Chapter one

Alesha POV

"Hey, Nico" I beamed when I finally see my friend the homeless man that always occupied the end of the stairs to my apartment "how are you doing this fine morning" he replied with a warm smile "well now that you're here" I paused the question that was always bothering me from last night I just had to find out.

"What happened last night you weren't here I thought something happened" I questioned he chuckled "nothing you should worry about I had to hide from the annoying old man" he answered referring to my landlord laugh knowing Mr. Gibbs, he was an old and irritating beer belly man and how can I forget grumpy.

"Oh, I almost forget" I said handing him a small bag with clothes his face lit up even though he was homeless his clothes were worn out with holes here and there but he never smelt, probably looked crazy with me befriending such a person but to me, I don't care he's nice.

"Thank you a lot Alesha," he said politely that's something I always liked about Nico he was young and sweet "you're welcome and I made breakfast" showing him the paper bag, "you don't have to I can't accept this Alesha," he said shaking his head declining my offer he knew about my struggle since I always rant to him and of course he's a good listener whoever think homeless people are a menace to society, well don't get me wrong there are some real creepy persons out there so don't go around talking to any stranger but am just lucky enough to stumble upon the right one last year after I tripped over his feet.

"Nonsense now eat up don't worry I shared mine if that would make you feel any better" I reassured him he still contemplates a little unsure "please" I urge insisting giving him a wide smile he sighs in defeat taking out my phone checking the time 7:25 school called 8:15.

"I have to get going I'll see you later I have work after school but" I paused taking out a crumble twenty dollar out of my jeans pocket handing it to him "buy something to eat am not sure when I'll be back," I told him he took the money and I smiled he knew I wouldn't back down.

"Learn something kiddo" Nico uttered as he put the money in his pocket "I'll try bye" I replied waving and head down the stairs since the elevator was broken but I don't have a problem since my apartment was on the second floor.

"Alesha" my boss called out to me I was wiping down the counter turning around to face Zach "yes" I reply as he made his way over to me, over the loud blasting of music I could easily hear him calling "I need you to serve the VIP's table" he informed me I was beyond shock nearly six months I've been working here and never have I stepped foot up the VIP room.

"Why me Macy's the one who always serves them," I asked confused don't get me wrong to the waitresses that were lucky enough to serve VIP's always beam about how huge the tips were because they were always richest of the rich sexy handsome flirty but the girls loved that.

I, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck "she's not here she got an urgent call about her brother meeting in an accident" he replied giving him a weird look Macy doesn't have a brother I wasn't eavesdropping on her but I hear along the lines of her saying "I'll see you too babe yes I'll even wear the little sexy lingerie with the cat ear you know the one you like can't wait" she even ends it with a little purr and to think of it she lied and I'm not gonna say anything not my business.

"Now Alesha try not to mess this up they're wealthy" he warned "I won't" I respond "you better not because this is like a jackpot so I just have to impress them with the best" Zach uttered as his hazel eyes roam over my uncomfortable barely covered clothed body I hated my outfit a short black spandex miniskirt with white smooth push up bustier crop top topping it off with black nylons hosiery sheer lace top thigh high and black heels nights I have to thank the man up above that I don't fall and make a complete fool of myself.

He cleared his throat "go on don't keep them waiting" he said nodding carefully not to bump into people who were busy dancing on girls you know the everyday things they do at nightclubs the neon lights swirl around the room music pumping vibrating floor dancers on the stage doing what they do best shaking their ass and make men pocket bleed.

Taking the elevator which leads to the second floor which occupies the VIP lounge when it opened am met with a buff looking bouncer standing with his arms fold showing him my ID he nodded stepping aside and open the red velvet door.

Walking in and was left amazed by the whole scenery I was at the top of the stairs, my mouth hangs open scanning the room one word to describe it was epic the neon of blue-purple and pink mixed together making the room come to life. The lounge was empty which makes me wonder someone rent it for the night stepping further in a huge bar to the extreme left with multiple expensive liquors line behind the counter on the wall.

