Chapter 3- Fallen Angels

As per his agreement with James, Ezekiel arrived at the club James had told him about earlier. To be honest, stepping inside only disturbed him more than before.

The deafening music, the couples openly entangled in each other's arms, and the shameless flirtations happening all around him were getting on his nerves.

So far, he had rejected seven girls who were willing to become his sex slaves. wasn't that they weren't beautiful. They were. But none of them managed to hold his interest. His mind was elsewhere. Rihanna still lingered in his thoughts like a stubborn ghost, distracting him from everything around him.

"Dude, are you going to choose someone or not? What exactly are you looking for?" James asked, clearly losing his patience.

"Just excuse me," Ezekiel replied. "I think I'll head home."

"Fine, you can. But at least meet the last girl," James insisted.

Reluctantly, Ezekiel stayed. A few moments later, a girl appeared before him.

She was petite, with a round face, a delicate pointed nose, and a pair of deep brown eyes that seemed almost too expressive. He had to admit she was strikingly beautiful.

The makeup on her face attempted to make her look older, but Ezekiel could easily tell she couldn't be more than twenty years old.

She wore a short, off-shoulder dress that was clearly meant to be provocative. Yet somehow, she looked anything but provocative. She looked innocent. Far too innocent for a place like this.

Discomfort radiated from her every movement. The nervousness on her face was impossible to miss. Every few seconds, she tugged at the hem of her dress, trying desperately to cover her thighs, but the useless piece of fabric only seemed to betray her efforts.

It wasn't that Ezekiel felt physically attracted to her. At least not yet. But he couldn't deny that she had piqued his curiosity. There was something different about her. Something that didn't belong in this place.

"What's your name?" he asked, his voice calm and steady.

James immediately shot him an amused look.

Ezekiel noticed the subtle relief on his friend's face the moment he showed interest in this particular girl.

"I asked your name," Ezekiel repeated when she remained silent.

The girl startled and stammered nervously.

"I-I... Irtifa."

"You don't seem comfortable here," he said directly. "Why are you here? Is someone forcing you?"

He was almost certain she hadn't come willingly.

Irtifa swallowed hard.

"Personal reasons, sir. No one is forcing me."

A lie. Ezekiel could see it in her eyes. Something was wrong. Perhaps someone had forced her into this situation, but she was too afraid to speak. He knew enough about places like these to understand the ugly truths hidden beneath their glamorous appearances. He knew how easily desperate girls were traded like commodities.

"Did you like her?" James asked, sliding a document across the table.

It was an agreement.

According to the contract, Irtifa would belong to Ezekiel for six months. During that time, he could do whatever he wished with her. In return, he only had to pay the amount she requested.

"Why are you so quiet?" James asked.

Still watching the girl, Ezekiel finally spoke.

"How much?"

"** million." Irtifa answered meekly.

For the first time, surprise flickered across his face. He had expected a much larger amount. Instead, her demand was modest. That alone told him she wasn't greedy.

And it strengthened his suspicion that she had come here out of desperation, not desire.

Perhaps life had cornered her so completely that selling herself felt like her only remaining option.

"Fine then."

Without another word, Ezekiel signed the agreement.

A moment later, Irtifa signed it as well.

As he watched her write her name, he noticed her trembling hands and the tears gathering in her eyes.

She looked as though every stroke of the pen was hurting her.

What exactly was forcing this girl to do something she clearly didn't want to do?

He didn't know why, but for some reason, he couldn't reject her like the others. Maybe he was curious about her.

Or maybe he simply didn't want someone as innocent as her to end up in the hands of some heartless bastard. There was something about her that stirred an unfamiliar feeling within him.

Pity. And he didn't know why.

Meanwhile, Irtifa was terrified. The moment she stepped into the club wearing that short, revealing dress, her entire body had been trembling with discomfort. Silvia had tried her best to calm her down, but nothing seemed to work.

How could she be normal? She felt completely out of place.

Never in her wildest nightmares had she imagined that one day she would end up in a place like this to save her mother.

Her nervousness reached its peak when Ezekiel chose her.

He must be wealthy, she thought. Otherwise, he wouldn't be here, buying women for his pleasure. Casting a troubled glance at him, she lowered her eyes.

Taking Irtifa with him, Ezekiel drove to one of his penthouses. The entire journey passed in silence. He didn't speak. He didn't ask her any questions either.

What was there to ask anyway? she thought bitterly.

His interest wasn't in her thoughts.

It was in her body.

Still, she had to admit he was remarkably handsome. She had expected to be sold to some old man, but Ezekiel looked young. He couldn't be more than thirty.

Yet appearances meant nothing. No matter how attractive he was, she was convinced he was no different from those men who craved a new woman every day.

Her mind was a tangled mess.

Guilt.

Shame.

Fear.

The emotions drowned her from every direction. Closing her eyes, she tried to steady herself.

"I didn't have a choice," she whispered inwardly. "I will do anything for my mother. She's the only person left in this world whom I can call my own. For her sake, I can endure anything."

The sound of a lock clicking pulled her from her thoughts. Ezekiel opened the main door. Standing behind him, Irtifa shivered. The night outside was freezing.

Stepping aside, he silently gave her space to enter. She hurried inside without hesitation. As expected, he followed behind her.

Now he'll pounce on me like a hungry beast, she thought.

That's why I'm here.

To satisfy his desires.

The thought made her stomach twist.

She felt disgusted with herself.

Never had she imagined that life would bring her to a point where she would willingly become someone's slave.

A tear slipped down her cheek.

She sensed his presence behind her and braced herself for what she thought would come next.

But nothing happened.

"Go upstairs and freshen up. Change your clothes. You're shivering," he said.

His voice was calm.

Neither harsh nor gentle.

Just neutral.

Slowly, she turned around and found him watching her with an unreadable expression.

"Umm... I didn't bring any clothes with me," she admitted softly.

"There are some warm clothes in the closet," he replied. "Pick whatever you like and change. You'll catch a cold if you stay in that dress."

Without arguing, she did exactly as he said.

Inside the closet, she found several comfortable, warm outfits.

As she changed, one question continued to linger in her mind.

Why wasn't he doing anything?

She wasn't eager for it.

She simply wanted everything to end quickly.

Get the money.

Go home.

And forget this nightmare.

After changing, she sat on the edge of the bed and waited.

The silence made her palms damp with sweat.

Soon, the bedroom door opened.

Ezekiel entered.

He had changed into more comfortable clothes as well.

Her lips trembled.

As soon as he sat beside her, she instinctively moved away.

She could feel his gaze on her.

Too nervous to meet his eyes, she stared down at her lap.

Then she felt him lean closer.

Immediately, she pressed her hands against his chest and shifted back.

A few tears escaped her eyes without permission.

"You signed an agreement," he whispered.

His words sent a chill through her.

"I'm sorry, Sir," she apologized through tears.

Slowly, she lowered her hands from his chest and closed her eyes.

What was the point of resisting now?

She had already sold herself.

Waiting for his touch, she sat frozen.

She expected a kiss.

Expected him to claim what he had paid for.

But nothing happened.

Confused, she opened her eyes. A gasp escaped her lips. He was simply staring at her. Studying her. As though trying to understand something hidden beneath the surface.

Finally, he stood up.

"It's cold outside," he said quietly. "Sleep here tonight. You can leave tomorrow morning."

For several seconds, Irtifa could only blink in disbelief.

Then panic hit her.

Had she disappointed him?

Was he going to cancel the agreement?

No.

That couldn't happen.

She needed the money.

Desperately.

"Sir, wait!"

She rushed after him and blocked his path.