Lana chuckles softly, shaking her head at Arashi's antics. She leans in closer, her playful smirk matched by a mischievous glint in her eyes. Their faces are so close now that she can catch the faint scent of grease and leather mixed with his cologne—a uniquely Arashi blend.

  “Oh, please, stop with the knightly duties already. You’re starting to make me blush,” she quips, her tone teasing but laced with genuine affection.

  Her gaze lingers on him, tracing the subtle crinkle at the corners of his eyes and the dimple that peeks out when he smiles just right. Moments like these disarm her; she’s reminded why this complex; enigmatic man holds her attention so completely.

  Lana begins, her voice softening,

  Arashi tilts his head slightly, his lips twitching as though suppressing a smirk. His casual shrug feels like a deliberate contrast to her question’s weight.

  he says with a dramatic air of nonchalance, flashing her a playful grin.

  Lana lets out an exaggerated laugh, her amusement bubbling over.

  Her teasing rolls effortlessly off her tongue, though she leans in a fraction closer, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper.

  Arashi doesn’t answer immediately, instead leaning back slightly, his expression unreadable but his gaze steady. The weight of his silence draws her in even more.

  Lana leans back, crossing her arms with mock impatience. She flashes a small smile, trying to mask the deeper gratitude simmering beneath her banter.

  she adds, her voice softening as her teasing slips away,

  Arashi’s grin returns, but instead of a quip, he moves.

  It happens so smoothly that it catches Lana completely off guard—a hand slides around her waist, firm but gentle, as he pulls her closer. His other hand brushes a stray strand of hair from her cheek, his touch is deliberate yet tender.

  Lana’s breath hitches, her emerald eyes locking with his. In the quiet space between them, her heart pounds like the rev of a finely tuned engine.

  Without a word, Arashi leans in and kisses her.

  It’s soft at first, a careful brush of lips that feels both hesitant and bold. For a moment, Lana freezes, her mind racing to catch up. But the warmth of his touch, the sincerity in the kiss, and the electric pull between them coax her hesitation away.

  A soft, involuntary moan escapes her as she melts into him, her hands finding their way to his chest, fingers curling slightly into the fabric of his shirt. She feels the solid strength of him beneath her touch, grounding her in this unspoken exchange.

  When he pulls back, it’s only by a few inches, their faces still so close she can feel the faint tickle of his breath. His voice is low, teasing, but laced with a rare vulnerability.

  Lana blinks, her breath still uneven as she gazes up at him. A shy but radiant smile blooms on her lips, and she can’t stop the quiet laugh that escapes her.

  she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper.

  The moment stretches between them as she traces lazy circles on his chest with her fingers, a teasing glimmer returning to her eyes.

  she replies, her tone playful but warm.

  Her voice softens again as she adds, almost to herself,

  After some more light chit-chat and a casual dinner with Arashi, Lana reached for her phone, startled by the sudden blaring alarm.

  Arashi glanced at her, amusement dancing in his eyes as he pulled out a set of keys and handed them to her.

  he said casually, tossing her the keys.

  Lana blinked in surprise, looking down at the keys in her hand.

  Arashi didn’t respond directly. Instead, he stood up, walking toward the garage door and unlocking it.

  he called over his shoulder, before flipping the switch to open the heavy door.

  As the door slowly lifted, Lana was left staring at the shadows inside, her curiosity piqued. She stood still, waiting for the mystery to unfold. Then, with a smooth pull, the light revealed Arashi’s 1995 Honda Civic SiR-II EG6.

  Lana gasped sharply as her eyes took in the car’s imposing presence. The sleek lines of the body kit and the aggressive stance of the car immediately grabbed her attention. The glossy black finish glistened under the overhead lights, unmarked by any decals—just pure, unapologetic power.

  Lana murmured, her voice full of awe as she slowly circled around the vehicle.

  Arashi's voice held a certain pride as he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.

