Chapter 2

Prince

Stylishly I twirled around the pole, my body leaning back with grace as I winked at the audience. I was so exposed from in my glittery blue shorts and solo runners that hooked my balance onto the pole.

Assurance seeped through me once the crowd began to gather, charmed expressions analysing my every movement with desire. I paid it no mind as I continued on with my show.

After some tiresome performances on the pole, I finally made it backstage and took a deep breath, my hands placed on my knees as I inhaled and exhaled, calming my nerves.

"You did great out there."

I went to smile, lifting my head up. The gesture was immediately taken from me as I gasped, choking on my breath, and blinking up at Kaiba who gazed at me unfazed.

"W-What are you doing in a strip club? Won't that wreck your reputation?" I whisper-yelled, concern filling me completely. Kaiba stared at me amused.

"They would be happy to have somebody rich in here and wouldn't dare make a headline unless I give permission, which I don't."

I hesitantly tilted my head from left to right, thinking his words through.

"I came here to see you." Kaiba whispered, stepping closer and placing his hand onto my shoulder. I shivered from the cold touch.

Warmth travelled through me, and I smiled. "Thank you, Kaiba."

Silence overwhelmed the moment. Kaiba glanced around and then brought his attention back over to me. "Want to call it an early night?"

I immediately shook my head. "I can't, Kaiba. I need the money."

Something I could mistake for sympathy flashed over his features. "I know you do, Joey, but one night break wouldn't hurt."

I rubbed my sneaker against the squeaky-clean floor. Kaiba watched without saying anything about it. I finally let out a sigh, blinking tiredly. "That would be nice. I don't want to get fired though."

"You won't get fired. I'll persuade your boss that you'll only take tonight off. I'm willing to pay $600 for any inconvenience. Nothing more since I'll rather save my money since it's precious, even if I'm overflowing with it."

I chuckled at his statement. Kaiba quirked a smile, a simple one which was enough to make me feel appreciated. Even if he's still distant, the little amount of time we spend together is enough happiness for me to treasure.

"Joey, shouldn't you be roaming around waiting for someone to approach you?"

I gulped, shivering as I glanced at the corner where my boss was staring at me, conflicted in a hurricane of his own conclusions.

"B-Boss, I was just getting ready to—"

"Leave for the night." Kaiba intervened, cutting me off from my submissive line that would've led to me actually working my shift. "You're Joey's boss and I was supposed to speak with you on behalf of Joey after finding out that he's exhausted and cannot work tonight. I do hope that isn't an issue."

"It's not an issue," he responded, looking me over to see if I looked tired, which I did. "He is one of our elite strippers, so make sure he comes back tomorrow night since he's quite popular."

Kaiba didn't seem affected knowing that what my boss said is claiming that I'm used in bed. Kaiba really is mature to not lash out right now if he does have feelings for me.

"I understand. He will be back by tomorrow."

The two men nodded, and my boss walked away. I froze up, confused on what to do with myself. I needed the money, and I just gave my shift away for today.

"Where's your room? Collect your things and I'll bring you to a place where you can relax."

I took a deep breath, leading Kaiba to my room. Upon arrival, I collected my key off the shelf and unlocked both objects that have my stuff located inside of them. Kaiba diverted his gaze to the wall while I removed my sneakers temporarily and tugged my glittery blue shorts down, revealing my black boxers with an orange band, the word "Alpha" written in neat stitches of onyx string.

Gently, I pulled my abyss ripped jeans over myself and rolled my red hoodie over my head, the soft material falling down to my hips. I whispered, "you can look now," and walked past Kaiba to my locker to grab my blue backpack and my individual phone and ID card resting against the surface.

"You look even sexier in a boyfriend-sized hoodie and jeans."

I giggled while blushing, casually shoving my glittery blue shorts into my backpack to wash them. I knew I will have new clothes placed into the cupboard for tomorrow.

Zipping up my backpack, I snatched my phone and ID card that I previously placed onto the bed, now putting them into my jeans' pocket. I grabbed my sneakers and put them on while sitting on the bed for balance.

