but you caught Speck’s eye. I’m sure once he’s done with you he’ll be happy to see you on your way.”
My hands are rock steady while I apply the lipstick, a soft peachy color that I know makes my lips look even poutier than normal, perfect to make men think about ramming their cocks between them. I’ve had enough practice before competitions to learn how to keep my nerves in line and there’s already four thousand dollars locked away in my bag. That will always help me to deal with some bitchy attitudes.
“I’m just here to dance and make good money. That’s it. I’m not starting drama, I’m not being pulled into it, I’m just here to dance. If it really is a problem, I can move on and work somewhere else.”
She looks down her nose at me. “Well now you’ve caught Speck’s eye I can’t exactly tell you to leave, can I? You should though. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
That sounds threatening.
Jesus.
I lock up my shit, checking for sure it’s secure, and then I make my way out onto the stage again. The crowd is even bigger than the last time, rowdier and yelling out to me the entire time dancing. The money rains down onto the stage even though I’ve been out once already and I try not to listen to any of the words coming out of any of their mouths, just focussing on the dance itself and staying steady on the stripper heels. They’re new and even higher than the last pair.
When the song finally ends and I collect all of the cash, forcing a flirty grin on my face as I scoop it up even though I’d rather fucking choke than have any of these men touch me.
Speck is waiting for me in the locker rooms when I get out there.
I’m starting to get worried he’s into me, something I can’t freaking give him, no matter how nice or cute he is. He grins and motions at the green in my arms. “I’ve never seen a girl make that kinda money in a single night, let alone one fucking song.”
I grin at him and shrug, remembering at the last second I’m in a fucking thong and pasties. I fight a blush or, you know, dying of mortification.
I get my locker open and shove the money in my bag before I pull it out and head towards the showers. Speck chuckles at me and calls out, “I’d throw my life savings at that ass too, Angel-baby.”
Christ on a fucking cracker, I need to figure out how to let him down. Firm but gentle, enough that he doesn’t chase me but not so much that it gets me fucking fired.
“Selling him your ass already? Guess you aren’t Miss Prim and Proper after all,” Diamond sneers as I walk past her to get into the showers.
I ignore her but she was loud enough for Speck to overhear and he snarks back at her, “You should be grateful. Half your private dances came straight from Angel’s stage, she filled your fucking pockets tonight.”
Of course. That’s why she’ll be freaking pissed at me, I’m taking work from her and the other girls. I tell myself I don’t care but honestly, knowing they all hate me here doesn’t matter either way.
I need the fucking money.
I’ll happily be hated around here if it means my stage is the one getting all of the big tips. I’m not here to make friends, I’m here to set my life up and get out from the freaking hellscape I’m stuck in.
I take my time in the shower, scrubbing the gel out of my hair and washing away the glitter and crystals. The water is piping hot and I have to drag my ass out of there.
Speck is gone when I walk out but all of the other girls are in the locker room, dressed and ready to leave. I duck my head, ready to just tear out of there without another word, but one of the girls steps into my path to stop me.
“Hey! We’re having drinks tonight, wanna come with? I know being new is really hard here so I thought I’d invite you!” Melody says, twisting a strand of her bleach blonde hair around her finger like she’s flirting with me.
I wish I could. I think that would be the quickest way to get them all to stop hating on me but I can’t risk sleeping in the underground parking lot I’ve