  Lana’s gaze locked on the custom twincharger system, marveling at the intricate detailing. Her fingers itched to touch it, but she resisted the temptation to get too close without Arashi’s permission.

  she muttered, unable to take her eyes off the car.

  Arashi chuckled softly, stepping closer to her as he continued explaining.

  He gestured toward the wheels as Lana continued her inspection, visibly impressed.

  The weight of the details hit her slowly. Arashi’s pride for his car wasn’t just in the exterior—he’d invested every ounce of care into the performance.

  She moved toward the side, where the Nitrous Oxide System was neatly integrated.

  She raised an eyebrow.

  Arashi’s tone shifted slightly, a subtle seriousness entering his voice.

  Lana was silent for a moment, taking it all in. She let out a slow, appreciative whistle.

  she asked, looking up at Arashi with a nervous smile.

  Arashi’s lips curved into a grin, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

  he said with a shrug.

  But there was a momentary pause in his voice, an unspoken understanding that she knew what she was getting into.

  he added with a more serious edge.

  Lana chuckled, though her pulse quickened with excitement and just a hint of apprehension. She walked over to the driver's side, the engine purring softly under the hood, as if calling her to take it for a spin.

  she murmured to herself, slipping into the seat.

  She glanced back at Arashi one last time, locking eyes with him.

  she asked, her voice a mix of teasing and genuine uncertainty.

  Arashi gave a confident nod, his smile never wavering.

  Lana’s fingers curled around the steering wheel, and with a deep breath, she turned the key. The engine roared to life, the sound vibrating in her chest. It was unlike anything she’d ever felt before.

  She shot Arashi one last look, her grin wide and full of excitement.

  With a final rev of the engine, Lana pulled out of the garage, leaving Arashi standing in the doorway, his gaze lingering on her as she took off, ready to conquer the road—and whatever came next.

  Lana's laughter echoes through the empty streets as she expertly navigates Arashi's beastly ride, the power and responsiveness of the vehicle exhilarating her senses. As she whips around a curve, her mind starts to wander—wondering what other secrets this mysterious man might hold.

  Back at his garage, Arashi can't shake off the unease gnawing at him. He watches Lana disappear into the night, leaving behind only a trail of smoke and sound waves. It's not just her skill behind the wheel that has him concerned—it's where she disappears to at such an odd hour.

  His gaze drifts to his phone as he ponders... 10 PM? Most places are closed by then. Bartenders start their shifts around 8 PM... So what kind of job does Lana have that keeps her out so late? The questions swirl in his head like storm clouds gathering on a dark horizon.

  Little did Lana know, for safety reasons, Arashi installed a GPS tracker in both of his cars. But tonight, he decides to shake it off, trying to trust her a bit more. Still, a nagging feeling lingers in the back of his mind.

  Meanwhile, Lana arrives at a strip club named Velvet Juice, her very place to earn some hard cash and nocturnal fame.

  The GPS navigation system beeps as she finds a spot to park Arashi's beastly ride—its sleek black form drawing more than a few curious glances from passing patrons. With a deep breath, Lana steps out of the car and adjusts her skimpy hoodie one last time before heading inside. The cool night air does little to calm the butterflies in her stomach as she makes her way through the heavy doors, leaving behind the faint scent of gasoline and leather.

  Inside, the pulsing rhythm of electronic music envelops Lana like a warm hug, immediately transporting her to another world. She takes a moment to survey her surroundings—neon lights reflecting off polished chrome surfaces, clusters of men huddled around stages where half-naked dancers writhe and shake their bodies to an unheard beat. This is her world. The flashing lights, the seductive air, and the promise of anonymity in a crowd.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Lana moves toward the changing room, exchanging a few playful words with some of the girls. As she catches her reflection in the mirror, she runs her fingers through her hair, smoothing out any stray strands. Her face, a soft, delicate blend of Chinese and American features, exudes a natural grace. With her cute V-shaped jawline, tapering face, and almond-shaped eyes that hold a quiet intensity, she’s the embodiment of Asian-American beauty. The glow of the neon lights highlights her youthful, almost ethereal charm. She doesn’t need the heavy makeup or bold looks to stand out—her simplicity speaks volumes. In Velvet Juice, she’s the primadonna, effortlessly commanding attention the moment she enters the room.

