3

I have never really felt ashamed about working as an exotic dancer. I mean does it disgust me? Yes. Can I say that I am proud? No. But I will never be ashamed of doing what I have to, for not only my survival but Liam's. Walking back into the club after being in the room with Colton though, I can't help but feel ashamed. For the life of me, I can't figure out why. I move through the crowded club, playfully touching and laughing like I'm supposed to but it feels more empty than usual. Ignoring the lingering gazes as they fantasize about me and God only knows what else. It's easy to ignore the eyes on me. They always look, but Roxy pays no mind. This time is different. I can feel a set of eyes following my move. I look around but see no one staring at me. Then again, it is a little dark and it is hard to tell. I jump a little when someone grabs my shoulder. I spin to see Desmond smiling like the Cheshire Cat. He leans in close to my ear so I can hear him over the loud music "You're on fire tonight, Roxs. Go to room 4 for a private dance for the rest of the night!" My jaw dropped a little and I looked at him like he grew two heads. Private dances for the night are rare and cost a flat rate charge, with the dancer getting about half. Which isn't bad for a night of work, but I make more in tips on the floor. "Can't you get someone else, Des? I need the money from the tips?" Desmond immediately shook his head. "They requested you specifically, Pussycat. Even paid double. I'll put the envelope with your share in your locker. Now go." He shoos me off to the hallway, and I can't help but groan. Why would someone request me for the night? I run my hands through my hair, before walking into room 4. I let out an incredulous laugh when I see Colton sitting on the small couch again. "Change your mind about me, handsome?" I made my way towards him. When I reached his legs, I slide one of mine between his knees until there was enough space for me to step closer. "I already said I wanted you" his voice smooth and collected and I smile and turn my back to him in response. I could feel his eyes on the back of my head as I sat in his lap and pushed my back against his chest. Trying to hide the fact that I actually love the feel of his body against mine. It's like deja-vu. He picked me up and sat me down next to him, my legs draped over his. He reaches over to his other sides and grabs a jacket that he uses to throw over my shoulders and cover my body. I'd be lying if I said that it didn't feel amazing to have his jacket around my shoulders. The warmth, the smell.... it was almost overwhelming. "Again, why request me for a private dance, if you don't want me to dance?" "Because you're mine, kitten. And I do-" "Just because you paid for some of my time, doesn't make me yours! I am not an object!" I cut him off from whatever he was saying. I throw his jacket off my shoulders and swing my legs off him to stand up. I step up on the small stage and turn to face him. "You paid for a private dance for the rest of the night. Do you want a lap dance or a pole dance first?" I trail my hand up and down the pole slowly, smirking when I see his eyes follow the movement. He clears his throat, looking at the ground for a minute. If I didn't know better, I would say he was having a conversation in his head. He nodded and shook his head like he was responding to questions. Is he having some sort of seizure? His head snapped up to me and his eyes held some sort of resolve. "You look tired, Kitten. I paid for the night in hopes that you would go home and get some sleep." He rubs the back of his neck nervously. "I look tired... so you paid for a private dance from me... so I can go home to bed instead of working?" I repeated back to him slowly, making sure I understood completely. "Yes" Colton smiles sheepishly and I couldn't help furrow my brow. "Erm... ok.. thanks?" "You're welcome, kitten." He opened his arms up like he wanted a hug, but I just stared at him. He nods his head in understanding and puts his jacket on. "I'll see you soon, kitten" he winks before walking out the door. My heart is pounding in my chest as I stand there in stunned silence. What?! I mean, far be it from me to turn down half a night off, with pay from the money he paid for the private dance time. That was just the weirdest experience I think I have ever encountered. I make my way quickly to the dressing room. I pull on a pair of black yoga pants over my thong I don't carry a purse because some of these girls are less than trustworthy. I throw my phone and the envelope full of cash in my Bikini top before shrugging on my 'Love Pink' hoodie. Usually I get a ride with one of the other girls, but it's not even 11 o'clock. If I hurry I can catch the last bus. I go out the back door so that no one will see me. The cold air hits my skin, and I can instantly see my breaths puff out in little clouds. I walk quickly towards the bus stop, which is just down the block from the club. Usually, the streets have people walking around, but tonight seems eerily quiet. I walk a little faster to get to the bus stop. I bet my bed is going to be so excited to see me home early. Even Liam will be happy that I am not going to be as tired tomorrow as I normally am. He deserves to do something fun tomorrow. Maybe I'll take him to see the new Disney movie. Yeah and we can get ice cream after. A warm hand clamps over my mouth while an arm pulls me back against someone's body. I thrash in the tight hold, trying to break free, as I'm dragged backwards. But it's no use, the hold is to strong and there is no one out to hear my muffled screams. Hot tears rush down my face as I'm dragged farther away from where I was going. I can hear the sound of a car door opening and I try to no avail to break free again. This cannot be happening! All I can think about is Liam. What will happen when I'm not there to make him breakfast tomorrow? Who is going to know that he likes his sandwiches cut in triangles not squares? More tears fall and I come out muffled sobs as I realize he might think I left him. Just tucked him in one night and took off, unable to handle the stress. Like I didn't even care or love him! I'm lifted off the ground and set into the back set of some sort of SUV. As soon as the door closes I try to open it. Of course, child locks. The guy in the passenger and driver seat I don't know but the guy who slips in next to me makes my heart stop. Colton. "P-please" Is all I manage to to get out between hysterical sobs. Colton's face is heavy with what looks like regret but he nods to the driver to go. The tires screech as the driver hits the gas and the world is moving around us. Another choked sob leaves my lips and more tears fall. "Shh..... Calm down, kitten. It's OK. Everything is OK." He cooed, trying to soothe me. My breaths start to become more shallow and I grab my chest. I claw at the door, bang on the window but nothing works. I'm trapped. Black dots start to appear in my vision as I gasp for air. "s**t! She's having a panic attack! Roll down the window!" I feel the cool air hit my face, but it's too late. "Breathe, kitten. Please breathe!" Is the last thing I hear before darkness consumes me.