Chapter 8: A Drink & Two Refusal

• KAL'S POV
• "Are you okay?" I ask her as soon as we're out of the crowd.
• Bells, who is looking a bit indisposed, nods quickly. "Yes, I am. You don't have to worry about me."
• I guide her towards the counter where the drinks are sitting. My hands are on her elbows, but she immediately moves away, out of contact with my hand. I notice the change in her body language and shrug. She's doing an excellent job at masking her discomfort.
• When she takes her seat, I pull the next bar stool beside her and slide into it.
• "Want a drink?" I ask, even though I already asked her to join me for a drink or two.
• Turning to look at me, she nods and smiles stiffly. "Yes, sure."
• "Two shots of bloody Mary mix," I say to the bartender, who nods and quickly whips up two shots of the drink. He slides it expertly towards us and gives me a thumbs up when I tell him thank you.
• "Thanks, Kal," Bells says, and quickly drinks up her glass of Bloody Mary. Once she is done, she drops the cup back on the table with a thud.
• "Are you okay?" I ask, genuinely concerned. "You're acting quite uncomfortable."
• "I'm fine, really. I'm just tired, and I need rest." She says in an exasperated tone.
• The club is really loud. Blaring with music and people are also talking at the top of their voices. I can imagine the effect it has on her. I have never liked clubs and never will.
• She's the only reason I returned here the second time.
• I think about what to talk about, something to start a conversation and keep it going because Bells seems to be ultimately bored and tired. From the way she is lazily looking around, her hair whipping about, thanks to the fans floating on the ceilings, she wants to go home and maybe have a good night's rest.
• "So, what do you do apart from stripping?" I ask, hoping she takes this and elongates it into a beautiful conversation.
• Bells turned to look at me, her tired eyes resting on mine. I can feel the effect of her hazel eyes on me, and for the hundredth time tonight, I admit that she is indeed gorgeous and not of this world.
• "Well, I am a student at the University of Crete," she replies.
• So, she schools in the Rethymno axis? Damn, somewhat close to my company. This is absolutely good.
• "What are you studying?" I ask. "You look like you would be into arts. With the way you dance, you definitely belong to the arts."
• I hear her scoff. Even her lean shoulders shake in amusement. She's laughing at me right now, and I swear, that's the most beautiful smile I have ever seen.
• Her dentition is everything! Starting from how white it looks against the lights, how well-chiseled it is, and her healthy gums and well-aligned teeth. I want to snatch her by the waist and give her a wet kiss.
• But, I restrain myself from doing so. I know what'll come next.
• A slap, definitely.
• "It's actually none of your business, sir." With these words, she stands to her feet and picks up her tote bag laying on the floor beside her stand.
• "Can I at least have your contact?" I ask with desperation in my voice.
• She shakes her head. I'm sure she didn't even have to make a decision in her head. The word NO seems to be already waiting to be said.
• She continues, this time in a solemn tone, "I have no business with you outside the club premises. And I believe that you should respect that."
• I remain quiet.
• Then she gives me a once over. "Look at you; you seem to be the influential type. I would taint your image. It's best if you know your boundaries. Goodnight."
• I watch her weave past a group of people, apologizing to a lady she mistakenly hit on the shoulder.
• When I turn to face my drink, I notice that the bartender is staring at me with an amused look on his face.
• "What?" I inquire quite rudely.
• If the bartender hears it in my voice, he doesn't react to it. Instead, he shrugs and replies to me.
• "Bells doesn't relate with anyone outside of the club, even with me. She's a student at my uni, and we even attend a few classes together, but she doesn't acknowledge me. Even if she does, she only does it because we are coursemates and nothing else. I'd advise you not to bother about getting to know her better."
• The bartender's advice is valid, but I will take no pleasure in any of his talks.
• "Thank you," I say instead.
• Like he wants to help me. Like he thinks I am really interested in other bland strippers, he points at a group of women dancing on the poles.
• "You can be acquainted with those. They're really friendly and beautiful, too. I'm sure they'll catch your fancy."
• I look in the direction the bartender is pointing out.
• White women.
• I suddenly do not find them attractive anymore.
• God, what has this lady done to me?
• The women are on the other side of the room and close to being naked. They're pretty good with the pole, but not like Bells is.
• Bells have a way of blending with the music to form synchrony of beautiful body movement. Her body moves, and as it does, it speaks. These women are just dancing for money and attention. I'd add, 'for the fun of it, also.'
• But Bells dances like she belongs to the music. Like she owns it and is in fucking control of it. She dances like it's oxygen she breathes in and can't do without.
• So mesmerizing.
• When I turn back to the bartender, he understands my expression and nods in understanding.
• "I know. Bells is just so different. I noticed that too. No wonder the manager wants to keep her for as long as possible."
• Something clocks in my head. I suddenly have an idea!
• "Who manages this club?" I ask.
• "Err…" The bartender seems to be taking a while to give me a reply.
• Immediately, I slip my hands into my suit jacket and slap a thin wade of cash on the countertop. I am literally glad at this moment that I didn't empty my pocket tonight, whole o watched Bells strip.
• Immediately the bartender sees the money; his eyes widen for a split second before he immediately slips the money beneath the counter on his side.
• "Okay, fine." The bartender says and then leans over, so he can whisper to me. "His name is Anastis.
• You'll only find him in the topmost room, and before seeing him, you must have the access card to be recognizable as an employee in this club."
• Confident that I would surely see him without all of that, I nod and stand to my feet. Donning the lapels of my suit, I salute him. "Thanks, buddy. You're a lifesaver."
• "No, you are the lifesaver. You just made my night."
• I laugh and wave at him before walking away.
• Several minutes and a few moments after revealing my identity to the bouncer, I am seated in front of a really big man.
• His room is really dark and also soundproof, and behind him, where he is sitting in front of his desk, are floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city. Lights are scattered all over the place, giving it a beautiful view.
• "It's such a great honor and a surprise to find you in my club." Anastis began, smiling and crossing his fingers. "What do I owe for such a visit?"
• The door creaks open, and a waiter brings in two glasses of champagne and drops them on the table with so much care before leaving.
• I decide it is time for me to speak, and I should go straight to the point.
• "Have any idea who Bells is?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. "One of your strippers."
• The smile on Anastis' face slowly begins to disappear. "Of course, I do. She's one of the best we have in the club."
• "I don't know if there's any way I can get her contact. You know, help me with her contact and all that. I really fancy her."
• Anastis chuckled. "Don't you all always?" Then he continued in a more serious tone. "To be very honest with you, Karanos, no matter your position or influence. I do not think I will violate the privacy of my strippers by giving you any of their information. That is a breach in a contract they sign before they begin working for us."
• "But…" I am interrupted even before I begin.
• "I'm sorry, I can't. There's nothing you'll do to change my mind. I'm afraid of losing her, and I wouldn't want to provoke her in any way."
• For a moment, I am silent and unable to form words. This is getting me frustrated even if I understand all that he has said.
• "I'm quite busy in the middle of something significant. I put it on hold because I was really excited to meet you. If you'd leave, I'd appreciate it."
• Like a castaway, I stand to my feet and walk out of his door, sulking.