Chapter 12: Chapter Eleven

Mirabella's POV

Gabriel was already waiting, as promised, checking his watch like he was timing my punctuality. I beat it by a few minutes. A small, silent victory.

"Right on time," he said, then stepped aside for a tall, curvy blonde woman in heels and a short body-hugging white black dress. Her long, hot legs were very visible. Her hair was packed on the center of her head, this gave her a professional look. "This is Harper. She’ll show you the ropes. She’s been working with us for a while. You’ll learn a lot from her."

Harper extended her hand, her dark eyes flicking over me quickly. "Hey. Nice to meet you, newbie. You nervous?"

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak yet. My stomach was a ball of nerves.

Saraphina appeared next, sweeping into the lounge with the grace of someone who’d walked these halls for years. Her auburn waves bounced with every step. Gabriel gave her a kiss on the lips.

She turned to me and gave me a soft smile. "Welcome to Devil's Den love. Don’t let the name fool you... Actually, do. This place is everything the name says. You’ll get used to it."

I managed a half-smile, silently grateful for her warmth. I followed Harper and Saraphina through a maze of velvet curtains, dim corridors, and smoky lounges. Every inch of the club was tailored for seduction. The kind of place that whispered secrets and fed desires.

By 8pm, the club was alive. Music pulsed through the walls. Men in suits, some with ties loosened and shirts half open, swirled whiskey in their glasses. Women danced on polished floors, laughter floating in the air like perfume.

Strippers can be seen on the poles, entertaining the guests.

Everything felt new. Too new.

Harper stayed close, explaining which VIP booths were off limits unless summoned, how to offer drinks, where to stand, what gestures meant trouble. Saraphina occasionally chipped in with tips and a knowing wink.

Somehow, I made it through. I smiled when I had to. Served when I was called. Ignored the lingering stares that felt like violations. I met other workers too and they were nice.

By 3am, the music slowed, and the crowd thinned. The chaos died into low murmurs and scattered laughter. We began to clean.

Rain joined us afterwards. She is a stripper, but also Harper’s and Saraphina’s friend. She is roommates with Harper. Apparently, she helps them out after her shift each day.

“So, how did you enjoy your first day here,” she asked me.

“Well… noisy, but I will get used to it,” we all laughed. We were having small talks as we cleaned the place. Mario also chips in occasionally.

I was clearing a table and was holding a half filled glass of something, when as I turned to go back to the bar counter, I bumped into a broad chest spilling the content in the glass on the body and forcing the glass to fall and smash on the hard floor.

I could hear a whistle sound and then how the place or everyone went still.

"Shit…" I gasped, stepping back. "I’m so…"

My voice died as my eyes found his.

What!!!

Those piercing blue eyes.

That wicked smirk and that smug look.

I will never forget this face.

Hunter.

No. Fucking. Way. My lungs forgot how to work. My knees weakened. My fingers curled into fists.

That smirk. That smug, dead-eyed look. That face I swore I’d never forget. Four years. Four long, bitter years and it felt like they collapsed into this exact second.

The man who murdered my brother and probably caused my parents' accident.

I stared at him in horror, rage boiling up like acid in my throat. He hasn't changed much. He looked older, more refined, but every inch of him screamed danger.

His eyes gleamed with sin.

"Mira," he drawled, his voice a gravel-coated tease. "Didn't expect you to wet me this early. At least buy me a drink next time."

My name on his lips sounded erotic. I didn't know what I was thinking, maybe it was reflex but I slapped him.

Hard. My palm stung. Well… I didn't miss the gasp from people around.

"You bastard," I hissed, chest heaving. "You piece of shit."

He chuckled. “I didn't expect you to know how to curse so much with that pretty mouth of yours.” He had a knowing smile on. He was not even surprised at all to see me. It was like he intentionally bumped into me.

Hunter's POV

Gabriel had told me she would start work today, and as always I have kept an eye on her from the balcony. She was coping just fine. I could notice hungry eyes on her; after all she was a pretty little thing, who wouldn't stare. It was a turn on to see people desiring what was mine, but they can't even touch it or have a taste.

I decided to give her a surprise.

When she bent over the table to clear it out, I had the urge to hold her head down, push every barrier aside and slam onto her. But I wasn't expecting a slap. She is a very bold little thing.

The moment her hand collided with my face, I tasted something metallic; blood—and I didn't mind it at all.

It wasn’t the slap that shocked me. It was the fire in her eyes. The storm she wore like armor.

Little Mira.

All grown up.

And fuck me, she looked delicious up close.

The drink she spilled soaked my shirt, cold against my skin, but it barely registered. My gaze was locked on her; those widened eyes, those lips trembling with rage. I’d imagined this meeting a thousand different ways, but this? This was perfect.

"Still got that temper," I murmured, using my tongue to massage the corner of my mouth.

"Fuck you," she spat. "You ruined my life. You killed him."

There it was. The crack in her voice.

I stepped closer, ignoring the mess on my chest.

"Mira. Your brother made his choice."

She flinched like I’d struck her.

"You’re a monster," she whispered.

"I’ve been called worse sweetheart."

"Stay away from me. I swear…"

I laughed low. "Swear what, princess? You gonna run again? Or you gonna stay and scream?"

She glared at me, fire in every inch of her.

God, I wanted this.

Her scent was different, womanly now. Her figure, fuller. But that mouth still looked like sin.

I took one last look at her. Her chest rising and falling with fury—then leaned in close enough for only her to hear, my hot breath brushed her cheek.

"You’re in my world now, Mira. You work in my club. You breathe my air. And whether you like it or not... you belong to me. You know that."

She pushed me hard with both hands. But I didn’t budge. I stepped back anyway. For now.

Mirabella’s POV

I watched him walk away like he hadn’t just ripped open every wound I buried for years.

My fingers trembled.

My breathing shook.

That smirk... That voice…

He owns this club? He controls everything here?

The Devil's club. No wonder the name.

He was the Devil in human skin.

And this was his hell and I have just stepped right in.