"Are you sure you're alright? You didn't tell me about your date with Franco. I know it's none of my business but I just wanna know how it went".

I looked at Devin as he sat at the table as he typed something on his laptop. He has been typing since I woke up and I showered, made breakfast and he still hasn't finished. I was in a bad mood today and I hated the reasons as to why.

I couldn't tell Devin what happened because then I would have to tell him about my past. I wasn't the one to listen to people's opinions about my life but if he were to say something hurtful, it would shatter me because we had gotten closer over the past months. I didn't feel like lying to him either but what choice do I have?.

"It went well actually ; he took me to a very expensive restaurant", I replied as he nod slowly as if he didn't believe me. I guess I was really a terrible liar. But I was thankful that he didn't prolong it and asked more questions. He went back to typing and I left my seat to go do the dishes.

"So, since today is sunday, I was thinking why not have a barbecue?".

I glanced at Devin who was already looking at me. I shrugged before going back to the dishes. There was nothing wrong with BBQ but as I said, I was in a bad mood.

"Vanessa, you know you can talk to me right?".

"What do you mean?", I replied as I tried to read his expression. He had his elbow on the table as he rest his cheek in his palm. He was definitely trying to figure me out.

"I don't like how you look. This isn't the Vanessa I know. You seemed really pissed and hurt about something and don't think about lying to me because I know. So are you going to talk to me or not?".

This time I placed my hands on my sides as I looked at him. He seemed desperate for me to tell him what was really happening in my life. I know that he cared about me but he wouldn't understand why most things are best kept unsaid.

"Devin I-

"Here's the deal. I'll tell you my problem and you'll tell me yours".

I sighed because I knew that there was no way of escaping this. I groaned before agreeing and his face lit up before he took my arm and pulled me up the stairs.

"Devin what are you doing?", I asked in a lazy voice when we finally reached the top of the stairs.

"We are going out to my favourite spot. Get dressed and I'll see you in half an hour".

He walked away before I could even protest. I didn't want to go out. I wanted to lay in my bed and be at peace. Why can't we just talk here? I groaned before entering my room and closing the door. My phone was buzzing and I checked to see a message from Franco.

I felt a wave of bad feelings hit me and I sat on the bed to keep myself from falling. My hands trembled as I reached under my blouse and touched the burn mark. I remembered that day. It was one of the worst experiences I've ever had when I was working for Zed.

I was laying there on the red sheets in my mesh stocking and my two - piece lingerie when he came in. He looked cool yet dangerous at the same time. Upon seeing him I thought it would only last for about half an hour but I was wrong. He ravished my body as much as he wanted and when he was done and I tried to leave, I was told that he payed for a lot more time than I can imagine. I was pissed but there was nothing I could do. If I didn't comply I would be punished by Zed.

I went back and laid down as he chuckled before reaching behind him. I was so deep in thought that I didn't realize that he had taken up a cigar and had placed it on my skin. I screamed so much before my palm connected with his cheek. After crying in agony and telling Zed what happened, the man was banned from the place.

The same man who was Franco Osvaldo. The rich and cunning businessman who thinks I belong to him. His actions prove that he had fell and hit his head when he was a baby.

I opened my drawers before taking out something casual and comfy. I threw on a thin palazzo pants and a short sleeved floral top. I put my hair in a bun that I didn't need to perfect.

I left the room when I was set and went downstairs to see Devin already dressed and was waiting for me. He seemed cool and natural while I was here feeling a ton of emotions. But I guess not everyone is good at handling their feelings naturally.

"Let's go", he said as I followed him outside and into the car. I went at the back because I didn't think the front seat suited me today. Today was dull and it will stay that way for a long time.

>>>>

"Are you sure you know where you're going?", I asked as Devin led me further into the woods. I thought we would've went somewhere public but I guess not. The trail was quite long and I had no idea where we were going. But I trusted him and then again, what's the worst that can happen?

"Of course, Just a little bit more", he replied as I continued walking behind him. Atleast the place was located far from the view of people so privacy was a hundred percent. I would've asked why we couldn't just talk at the park or somewhere but things like these are meant to be talked about in private. Far from the ears of people.

"Here we are", he said as I stopped in my tracks as I admired the beautiful scenery. There was a pond down further to my right but what I was more intrigued by was the view. I could see the light shining down on the city and it looked breathtaking to be honest.

"This is my favourite spot ; took my girlfriend here a few times already".

I looked at him as he walked over to the seat and then I followed. He started to look stressed about something and I was curious to find out what he was going through.

"I've never seen your girlfriend", I say as he smiled before relaxing on the bench. He was soft hearted despite the way he was muscular and well built. Most People should know that big, dark men can be gentle too.

"She's wonderful. We've been together for about four years now. I think about her all the time. She's my everything".

"But?", I asked because I knew there was more to the story. So much more.

"She's married, but her husband doesn't treat her the way she should be treated".

I heard him sighed as we continued to stare at the city before us. So he was in love with a married woman. I would never judge him. I don't know what to think. She couldn't be wrong for cheating because her husband isn't showing her love but then again marriage is all about loyalty and this could cause severe problems.

"And I want her for myself now. She told me she can't leave her husband but he has a right to know. I'm tired of staying in the shadows and secretly seeing her", he added before his face got serious. I was happy that he loved someone but at the same time can't help but feel sad for him. He had a lot on his plate.

"Enough about me, what happened with Franco?".

My mood shifted back to how it was as I exhaled heavily. I looked at Devin who was waiting patiently as I formed my words. This was it and no turning back.

"A few years ago someone did something to me...and yesterday I found out that it was Franco. He wasn't the person I thought he was", I say with no emotion before taking a deep breathe.

"What did he do to you?", he asked with much concern.

I stood up and lifted up my blouse. He looked at my belly before reaching out and running a finger over the burn mark.

"I was a stripper and he was one of my clients".

He retracted his hand before meeting my eyes. I didn't feel like crying but my body was trembling. Maybe it was because I actually told someone about my past. I sat back down and waited for him to say something.

"Vanessa I never thought...well atleast you're no longer doing it anymore. You're in a better place -

"I'm not. The guy I use to work for, was the one you punched that night. He's dangerous Devin and that's why I need to earn as much to leave the city. I need a fresh start away from here".

"What Franco did to you was disgusting. I understand the part about him being a client but he didn't have to abuse you for his own sadistic pleasure. He better stay away from you".

We really didn't say much after that. We both knew about each others past and secrets now.

It was done and there was no going back.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