il

s I step inside, the smell of booze hits my nose. The thumping of the music causes

n stage. The stage's left and right metal cages ar

oom where we keep all our belongings. Going to th

t remove my clothes; I am in charge of drinks

erson I see is Candy,

e my bag down, she gr

black stockings and silver heels. She looks quite striking. She won't

and asks, "Why not dance? Yo

at the mere thought of men seeing me half-naked. It's okay if

an't dance. If I tried to get on the pole like you, I would s

She looks into the mirror. She sits surr

filled with eager people waiting

ey brown hair and green eyes, his body is pure muscle, and that's w

pectfully. He doesn't know if it

responds to my greeting of "hi,

words echo, "Marcus wants to chat with you."" My face pales, m

by saying, "It's nothing to worry about.

beat keeps reverberating. The music is hushed but I feel the thump o

down my spine, especially when I'm alone with him.

color black, resembling his soul

own my spine, wondering how he even knows

is desk. I notice scars on his face. His rolled-up sleeves show s

sk with as much confidence as I can muster

he sets the cigar on a tray next to him. U

saying, "There's a girl who called in sick. I need you to work

ot being home until 5am. I'll work for Aiden at 6am, sleepless.

atience, I clear my throat and say, "Yes, I will

puter, pour the liquor, deliver it to the table, then go back to the bar.

ugh I've never served tables, dropping o

any problems go to Vinnie.

l. I drop one and end up smelling like alcohol. This brings

s. They are filled with tequila, salt, and lime. I also set ou

Their stares cause my skin to crawl. Their gazes trail d

place the tray on the table "If you ne

notice a gentleman with brown hair who is smiling and winking at me

ack and dismiss his advance before I return to the bar where Vinnie

, scanning my face, I focus on h

sfied, he says, "I saw your face, Emily. What did he

e he turns and stalks to the table. He grabs t

ch from his tone. The guy's face is one of horror,

ouldn't have, I still feel fear fo

it with my heart pounding for the fourth time tonight After I fin

nd with my arms folded, observing them just like the men, but I don't get

leans back, slowly spinning down Expressing their love for it, the men throw mone

ns; she bends and shakes her ass for them Then; she rolls and op

ctive man makes my cheeks blu

s laugh before speaking over the

"She is talented. I wonder how you woul

ce. I would fall flat on my face. But Candy hangs upside

his disbelief, saying "som

I get you

e beautiful" he winks at me

th me well, continuing to flirt with

eps his eyes fixed on me Looking ov

e me, he gives one sharp

tell me or my guard's right away. Do you understand me? Don't play it off as if nothing h

d first, But; I dislike fighting or ratt

it to him. As I look up, I meet his green eyes and say,

ated, don't do it again." His voice is low and commanding.

ad, I say "yes

a fitted suit and has captivating tattoos, espec

ink while I stand awkwardly. "Emily, some men here are n

sorry." I only say if there was anything else, I could get for

owl, "he's a piece of shit always touching

want to know wha

oodbye, he gets

and my feet hurting even more by 5am. I need to go home and

ut my name. As I turn, I hold the door open whil

u forgot your wages and boss said take the n

sleep for me. I work in

at me. "And you di

deal, saying, "I need the money. I'll be

he says, "Tha

eek while sarcastically saying, "I'm

kes his head with a smile. "I'm n

ye daddy" with a s

around him and we get along

e or else you'

into the cab that's alrea