"I figured you'd want to know that Lana is getting sexually abused at work. She admitted it to me last night but she is of no interest to me anymore."

When I arrived home the first thing I did is come to Julian's study to tell him what I saw and what Lana told me. As much as I had the urge to beat that guy to death, I had to stop myself. She isn't mine and her life is none of my business. Had she not slept with my brother I would stand up for her regardless of the bad things I did to her myself. But now my pride won't let me.

Julian's reaction to what I just told him is still and calm, but it's only his fake wall. His eyes are telling me much more and that is that he is pissed. Very pissed. I have no doubt that he will go and do all the things I wish to do to that man. That's the main reason why I told him. Because even though I don't want him to be with Lana, I need him to protect her. Since I myself can't. Not anymore.

Lana's POV

The room in which Adrian stayed was open when I passed by it. The cleaning lady was inside, changing the bed sheets and sweeping the floor. He left as he said. It doesn't really affect me, although the way he ignored me opening up last night did. I didn't want anything from him, but it's human to say a few comforting words. Although we've already established that Adrian isn't a human...

I am on my way to meet Ellen at that diner near by but I'm running late. We were supposed to meet half an hour ago, however I overslept. If she didn't call me I'd still be sleeping. I'm not gonna lie, the late nights at the club tire me a lot and not having to wake up for the second job is a luxury for me.

Ellen already ordered some English breakfast for the both of us, so when I finally arrived it was waiting for me at the table. She had no clue what I was about to tell her and how serious it is. She greeted me and we had a small chat, then she listened carefully to everything I had to tell her.

Unexpectedly, I described the entire incident in detail, mentioning every single touch and emotion I went through. Somehow saying it all made me feel better, although the remembering hurt. Ellen's facial expressions shifted as the story progressed and at the very end she was left speechless.

"I don't know what to say... Why didn't you report it to Tom? That's harassment!" She stated, the anger lingering in her eyes.

"Didn't you realise how he has become? He is afraid of the new guy too it seems..." I referred to Tom's obvious change. She sighed.

"This is too much... I wish I could tell you something to make you feel better but our hands are tied. Are you okay?" It's clear that Ellen has no advice to give and that she feels bad about it, but having told her is enough.

"Yes I'm fine. I was mostly upset right after it happened, but the next day I felt much better. I told Adrian about it and he simply left..." I changed the subject on to Adrian and she got confused.

"Wait, Adrian is in town?" She looked at me blankly and I took a deep breath before telling her all about it, realising how much she has missed.

Adrian walked in and interrupted my work. I've spent the entire afternoon trying to finish everything because I have a backlog. He gave me a questioning look before speaking.

"Shouldn't you be packing or getting ready at least?" He asked, making me give him a questioning look of my own. I finally took my eyes off the laptop.

"For what?" I shook my head, removing my reading glasses and gently pressing the bridge of my nose due to a headache.

"To get Lana away from that place?" He spread his arms in a manner as though what he is talking about is something obvious.

"No, it's her life." I shrugged, looking back down at my laptop and hoping he will leave. But instead he approached me even closer.

"Are you hearing yourself right now?! You must get her away from there!" Adrian continued but I found it ironic.

"Since when do you care? You ghosted her for an ex." I defended myself from his criticism by reminding him of his own actions. He is being hypocritical.

"Oh please, I am an asshole and everybody knows it. But you always had honour and decency. What happened?" For the first time he admitted he has faults. By saying this he defeated my argument, making me quiet.

Overall, I get his point. Lana is an orphan with not many people who can take care of her. I could go there and help her but it was her own choice to leave. She should quit on her own and come back because the reason she left in the first place is because she couldn't get a job at another club without being harassed. But she didn't even try... Instead she chose her pride instead of letting me support her for a while until another job crops up. Even I could've helped her find one. As infatuated as I've been with her I made it a point to move on after she decided to go. I chased her half way by giving her the opportunity to stay, but she didn't meet me in the middle. It tempted me to go see her when she admitted her jealousy towards that kiss I had with another girl, however I didn't.

"She left me and I will not chase her. I'm moving on. I'm sorry that she is going through that but I am not her dad. If you want to do something about it, you will have to go yourself." I finally said something.

"But she needs someone like you... By growing up without parents she's got issues of her own and she needs a man who is normal and stable to take care of her. Just like I need someone normal to bear with me." He keeps surprising me with the things he says.

"In a way you are right. But my mind just isn't there right now. Lana is a special girl and if she ever calls for my help I will be there, but I will not run after her and be a super hero." I answered, making it final.

He nodded and left the room without another word. He must care about her still if he is bothered by what's happening. Honestly I've never seen my brother so selfless. The usual Adrian would do anything for me and Lana not to be together, but now he is willing to even bring us closer if it means saving her.

Before work I received a call from an unknown number. If I knew who it was I wouldn't have answered, but I did and it was the dickhead boss. He said that one of those three colleagues of his 'acquired a particular liking' for me and that tonight he will be coming to the club again. He asked me to stay after my shift...

I had the urge to tell him no, quit and get a job at a supermarket. Yet I managed to surprise myself when I told him that I will be there. Pole dancing is my passion and I guess this is the price for doing the job that I love. I figure that if I get drunk enough I will be able to get through it. Yes I am aware of my own stupidity.

When I got to the club I immediately regretted my decision. My boss and his colleague were seated at the bar and seeing their faces reminded me how sick I am of them. Maybe I could still get out of it. Trying to think of a way to avoid them, I started off my shift by getting on the stage straight away.

As always, the music carried me and after half an hour of dancing I drifted away in my own thoughts, unaware of the surroundings. That is until I felt a harsh grip on my left arm and heard commotion in the room. I opened my eyes facing the person who pulled me.

"Adrian?!" I shouted in surprise, trying to regain my balance. "What's going on?" I questioned as he pulled me off the stage, everyone at the club staring at us. The music stopped.

"You are coming with me. I know I've always been manipulative and ignored your choices, but now it's for your own good. This is the only way you can learn to be an independent and strong woman." He gripped me even tighter and put his arm around my shoulders, walking towards Tom and my new boss who were both in the bar area.

I wished to stop him and pull away but with all eyes on us I just followed his lead. His grip sheltered me from the looks. He stopped when we reached the two men and maintained his guarding demeanour.

"Due to sexual harassment, Lana is quitting and I will personally ensure that your life is a living hell." He gave one of his crazy psycho smiles to my new boss and then turned to look at Tom. "And shame on you Tom! You sold your principles for a bit of extra profit."

My jaw dropped in shock after Adrian said what he had. I stared in disbelief and was unable to say anything, but he saved me by pulling me out. The two men are just as shocked. The only thing I managed to do is look at Ellen and signal for her to take my things. She nodded from the distance, having understood what I meant. Then Adrian and I exited the club and his white Range Rover was parked right there.

"What on earth am I supposed to do now?" I finally spoke when we were both inside the car.

"We will talk about it later. Now we are going to your motel room because you need to pack." He turned on the engine and secured his seat belt.

"Put the radio on."