Dangerous Affair

Chapter 5

Tessa

Just another rocking Friday night at the bar.

I touch my face, my hands trembling against my warm cheek. The driver drops me off at the bar. I grasp for breath like never before. As always, the stench of alcohol flushes my nostrils and cigarettes fill the air. I can't believe I actually considered this, but I guess I don't have a choice.

It's just for one night.

I take a deep breath— my hair looks tousled, and I have no make-up on.

I haven't taken a good bath since my landlord locked me out of the apartment.

I glance at Anthony from a distance, my hand slightly raised, but I feel completely embarrassed that I have to do this. I look away and run my fingers through my hair when our eyes meet. His smirk feels mocking.

He walks in my direction, my heart pounding without a care in the world.

"You look like s**t," he said, his eyes rolling as disgust settles in them.

"I can explain."

"There's always something to say," he scoffs, pointing at the entrance of the bathroom. Go clean yourself up and make sure you come out in these." He tosses a set of red lingerie on my face; My skin crawls as it lands on me. "And one more thing, no mistakes, or you will not like the outcome."

"Yes boss," I reply.

I tremble along the way, the disco lights flickering around me. I turn to the counter and immediately Grace spots me, she looks away. None of the employees reached out and I feel shitty at the moment.

Slowly, wallowing in shame, I cling to the lingerie, tears streaming down my cheeks, I walk straight to the bathroom.

*

"It's now or never." I try to encourage myself as I walk out of the bathroom all dolled up like the perfect stripper Anthony wants. He had my make-up and hair done by one of his stylists. I can feel my bum sticking out. I try to cover up a bit, but Anthony glares at me from a distance.

"You can do this Tessa…" I whisper.

The perfect red lipstick, a pair of flirtatious lingerie and red black heels to steal the show.

All eyes settle on me as I walk to the pole with a heavy heart and pretentious smile. I hate the feeling of men wanting to have me and these vipers look starving.

"s**t! That's what I am talking about." I can hear a loud roar coming from those damn bikers I hate so much. "Sexy! Look at that, boys. The saint finally came out of her shell."

Endless whispering filled the air, and they all laughed in deep voices.

I swallow my pride. I have bills to take care of and this happens to be the only way I can sort them out by Monday.

I inhale deeply, twisting my neck and I walk straight to the pole. I grab it and start swinging on it. Although I feel shitty, the DJ was not helping issues as he played the most erotic blues I have ever heard.

"Go harder," the crowd roared.

With tears forming at the corners of my eyes, I start going higher and higher, spreading my legs wide on the pole, letting my body move to the rhythm of the music.

"f*****g hot," those vipers roar.

I looked down at the audience, those bloody fools had their c***s hardened for me, my heart bled. I try to hold back my tears not until the music stops, and I drop, but Anthony clears his throat, his eyes shooting daggers at me.

I wasn't finished yet.

The music only stopped.

"Boo!" The audience screams, the weight of shame settling around me. I grab the pole as the DJ starts the second round, my legs shaking like jelly as I feel a slap on my bum. I turned to the asshole, but I know I can't cuss at him. Anthony will kill me if I do.

I inhale the stench of cigarettes and alcohol as I aim at the pole— the end to my misery, at least for now.

I climbed the pole, but I lost balance, so I thought. I find myself slipping to the ground, but suddenly, I feel a pull behind me, leaning me in his arms.

"What the heck?!"

His eyes scan my body, his aura a bit dreadful and his scent flushes my nostrils.

"Who are you?" I stutter as I ask, trying to pull away from this strange figure. "Please, put me down."

"You are coming with me, Tessa," he commands, my heart pounding as his hold on me tightened slightly.

"Not cool, Nick," the audience nags.

I look around and notice that, not even one of the bikers could challenge him.

He turns, his expression completely shuts them up and Anthony rolls his eyes. He runs to the stranger, but tons of hefty bouncers surround him and he swallows. He tried to pull close, but the man's influence made him tremble.

"Uhm!" He stammers. "Mister Nick. I can get you another girl if you want. This one is already booked for the bar tonight. You have to understand, my customers are quite disappointed."

"The girl comes with me," he declares. "The party's over…"

"Not cool dude," some of the audience screams, my eyes flicker in fear as some of them take out their pistols, their hefty bodies ready for a fight. I can tell they have bad blood with the stranger.

"Unless you have a death wish, come close," the Adonis declares.

The bar went silent, not even a pin dropping on the ground was heard. I tremble in his arms, but his strength overpowers me. He turns to the exit as I cry bitterly for what is to come.

"Put me down," I yell, but he ignores me.

His expression hardens as he carries me to his car. I slam my fists on his shoulders, but nothing works and no one is coming to save me.

"I am not a w***e, put me down…." I cry bitterly.

I scream till the lumps in my throat settle and my vision blurs. I know Anthony too well, he won't pay me for tonight.

I should have just stayed back instead.

Tonight is the day I completely embarrassed myself.

I wish I was born differently. I cried bitterly.

If only my father wasn't a mess, I wouldn't be here right now.

Slowly, darkness clouds the earth, my belly grumbling and my vision slightly blurred.

"I am not a whor—" I cry without finishing my statement.

And everything went dark.