The Devil in Question

The VVIP private rooms were nothing short of exquisite. I had only been in here once or twice to help out a colleague whenever they needed someone to cover their shifts. I didnt like performing for only one person in such a closed space, despite my assured safety and the prospect of getting more tips. So I stuck to working the stage and around the regulars in the club. Now, I was being forced to entertain this man.

I changed into a black set that was the most expensive one I owned, redoing my makeup and applying more red lipstick on my pouty lips. I was doing all of this under duress however.

My manager was explicit in his words - if I didn’t do as asked I would be out of the club on my ass. I couldn’t afford that rigat now. Even though I had saved up a lot of money, I still knew that I needed this job for at least my living expenses and then some. I was also saving up for a trip, I couldn’t leave the club now. This job was important to me and I knew I wouldn’t find a club quickly that would give me good treatment like here.

It was like a deal with the devil, and I loathed the idea of selling my soul, even though I would only be dancing for him for a few minutes tops.

The devil in question - Antonio the mafia boss - was seated, his coat laying on another side of the couch. His eyes felt like hot iron was seared into my skin. The music was playing, creating the perfect sensual atmosphere. And though my heart wasn’t in it, I silently cat walked over to the pole right in front of him and began my performance, movements I knew by heart.

I tried not to look at him as I did so, and kept my face impassive.

“Leave the pole,” he said, his voice a deep baritone that was rough around the edges of his statement. “Come here, Eve.”

Hearing him call my stage name (and my real-life nickname) made me swallow, and my knees were a little wobbly as I walked to his side.

“Tell me, are you here by force or by your will?” He asked as if this wasn’t a strip club, but a cafe and we were on a date. I was silent. I needed to remember my job. Dancing for this man. Dancing and nothing else.

I was under no obligation to tell him anything, only to smile and give sultry looks and be a body willing to give visual stimulation to him.

But Antonio didn’t get the gist it seemed.

He continued to talk.

“I doubt that you’re here by choice. Rather, maybe you don’t want to get thrown out the same way that the man you defended had been. Tell me,” his voice went even lower if that was possible as if he was asking a secret. “Who is he to you? That man who left with the broken nose and bruised up face. Is he a friend to you?”

Be quiet Eve, I told myself over and over again. Focus on doing your job. Your job and nothing else. Remember that.

I twirled, undoing my bra clasp and letting the straps slip from my shoulders. I skillfully removed it from my body in one swipe, and swung it like a lasso before tossing it at the other side of the couch. It landed near his coat but I paid it no mind other than that.

My chest bare, I hoped it would get him back to focus on the matter at hand - that I was only here for a few minutes to perform and then leave. He shouldn’t take any interest in me. I was just like the other girls.

“Is he your lover then?”

I swallowed, trying not to look at his eyes and keeping my mouth shut. The sooner I finish my set here, the sooner I can leave. The sooner I can get away from this dangerous, handsome, annoying man who had gotten my boyfriend fired and nearly beaten to a pulp.

“I asked you a question, testa calda. Who is that man to you?”

I still didn't reply.

Oh, let me just finish from here and leave this place. I prayed to whatever God would be listening to me, as i saw the sparks of danger in his eyes that made alarm bells ring in my own head.

I continued to dance, closing my eyes to the beat. I tried to remember why I enjoyed the job enough to continue it for over two years now.

Then I was jerked back to earth as I felt a hand around my waist, and I opened my eyes, gasping as the man tugged me towards him. I nearly fell on top of him, and could barely keep my balance, finding myself straddling his lap.

His eyes were grey, I realised nonsensically, as our faces were so close to each other now. EVery part of his body felt warm and hard, and strong. I tried to free myself but his grip on my waist only tightened.

“You aren't doing a very good job of pleasing me, are you?” he murmured.

I couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't take this. Not from this man who attacked my boyfriend that badly.

“Please don’t touch me. It’s not right for a customer to do so. And besides, I am only doing my job,” I snapped back. “Nothing more and nothing less.”

He smirked.

“Got you to speak, didn’t I?” The devil in human form grinned and I huffed, trying to stand up. But he didn’t let me, and I found myself trapped under his grip and his gaze.

Damn it.

“You’re here to please me, Eve,” Antonio Bernoti said with underlying tone of warning. “I advise you to do so, or you will test my patience more than you already have.”

…