  But tonight, even as she stands there, poised and confident, her thoughts linger on Arashi. His trust in her, the way he handed her the keys to his car, the look in his eyes—those moments have left an unexpected mark on her. She brushes the thoughts away, focusing on the stage ahead. But the feeling remains, an unspoken connection that tugs at her, just beneath the surface.

  Back at the garage, Arashi sits alone, his eyes fixed on his phone. The dull glow of the screen casts shadows over his features as he watches the map update in real-time. Lana's car, his car, heading through the streets. He knew this moment would come—his curiosity eating away at him—but now that it's happening, it feels different. More real.

  The GPS tracker, which was meant to be a safeguard, seems to weigh heavy on him. Watching Lana’s movements, tracking her every turn—it doesn’t sit well. He’s always been in control, always known what was happening. But with her, everything feels uncertain, like there are too many unanswered questions.

  He sighs and places his phone down, trying to shake off the unease. There’s no turning back now. He’s let her in, let down his walls in a way he never thought possible. All he can do is wait for her return, whenever that might be.

  Inside Velvet Juice, Lana takes the stage, her body moving with practiced grace, every step a blend of seduction and power. Her mind is somewhere between two worlds—the one she shares with Arashi and the one that’s hers alone. It’s a fine balance, one she’s never been able to perfect. But tonight, the line between them feels blurrier than ever. She can’t shake the feeling that somehow, their paths are destined to collide—and she’s not sure if she’s ready for that just yet.

  As the pulsing bass reverberates through the speakers, Lana loses herself in the rhythm. Her body moves on autopilot, every sway and spin honed from a year of practice at Velvet Juice. She’s worked her way up to primadonna status quickly—her raw talent and unbridled energy captivating more audience night after night.

  Strutting across the stage in stiletto heels that threaten to topple with each step, Lana commands attention. The men gathered around the railing are captivated, their eyes glued to her every move as she bends over, offering them an eyeful of her skimpy lace panties stretched taut over her plump, rounded ass.

  Her moans mix with the music, adding to the heat in the room, fueling their fantasies as they eagerly reach for their wallets to toss generous tips onto the stage.

  Lana's eyes gleam with satisfaction as she pockets a fat wad of bills tossed by one particularly eager patron.

  he says with a low chuckle, his gaze never leaving her.

  Lana’s eyes narrow slightly as she assesses the man’s bold offer. A sly smirk curves on her lips as she saunters toward him, hips swaying seductively with every step.

  She glances toward the corner where his companions are huddled, their eager faces illuminated by the flashing stage lights.

  Leaning in close, she lowers her voice to a husky whisper.

  Her hand slides up his thigh beneath the tablecloth, her fingers brushing lightly against the bulge straining against his zipper.

  The man grins, clearly intrigued.

  Lana’s eyes flash with a mix of excitement and challenge. She stands up straight, running a hand through her hair as she eyes him up and down, considering his offer.

  She leans in, her voice soft and seductive as she continues,

  Lana pulls back slightly, her eyes locking with his, watching him weigh her words. She knows she’s not just selling her body here—she’s offering an experience; one they’ll never forget.

  The man pauses, his eyes flicking to his friends before turning back to Lana. He grins smugly and counters,

  Lana’s eyes light up at the mention of the new iPhone, her fingers twitching with desire for the latest tech. She sizes him up, gauging his sincerity.

  she purrs, running a finger along his jawline, her smile teasing.

  She leans in closer, her breath hot against his ear as she whispers,

  The man’s expression flickers for a moment, but he quickly recovers, his smirk growing wider.

  Lana's pulse quickens as she considers the counteroffer. She’s never one to back down, but the price is right—and there's something about his confidence that intrigues her.

