Dragons Den

Juniper♦️

Working at Dragons Den has always been a safe place for me. I could still remember the day I found myself here begging for a job. I was 18, on the run from my abusive boyfriend and toxic family.

I needed a fresh start, somewhere no one could find me. Or I hoped they couldn't, I got on the first train available. I searched rentlessly for a job and I stumbled across Dragons Den, they were looking for a new exotic dancer.

I begged the owner to take me on, I had no experience, no money and I needed this job. Without a second thought, he gave me the job. He you may be asking is Ryker James, the Italian mafia boss who has been expanding his businesses all over the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and even started to do New York.

From that point on, i proved myself time and time again working my way up. It's been 6 years and I was head exotic dancer, I made sure that everyone felt comfortable no matter who they were or where they come from.

I was also known as the mum of the bunch as I made sure that everyone was fed before going on stage. I had also made a bunch of rules to keep my girls and boys safe.

1. They shall not record or photography our image without consent from us

2. They shall not present their junk

3. We are always in control on what we will be doing

4. They shall not lick or kiss

5. They shall not grope

6. No one, no one must harm us

If anyone disobeyed any of our rules, I will kick them out without hesitation. The first few times I did it Ryker would speak to me about it and tell me it was bad for buisness but honestly safety is priority for me, especially when it comes to the new dancers who get hired.

Now Ryker doesn't stop me, as he knew I was determined to keep doing it and not stop. Ryker was always in and out of the club anyway, with all his businesses around the world he can't stay here often. Which is where I come in as well.

While he is away I will be in charge of roasters and who will be performing or on the floor serving drinks. We had a VIP section which we split who goes in, most of the time it's me as many girls hate it as some men can get a bit out of control.

I made my way through the back of the strip club, as it was almost time for my shift. Heading over towards my locker using my four digit pin, opening it and shoving my duffel bag inside.

I had a two VIP functions tonight one after each other. Bachelor parties to be exact which werent my favourite, as the groom or bestmen would get very touchy. Even though my rules were set in place they liked to push the boundaries.

"Long time no see," A voice rang behind me, whom I haven't heard for a while.

Turning around, I saw my best friend Bradley I couldn't help but squeal and hug him.

"Oh I've missed you." Bradley and I started at the same time. We instantly clicked. "How was your trip, any details you want to share?"

Bradley went to Greece for 2 months to visit family. He let out a chuckle knowing full well that he always had details. We honestly told each other everything. Even when we had s*x, or mainly him, he would give every detail. I would of course ask for it.

"Girl, when don't I have details?" He asked with a chuckle. "The trip was honestly amazing. Seeing my family for the first time in ages was good, especially since they dropped my toxic members. I managed to work on my tan." He smirked before showing me his tan. "I also happened to meet the cutest and sweetest man, his name is Felix. He is so f*****g hot and has a toned body. Here is a photo.

Pulling out his phone, he handed it to me which I instantly grabbed without a second thought and scared scoping the photos. He wasn't wrong Felix was hot, he had a toned six pack. Not to mention a few tattoos on his arm.

"You are right. He is hot."

"See." He took his phone back once I finished looking at the photos of Felix. "We've been skyping since I started coming back to London. He said that he wouldn't mind coming down here and seeing me, as he is actually from here. He works in Greece for the summer and spring and comes back here."

I could feel a smile creep on my face. Honestly I was so happy for him. I just hope this guy isn't a dud. Bradley has been trying for years to date but he didn't have the best luck as they either ghost him or don't show up at all.

"What about you? Anything exciting happen while I was away?" Bradley asked.

Shaking my head which caused him to frown. "No, nothing really just been working overtime, training the new dancers while also helping out Ryker as he's been away. He went back to Italy for two weeks."

Bradley sighed. "You really need a holiday?"

I couldn't help but feel a pit in my stomach. I couldn't risk him finding me. "I can't. You know that I can't. Every time I try and organise to go away anxiety creeps up. I can't risk it."

Bradley sighed softly. He was honestly the first person i opened up to about the abuse I endured in my last relationship. I told him everything how he managed to even turn my family against me. Making me the bad guy when all I ever did was do what he said.

"Maybe we can do something together. If he comes, I can show him a piece or two." Bradley joked at the end by doing boxing moves and punching the air which made me laugh.

We grew quiet as the door opening, making us turn to see a girl. She stood about 5'2 in height. She had beautiful dark honey skin, with long curly black hair, she was wearing a black leather skirt and a lepoard print shirt

She looked nervous. I couldn't blame her honestly it was very daunting, "Hi, I'm Aafreen, today is my first shift. I'm here to see Jupiter."

Smiling towards her, "That's me sweetheart. Welcome to Dragons Den. I'm Jupiter of course and this is Bradley." Bradley waved towards Aafreen. "Come, let's find you and locker and help you settle in."

Aafreen nodded and walked towards me, giving her a side hug. We disappeared around the corner so I could help her relax. It was nerve racking your first time walking in here. Not knowing what to expect.

Walking over to the roaster, I had a look to see where she was hoping she wasn't somewhere bad. I swore to myself as I noticed that she had been put into the VIP section.

"Fuck." Which caused Aafreen to look at me. "You've been put on with me."

"Oh," she sounded sad before continuing. "What's wrong with that? Am I not pretty enough?"

I cursed myself knowing that I shouldn't have said it like that. "No no," I tried to reassure her and gently rubbed her arm. "Of course you a pretty, who ever told you were lying. No I'm working in the VIP section tonight with two bachelor parties."

"Oh."

"Yes and they can get pretty intense. I was hoping your first night here would have been waitressing or shadowing someone else."

Aafreen nodded, "I guess I'll learn from you then." She smiled widely.

"Yes you will. I want to speak to the boss first before anything just to give him my piece of mind." I didn't care talking to Ryker or yelling at him when I had too.

I stood my ground with my girls and boys. Leaving the locker room I could hear Bradley ooh behind me knowing I was going to give it to Ryker. My feet stomped on the wooden stairs alerting those upstairs someone was coming.

Once up there, his bodyguard Taylor was about to stop me but I ignored him and opened the door without knocking causing Ryker to look up from his desk.

"What have I told you about knocking Jupiter," Ryker huffed as he sipped on his whiskey he had.

I couldn't help but rolled my eyes, "and I thought I told you to not put new girls on with me for VIP especially their first night."

Ryker shrugged, "They need to learn somehow."

I groaned and rolled my eyes once again before placing my hands on my hips, "Yes they do need to learn but not with two Batchelor parties. You know how they get."

Ryker sighed and fixed himself up, "Just have her serve food or something."

I sighed and rubbed my forehead, "That isn't the point Ryker and you know that. You know what drunken grooms can do, especially when his friends are as drunk as him. Poor girl is going to have a rough night." I huffed and turned on my heel and leaving Ryker's office heading back down to the staff room.