Chapter 2. Age

My heart seemed like racing. I swallowed, squeezed my hand, and blew air repeatedly.

I am trying to understand why I came along. It’s my first time. I didn’t go along then. It’s just now. Why did I agree? I also don’t know.

Because he’s different, I was so nervous about him. It’s just like the feeling when my first day of work at the club.

There’s something in him I cannot express.

“Are you okay?” Red’s question brought back my senses. I am overthinking. His face, which had a lot of makeup earlier, has now been erased.

I nodded and closed my old shoulder bag. “I’m sorry for earlier.”

“It’s okay! Mondragon paid for it. But wait? Are you coming with him?” he asked again, and I wanted to roll my eyes.

Marco already paid, right? Besides, he also gave me my share of five thousand there. I’m very nervous. Is this how the first time? But we don’t do anything, do we?

“I’m leaving,” I said without looking at him. I have too many problems. At school, there was bullying, hurtful words, profanity, money problems, and the payment for the dorm I rented. Now here it is, another problem again.

I don’t want this kind of life, but I must continue living. I have no choice. The truth is, I don’t know what happened to my parents. If they left me? If they deliberately left me on the street? I don’t know.

Why didn’t I just live simply like everyone else?

I hugged myself as I came out of the club with my shoulder bag.

I’m wearing a black t-shirt and shorts. I just let the wind blow my long hair. Sometimes the wind can also relax the inside.

“Ready?” A baritone voice startled me. He looked at me from head to foot, and I immediately trembled at his sight.

I sighed and nodded. “Y-yes.” My God, please guide me now. Whatever the consequences of my association with him, I leave it to you.

He opened the front seat door for me, so I bowed when I approached him and entered his luxurious car. I almost felt the warmth of his body when I came a little.

What it feels like to sleep next to him? His body feels so warm.

Damn! I bit my lip at what I was thinking. He immediately turned around and got into his car too.

This was the first time I rode in such a beautiful car, and it was delicious and fun to feel. The two of us didn’t say a word. I just squeezed my palm because I was so nervous. Why did I come with him? Shit, I feel like I want to back out!

I bit my lip and sighed.

“Uh, where are we going?” I asked and looked at him. He’s earnest and intimidating. His face was always severe and grumpy. I also saw that he had a tattoo on his arm just now.

He is very handsome. His eyebrows are thick, his eyes are deep, and the tip of his nose is in the right place…though was always severe and frightening. This one doesn’t seem to know how to smile.

I saw his arms. They looked so strong and could break a bone! I don’t do anything but mesmerized by how handsome he is.

“In my condo unit.” Huh! I almost gasped at his answer. His condo unit? What are we going to do there? It’s midnight already!

I fell silent suddenly, and before we finally went to his condo, he bought something at a twenty-four hours store.

You know what? It’s food. If he’s with you, you’ll almost die of boredom.

He was earnest.

“How old are you?” I heard the depth of his voice.

My chest immediately throbbed at his question. He may sue me if he knows about my real age. Huh? I took a sharp bite of my lower lip. I have to lie.

“Nineteen,” I said.

“Nineteen?” His brow creased, and he shook his head. “Your age is too young for that kind of work.” I almost choked on what I heard. I’m only seventeen. If for him the age of nineteen is young, what if he knows that I am seventeen, huh?

They can’t blame me because I need money. I have nothing to look forward to but myself. I work at that bar. I’m used to it. I am used to the hurtful words I hear from people.

Almost every day at school I want to cry; I want to get angry. But I hid everything. I’m numb, so I can do everything to survive.

I looked around in amazement at the whole of his condo. I could see a mixture of black and gray in the colors of his condo unit. The whole room smelled like a man.

I could hardly breathe and swallow with so much nervousness. Marco gestured to me in their dining area, so I followed. He dropped the food there and arranged everything.

“Eat…” He said to me and gave me a chair to sit on.

Thank goodness! I was hungry. I nodded and sat. He first took a pitcher of water and poured water into my glass.

“Stay here, I’ll be right back.” He said without breaking the stare. I think he’s weird. Some wanted to convey their thoughts that I could not get.

“Gosh!” I mumbled. Seriously, I can’t imagine it. He’s so quiet and scary. I looked around. It was so peaceful. How many women has he brought here? I know that because if he goes to the club, sometimes the woman he is with is different.

My heart suddenly pounded. It’s like being squeezed. Why? But I almost choked when he returned wearing only white shirt and sweatpants. I don’t know where to look at his chest that peeked out, and I can see the fur there, and I know it’s hard or in his face to look at me badly.

His jaw tightened as he saw me looking there. So I bowed to the food. Shit. Think straight! Maria! I know you are stupid. But even now, think!

“Uh, I’m done, thanks. Can I go home now?” Embarrassed and stunned, I said it. Fuck! Will I just get home right away? You fool Maria!

He smirked and approached me. He sat in the chair next to me. I almost lost consciousness when he pulled my chair, and in a flash, I was very close to him! My lips felt sorry for what he did. Oh my gosh!

“What’s your name again?” He huskily asked. He’s looking at me intently. He looked at me again as if looking forward to my answer…that he seemed to want to hear my name pronounced.

“M-Maria Isabella,” I mumbled tremblingly. I want to faint now!

He bit his lip so hard. “Again, please.” My lips parted as if hypnotized by his gaze.

“Maria Isabella.”

He licks his lips and sighs heavily. “And you’re nineteen?” He asked. I bit my lip and nodded. Shit! I’m only seventeen. Thank you because my face has matured.

I was almost electrified when he touched both my thighs.

He clenched his teeth. “I paid you. You’re mine now,” he insisted.

Oh no! I thought he’s nice! Oh gosh! He turned out to be a playboy too. Like his friends!

I didn’t know I was going to celebrate or be depressed! I want to close my eyes and stare like everything is a dream, but not! I have to face it.