  She takes a moment, then nods slowly, her voice low and deliberate.

  Lana leans in close, brushing a strand of hair from her face, her eyes intense as she adds,

  With the deal finally sealed, she leads the group to a private room in the back of Velvet Juice, where dim lighting and plush furnishings await. She takes center stage once more, shedding her clothes piece by piece until she stands naked before them.

  she purrs seductively as she begins to dance around each man in turn.

  As Lana arches her back, exposing her pert breasts to the ravenous eyes of the first man, his hand reaches out to trace her soft curves, his grip firm but calculated.

  "You’re a vision," he breathes, his voice thick with lust.

  He slips his fingers under the lace of her bra, peeling it away in a motion that reveals her flawless, perky breasts. Even the dim lighting seems to glow brighter, illuminating her in a way that would make saints falter and sinners revel.

  Lana tilts her head back, her lips curling into a sultry, teasing smile as she lowers her gaze to meet his.

  she murmurs, her voice dripping with seduction.

  Her hand trails slowly down his chest, resting near his belt, as she leans in closer, her breath teasing his ear. But beneath the veneer of pleasure and allure, her thoughts flicker elsewhere.

  She’s back in the garage in her mind, wrapped in the arms of Arashi. She can still feel the lingering warmth of his kiss on her lips, the depth of emotion in his touch. It was more than lust—he’d touched something deeper inside her. For a brief moment, the chaos of Velvet Juice fades, and all she wants is to be in his embrace again.

  But reality pulls her back as the man’s fingers dig slightly into her hips, reminding her where she is. Lana forces herself to smile wider, her hand slipping down his thigh, her voice a husky moan.

  With a deliberate motion, she shifts to the next man, running her nails lightly over his shirt before dropping to her knees. She presses her lips close to his ear, her warm breath making him shudder.

  she purrs, trailing kisses down his neck.

  But as she wraps her arms around him, pressing her chest against his, her thoughts drift back to Arashi once more. The contrast between his love and the business-driven heat she’s performing now is sharp, almost unbearable.

  She swallows the lump in her throat and forces the memories to the back of her mind. This was the deal—a deal worth ten grand. She has no choice but to see it through.

  Lana climbs onto another man’s lap, grinding against him slowly, deliberately, as her moans blend with theirs. Despite the show she puts on, the only thing echoing in her mind is Arashi’s name.

  Arashi's chest tightened as he approached the dimly lit parking lot, his eyes locking onto the black Honda Civic SiR-II EG6 he’d so lovingly handed over to Lana. It stood like a quiet sentinel near the back entrance of Velvet Juice. He clenched his fists, a flood of thoughts crashing over him—worry, suspicion, and the faint, foolish hope that there might be an innocent explanation.

  Stepping out of his car, he walked briskly toward the backdoor, a facade of calm masking the storm brewing within him. As his eyes darted to the door, his thoughts were interrupted by the imposing figure of a tall, suited butler who stepped into his path.

  the butler asked, his voice deep and steady.

  Arashi hesitated for only a moment before speaking.

  The butler’s expression remained unreadable as he shook his head slightly.

  he said smoothly.

  Frustrated, Arashi quickly pulled out his phone, opening a photo of Lana and holding it up.

  The butler studied the photo for a moment before nodding slightly, a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

  he said.

  Arashi blinked, confusion flickering across his face.

  the butler clarified.

  Arashi’s stomach sank. Without another word, he pushed past the butler and into the chaotic warmth of Velvet Juice. The bass-heavy music pounded against his ears as his eyes adjusted to the dim, pulsating lights. The room was a sea of scantily clad dancers and men indulging in lustful fantasies.

  As he moved through the crowd, his gaze finally landed on her. Time seemed to slow, his breath catching in his throat.

  There Lana was—or Athena—her body glistening under the flickering lights. She was impaled on two men at once, their rhythmic thrusts making her arch and moan in ways that sent shockwaves through Arashi’s chest. Her hands expertly worked two others, stroking with a practiced, almost mechanical rhythm, while her lips locked with the man above her in a sultry, passionate kiss.