A stage was in the center of the room with neon lights which occupied two girls dancing while two men were busy throwing money and another girl straddle a guy as she grinds the hell out of him.

Walking down the stairs the view was spectacular amazed by the sight white seats looked comfortable than the other seats in the club, and it is well ventilated no one's allowed up here unless it's Zach or the workers and bouncers or whenever there's a party.

Also, there's a flat-screen mount TV that has free cable and allows free access to the internet.

Making my way over to the table surrounded by four men the only source of light was coming from the neon I could feel their eyes on me the closer I get the nervous I was.

"Hello gentlemen am Alesha and I'll be your waitress for tonight care for anything," I asked politely "what about a lap dance those girls were getting stale" one of them retorts stunned at what he just bluntly said.

"I uh" I stop when he said the one thing I feared "do as I say or, I won't think twice about getting you fired" the guy shot with a smug expression as if he won it was never in my agenda to work at a nightclub.

You know this cliché how your mom or dad went to get milk but never came back well mine is slightly different he went to collect something from his car and never came back long story short I was only four my mom blamed me for that because he doesn't love her anymore ever since she gave birth to me.

So, no I can't afford to lose this job it pays more than a diner job I timidly walked over to the old peal out head man the only hair that was evident was this grey hair that goes around his head the top had none his eyes were fixed on me watching my every move I was on edge of running for the hills when his hand wrap around my waist I tensed this uneasy feeling settled in the pit of my stomach.

I look around at the other men hoping they'll stop god knows I feel sick to my stomach having a man hand roaming my bare thigh how can the other girls ever feel so comfortable I shudder from disgust wondering if the others were as perverted as this old hag.

One of the men looked unbothered as he smirked while the other two looked pissed "let the girl go Dante if you want to get laid, they're plenty of girls around now let's order so we can discuss the matter at hand" the blue-eyed man said sternly his voice was cold and held authority.

"You're no fun Gio" Dante whine his cold finger inching further clenching my thighs so he couldn't go any further.

"Look at her gorgeous face and sexy body am so intrigued by her appearance" he Dante mention I look over at the man with a plead expression I swear I saw anger flash in his eyes but the quicker it came it fades away I jumped when he slammed his fist on the table.

"I fucking said leave her alone or you can kiss your contact goodbye" he shouted as he spoke those words Dante dropped his hand as if I just burnt him giving the guy a small smile, he only nods.

"We'll have a bottle of Jack Daniel's and vodka" he requests walking away to get their liquor putting them in the bottle service tray adding tons of ice in the container and made my way over placing it in the center by now the other two men have joined.

"I'll be by the bar call me if you need anything else" I told them they dismissed me but I avoid looking at Dante he looked like he'd devour me in if that kind gentleman didn't intervene.

The night went by really slow with me refilling the ice tray and refilling their order sighing with relief when I see Dante and the rest of the guys walking out only leaving the Gio from the name that brute called him and the other guy who was pissed.

I waited until they too leave so I could go home it was already after eleven thank goodness tomorrow will be Saturday no school besides work in the night looking up when I heard footsteps hoping it wasn't Dante but to my surprise, it was the kind guy Gio.

"Hi need something else," I asked while wiping down the counter "no we're about to head out but not before tipping you," he said with a ghost smile as he slides a neatly folded bill on the counter "thank you" I reply he nods about to walk away but I stop him "uh thanks about you know," I said awkwardly "you're welcome" Gio said his tone deepens looking over at the grey eye guy smiling at him as they walked away.

Opening the money to check how much I've received five one-hundred-dollar bills wow just wow putting it securely in my corset cleaning up and lock the door dropping off the key to Zach on my way to the changing room stripping off my clothes and put on the clothes I had worn to school peach top with light blue ripped jeans and sneakers stuffing my outfit in my backpack swinging it over my shoulder after I put on my pink hoodie knowing it would be cold.

Living in Allie Grove is a twenty-minute walk to Charlemont a dangerous neighborhood you could find yourself in at night knowing the dangers lurking in the shadows stepping into the cold weather clenching the hood and start walking.

