𝟎𝟔- 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓

CHAPTER SIX

Request.

❂

ARIA'S lips curled up into a disgusting sneer, the flickering gaze of stubborn will as bright as ever in her stare.

"You don't own shit." she spat with venom, her words as sharp as blades.

Memphis' smirk grew into an award-winning smile. She was so used to having everyone kiss the ground that she stood on. The fiery redhead above her was just as unmoved as before. Surprisingly, she loved the thrill that came with Aria's resistance of accepting her stereotypical status— as nothing more than someone who was only sought for pleasurable attention. The woman actually spoke up for herself.

"You've got it all wrong." Memphis tsked, her fingers tangling with the loose strands of reddened hair, "I now own this club and everything that's in it. That includes you, fleur. Whine all you want about it. But soon enough, reality will settle into that thick head of yours."

"Fuck you." Aria whispered threateningly.

It was as if all of Memphis' words meant nothing to her.

Memphis chuckled, "I thought you didn't fuck 'scummy bosses'."

With a powerful shove, Aria created a divide between their two bodies. She glared at the dark haired woman with a look full of inflexible hate. Their tender night a few days ago now nothing but a fragment of what once was.

"Your status means nothing to me. I'll continue doing what I've been doing and you leave me the fuck alone." Aria demanded, chest heaving up and down due to her harsh inhale of breaths.

Memphis's smile was unwavering. She ran her hand through her dark hair and chucked in amusement.

"I have a request."

Aria rolled her eyes, "I just told you—"

"My mistake. It's a demand." Memphis shrugged, standing up from her chair to close some of the distance between the two's bodies.

Aria had never thought someone to be so insufferable. It's as if anything she said went in one ear and out the other the moment words were spoken.

The redhead stayed silent, crossing her arms over her shoulder to restrict herself from making any unpredictable moves. She might've not been fond of Memphis' pursuit of dominance— but she was still her boss from now on.

"I'm pulling you out of your previous position. You no longer are to cater to anyone that walks within these walls, anyone that's not me. You'll work the pole from time to time, but the private dances are off limits. Do I make myself clear?" Memphis muttered into the stiff air with no room for discussion.

Aria laughed.

There was absolutely no way Memphis was serious, right?

Maeve was one of the few women that kept customers coming back every week. She was a main attraction. The sex appeal that she oozed with on the stage was what made her so desirable— it's what kept the extra change in her pockets.

"This club will fail without me. You do know that?" Aria responded with a tilted head and teasing smile.

Confidence.

It was one of Aria's most beloved traits.

"Do I make myself clear?" Memphis repeated.

"No." Aria smirked in defiance, "I come here to make my money and leave. Not to entertain you."

Memphis poked her tongue against her inner cheek with a sigh. Aria was one of the most stubborn women she had ever met. It was

obvious that she wasn't an easy target.

The taller woman nodded her head, "Okay."

Aria lifted an eyebrow in confusion. She wasn't going to believe that Memphis was giving up that easily. The woman very obviously had influence of some kind.

She was going to get her way.

Still, Aria smiled pettily at her before backing away and walking out of the room without another word.

She knew that the absurd demands were to get back at her for stealing Memphis' wallet. However, her dignity was much more powerful than her guilt.

Besides, if it wasn't that much of a loved item, as stated by Memphis herself, why would consequences need to be inflicted?

Aria rolled her eyes for what felt like the hundredth time since her conversation with Memphis, heading into the private room that all dancers shared.

The new boss could kiss her ass.

❂