Chapter 1

1746 Words
Gabriella 2 years ago " Get on stage and work your butt off or the repercussions of your mistakes will be felt by your mother". She squeezed my cheeks so hard I felt her sharp long sharp nails dig into my delicate skin. Madame Rouge, the Red Dhalia of this brothel and the one who owns each girl in this place. This God-forsaken place that I was born in. Now it was my time to take my mother's place since I've come of age. It is what every girl child goes through when they are old enough. They become the new source of entertainment and a new toy for all those men to ogle and fondle as they please. " Don't worry my dear, you are a gem and therefore untouchable". She smiled ever so wickedly there was no sense of remorse in her black dull eyes that only seem to light up at the sight of money. I guess I was expecting a lot by thinking that she would spare me from this fateful day. She has been doing this for a long time that I doubt she feels anything anymore. Mother was standing by the door of the make-up booth with a sullen expression and unshed tears watching as Madam Rouge instilled fear in me. I blinked my eyes at her to assure her that everything would be fine and she did the same. My mother had become sick as of late so my time came a little earlier to take over for her. I would do anything for her even though I despise every inch of this life. I was all decked up and clothed in the skimpiest of clothes. My face was unrecognizable from the usual and nothing was left for imagination. Rouge took it upon herself to make me presentable as she says for the feasting eyes waiting to satiate their lust. I was feeling so violated but then again, what choice do I have. My life had been set since I was born here. My mother got sold here by her father to pay off his gambling debts and ever since she became Rouge's possession. I must admit that the other women here came on their own, out of helplessness or whatever reason but not all. At one point my mother fell in love with a customer and that's how I came to be. After the man found out that mom was pregnant with me he just vanished and was never seen again. She planned to send me to a foster home so that I can escape this kind of life but only boys were allowed to leave this place. I was just unfortunate to be born as a girl and it felt like a curse. " Joan, tell her that it is nothing scary to be on that stage. All she needs to do is lure in all those bastards with her and her sharp mesmerizing eyes. " She stood me up from the vanity chair to inspect her masterwork and she nodded and smirked in satisfaction. Mom came closer and pulled me into her warm loving arms. I know she never wanted this for me but it is what it and we will just have to live with it. " My dear, you can still back out this." Tears were profusely trickling down her cheeks and her eyes were puffy from holding her tears for long. Her hands were cold as she placed them on my cheeks trying to comfort me but this was for her and I'm not going to let up. " Please Ella, I don't care about this my life, I've lived long enough so don't make such a sacrifice... " Suddenly she has hardly pulled away from me and she stumbled but caught her balance " How foolish can you be Joan? She sneered venomously at her grabbed her arm. " In all the 20 years you've been here you think there is a way out of this?" Mom seemed to be in pain but I knew if I intervened things would be worse so I just stood doing nothing but digging my nails into my palms. I was shaking with anger but angry at myself for being such a damsel. " You are still mine Joan! and so is your precious little Gabriella here," she pointed towards and put pressure on mom's arm that she started to groan. I couldn't take it anymore, I fell on my knees to beg pardon for mom. It's the only way I know to appease her. " Please madam Rouge, let go of her she's hurting. I promise I will do everything expected of me and I won't act up just so long as she is safe." I looked up at her and she smiled in satisfaction. Oh, how I wish I could smack it off her old botched-up face. She let off mom and I shakily stood up. " You see, now that's the kind of attitude I want. Give me full cooperation and we won't have problems or else... unnecessary blood will be shed." She threatened to trace her bony fingers on mom's face and to wrap them lightly on her throat to emphasize her words. Mom was shaking like a leaf and I was seething on the inside but as always I was not brave enough to curse her out. " Now that we have an understanding that no one will do anything stupid or develop any cute ideas, I think it's time to get the show on the road. I can feel the hungry vulture's from right here." Giving mom a once over she cackled up like a witch dragging me along to hell. We reached the last curtains to the stage and she gave me the last prep talk and pushed me out in the lights. I immediately covered my face from the blinding light till I adjusted. Every chatter in the room went quiet for a moment and their eyes were fixed on me while I was probably looking like a deer in headlights. Nevertheless, I started to get on stage and I was introduced as the new stripper Bella, my stage name. The man howled and cheered to that and the stage was set for me to start. Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande started to play and I took in deep breaths and tried to relax my tense muscles. Gosh these heels were so damn high but thank God we are given proper training with the heels or else I'd make a fool myself tonight. I moved my body sensually to the music and got in the mood. I used all the dancing skills I was taught and I was really good. All around the room I could see all these phony pot-bellied rich men groping girls as they served drinks to them. Others were grinding the man while they put money in their bras or panty. The majority of these men were married and it disgusted me how they could so easily be unfaithful to their wives and yet I was a part of the entertainment that's keeping them away. While I was lost in the music I tried to avert my eyes away from the crowd but they got locked with strange electric blue eyes amongst the men but I couldn't make out the face due to the rain lights but the pull was so strong. I could not bring myself to look away and neither did he, it was like I was captivated but I didn't lose the sequence of my dance. I kept moving erotically as my life depended on it, well mom's life depended on me giving a show that would make these vultures go wild and spend money like there's no tomorrow. Indeed they did not disappoint as they started to throw money on the stage as worked the pole with my acrobatic moves. After a few minutes the song ended and so was the dance. I got off stage and Ricky escorted me backstage as he does for every girl. He was our protection from crazy men who would attack girls in the corridor on their way back to the booths. Rick is a very quiet guy who does his job well and is like an elder brother to all the women in this place so I felt safe with him after the recent exposure. He let me get into my booth and I shut the door quickly. I was sweating and a bit shook up but I did not get a chance to regain composure as Rouge busted in with q sickly smile on her. For goodness sake can't I get a break from this witch, I groaned inwardly. " What a performance my dear Bella!" She sounded so pleased for my liking. I wonder what she wants from me now, haven't I done enough today? She came towards me and cradled my cheeks in her palms then leaned in to kiss them. I scrunched up my nose as I caught a whiff of her cheap strong perfume. When she let go of me I could finally get a whiff of air unpolluted by her cheap fragrance. " Come on put a smile on that face. You have managed to buy a life for your mother and secure your first potential client on your opening night!" At the mention of the client, my heart started to pound fast and my palms got sweaty. No, she said I am untouchable, I'm not ready for this...I can't do this. " You said I am untouchable so why did you agree with the client? I can't do this...I'm not ready for that," I turned away from her burning gaze. She came behind me and faced me through the mirror placing her hands on my shaking arms. " Things work by money here and if he offers a convincing amount then we dance to his melodious currency tunes. So quit whining and brace yourself for some fun time." My heart dropped and she smiled at me like everything is alright, well for her it was. " I would not worry much if I were you. He's a sight for sore eyes and he had me wishing I was your age. Be glad he's not some big tummy old folk. Trust me." With that said she pats my cheek and left me to marvel at my thoughts.
Free reading for new users
Scan code to download app
Facebookexpand_more
  • author-avatar
    Writer
  • chap_listContents
  • likeADD