Sweet Sin

CHAPTER 2

I stood in front of the mirror in the club's backroom, a reflection that I couldn't recognise stared back at me. I couldn't see the usual pale-looking, tomboyish redhead girl I always see in the mirror. I was dressed in a leopard print bralette, a really short leather skirt and pointy high heels, which took forever before I could learn how to walk in them. My hair was let down in its loose curly strands, my face was made up, and I wore bright red lipstick. I assessed myself with disgust - I looked like a s**t.

A knock interrupted my thoughts. I didn't get the chance to answer it as the door immediately swung open. It was Signora Stellà or Madamé - as she likes to be called. Just like my stepdad, she is a co-owner of the club and our boss too. She's mostly in charge of recruiting the club strippers and doing some other underground dirty work with my stepdad.

She barged into the room with a stroll and looked around in inspection.

“How long will it take for you to get ready?” Her voice was calm but strict.

“I'm done, Madamè.” I replied with what nearly seemed like a whisper.

“So what's keeping you here? People are waiting.” She thundered.

“Move it.” She thundered as she shone her eyes at me.

“Ye-ss ma'am…. Sorry, Madamé.” Saying with a trembled voice left the room hurriedly. I could feel her follow me almost immediately after she slammed the door.

Three other girls who dressed slutty, too, were lined up at the passage. They immediately looked up at Signora Stella when they saw her. I joined the queue and she began addressing us.

“So girls, put in your best tonight. Make me proud and make me more money too.” A wide smile came across her red-stained lips.”

She continued, “Be in your best behaviour too, girls.”

We nodded in reply.

“Chop, chop, girls”. She said, signalling us to go.

Following the other girls as they made their way to the stage, Signora grabbed my arms and whispered, “ Remember all you've learnt. Swerve your body freely on the pole and vibe to the music. Good thing you previously took pole classes so it won't be that hard for you. Don't let me down, Aurora. Then she let me go.

I hurriedly went to join the others. When we got to the stage and saw the men seated, my heart kept pounding hard against my chest.

This club was quite different from what I had heard or pictured about clubs. It was not rowdy or overpopulated. It was dimly lit with obviously wealthy men who definitely are into dirty businesses, seated at the tables and had two or more female companions that were provided by the club. Most of them had a cigar at hand or in a tray at their tables. The smoke from the cigars filled, so I could barely see the faces of the men. It also had a bar section with expensive wines/drinks, and a VIP section too. My eyes were trying to accommodate the whole view when the spotlight came on, then the music. The girls slowly started rocking their bodies against the pole and to the rhythm of the music. I had to follow suit, or consequences would await me. Then I started moving my body as well, first shyly, until I became a little comfortable.

Wriggling my body against the pole, and trying some tricks I learnt in pole dancing. The few times I caught a glimpse of their faces, they looked like hungry lions waiting to devour their meal after a ceremonial presentation.

Just at a corner where the VIP section was located, A man was seated and surrounded by him were three hefty guards. I couldn't quite see their faces, but anytime I looked in their direction and saw the man seated staring, , felt chills. His greyish-blue eyes glistened in the dimly lit room making me feel uneasy . He had a strange aura around him.

We danced long into the night, making the poles our companion. Our bodies glisten under the light from sweat and body glitters. Dollar bills scattered all around the stage. Although I never wanted to be here, I still needed to do all I could because there was no choice left.

—--------------------

We finally made our way to the backroom and I heaved a sigh of relief. I successfully made it through the night or maybe not. Just as I was cleaning my makeup and tidying my stuff in order to go home, the door swung open. It was my stepdad. I wasn't pleased to see him because I despise him. My eyes followed him as he strolled casually into the room and went to lean against a chair adjacent to me. After few seconds of staring at me, he asked

“What you doing?”

“Getting ready to go home.” I replied, still trying to figure out what he wanted.

“There won't be need for that.”

“Uhm…. Why?” I asked

“Because you ain't going home.” He replied firmly.

I was looking at him confused. Coming closer to me, he said,

“ I think I underestimated you. You performed beautifully and you caught the eye of someone who will be taking you home.”

“What?” I asked in disbelief.

“I won't do it.” I continued.

These words infuriated him that he forcefully grabbed my neck and pinned me to the wall.

“Say that again.” He shouted with his eyes red and almost popping out of its sockets.

Fear enveloped me, I dared not utter another word.

“Good girl, I thought as much.”

Still firmly holding my neck, he threatened.“ The next time you object to my orders, I'll make sure I k**l you and your wretched mother.

Hot tears rolled down my cheeks as I trembled in fear.

A sharp knock on the door interrupted before it was abruptly opened. It was a hefty, mean looking man in a suit and dark shades. He has similar features to the ones I sighted at the VIP section earlier.

“She's ready,” said my stepfather.

He gestured at me to pick my things and follow the man. Even though I didn't, I couldn't say no. I was subdued with fear.

Before I could even think the hefty man led me to the door with a hand gesture. I took light and shaky steps, more like a tiptoe. Before we left the room, he handed a long brown envelope to my step father and within seconds we were out of the room and heading to a parked two black, tinted SUVs.

Three other body built men stood by the sides of the car. I was about to pee on my pants from fear. But I just couldn't accept being whisked off like a homeless monkey, I had to act fast. The other man was directly at my back and without even thinking, I broke into a run. The man rapidly chased after me. He was bigger and stronger so he obviously caught me and held me tight. I looked like a puppy in his hands with my legs flying in the air. Still fighting for freedom, I kicked his groin which made his grip on me weaken. I couldn't even make a step because he caught me immediately. I felt a sharp stab at my neck, at that instant, my whole body was weak and numb.

……