**

"I thought you'd be sleeping," I said to Nico when I see him with his sleeping bag his back was pressed against the wall while he sat on the floor with a pizza box beside him.

He pats a space beside him on the step "so how was work" he asked handing me the box of pizza.

"Tiring" I said with a low sigh "thanks you have no idea how hungry I am," I told him opening the box it was still hot and the strong aura of pepperoni with extra cheese I could feel myself drooling.

"Am gonna shower quickly then we'll devour this heavenly delight" I said he laughed getting up hand Nico the box.

After a quick shower and get dressed in navy-blue pajama pants it has pink and white hearts printed all over it sliding on a purple tank top black fuzzy soft ankle socks wrapping my hair and putting on a silk sleep bonnet taking two beers out the fridge and grape juice balancing them along with my laptop shutting the door.

"Movie night" I beam sitting down beside him he grinned "hell yeah" Nico beam I always enjoy his company he's nineteen whenever I ask about his family or why he's homeless he always dismissed it saying it's complicated.

Searching for a movie and start watching as we laugh and munching on the pizza.

I lost track of how many movies we've watched and it was pretty darn late telling him good night and clean up the garbage and head to bed as soon as my head touches the soft pillows I was out as light.

Giovanni D'Errico POV

I got home two hours ago after wasting my time meeting with Dante an upcoming gang leader who wants to join an alliance with me eventually I turned down his offer he's glad I didn't put a bullet between his beady eyes for all the rubbish he's been saying the reason why his men would be the best asset for me which was stupid.

Running a neighborhood called Charlemont where his gang would prey on the helpless people rob rape beat in my years of working as underground king the top don Dante isn't a leader but a petty excuse for a gangster he has a lot to learn for an old man like that he should find a church and repent ask God for forgiveness before he dies from old age.

Pouring myself a glass of scotch taking a sip as it leaves a trail of heat down my throat taking a draw from the cigar letting it out the smoke turn halo leaning back in my leather chair my mind went back to her the way she looked uncomfortable.

I nearly lost it when that bastard tried to take advantage of her the way the skirt outlines her curves and wide hip. Whenever I visit the club I'd always see her either bartending or waitressing the countless times' perverts try hitting on her, capturing the eyes of men but I've never seen her entertaining them like the other cheap girls who use their bodies to get extra attention or tips.

The phone ring seeing who's calling putting it to my ear "how is she" I inquired "she's sleeping soundly just went to check on her and did a ground check so far nothing serious" Nickolas informed me "ok good keep me posting," I told him gulping down the remains of the liquor.

"Still don't know why you don't just show yourself" Nickolas point out rubbing my forehead.

"It's not that easy I can't bring her into my world just yet" I replied we've been over this a zillion times.

"She's the Donna don't you think it would be safer if she stayed with you" he questioned I've thought about this over the years but I know the danger she'd be in.

"If rumors get out that I've found my queen they'll hunt her down and use her as leverage and I can't put her in harm's way, not until her eighteenth birthday" I clarified just the mere thought of what my enemies are capable of doing to her caused my heart to clasped with the newfound fear that surges throughout my tensed body.

"All we have to do is keep her safe and her identity a secret for now," I told him.

"Think she'll accept you after what you did to her" Nickolas questioned after we discuss things about shipments coming in letting out a low sigh remembering how things went down.

"I don't even know to be honest whether she remembers me or not but she's the future Donna" I utter we talk a little until I hang up.

Turning on the webcam that shows in her room a smile spread across my face when I saw her sleeping peacefully the comforter was on the ground as she lay on her stomach sprawl out over the entire bed, relaxed and carefree guess she's still the same terrible sleeper I laughed just thinking back to when I used to sneak in her room and sleep with her always waking up to her foot either over me or half of her laying on top of me.

I install a camera in her room am not a creep or anything but for her safety hating the way men would come and go out of the house and I'd be damn if any of those fuckers harm her in anyway nights when I can't sleep I just turned on my tv and watch her sleep her loud snoring was the best part turning off the laptop and went to bed with the thought of her being the only girl my heart beats for.