"Where exactly are we going? I really need to pay for my rent and bills, including food and basic requirements for an enjoyable life such as clothes and cute puppy plushies."

Kaiba rolled his eyes, smiling. "I can pay for what you would've made tonight. That's not an issue. You just need to have some time to yourself."

I licked my lips, imagining how it would feel to actually relax instead of sleeping during the day to work at night. Kaiba walked up to me and ruffled my hair, making me pout.

"Let's go. Have you got everything?"

I looked around one more time and stared at the condoms on the bedside table. Kaiba followed my gaze. "Those can stay. Nobody else works in here, right?"

"Nobody else does. This room is assigned to me only." I confirmed, getting up from off the bed and slinging my backpack over one shoulder. I stared up at Kaiba innocently. Tension built-up, and I watched him look away.

Ignoring what just happened, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and brought up a screen. Kaiba closed the door, watching as I scanned the card showing on my phone onto the security reader against the wall. A click sounded and I visibly relaxed, sliding my phone back into my pocket. Kaiba tugged the door handle down, and it remained stiff. "There. All secure."

"Thankfully," I responded and started walking down the hallway. Eventually, we made it to the end after a minute or two, descending down the stairs. Kaiba stayed close by my side, even after we reached the ramp with glowing lines. I seemed to admire his protectiveness.

Kaiba yanked out his phone and started dialling a number. Immediately, the call got answered. I followed him, noticing he was going to the kerb further down, away from the club. His phone call didn't last long.

"The limousine will be here soon."

I didn't comment anything about that. It was expected for Kaiba to be stylish. He still kept travelling down the sidewalk, trying to find a nice spot where there isn't too much grass.

A nice cool breeze brushed across my neck, and I hummed, loving the sensation. Our walk wasn't awkward even with the silence. It seemed more comforting than not. By the time headlights dilated the pupils in my eyes, I was already too comfortable in his presence.

Kaiba opened the door for me, and I whispered a "thank you," sliding across the leather seats. A gentle thud indicated the door closing and Kaiba appeared at the opposite side, repeating the action I did to slot himself inside of the car. I smiled, finding the gesture to be cute.

"Where would you like to go, Mister Kaiba?"

Kaiba casually closed the door, settling himself against the backrest. "The Kaiba Mansion will do."

I bit my bottom lip, slouching down in my seat until I felt invisible. Shyly, I glanced at Kaiba, his blue eyes staring at me curiously. I pouted.

"It's easier to let you use the luxury at my mansion, especially since everywhere else is shut."

"I'm not upset. I-I'm just…" I sighed. "Nervous."

Kaiba chuckled. "That's understandable. I promise you will be okay."

Hesitantly, I nodded. Despite doing the gesture, the whole entire ride to our destination had me feeling guilty that Kaiba was assisting me. With droopy eyes, I peered out of the window and gasped. Gosh, how I dreamed to be a prince with luxury.

"Follow me, Joey." Kaiba ordered, amused by my reaction. I got out of the limousine with him and eagerly slung my backpack onto my shoulder, staring up at the mansion which shined my eyes brighter than the stars overhead.

So many decorations lit up the building, lights dangling off trees and a fountain shimmering the water with a blue LED. The limousine headlights turned off, leaving us to stare in almost complete darkness if it weren't for the LED's.

Kaiba grabbed my hand, leading me to the beginning of my dream that is a one-night reality. Once the door opened, lavender swept me into a lullaby, and I sighed like I was in love.

"I'll collect some clothes of mine that you can borrow and then you can use the whirlpool bath in my room."

I nodded happily and went up the stairs, still holding onto Kaiba's hand. Kaiba opened the doors to this massive room, and with the blue eyes white dragon showcase, I knew it was his. He brought me over to the bed where I elegantly sat on it, gasping at the softness. Kaiba chuckled, searching through his walk-in-closet. I could see him holding pairs of pants, analysing the sizes.

"What size are you?"

"Medium," I replied, stroking my hand across the bedsheets. He tossed a pair of pants onto my lap. I stared down at them, choosing to also touch the material which was a red colour.

