again."
And with that, Karen walked away, leaving the man in glasses behind.
***
Aaron watched the waitress with renewed interest. At first, he had come here to take his usual bedmate home—there were still matters between them to settle before Aaron ended their relationship.
But his gaze lingered longer on this woman. It wasn't just because she was beautiful; there was something else.
When Jehd had mentioned that Syahlom, the woman in the red dress, was upstairs, Aaron went to find her.
He found Syahlom in a corner, kissing another man. Aaron approached calmly.
"Syahlom…" he said softly, and Syahlom stiffened instantly.
Her body went rigid as she turned and saw Aaron standing there.
"Aaron…" she whispered in dread.
The man smiled gently, though his eyes radiated coldness. "You've broken our agreement, Syahlom."
Flustered, Syahlom pushed the man she had just been kissing aside and rushed to cling to Aaron's suit jacket, her eyes gleaming with forced seduction.
"I was lonely. You're always flying away."
Aaron restrained himself from telling her he had been in Japan all along, deliberately avoiding her. His plan had worked too perfectly.
"Even if that's true, it doesn't justify your actions."
"Who is he, Syahlom?" the man beside her demanded.
"He's my boyfriend," Syahlom replied quickly, wrapping herself around Aaron's arm.
Aaron brushed her off. He no longer needed her. Their sex had been good—Syahlom, half-Arab and half-Japanese, could match his passion in bed. But that was all.
When Aaron heard that Syahlom had been bragging to her friends that he would soon propose—a complete lie—he had already devised a plan to discard her. And now she had walked right into his trap.
"You can have her. I'm done with her," Aaron said casually.
Syahlom's eyes widened, stunned. She hadn't expected him to cut her off so swiftly.
"But… but…" Whatever protest she had was cut short as Aaron shoved her toward the other man.
"I don't need her anymore. She's yours if you want her."
It was the cruellest blow yet. Whatever they had was finished. To Aaron, Syahlom was nothing now—discarded.
But the other man recoiled. His pride wounded, he refused. "No. I'm not interested in cheap trash."
Aaron shrugged with a thin smile as Syahlom paled at the insult. The man walked away, searching for another woman.
Now alone, Aaron stepped closer, his gaze soft yet terrifying. He whispered, "Rule number five—no cheating."
"Aaron! I didn't cheat!" Syahlom cried, trembling in fear of what might happen.
"Don't take me for a fool, Syahlom. I caught you."
Their eyes locked, Syahlom pleading, trying to be coy. "But when you cheated, I forgave you, didn't I? Can't you do the same?"
Aaron's reply was perhaps the most cruel and vile thing Syahlom had ever heard.
"That's because I bought you. You have no right to protest what I do, given our contract."
Syahlom swallowed hard as Aaron patted her shoulder lightly and walked away.
Back in the present, Aaron glanced at Jehd with new curiosity. "Who was that woman earlier?"
"Her? She's our new waitress."
"What's her name?" Aaron asked directly.
Jehd wisely smiled. "Miss Tokio instructed me to watch over her."
"Really? Then I'll ask Tokio myself."
Jehd exhaled as he watched Aaron's back disappear into the crowd. He had seen that look in Aaron's eyes before. The man had found a new toy. And Karen was that toy.
Aaron walked leisurely down the corridor toward Tokio's office. He knew Tokio from their university days—and as his former bed partner. Their relationship was neither good nor bad. They simply used each other when needed.
Aaron opened her office door without knocking and settled himself on the sofa, one leg crossed, the other resting on the floor. With a tilt of his head, he gestured for Tokio to sit across from him.
She raised an eyebrow, long used to Aaron's arrogance, and sat. "What do you want?"
"I need information," he replied.
"You've ended things with Syahlom?" Tokio sounded surprised.
Aaron smirked. "How long have you known me?"
Ignoring the jab, Tokio leaned forward. "Fine. Who is it this time?"
"One of your waitresses."
Tokio blinked. "You forget—my people aren't for sale."
"Then consider it a rental," Aaron said coolly.
"No, Aaron. This conversation is over." She stood.
But Aaron leaned forward, bringing his face close. "I hear there's a new club nearby. Better facilities. More enticing entertainment."
"You mean Butterfly Club?"
Aaron nodded, relaxed. "How many of your guests have already moved there?"
"That's none of your business," Tokio snapped.
"This nightclub will go under sooner or later, Tokio."
And she knew it. Butterfly Club offered exclusive entertainment at low prices. It was only a matter of time before her own place fell.
Aaron, sensing her hesitation, pressed further. Standing before her now, he smiled broadly. "Let me offer you a solution."
"If it comes from you, Aaron, I'm afraid to hear it."
"Just give me her name. You won't be selling her. Stick to your principles. I'll find her myself—and take her to my bed."
"And what's in it for me?"
"You know I can crush Butterfly."
Tokio hesitated, her mind racing. She had lost nearly 30% of revenue already. But she had always prided herself on never letting her staff be treated like prostitutes. Still, she needed the money…
"Fine. I'll give you her name. Just her name," she sighed heavily.
Aaron's eyes glittered with satisfaction. "Now, give me her name."
"Which one?"
"The brunette with waist-length hair. You asked Jehd to watch her. Who is she?"
Tokio was silent for a long moment before finally answering, "Karen. Karen Leichster."
"Karen Leichster. A fitting name for her," Aaron murmured, smiling. "By tomorrow morning, you'll see Butterfly in ruins."
Leaving Tokio behind, Aaron stepped out, pulling his phone from his pocket. He pressed and held the number 2 for speed dial.
"I want you to dig up information on Karen Leichster. And destroy Butterfly Club. Tonight."
He didn't need to hear the reply. He knew results would come by morning.
Stopping at a corner, Aaron spotted Karen watching another couple with that same flat expression.
His lips curved slowly. Karen. His new prey. She had pride. But Aaron didn't believe she couldn't be bought.
This game promised to be very interesting. And Aaron could hardly wait.