Behind the door

3rd P.O.V.

Beatrix said her goodbyes to her friends, Charis and Harley, then she decided to go to the hospital where Andrei was admitted.

As far as she remember, Jade was there the last time she visited.

Beatrix arrived at the hospital with Jade by her side. Andrei was lying in bed, his eyes closed, and his breathing shallow. Beatrix was relieved to see him awake, but she noticed something was off. Andrei's blood pressure suddenly increased, and he started to have a seizure.

Beatrix called for the nurse, who quickly came in and administered medication to stop the seizure. The nurse then informed Beatrix that Andrei's sudden emotional outburst triggered the seizure.

Beatrix immediately thought it was because of Jade. She turned to Jade and told her, "Jade, you have to calm down when you talk to Andrei. Your excitement is overwhelming him, and it's not good for his health."

Jade looked at Andrei with tears in her eyes and hugged him tightly. "I'm so sorry, Andrei. I didn't know I was hurting you," she said, her voice trembling.

Andrei's cheeks turned red, and he looked away shyly. Jade then confessed to Andrei that she had a crush on him, making his cheeks even redder.

Beatrix smiled at the scene, glad to see her brother happy. "Okay, Jade, I have to go to work now. You have to go home," she said to Jade.

Jade insisted, "Can't I stay here with Andrei? I want to take care of him."

Beatrix shook her head. "You can't stay here alone, Jade. Andrei has a nanny who's taking care of him. Besides, I don't want you to miss school tomorrow. We'll visit Andrei again soon."

Jade nodded reluctantly, giving Andrei one last hug before leaving the room. Beatrix left with Jade, feeling happy that her brother was doing well, but worried about the upcoming bills for his medical expenses. She knew she had to keep working, even if it meant putting her own feelings for Apollo on hold.

—

Beatrix arrived at the club and found Charis and Harley already there. They greeted each other with hugs and smiles.

"Hey, how's your brother doing?" Charis asked, concern etched on her face.

"He's doing better, thanks for asking," Beatrix replied, grateful for her friend's concern.

Harley, on the other hand, looked like he had something on his mind. "So, how's the situation with Apollo?" he asked, not beating around the bush.

Beatrix sighed. "It's complicated. Things are getting tough between the two of us. Actually, were near to separating. But i dont want it ot happen for a doubl epurpose. First, for andrei, whcih is the sole purpose why were together. Second, is because i coulnd let him go. I wanted to see him more often than usual.”

Charis nodded in understanding. "It's tough, but you have to be patient. He's not an easy person to read."

Harley, however, was not as understanding. "I still don't get why you're putting yourself through this, Beatrix. You don't deserve to be treated like this."

Beatrix shrugged. "I know it's not ideal, but I have my reasons. And I like him. A lot. He hurts me a lot, but my likeness to him is so strong."

Harley shook his head. "You're worth more than just being someone's contracted wife. You deserve someone who will treat you right."

"I know that, Harley," Beatrix said, a hint of irritation in her voice. "But this is my decision, and I'm sticking with it."

Charis spoke up. "We just want what's best for you, Beatriix. And we'll support you no matter what."

Beatrix smiled gratefully. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate your concern, but I know what I'm doing. And who knows, maybe things will change."

Harley still looked unconvinced, but he didn't push the issue any further. Instead, they continued their conversation about work and their personal lives, trying to keep the mood light and cheerful.

But in the back of Beatrix's mind, she couldn't help but wonder if she was making the right choice. Would things ever change between her and Apollo? Or was she just setting herself up for heartbreak?

—

RIX’s P.O.V.

“Beatrix, VIP room 9,” said Madam Glo.

Room 9?

It's familiar.

If my memory was right, that’s where Apollo and I first met.

If only I could bring back time, I wouldn’t go inside.

I will assign it to someone else like Trixie or Cheska cause they were good at talking or negotiating with people.

They were good at connecting with people and acting as if they were real, they can fool everyone.

Ha… I just wish that the man behind this room wasn’t him.

As I was fixing my hair, I took a deep breath and wished that the man behind the door is not as dangerous, as I thought.

I just wish that it's not perverted.

Should I wear a mask to cover up my eyes, my nose, or my lips?

Ha…

I don't think it's worth it.

I swallowed my pride and then push the button that serves as a doorbell for every customer in the VIP room.

It didn't take that long when the door opened… Its lights are off.

Slowly, I went inside.

"Hello? Sir? Is there anyone in here?”

As far as possible I'm trying hard to keep my voice as low as a whisper.

I mean maybe if I can do the voice below the whisper, I would.

But then, suddenly, I felt someone going closer to me with his half-naked body. Although I couldn't see properly, I'm sure he was half-naked.

I can feel that there is something stuck in my throat. My heart is compressor abnormally. I can feel the beating of my heart, faster than usual.

All I’m thinking about is why would a customer ask to bring pineapple juice, a lemon, and snow bear candy.

What's it about?

All of a sudden, I felt the breathing coming from my ears. I feel the sensation flowing over it.

"Beatrix, " he said, in his colder voice.

What is this?

And what the fuck am I feeling?

Am I assuming again that I thought he is being calmer and considerate right now?

Is this one of Apollo’s shenanigans to keep me under his blouse?

Is this another set of his “I am sorry” session?

Whatever it is, all I think about right now is the sensation that I feel— how it comforts me and gives me relaxation at the same time, the rapid beating of my heart.

Should I ask him?

Should I talk?

It's been a long pause and none of us talk since the moment he called my name.

As I was about to speak, I heard him break the silence.

While removing the apron wrapped around my waist, he rested his hands on my belly and started talking.

“You know that I like you,” he said.

I nodded slowly.

"You know that I told you I can't bring those feelings any further. I don't know what else I could do after finding out that I have feelings growing in my chest toward someone like you, Beatrix.”

I shook my head, closed my eyes, and just feel the moment as he speaks his feelings

"What do you want?” I asked.

"I want you,” he sexily answered.

He twisted my body so I could face him, and his hands are back around my waist, but before he rested it back to my waist, he put both of my hands on his neck.

Now it seems like we're dancing in the middle of the dance floor.

I gulped.

This is the first time I felt weird tickles in my chest.

"Stop beating around the bush. What is this, this time? Do you have another favor from me?” I asked, cracking my voice.

But instead of replying to my words, Apollo shut me off using his insolent kiss.

He’s taming me again— claiming me using his gentle touch.

And I'm claiming him too.

Who says I'm going to end this fucking feelings? No way!

There's no one who will end this.

Since I'm already here, so I think there’ll be no giving up.

He carried me using my butt, and I wrapped my legs around him.

He put me on top of the table, as he removed my pants, and gently caressed my skin, tracing every single thread.