Chapter 1: Introduction
The low timbre of a sensuous R&B song seeped from the walls as I walked into the club. The modern exterior and neon signs were a stark contrast to what lay on the other side of the door. I let my eyes adjust to the dimness speckled by strobes then wove through the maze of cocktail tables and plush chairs to the back.
A dimly lit room full of smoke from lit cigarettes, surrounded by shadows cast by red lighting. A sea of mirrored walls reflecting dancing girls performing for tips; an atmosphere heavy with both intrigue and judgment, punctuated by rhythmic music playing.
Embracing my double life, I disappeared behind the black curtains into the dressing room where Mia waited for me. Her eyes widened at my outfit. "Honey, no. You look like a lost frat boy."
"Gee, really?
I'm surprised no one has mistaken me for a bouncer yet," I joked, unbuttoning my plaid shirt.
As I started changing, Mia gave me a makeover, layering on dark eyeshadow and lining my lips with her favorite shade of red.
She helped me into a skimpy black lace bodysuit and matching stiletto heels.
I felt a familiar rush of adrenaline and anxiety as I stepped onto the stage, greeted by the catcalls and flashing dollar bills of the patrons. My hips swayed to the beat, and I lost myself in the rhythm, forgetting about the world outside of this dimly lit room.
I made eye contact with a man in the front row. He was handsome, mid-thirties with a sharp jawline and intense green eyes. He slipped a twenty into my g-string and signaled for me to come over.
I teasingly leaned in to whisper, "What did you have in mind, sugar?"
It wasn't long before we found ourselves in the dimly lit vip room, my body running against his.
Every curve and angle of mine slammed into him as I grinded my hips into his crotch. The music filled the room as I skillfully removed his belt and unzipped his pants. Within seconds, I had his hard length in my hand, gripping it as I continued to move against him.
He groaned and I pressed my lips to his ear, tracing the outline of his ear lobe with my tongue before whispering, "Is this what you want?"
His response was a growl as he lifted me up, leaving me to wrap my legs around his waist.
I could feel his arousal growing against me, and it sent a shiver down my spine. He walked over to the plush couch and gently laid me down, his eyes never leaving mine.
"You're gorgeous," he murmured, running his fingers along my collarbone. I arched into his touch, my heart racing as his hand moved lower, cupping my breast through the lace of my bodysuit.
His thumb circled my nipple, teasing it into a hard peak before he leaned down to take it into his mouth.
I moaned, running my fingers through his hair as he sucked and nipped at my sensitive flesh. He trailed kisses down my stomach, just as the song ended.
The room fell silent for a brief moment before a new beat dropped. I shivered as he lifted the hem of my bodysuit, exposing me to his gaze. I watched as a wicked smile spread across his face. I knew what was coming next.
"Fuck, you're beautiful," he murmured, pressing his lips to my inner thigh.
His touch sent a spark shooting through me. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, my breaths coming in shallow gasps.
He looked up at me, his eyes filled with lust as my fingers hooked onto the sides of my thong.
I slowly began to pull it down, revealing myself to him.
He growled, low and deep, as he leaned in to place a kiss on my inner thigh. He traced the skin there with his tongue before moving closer to my center.
He wasn't supposed to touch me like this, but he was offering extra, and I needed the money. As long as it was hidden, it was ok.
That's what I kept telling myself as his tongue slowly explored my folds.
He pulled away.
I looked down at him, my chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath.
"You taste so fucking good," he said, licking his lips before climbing back onto the couch.
He positioned himself between my legs as he lowered his mouth to mine, kissing me deeply. I could taste myself on his lips and I shivered.
I wasn't used to this kind of intimacy, but I pushed those thoughts away. I needed the money, and I couldn't afford to turn it down.
I broke the kiss and leaned back onto the couch, my chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath. I watched as he reached into his wallet, pulling out several bills.
I bit my lip as I counted them, thanking him before he left. I let out a sigh, my body feeling heavy and drained. I had always known this job came with its fair share of physical intimacy, but it was still something that I struggled to get used to.
As I got myself together and headed back to the dressing room, I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy towards Mia. She seemed to thrive in this atmosphere, her confidence and charisma shining through.
Mia would tell me time and time again, "It's all about mindset, Em. They're here for a show, and we're here to give it to them."
I didn't respond as I finished touching up my makeup, but Mia's words rang in my ears as I made my way back to the main floor. She was right - this job was all about mindset. It was easy for me to forget that when I was backstage, changing into my revealing outfit and feeling vulnerable.
But as I stepped onto the stage and felt the heat of the spotlight on my skin, I pushed those thoughts aside.
The song ended and I made my way off the stage, my heart pounding in my chest. I could feel his eyes on me as I walked past him, and I couldn't help but smile.
I knew that I could have him if I wanted him, and that thought alone was enough to make my heart race.
"Maybe," I said, playing coy. "But that's not what this is about, Mia."
Mia gave me a knowing smile, her eyes full of mischief. "Of course not," she said. "But a little harmless flirtation never hurt anyone, right?"
I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in days. Mia had a way of making everything seem less serious, more fun.
I loved her for that. She was the sister I never had, the friend who had always been there for me, no matter what.
As I finished my shift, I couldn't help but think about the man from earlier. I had caught a glimpse of him in the crowd as I danced, and I couldn't shake off the way he made me feel. He was different from the other men who frequented the club. He was confident, but not arrogant. He was handsome, but not in a way that made me feel uncomfortable.
He was the kind of man who commanded attention without even trying.
I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my chest as I made my way back to the vip room. I knew what I was getting myself into, and I knew that I needed the money. But I couldn't deny the way he made me feel.
As we stumbled through the doorway, our bodies already tangled together, I felt a surge of excitement. I knew that this was going to be a night to remember.