Bare

Chapter Nine- The Replacement

As Gwen pulled her attention to the front door of the club before her, she neglected to notice the plethora of cars in the lot that would have prepares her for the long line of women set within the building. Her gaze caught upon them as they looked to her with nest disgust as each of them looked as if they were all up for the role of "secretly slutty girl next door". Her steps moved immediately into the direction of Deacon's office as she blew passed the changes in the club she called home up until this moment. She found him within the confines of his desk, looking over a young girl's resume as she walked in. 

"Can you wait outside a moment?" He spoke, his eyes not lifting from the page, as neither girl had been sure just who exactly his suggestion was made for. Gwen took it upon herself to guilt the young girl to leave, before having her mouth drop open as his next set of words. "I meant you, Gwen. I will be with you after I am done here." She glared in response as the nameless woman's gaze fell to the floor before Gwen marched past her rather violently. She was forced to wait the better half of an hour, along with a line of women who all studied and envied her for her God given curves and inability to attain such looks without the use of a plastic surgeon and a generous amount of money. 

"Did you have each girl blow you or something?" She asked as he clenched his jaw and pulled her into the room, shutting it loudly behind him. 

"My God, do you ever think of what you say before you say it?"

"I shouldn't have to wait. I work here...I am the number one seller on that stage."

Suddenly the content and even slightly agitated expression upon Deacon's face turned dark. Not sinister, but threatening in a way that she knew she would still be safe set in his presence. 

"Perhaps before with Owen, he would kiss your feet at the notion of you running your hand up his thigh. This is not your club any more than it is any girl standing in line, but make no mistake, girls like you come a dime a dozen-and many, more thankful than you." He squared off at her, both rising the s****l tension as well as leading her to clench her jaw in response to him. "Perhaps if Owen told you "no" every once in a while, you could show a bit of humility…"

"You would really risk me walking out of here and losing your lead clientele for proving a point?"

"You need this job, more than this job needs you. I won't lie, you are good, but there are girls better than you. Ones that can be charming and keep their sarcastic comments and immature reactions enclosed."

"What is the fun in that?" She asked while moving towards him, attempting to use her abilities of seduction to prove her own point. 

"I have a lot of girls to see and still so much to do in regards to the club-" as he spoke, she surprised him by moving behind him and bringing her fingers into his shoulders. She kneaded the knots she felt desperate for release in tension as he closed his eyes and winced at the aching massage that both eased and pained him. 

"You think you're irresistible, don't you?" He asked, making her stop her motions. "Any girl can take off their clothes…"

"I have never had any complaints before." She spoke, proud in her statement, while pulling her fingers back into her own possession. 

"You have no right to come in here without knocking from this point forward. I will only tell you this once. You will not walk over me as Owen allowed you to. Now, let the next girl in." He ordered before dismissing her and sitting back behind his desk. 

Without a choice, Gwen moved to the door and found a hopeful girl jump up upon the door coming open. The girl who stood before her held everything any guy could want-present as true competition to Gwen. The girl who stood across from her held physical similarities of Anna Nicole Smith, a Barbie type beauty held together by thick makeup, a spray tan, and hair extensions. Yet, as the door closed behind her, Gwen heard Deacon's charming voice having greeted her with professionalism and intrigue-instantly making her jealous.

Four hours would pass as Gwen attempted to distract herself while becoming familiar with the changes of the club. The VIP section that had consisted of a simple curtain and couch had been converted into a full mini-lounge with a fully stocked mini bar, radio, tv, and chaise lounge. The main portion of the club had been altered from a cheap servicing to that of great thought. The bar had been exchanged from tacky flashing lights to grecian styled molding with intricate designs hugging the black and gold marble counter. The stage was set in the center around a bar as stools more comfortable than any bed rounded the lifted platform and velvet chairs hugged the exterior wall. She was also taken back by the change in menu. Basic points of beer and shots were removed from the available items and altered into classic cocktails like "Fuzzy Navel" and "Mojito". The food had been changed from finger foods to ones of more elegance as well, keeping with Deacon's vision of a changed aesthetic. 

They would not reopen this club for another week, but that did not mean the stage would go without heels imprinting into its waxed top. Gwen took this chance along to familiarize herself with the changes, gaining comfortable on the new stage. Without the use of poles, she would have to rely on dance moves and lip synching alone while teasing s*x with crawling and shaking her ass for single bills. The thought wasn't one of disinterest as she envisioned a packed house and money showering her as Cardi B's lyrics to "money" played in the background. 

"Gwen, I would like you to meet your newest co-worker, Yasmine."

Gwen was forced to withdraw herself from the perfect circumstances she had mentally built herself. She played nice by extending her hand and a smile, before hearing the girl speak with a classic southern accent. Yasmine was the type of girl guys fell to their knees for, and this made Gwen realize she had true competition. Not just for the club, however, but for Deacon's attention. Gwen grew frustrated with each second his eyes were on Yasmine or his hand would be on the base of her back to try and make her feel welcome. Gwen fought with this as it was difficult for her to do so without a glare or clenched jaw-something Deacon took note of. 

"I almost forgot…" he spoke before sliding two credit card hotel keys into each of the girl's palms. "I will not have anyone under my employ without a decent place to stay. You will be set up at the Emerald Resort, but under one stipulation." Both girls waited for this before be removed contracts from a folder on a nearby table. "You will both be expected to follow these guidelines. You may read over then if you like." He spoke but Gwen and Deacon both watched as the girl signed. 

"Whatever it is, I am honored to have this job and will fight to keep it." Gwen wanted the same passion to be seen from her, and so without reading the fine print of what would be expected of her employ, she signed her name quickly. Deacon looked to her with surprise before handing each girl a copy and bringing them to their hotel rooms before parting from them for his own evening plans. 

"Even though it is jealousy, I am glad you decided to take this seriously…" he spoke to Gwen as she scoffed, while Yasmine moved into the building via a door man.

"As if I have a reason to be jealous…" 

"Perhaps you do." His words made her scowl before he disappeared and she entered the hotel-unaware of the position she had gotten herself into.