The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 93

Chapter 93

Chapter 93

ASTRA

I hurried back toward the bar on shaky legs, the tray rattling in my hands.

The bar area was busy but slightly calmer than the main floor. I set the empty tray down with a soft clatter, trying to steady my breathing.

Behind the sleek black bar stood a tall, handsome man in his mid-twenties. He had warm brown skin, neatly faded hair and kind but sharp eyes. His black button-up shirt was rolled up at the sleeves, showing toned forearms as he mixed drinks with practiced ease. A small name tag on his chest read Carson.

He glanced at me as I approached, his expression softening slightly when he saw my face.

“New girl?” he asked, voice smooth and low enough to cut through the music.

I nodded, wiping at my eyes quickly.

“Yeah… first night.”

Carson gave me a sympathetic look as he took the tray and started refilling the glasses with fresh drinks.

“Rough start, huh?” He slid a glass of water across the bar toward me. “Here. Drink this first. You look like you’re about to pass out.”

I took the water with trembling hands and sipped it gratefully.

“Thank you,” I whispered. “I… I don’t know how anyone does this.”

He chuckled softly, but there was no mockery in it.

“Most of them have been here a while. You get used to the stares…. sort of. Just remember, you’re allowed to say no. Pablo likes money, but even he doesn’t want lawsuits. If anyone gets too handsy, signal me or one of the bouncers.”

I nodded again, clutching the glass like a lifeline.

Carson leaned on the bar, studying me for a second.

“You got a name, new girl?”

“Astra,” I said quietly.

“Pretty name.” He smiled a little. “I’m Carson. Been working here almost two years. It’s not the best place, but the tips can be good if you play it smart. Just… keep your head down and don’t let them break you on night one, alright?”

His kindness made fresh tears prick my eyes. I quickly blinked them away.

“I’ll try.” I whispered.

He slid the reloaded tray back to me.

“Table 7 again?” he asked gently.

I nodded.

Carson gave me one last encouraging look.

Chapter 93

“You got this, Astra. Breathe.”

I picked up the tray, legs still shaky on the heels, and forced myself back onto the floor.

But even with Carson’s kind words, the heavy weight in my chest refused to leave.

I picked up the reloaded tray and forced myself back onto the main floor. The music was louder now, the lights dimmer, the air thicker with smoke, perfume, and lust.

The first few tables were the worst.

A group of middle-aged men in expensive suits laughed loudly as I approached. One of them immediately reached out and squeezed my butt as I bent to set the drinks down.

“S-stop,” I stammered, jerking away.

They all chuckled like it was the funniest thing they’d heard all night.

“Relax, sweetheart. Just appreciating the view,” one of them said, winking.

My face burned with shame. I moved on quickly, heart hammering.

Some booths were better, groups of men who only stared, eyes hungry but hands stayed on their drinks. I kept my head down, murmuring “enjoy” before hurrying away.

But the hours dragged on.

Almost two hours passed. My feet were killing me. The stilettos dug into my heels and toes with every step. Blisters were already forming and my legs shook. The sheer dress kept riding up no matter how many times I tugged it down, and I felt eyes on me constantly, on my breasts, my ass, my thighs.

I approached another VIP booth. Four well-dressed men sat there, relaxed and confident. One of them, tall, handsome, maybe in his early thirties with sharp cheekbones and a trimmed beard looked up at me with interest.

He smiled slowly.

“You new here?” he asked, voice smooth.

I nodded, setting their drinks down carefully.

“Yes, sir.”

He leaned back, eyes roaming over me openly but not crudely like the others.

“You do private rooms?” he asked casually. “Back room. Just you and me. I pay well.”

I froze.

“Back room…?”

He chuckled softly. “Private booth in the back. Lap dance, maybe more if you want.”

My stomach dropped.

“Oh… I-I don’t do that,” I whispered, voice shaking. “I’m just… serving drinks.”

He shrugged, still smiling. “Shame. You’ve got the body for it. Let me know if you change your mind, beautiful.”

I nodded quickly and escaped, cheeks burning, tears threatening again.

12:07 Fri, Jul 3 D

Chapter 93

My feet hurt so badly I could barely stand. Every step was agony. The dress felt like it was suffocating me. The constant stares, the touches, the propositions, it was all too much.

I just wanted to go home.

During a short break near the bar, I quickly counted the tips I’d collected so far. My hands were shaking as I added up the crumpled bills.

Five hundred dollars.

A small, exhausted smile broke through the tears still clinging to my lashes.

*Like this… I can actually pay my debt in just a week.*

Carson noticed me counting and leaned over the bar, wiping a glass.

“Not bad for your first night,” he said gently. “Some girls don’t make that in a whole week. You okay?”

I nodded quickly, wiping my eyes.

“Yeah… if I keep this up, I might actually make it.”

He gave me a sympathetic smile but didn’t push.

Before I could say more, Monica appeared beside me, her bright red dress catching the low lights.

“Hey, new girl,” she said, voice low and businesslike. “Hold onto that money for now. There’s a particular VIP asking for someone who looks like you.”

My stomach dropped.

“Me?” I whispered.

Monica sighed. “Yeah. Curvy, golden hair, innocent face. He specifically requested that type. He’s in one of the private booths. You don’t have to sleep with him, but you’ll need to do a lap dance at least. He’s paying very well.”

I took a deep breath, heart racing so hard I felt dizzy.

Monica handed me a small black mask.

“Put this on. It helps. And remember, you can say no if it gets too much. But the money…”

She didn’t need to finish the sentence.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify