after math

CHAPTER 8

Immediately I got home, I rushed upstairs and tossed the shopping bags on the bed. Mom wasn't home as usual. To be honest, I was kinda surprised when I saw her this morning. I took a quick shower and threw on a top and a pair of jeans.

I packed everything I was supposed to change into in a little bag and took an Uber to the club. The dressing room for strippers was filled with different kinda girls.

My heart pounded in my chest as the makeup artist glammed me up. I can't believe I was going to perform half naked on stage. I felt like running away, but I didn't have much of a choice.

After my makeup was done, I changed into a white lingerie and gold heels. My hair was tied up, and my face gleamed. Only I didn't feel the same way.

I stood on a queue with a couple of girls. We were supposed to take turns. Yea, I know. This s**t is so creepy. The rest of the girls seemed excited, but I couldn't help but feel gloomy as I watched a red head perform. She was so good at her job and I envied her. The way she moved her body seductively to every beat as dollars were sprayed on her. Men old enough to be her Father cheered as she twirled around the pole. My heart sank to the pit of my stomach and I was having a mental breakdown mostly because I was next in line to perform and the only dance I could do was dance dance revolution (DDR) whenever I go to the arcade with Thea.

I didn't realise how fast my heart was beating until I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned round and I saw that guy. What was his name again? Right. Aurelio. "Hi, Jenna. Boss demands your presence." He said briefly and left. What was that supposed to mean? And who was this 'boss'? I think it was that super handsome guy I met yesterday. His aura gave that fact away.

I thought of this as a redemption. That guy unknowingly saved my life. At least for today. I hurriedly followed Aurelio, and we stopped in front of giant black double doors. He pushed it open and stepped in while I followed suit. Woah! This place was amazing. It was like a private stripping club with many strippers. Then, I caught sight of him. His hair was messy, making him look more attractive than he did yesterday. His midnight blue eyes studied the strippers as they danced effortlessly. "Eccola qui, signore."[Here she is, Sir.] Aurelio said, and he turned to face us. A shiver went down my spine as he looked me up and down. That's when I realised I wasn't fully clothed. "Leave." He ordered everyone else in the room, his eyes never leaving mine. Wow. As he said that one word, I noticed that his English was flawless and he had an amazing Australian accent. As soon as they all left, he motioned for me to come stand in front of him. My feet moved reluctantly towards him. "Go over there." He pointed to a pole in the middle of the room. "And entertain me." What? I stood there dumbfounded. This is really crazy. And here I was thinking this guy saved my life. I ignored the demeaning silence and walked towards the pole, wrapping my arms around it. I sighed and tried to remember exactly what that redhead was doing earlier trying to copy it.

I was only halfway through my dance when he spoke. "Stop!" It was a command. And I did. Abruptly. "Come here." It sounded like a whisper. Okay, I was getting sick of all his little gestures. "Jenna Enid Flores". He called my full name, and I just stared at him. He examined me so carefully that I felt naked and chilly under his cold gaze. What else does he know about me? "I can't let you do this." He said, snapping me out of my thoughts. "What?" I inquired. "This. I can't let the world see this. You are terrible at dancing. I won't lose customers because of you." Okay, now I'm really confused. Was it that bad, tho? "Now, go change into something decent and meet me in my office."