"Those are a medium. Depending on the brand, sizes seem to change."

I looked at the tag and blinked. "Yeah, I wouldn't know."

I swear I heard Kaiba say, "cute."

"Do you want to sleep in a top or a hoodie?"

I paused. "Wait… I'm sleeping here?"

"I'm assuming you'll fall asleep after the bath." Kaiba replied, opening drawers. I shifted on the bed.

"Yeah, that's true. Where will I sleep?"

"That's your choice. You can sleep with me in my room or one of the guest rooms."

I licked my lips. "Your room would be nice."

Kaiba tossed a long-sleeves top onto my lap. "That will keep you warm."

I melted by the softness and smiled, clutching the material close to me, snuggling up to it. Kaiba cocked his head from left to right, contemplating what size I would be in boxers. I smirked.

"I'm not small, Kaiba."

Kaiba chuckled. "So, you're a large?"

"That, I most certainly am."

Kaiba hummed and tossed me a pair of light blue boxers with a grey banner. He then walked over to me and showed me a pair of red and black striped socks.

"Do you think these will fit you?"

I grasped the socks, examining them. "I think so."

Kaiba went back into the walk-in-closet and tossed me a pair of onyx shorts with a blue and yellow symbol on them which is underneath the pocket. The strings were a soothing neon yellow. I smiled.

"Thank you for doing this, Kaiba."

Kaiba came back out and stared into my eyes. He seemed relaxed.

"It's okay, Joey. I'll look away while you take your boxers off and place them into this drawstring bag. Get changed into those shorts."

I nodded, swinging my bag strap off my shoulder, and heading to the bathroom area which has no door. I hid near the corner and took off my clothes, exchanging them for the shorts he gave me. With everything tucked inside the drawstring bag, I tugged the strings which closed the bag up.

Shyly, I went back into his room and found Kaiba staring at his bed. "You can look now," I whispered, and Kaiba did, his blue eyes travelling over my body.

"As usual, you look perfect." Kaiba murmured, a shade of pink settling on his cheeks. I whimpered, crossing my arms, suddenly feeling exposed.

"K-Kaiba, you can't just say that." I whined, heat rushing through my body. Kaiba chuckled, his head tilting to the side a bit. "Why not?"

"Because…" I bit down on my bottom lip. "It makes me feel something towards you."

"I expected that," he responded, collecting my clothes that he folded and put into a neat pile. I silently watched him.

"What will you be doing while I'm in the whirlpool bath?"

Kaiba nodded over to the papers on his desk. "I'll be doing paperwork. If you can't find a supply or need something, just call me and I'll hear."

Before I could reply, Kaiba grabbed the pile of clothes and went to the bathroom. He sat them on the benchtop and opened the cupboard, choosing one of the coloured towels. His selected choice was navy-blue. I quickly stroked the fabric, gasping with admiration. Kaiba continued to place the towel onto the rack, ignoring my eager touches.

"All of the products are lined up on the rim," he informed, grabbing a bottle to show me. "I have a feeling you'll like strawberry best."

I blushed, wondering how noticeable it was. Kaiba looked back inside of the cupboard and collected bath salts which he placed onto the bench.

"Pick which scent you want to use while I set this bath up. It has jets, so it'll be like a spa."

I nodded my head, looking over at all the different labels. I smiled at the pink container. "Can I use the raspberry one?"

"Of course, you can."

I hummed, sprinkling the salts into the tub that was filling up with water. A few minutes later, the whirlpool bath was filled and tempting me to touch the water. I climbed over the rim and sunk into the water. I took a deep breath.

"This is how you turn on and off the jets." Kaiba voiced, clicking a button against the wall. I yelped, half-expecting to feel the jet hit my spine. I started to relax, going against the jet, and making a small moaning noise, gasping as I rested my head against the pillow. By the time I opened my eyes, Kaiba was in his bedroom, probably hiding himself away at his desk, trying not to blush after hearing me moan. I remained unfazed and closed my eyes again.

Tonight, is the night I will actually feel like a prince.

I smiled.

Beside Kaiba in bed.