Cruel Haven

Andrea's POV Monterroso in Italy 8:00 pm "Buesnas noches señora! (Goodnight ma'am)" I called out to the woman who ran the cafe I worked at as I dashed out. "Buesnas noches!" she replied in a loud tone. The bells at the door jingled when I closed it. I sniffled rubbing my palms together and placing them in my thick jacket. It was a bit chilly this evening. It was good I had taken the jacket as Mum instructed. My mamá raised me alone as a single mother. My papá (dad) left us when I was still in high school for reasons still unknown to us. He just vanished without a trace. Mamá had to shoulder the responsibility of raising me alone so immediately after I graduated, I got a job at the cafe to help out with the expenses. I knew it was hard on her since she worked different odd jobs but she never complained. I reached the part of town I hated the most. It was secluded and completely dark. People got mugged here easily. I held my bag tighter and limped home. But the sound of engine revving and the bright headlights of a car suddenly appeared in front of me making me squint my eyes and shield my face with my hand. Getting used to the bright light, I slowly removed my hands. I was sure they weren't just passing by. Were they lost and perhaps seeking directions? I thought. Two hefty men in black suits suddenly got out of the car and started to head towards me without closing the doors. I took a step back slowly. I didn't want to jump to conclusions but I had heard girls were often stalked and molested around here. It was an unsafe neighborhood. As they got closer, I decided to turn around and leave without making it obvious but immediately I turned back... "Mierda! (f**k!)" I cursed in surprise holding my bag to my chest when I saw one of them behind me. How did he sneak up on me like that without me realizing? Okay, maybe it's time to jump to a conclusion. "Violador! (r****t!)" I screamed out at the top of my voice repeatedly. The ones in front of me held me tightly and covered my mouth muffling my screams. Now, I was in panic mode. I kicked and scratched as they dragged me towards their car. I couldn't die now. What about my mamá? I couldn't leave her all alone now. She could die of heartbreak. But they were too powerful and strong for my weak punches. They soon overpowered me and threw me in their car zooming out of the neighbourhood. I was gagged and blindfolded because I kept screaming. *** Six months later The club is illuminated with a dynamic array of colorful lights, lasers, and spotlights moving in sync with the powerful sound systems that pump out a mix of pulsating beats. The music sets the mood and ladies get on the dance floor moving to the beat. "Ponte a trabajar! (Get to work!)" Antonio roared at us. I glared at him spitefully wishing there was something I could do to him. Unfortunately, I was powerless. I stared at the girls who passed by me, their asses and boobs jiggling in their flimsy underwear as they moved. I was repulsed but glancing down at myself, I was also dressed in the same way. In my little red thong and bra with lacey stockings and high heels so it wasn't in my place to judge them since I was one of them too. Thinking back to my life, it was still a shock to me how I got to live this way. I had no idea why I was kidnapped and brought to this casino. It was so huge that part of it was used as a club during the night. "Andrea, you are in charge of taking care of the VIP guests now. The drinks and the coke are downstairs," Isabelle a blonde-haired girl said to me. I nodded and stood up on my feet, heading out of the changing room. I grabbed the tray of coke and drink that were guarded by the bouncers and turned around to leave when I felt a sharp sting on my butt cheek. I turned around abruptly. "Buen culo (nice ass)" he said with a smirk. The other one snickered. I glared at them wanting nothing more than to break the bottle of whiskey on their heads and watch the blood dripping down their heads. "You've got anything to say?" the other asked in an intimidating tone. But, I knew I couldn't do that. Not if I wanted to live another minute. "No," I replied through gritted teeth and went on my way. They've all reduced my self-respect and dignity to nothing. The music got louder and people cheered loudly as dancers made their way to the pole and began to dance seductively. Men rained dollars on them. I tore my gaze from them as I stood in front of the VIP door. I couldn't afford to make any mistakes. Antonio would kill me. I stopped walking abruptly upon hearing hushed voices. I leaned in closer to eavesdrop on the conversation behind the door. "The boss who's taking over the casino will be here soon," one of the men whispered quietly. "Is Mr. Bernadi really ready to give up his position?" another man asked. "Yes, he is, and I'm confident he will make some changes in the way things are managed in this casino," the first person responded, causing my heart to race. I couldn't bear to stay in the casino any longer, feeling trapped and at the mercy of those who ran the place. The idea of escaping started to take hold in my mind, a desire to break free from their control. I needed to leave before the new boss arrived and things got worse. Startled, I heard a voice that made me flinch, asking, "What are you doing?" I quickly turned, only to see one of the guards glaring at me. "I'm sorry" I muttered walking briskly away to serve those old men who can't wait to get their hands on young ladies. With a deep exhale, I stepped inside, making a bold decision that might change my life forever.