My Sword Between The Alpha's Lips Chapter 27: Maxim’s Pov: Fifty Thousand

Maxim felt a cold sweat form on his skin, but he couldn’t afford to back down. Not with fifty thousand on the line. He forced a seductive smile, and his professional instincts kicked in.

"Of course, I’m here to give you a show," Maxim replied, his voice steady despite his growing unease.

The man tilted his head, watching Maxim with an intensity that made him feel like prey.

"I’ve watched you before, Maxim. You move so effortlessly on stage. But here..." the man gestured around the room, his hand grazing the back of the plush sofa. "It’s just us. No distractions. Just you... and ."

Maxim swallowed hard, knowing he couldn’t show any hesitation. He had perford countless tis, dealt with demanding custors, but this man, a mysterious figure with the gold mask—felt different. Dangerous.

"Okay, I’ll give you a performance you can’t forget. This also serves as my ’Thank you’ for letting into the pack," Maxim said, turning his back to the man and allowing the music to guide him.

Maxim gulped and tried his best to ignore the man. He wanted to finish the performance as soon as possible and leave.

’I can do this,’ Maxim thought as his body moved sensually, swaying to the rhythm as he slid against the pole, trying to focus on the routine he had perfected.

However, the man’s gaze bore into Maxim, making each movent feel heavy and deliberate.

’Why is he not moving away!?’ Maxim thought aggressively, expecting the man to go back to the sofa.

The man moved closer, the soft shuffle of his shoes barely audible over the music. "Tell , Maxim," he said, his voice now just above a whisper, "how does it feel to dance for ?"

Maxim’s breath hitched. He wasn’t sure how to respond. "I... I do what I’m paid to do," he replied, attempting to keep his voice confident though his pulse betrayed him.

The man’s fingers brushed against the pole, inches away from where Maxim’s hand gripped it.

"Is that all this is to you? A job?" the man’s voice was laced with sothing darker, sothing possessive.

Maxim’s mind raced. He had to maintain control of the situation to remind himself why he was there. ’Fifty thousand. Just one performance. I can get through this,’ he thought.

"I give my best to every client," Maxim said, his voice soft but steady. "Including you."

The man’s lips curled into a smile, visible under the half-mask. "Good. I understand now." He stepped back, retreating to the sofa, his eyes never leaving Maxim. "Then give everything tonight."

Maxim felt the man’s words had another aning, but he shrugged it off. He resud his dance, pushing through the discomfort with the air thick with unspoken tension.

’I felt like this man is playing so gas with ... but I don’t know the rules,’ Maxim thought as he glanced at the man, smirking at him across the sofa.

Maxim continued his performance as if nothing had happened. Maxim’s movents beca more fluid as the minutes passed, his body responding to the music. He danced not just for the money but for control—control over the space, control over his own fear.

The man watched, his expression unreadable, though his presence lood large in the room.

When the music finally ended, Maxim bowed gracefully, as he always did, and gathered his composure before facing the man.

The man stood up, slow and deliberate, walking toward Maxim again. His fingers gently lifted Maxim’s chin, forcing him to et his gaze. "You did well," he murmured. "Very well."

Maxim’s skin prickled under the touch, and he fought the urge to pull away. "Thank you," he replied, his voice barely a whisper.

The man reached into his coat and pulled out an envelope, handing it to Maxim. "Fifty thousand, as promised," he said, his voice smooth. "You’ve earned it."

Maxim stared at the envelope as he remained unmoving.

"Don’t worry. I won’t do anything unless you want to," the man stated gently, a sly smile on his lips as he pushed the envelope toward Maxim.

Maxim took the envelope, feeling its weight in his hand. Relief washed over him, but it was quickly overshadowed by the man’s following words.

"I’ll be seeing you again, Maxim," the man said, his tone more ominous than before. "Very soon."

"Wait! I told you our deal is over!" Maxim exclaid quickly. He reminded the man that they were done with the agreent between them.

"Don’t miss too much, Maxim," the man said seductively, ignoring Maxim’s words.

Without waiting for a response, the man turned and left, his figure disappearing into the shadows as the door closed behind him with a soft click.

"What the hell just happened," Maxim muttered in disbelief. He stood there for a long mont, the envelope clutched in his hand, and the room suddenly felt too small. His heart still pounded in his chest, and the familiar feeling of unease lingered.

Maxim thought he had finally escaped the man’s grasp but jumped straight into his bait instead.

"What should I do now?" Maxim breathed deeply, looking up at the ceiling as frustration overwheld him.

Maxim flicked the envelope open, pulling out the thick stack of bills. Seeing so much money in his hands felt unreal, but it reminded him of the man’s power.

The thought of being drawn back into the man’s world made Maxim’s skin crawl.

"He won’t stop... until he gets what he wants," Maxim whispered as he realized he was now in a cage with no way out.

The door creaked open, and a familiar voice broke the silence.

"Maxim, are you alright?" Daniel smiled widely, expecting a good answer.

"I-I’m fine," Maxim forced a smile even though he wanted to scream.

"That’s great! Have a good rest now!" Daniel bead, oblivious to what Maxim truly felt.

Maxim nodded and watched Daniel closing the door of the room. His energy vanished from his body as he slumped to the ground. "I think I’ve gotten myself into sothing I can’t control."