Billionaire's Stripper novel Chapter 42

Hayden passed his phone to one of the bodyguards who took our photo. Hayden and I crossed the street. We stood a short distance from the clock. He and I stared up at Big Ben.

I glanced over where Hayden was previously standing, then in front of me. He was now on bended knee. A sign truck parked right beside us shielding everyone's view.

"Lydia, the moment our lips met, I knew we were meant to be. The long hours in a day have proven to be too long to be apart. I love you and I want to be with you for the rest of my life." His facial features were full of warmth.

I was frozen.

Hayden opened the blue box. "Will you marry me?"

I was silent only for a moment. I nodded my head. "Yes, Hayden!" He slid a beautiful pear-shaped diamond ring onto my finger. He stood pulling me close, kissing my lips.

"I love you Lydia,"

My lips brushed against his. "I love you too Hayden." The driver in the sign truck recorded everything. It was all a part of Hayden's plans today.

LYDIA

Later that night, I stood in the mirror placing diamond encrusted earrings in my ears. Hayden stepped behind me zipping up the nude and gold, semi-sheer embroidered, long sleeved, short bodice dress with a revealing cleavage. "You are a knock out."

Here in London, England, I was who Hayden wanted me to be. The sexy young fiancé on his arm. He wanted to show me off wherever we went. He enjoyed not having to visit me in the strip club. Honestly, I enjoyed it too. Hayden wore a custom navy suit. He was handsome as always.

We arrived twenty minutes later outside another exclusive club. It was a little nippy tonight. Once inside we were escorted by a hostess. The gentlemen sat at a crème, large, round, open booth right off the dance floor. The men stood as Hayden introduced me. The last man I was introduced to, I knew exactly who he was.

"Hello, Glenn."

I sat in the plush booth. Hayden hesitantly sat at my side.

"Lydia. Of course, I never knew that was your real name. I only knew you as Scrumptious. And scrumptious you are." His eyes roamed my body hungrily.

"You are the most beautiful woman in that entire strip club."

"When I'm in town, I request she dance for me," he stated to the men around him."

I didn't know what to do. I was frozen in place. Working at the world renowned, Make It Rain, strip club has followed me all the way to London. I was embarrassed more so for Hayden than myself.

"It's good to see you again Glenn," I smiled.

"I wasn't aware you offered escorting services. I knew some of the other women did."

He glanced at Hayden then back at me. "If you are in town all weekend, maybe I can request your services." His grin was wide.

I smiled.

I hid my left hand under my clutch removing my engagement ring slipping it into my purse. I could feel Hayden's burning anger. "I am only working for Hayden this weekend."

Glenn leaned over whispering something into Hayden's ear. Glenn reclined against the cushions, releasing a hardy devilish laugh.

"I need a table now! Bring my usual. Also, two boxes of cigars. I want to pick which I would like to smoke."

"Of course, Mr. Gaster." She directed us into a large booth.

I slid in first, then Hayden. I didn't know what to say. My eyes fell on my beautiful ring as my heart sank.

The music was pumping. The atmosphere was electric. The dance floor was riddled with people dancing close. The DJ was playing all my favorites. If I were in a better mood, I would be out on the dance floor enjoying myself. Instead I was moping. I felt terrible. What could I do to make Hayden feel better. Hayden sat dazed staring into space. My head lowered on his shoulder. My fingers brushed his arm. Hayden brought my left hand to his lips, kissing my ring finger. Instantly, I shattered inside for this man. Hayden stole my heart. He is my one and only love.

"What did I ask you to weather with me Lydia?"

"The Tsunami."

"Yes, a monstrous storm is coming and it ain't letting up. Tonight, was a glimpse of what's to come."

Hayden pulled my head up to meet his gaze. "I can get through it as long as I'm with you." His lips tenderly touched mine with love. My body tingled all over. How and why did I deserve Hayden? Was my mother looking down on us, smiling?

The waitress arrived with our order, breaking me and Hayden's trance.

"Is there anything else I could get either of you?"

"Yes, bring a bottle of Richebourg Grand Cru and a plate of boneless honey barbeque wings."

"Right away Mr. Gaster." She smiled before walking away.