Chapter 2 What did I just get myself into?!

Lila

We finally got to the place and the moment we walked in, I knew the place wasn’t normal. There were dim lights, expensive decor and the scent of alcohol filled the air. There were a number of men in every corner and hot beautiful women with model figures, throwing themselves at the men.

"Jenna… what is this?" I asked, my stomach turning at the sight.

"It’s a private club. The girls here are entertainers." She turned to me with a firm gaze while I looked at her weirdly.

"You mean they’re…"

"Escorts.” She cut in sharply.

“Some of them strip, some just dance, and some do more but the money, Lila…" She paused and squeezed my hand.

"This guys are freaking rich, Lila. They tip stupid just to watch you pretend to like them. Trust me, one night here could cover months of your rent." She let out.

“I’m not taking my clothes off for strangers,” I hissed while she smirked.

“You think I want to shake my ass for creeps in Rolexes? But my sister's not dying in a Medicaid bed, so…” She paused again, her voice softening.

“Just try it this one night. Talk to them and watch them pay you to breathe!” She let out.

I wanted to say no and just storm out but I remembered the doctor's words, and the pain Mia was in. It’s just a night after all, and according to Jenna, I don’t have to do anything bad. It’s just dance and I get paid.

“Fine.” I finally caved but she must have seen the heaviness in my eyes because she spoke again, softer this time.

"I know this isn’t you but one night here could pay your rent. A few more, and you could start saving for Mia."

A few more? The thought alone made my stomach twist, but I was too desperate for a way out to be choosy.

"I’ll do it." I swallowed hard, while she immediately pulled me into the changing room.

“Here.” She tossed me a nice black lace bodysuit.

“Okay so a few pointers, I have two tricks I use. You either channel your inner femme fatale, or just stand there and be a cute baby doll. Trust me, it works like magic everytime.”

I nodded after which she took me to the manager who studied me for a while before finally agreeing.

“Your client is in Suite 6. He likes them sweet and quiet.” He said and then shoved a tray of expensive whiskey into my hands.

“Don’t screw this up, I’m only letting you do this because it’s Jen asking.” He added before pointing me to the room while I nodded nicely and left.

The room was dimly lit but I could see the man sitting there relaxed with his back to me. I was scared for a second until he turned to face me and I saw his face.

My God, he was a fine young man, maybe early thirties, with sharp cheekbones and dark, assessing eyes which scanned me from head to toe.

“I… I’m Lila.” The tray clattered as I set it down.

“Can I… pour you a drink?” I asked but he didn’t answer.

I wanted to really impress him so I tried to be seductive, and do what Jenna had told me. I swayed my hips, letting my hands trail over my body like I knew what I was doing but I didn’t. I was just a girl who had never done this before, now trying to pretend she belonged.

Still, I didn’t give up. I really needed the money so I stepped forward and twirled but I lost my balance, and I nearly tripped.

God, I was a joke!

I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing myself to breathe through the humiliation that I had caused upon myself.

I finally opened my eyes and saw him watching me and that made me feel exposed in a way I wasn’t prepared for.

"I…" My voice cracked so I swallowed and tried again.

"I’m sorry, it’s my first time. I… please don’t report me. I need this job."

“Dance!” He finally talked and it wasn’t a request. It was an order.

“I don’t… I can’t…”

“Dance or get out!” His words punched through me but Mia needs this so I closed my eyes, and started moving my hips again.

I was starting to ease into it and that made me too confident. I remembered a move I saw in a movie but I forgot I wasn’t an expert. The moment I tried to do it, I tripped over my own feet and crashed, face down into the couch.

“Pathetic.” He said with much disdain and that was it for me. I snapped immediately.

“I’m trying, okay? My sister’s dying, and I’m here humiliating myself because some rich guy gets off on it so sue me if I suck at this, Mr. VIP!” I yelled so hard but seeing the calmness on his face, I knew it was all in my head. My brain knew better than to say such words out loud to him so the words never made it out of my mouth.

“I’m sorry…” that was what I managed to say instead.

He stared at me in silence for a while before he finally stood up and dropped a thick wad of cash on the table. My breath caught as I stared at the hundred-dollar bills.

“There’s $10k there.” He said and then pulled out a black business card and slid it beside the money.

“Call me if you want a real job.” He added and then walked out.

The door shut behind him while I stood there, staring at the money and the card. My hands shaking as I reached for them.

Ten thousand dollars for the wack dance I did?

What the hell have I just gotten myself into?…