Alesha POV

It was chaotic as I watch Bobby one of the bouncers pushing the guy out the door or more like his unconscious body I'm still shaking up after what happened moments ago I was clearing one of the tables in the back only to feel a hand over my mouth pulling me into the dark aisle towards the bathroom I trying fighting back using the iron tray as a weapon bashing it over his head kicking him in the balls and a punch to the jaw when he tried to have his way with me by pinning me to the wall shiver from the sick thought.

Feeling a warm touch on my hand flinching a little looking up to see the blue eye guy "sorry thanks again this is like the second time you save me" I told him with a smile he chuckled "you can say am just there at the right time, but from the looks of things you had it under control" he replied with one solid punch he knocked the guy out I still don't know how he knew where I was but at the same time am not complaining.

"Am Alesha by the way" I said with a friendly tone and an outstretched hand I mentally want to punch myself in the face when I realized I've already introduced myself the other night I was gonna pull back my hand but he grips it.

"Gio" he said charmingly he grips my small hand in his big hand as he caresses the back with his thumb, I wouldn't say this small gesture didn't make me swoon I'd be lying.

"Are you a regular it's the second time am seeing you" I question pulling back my hand "no I normally come here for business meetings or stuff" Gio state nodding my head with understanding.

"Aren't you too young to be a bartender?" he asked "I guess," I said with a shrug "it pays well so it's better than none" I reply he looked different than last night he was wearing black leather jacket black knee ripped jeans and of course black shoes and slim fit undershirt gold chain and gold expensive watch isn't he scared to be displaying such expensive jewelry especially around here where they don't care who they're robbing.

Even with his medium-length messy brunette hair ash brown to be exact giving him the sexy bad boy look the type your parents warned about and forbid you to stay away from, I couldn't help it his blue eyes were drawing me in so captivating. I was hooked and mesmerized all in one just the sight of his face had me paralyzed.

"Alesha" the loud voice pulled me from my long stare clearing my throat turning around to see my boss "I don't pay you to stack off with the customers pick them up on your own time, not during your shift" Zach shouted glimpsing over at Gio as he smirked you could say I was embarrassed.

"Sorry" I muttered sheepishly "oh Mr. D'Errico almost didn't recognize you my apologies" Zach said his tone changed rolling my eyes and walk away to serve some guy and so forth I could feel eyes on me looking in the direction to see Gio he's been here all night it's weird he just kept staring even when he gets caught, he'd just give his famous smirk or his signature cold blank stare.

I notice girls trying to get his attention pretty stunning girls but he'd just turned them down and insist on only I should make his drink which wasn't a problem.

"Hey Gio" I called out tapping the counter to get his attention from his phone he looked up raising a brow "my shifts almost over want something" I mention "no am good" he replied "what time are you leaving," he asked while typing on his phone "barely a minute," I said laughing as I mentally count down the seconds.

"Guess my times up" I told him trying to pull the tie of the black apron eager to get out of this place cussing when instead I only tighten the knot "need help by any chance" I heard Gio "no it's fine I almost got it," I told him it was a battle between me and the knot which in my case the knot was winning I don't know how long I've been fighting.

"Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it" Gio urge looking up shyly "uh does your offer still stands" his cerulean blue eyes held amusement twirling around "I thought you had it under control" he said with a light laugh "well I don't" I told him he motions me to come around which I did my back facing him his cold hand brush against my skin it was suffocating to be this close to him his expensive cologne smelt good I wonder which brand he used who am I kidding I couldn't even afford to buy the first letter.

I felt when he pulled it from over my head "thanks" I said facing him and believe me I had to look up he put my five feet two to shame Gio was probably around six feet two or something.

"Let me drop you home" he offers "you don't have to but thanks anyway," I said turning down his kind offer "I insist it's not safe for a young lady to be out so late," he said sternly leaving no room for debate his eyes daring me to disobey.

"Sure, let me change first" I give in his eyes roam my body settle a little on my breast but longer on my bare legs shifting a little he coughs "yeah I'll wait here" he replied in a husky tone.