Chapter 2 - Darkness

"Not so fast, Cora? You are late again." I heard his angry husky voice behind me and turned to face him.

"Am very sorry Ken, it won't happen again." Truly, I wasn't planning on being late again and I never thought I would be late today but how do I explain to him that I dozed off in the library and overslept?

"It's the same thing you said yesterday and the day before," Ken said in a stern but low voice, not wanting to attract unnecessary attention.

"Please, this time, it's for real". I said, hoping I sounded as convincing as I was, and turned to go change.

"Where do you think you are going?

'To get changed?" I said to him, thinking about how dumb a question he was asking me when he knew I couldn't work in trousers and a T-shirt.

"Good, wear these," he let out, throwing a small bag in my direction, which I caught mid-air. I looked into the bag and gaped at the content. A short, simple black dress with high heels. Am a stripper, and not a whore, for crying out loud.

"No one can hang on a pole with these?" I explained to him, trying my best for it to sound both like a statement and a question.

"Exactly. Ashley already took your place because her appointment was at 10 pm, So you take her place since you are late. Take your time to shower and put on these clothes. Greta will get you some good cologne too," he announced and turned to leave. Did he just push me into whoredom? Who gave him that right? I tried to suppress my fury.

"Wait, am not....."

"I know, I never said you are. Our client only needs an escort for the night and don't disappoint me because he paid good and you have 15k for your share," he grinned. How can a man spend that much? It's insane.

"15 what? He must be a serial killer and am not going. No human will pay that much for sex, thoughtless of an escort."

"You don't have a choice, Cora, it's either you go or you cease to work here."

His face was straight and I knew he meant every word. But what's the big deal. Some excuse of a man somewhere is bored and needs an escort. Possibly, he's a billionaire because me getting a share of 15k, means he must have paid about 30k. But what if he was a serial killer? How could I spend the whole night with a stranger without him wanting to have an affair with me? I know how men drool over me when I hang on the pole and the club makes lots of money, which is why they pay me well. 

Maybe, Ken was sending me as a prostitute but doesn't have the guts to tell it to my face. For the six months, I've been a stripper, I am proud to say that I never followed any man home. School was a great excuse I always used to avoid such situations and as soon as I complete next year, am done with this job. I have kept my virginity for my Prince charming so what if I get raped? Well, I might not call it rape because I'm going to be paid 15k but this isn't how I plan on losing her virginity.

Quitting this job is the best option but then, how do I foot my mum and sister's bills? Thinking about this makes every membrane in my brain begin to torture me. He is completely gazing at me now, obviously waiting for my final answer. 

"Give me the location," I said in a whisper, too ashamed to let another person hear me.

"I knew you won't let me down," Ken's countenance chanced from stern to his usual friendly self. Being gay made it easy for him not to be attracted to any girl. He handed me a card with a gold signature. It looked more of a formal invitation to some VIP dinner.

I went to the Inn just opposite the strip club to shower and change into the clothes he gave me. Most men pick girls from the club to the Inn but they have few rooms reserved for the staff, who slept over. Greta gave me some cosmetics and I was just glad she had a lavender cologne. I love lavender because it calms me.

"You look different, Cora." Greta admired with a smile.

"Yeah, I know, I look like a slut." I said harshly. I didn't know why I was releasing my frustration on the poor girl but I wanted to let out some of the heat trapped inside my head.

"No you don't, You are all dressed up. You go almost naked when you hang on that pole so I would have chosen this if I were you," she chuckled. I gave her a weak smile, sensing her innocence. Of course, Greta works here as an errand girl, and being a girlfriend to one of the bosses, she is not forced to go escorting strangers or hanging on a pole so how could she understand?

"Ken has a car arranged to drop you there. But it won't wait for you," she said. I wanted to tell her I could drive myself there before I remembered how old my car was and kept mute.

"That's nice of him. Tell him I said thanks," I said to her, making my way to the Audi waiting for me. The driver drove me to the hotel and sped off as soon as I got out of the car. I guess am on my own now.

"Last floor, presidential suite. Don't knock, Just go in," The receptionist said, after looking carefully at the card.

"Ain't you going to inform him or anything?" I asked her, knowing hotels this big should have some protocols.

"Naaah, he's expecting you, and please don't turn on the light when you get in there and remember not to knock too. He already knows you are here," she warns with seriousness.

Instantly I felt a gush of fear pour all over my body. What kind of a weird person was I going to meet? Why shouldn't I turn on the light? It's okay if I don't knock but light? He must be some psycho.

"May I know why I can't turn on the light? I mean, how can I make out my way in the darkness?" I asked her. I wasn't expecting a look of shock on her face. What she told me wasn't normal, yet she acted as if I was the abnormal one.

"You should be lucky he agreed to see you. I lot of girls are dying to even talk to him but he doesn't give them a chance. Just follow his instruction." She said.

Agree to meet me? he was the one asking for some escort and what is it about light with him? I don't think I will get any answers from her. I just have to check things out by myself. So I went into the elevator and pressed the topmost button. Soon, there was a big sound and the door slid open and I stepped out. 

I noticed only one room on this floor, telling by the door.  The door and entrance were more magnificent than the corridor and doors to other luxurious hotels I've been to so this was the presidential suite. It also meant that if this man was going to kill me, he would just do it with no one noticing. I lingered in the corridor for a while, trying to calm her thoughts. I don't have anything to protect myself with and I am going to be all alone with a stranger.

I walked slowly to the door, each step taking almost a minute. I stood still in front of the door, and I could hear the sound of my heart beating. With trembling hands, I reached for the knob, afraid to turn it. 

Taking a deep breath, I mastered the courage. Whatever happens, happens. 'Mum, Cecil, I love you. Just in case you don't see me again. Please God, receive my soul in heaven if I die today.' I said a silent prayer in my head, and pushed the door gently.

My face was washed with a cold breeze as total darkness blinded me. Not even the light of a socket could peep through the darkness. I took a step in and closed the door gently behind me. I have never been engrossed with his kind of darkness in my entire life.

Ignoring the warning of the receptionist, I began to trail my fingers shakily on the walls, looking for a light switch. Just as got close to something that might be it, a deep, angry, and husky voice, rang through the room, making my heart stop.

"Don't!"