Our Anniversary Of Doom

Strip club

Irina’s POV

With Elena's help I found my way to his office. I knocked and he said “Come in.”

“Working as a maid in my house won't clear your father’s debt so you'll start working at my strip club” Andrea announced.

STRIP CLUB? I asked with a tone mixed with both annoyance and confusion. Before I could say another word he told me to leave his office.

I went to the kitchen to wash the dishes still thinking about his words. When I turned around I nearly collapsed from the shock.

“What do you want Mr. Scoundrel?” I asked.“Just came to admire a beautiful lady's face” he said playfully. I smiled and he added “I wasn't talking about you.

Anyway, we leave for the club in fifteen minutes.” I wanted to ask a lot of questions but decided to wait until we were in the car.

I was nervous but finally summoned the courage to ask “Why does Andrea want me to work as a stripper?” I stammered.

“Stripper? Hell no” he laughed. “You're going to work as a waitress.” Relieved I let out a breath but I still felt uneasy about working in a strip club. The drunk men… everything about it felt wrong.

Andrea’s POV

“Leonardo I need your help” I said in a strange tone. “Take Irina to the club.” Before I finished, Leonardo interrupted “The strip club? Why? Did you forget she’s only 17?”

“She’s too young to be around the Mafia men who come for meetings” I lied not wanting to reveal the truth.

“Meetings? Andrea don't lie to me. Do you really think she’s safe in the club?” he asked mockingly.

Why didn't I think of that? I just wanted her somewhere a bit away from me. I'll have my men watch her closely.

Irina’s POV

We arrived at the strip club and only a few people were there. I followed Leonardo to his office and after a few minutes a girl appeared.

“This is Angelica; she’ll give you your uniform and tell you what to do” Leonardo said.

She took me to the locker room and handed me my uniform. Judging by her outfit I knew mine wouldn’t be great. When I saw it it looked odd.

Odd, but in a good way. It was longer and more covered than what I saw on others'. Was it because I worked in his house? I wondered. Only God knew why but I liked it.

~~~

I've been working here for four days and made only three friends—one waitress and two customers. The day went by quickly but something caught my eye.

It was Natalia, my sister, working as a stripper. No that can’t be right.

Why?

How?

When?

Could this be why she got angry whenever I asked about her job?

We made eye contact and she ran to the locker room. I followed her to confront her, and she explained everything.

I told her I needed time to process it.

Finally, it was time to go home. Leonardo teased me in the car, saying, “Miss talkative is silent today. Hope you didn't break a bottle on someone’s head.” I didn't respond and he sensed I was upset. Despite his efforts I remained in a bad mood.

At home, Elena had already helped me with chores. The only thing left was to take Andrea's food to his room.

I barged in without knocking. The first thing he said was “Didn't your parents teach you manners?” I didn't care; I just wanted to drop off the food and leave.

Because of the water on the floor I slipped and fell onto his bed right on him. That was when I realized he was only in shorts and his body was wet.

For the first time he looked at me with affection. He tucked my hair behind my ear and looked into my eyes. Nervously I lowered my gaze and he kissed me passionately.

I felt something wet beneath my thong and wondered if that was normal for a first kiss.

Why does this kiss feel right? Why do I want more?

I pulled away and asked “What is the hard thing on my lap?” He immediately pushed me and told me to leave. Was asking a question a crime? I wondered that night as I fell asleep.

~~~

I hated when the club moved slowly; the atmosphere just wasn't for me. Antonio, one of the guys I’d grown close to, approached me. Although I knew little about him I felt he was a good man.

“Irina how are you?” he asked. I said I was fine and he suddenly suggested “I think today’s the perfect day to execute your escape plan.”

He knew I was staying with Andrea and I was considering running away. After what happened yesterday I hesitated but then I remembered how he yelled at me.

We planned to meet behind the club at 10:25. I went there and we ran away together. I had no idea where I was going, only that I wanted to be far from Andrea and his strip club.

It was late so we decided to spend the night at Antonio’s place.

During the ride I kept pondering whether what I did was right or wrong. The car was parked and I wasn’t sure where Antonio was. Suddenly I heard footsteps. I thought Antonio was coming to open the door.

As soon as the door opened someone’s hand covered my mouth and a hard object was pressed against my head. I looked to see a gun. I tried to scream but the man told me to shut up or he would kill me.

My heart was pounding; it felt like my entire body wanted to leave. A towel was placed over my nose and everything went blurry. When I opened my eyes the effect of the towel hadn’t fully worn off.

I heard distant voices. One said “She’s awake” and I heard the door open. Someone appeared in front of me. I was too drowsy to see his face clearly but he wore a silver ring.

He asked “Tell me all you know about Andrea Rizzo.” I looked at him confused. He warned “Don’t look at me like that or I’ll shoot you.” He repeated his question and I replied “I don't know anything about him; I’m just his maid.”

He drew his gun, saying “You’re trying to act smart. I’ll show you who I truly am.”

One pull of the trigger and everything went blank.