Chapter 3
Chapter three
Alina
“There’s no way I’m wearing this,” I state in horror as I stare at myself in the full-length mirror, completely appalled.
My breasts are barely contained in the gold sequined bikini top, my ass is on full display in the matching bottoms, and my feet can barely walk in these ridiculously high heels.
What the hell was I thinking agreeing to this?
I wrap my arms protectively around myself, close my eyes, and inhale through my nose while counting to four. Think of why you’re doing this.
“Come on, babe. You look so hot!” Jen finishes tying my top into place and then stands beside me, admiring her reflection.
She’s wearing a very similar outfit, the only difference being that she knows how to rock it with confidence, while I definitely do not.
“You said you needed money, right? Well, this is the only way you’ll see the kind of cash you’re looking for.
” She pulls on her strap, tightening the material so it gives her boobs an instant lift.
“As a cocktail waitress, you’ll only make so much in tips.
But as a stripper, the money is endless…
If you give the men a show that leaves them wanting more.
” She winks, trying to douse my nerves, but her words only add fuel to the fire.
“I don’t know how you do this,” I tell her as I attempt to adjust my top to cover more of myself, which is futile since there’s barely enough fabric to conceal my nipples.
“Easy. I’m a single mom and have a sick two-year-old who relies on me.
” She shrugs. “I lost my corporate job a year ago, and with no health insurance, I had to make a decision. It was the only way I could afford the medications and hospital visits. I put my ego aside to make sure my kid will never know what it means to go without.”
I shake my head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to sound like—”
“I get it,” she says with a sympathetic smile, placing her hand on my shoulder. “This isn’t my first choice either. But you have to seriously consider how much you need this money and whether it’s worth it.” After a moment, she asks, “Is it worth it?”
Without hesitation, I reply, “Yeah, it’s worth it.”
I would do anything to keep my father safe and healthy. No questions asked.
“Now, about these.” She lightly grips the arms of my glasses and pushes them up, fashioning them into a headband to hold back my long brown hair. “Sorry, but guys usually prefer a woman without glasses.”
I blink a few times, letting my eyes adjust to the blurriness of my surroundings. I can barely make out what’s ten feet in front of me.
“I didn’t bring any contacts. Do you think—”
The lights flicker. Our cue that the show is about to begin.
“It’s showtime.” She grabs my hand and leads me behind the curtains. Finn, the newest DJ, starts speaking into the microphone, and a wave of reality washes over me, chilling me to my core.
Dear Universe, please don’t let anyone I know be on the other side of this curtain.
“You got this, girl,” she whispers as she nudges me forward.
Panicked, I reach out for the wall to steady myself. “Wait! I thought you were going first. I need a minute!”
The curtains part, and every cell in my body becomes paralyzed as I stare at the blurry crowd before me.
“Gentlemen, we certainly have a treat for you tonight. A stage virgin! I hear she’s a little shy, so please give a horny welcome for our newest addition, Alina!” Finn’s voice echoes across the space, igniting a roar of cheers and hollers from the mass of men.
My heart beats wildly, my body shaking with fear.
I can’t do this.
A shove from behind sends me stumbling forward.
I throw up an arm to shield my eyes from the blinding spotlight.
One hesitant step, then another. I pray I don’t fall flat on my face in front of everyone.
When I finally reach the end, I grab the pole for support, a flicker of relief settling in when I realize I’m still standing.
“Goddamn! Shake that sweet ass for us.”
I squint, peering to my right at the man closest to the stage. I can just make out his blond hair and his grimy smile. He reaches out his hand, holding something in it, and says, “Let me see that pussy, gorgeous. I’ll pay top dollar for a private ride.”
Shame washes over me from head to toe, accompanied by deep-rooted embarrassment.
I hate this.
My throat burns as I fight back tears, while the music intensifies over the speakers.
Men’s voices grow louder, demanding that I do things I never imagined myself doing.
“Take it off!” they chant, their eyes grazing ravenously over every inch of me.
I have to do this. I don’t have a choice.
Dropping my hand from the bar, I reach for the knot resting against my back and close my eyes as insecurity rolls through me tenfold. My fingers shake as I wrap them around the strings, ready to pull the loop loose.
Here goes nothing…
Suddenly, an explosive thud sounds before me, the vibration on the stage almost knocking me over.
My eyes pop open, and if I thought there was no way this night could get any worse, well, I was undoubtedly wrong.
“M-Mauro,” I breathe out shakily, lowering my hands as I unconsciously encircle them around myself.
The one man I would never want to see me like this is standing in front of me, fury blazing in his deep, whiskey-colored eyes that are fixed on me.
And only me.
The universe certainly has a cruel sense of humor.