  For a moment, Arashi couldn’t move. His feet felt rooted to the spot as his mind screamed at him to turn away. But his eyes stayed glued to her, unable to reconcile the image before him with the woman he’d held so tenderly just last night.

  Her head tilted back, her eyes half-lidded with ecstasy as her body moved in perfect sync with her patrons. For a split second, her gaze shifted—and their eyes met.

  Arashi froze in place, his heart thundering as his eyes locked with Lana's across the dimly lit room. It was a fleeting moment, yet it stretched into eternity. Among the sea of lust and noise, her gaze found his, piercing through the haze. Recognition flickered in her expression, an almost imperceptible crack in her pleasure-drunk facade.

  His presence was undeniable, like a sudden cold gust in a suffocatingly warm room. For a heartbeat, her lips parted, her brows knitted, and the hint of his name lingered unspoken on her tongue.

  But then came the battle within her—a fierce, consuming clash between heart and body. The image of Arashi standing there, his face etched with disbelief and pain, surged through her mind. The memory of his arms wrapped around her, his kiss tender and unguarded, was a stark contrast to the raw, primal domination she was immersed in now.

  The men surrounding her continued their relentless assault, their hands gripping her waist, their bodies pressing into hers with unyielding fervor. One filled her mouth, muffling the gasp that threatened to escape as another plunged deep into her from behind. Her hips moved instinctively, meeting their rhythm, while her hands clung to the other two, stroking them with trembling urgency.

  Her body responded in ways that betrayed her thoughts, pleasure surging through her in uncontrollable waves. And yet, part of her screamed to stop—to push them away and run to the man whose gaze she couldn't forget.

  But she didn’t.

  Instead, Lana arched her back as another multi-orgasmic moan spilled from her lips, her body convulsing in ecstasy. The fight within her heart was lost to the overwhelming sensations. Her gaze faltered, breaking away from Arashi’s, as if surrendering to the truth of her situation.

  Arashi’s breath caught in his throat. The fragile hope he'd carried with him shattered in that moment. He had come here to protect her, to save her from what he thought was danger, only to realize she was a willing part of this scene—a scene that made his chest ache with pain and sorrow.

  The air felt heavier with each second, and his vision blurred with unshed tears. The raw sight of Lana—no, —immersed in this act of submission and pleasure, burned into his mind. His jaw tightened as he turned abruptly, forcing himself to walk away. Every step away from her felt like a blade twisting in his chest.

  Back inside Velvet Juice, Lana trembled as another wave of pleasure overtook her. Yet beneath the surface of her ecstasy, a single thought remained, refusing to fade:

  Somewhere, in the recesses of her mind, guilt clawed at her. She knew she would have to face him, confront the hurt in his eyes, and deal with the wreckage she had just created. But not now. Not yet.

  For now, she let herself drown in the pleasure of the moment, choosing to delay the inevitable reckoning with the man who had just walked away, his heart shattered in silence. That fleeting moment was enough to shatter him. His chest burned as a surge of emotions—pain, humiliation, anger—threatened to consume him. He forced himself to turn away, his jaw tightening as tears began to sting his eyes.

  Arashi retraced his steps, his movements slow and deliberate. By the time he reached his Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R 400R, the first tear had already fallen.

  Sliding into the driver’s seat, he gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white. The roar of the engine filled the night as he backed out of the alley. But as he hit the open road, the car’s power seemed insignificant against the weight pressing on his chest.

  he whispered to himself, his voice cracking.

  The Skyline sped through the darkened streets, its headlights cutting through the shadows. But no amount of speed could outrun the storm raging within him, nor the etched memory of what he’d just seen. By the time he reached his garage, Arashi felt like a shell of himself, the woman he loved still haunting his heart, a heart worth 10 grand of sexual pleasure.

  TO BE CONTINUED.