𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨 | 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟒 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚

𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝

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| 2 9 |

Lotus Ecstasy Lounge
N.Y.C
Ten Months Later.
time unknown.
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Rose stared at the mirror in front of her and couldn't help but wander how she had gotten into this situation. Although ten months had passed— too much had happened. The wings she had gotten in that moment of freedom when she left Michael and Richard, were quickly ripped off. She was once again where she had started, caged in a new cage—of a new man. She was a prisoner, a chained bird. Exhaling heavily, she pulled on her wig cap and quickly adjusted her bubblegum pink bobbed wig. "You better quit all that sighing and hurry before the boss comes in here." Her co-worker Amara mumbled while applying her crimson red lipstick, the shade contrasted nicely with her dark skin. "Sorry, something feels heavy in my stomach." Rose finished up getting ready and stood up from the vanity she had become all too familiar with.

Girls crowded the back room in their skimpy outfits, their tall platform heels clinked in sync. Staring back at herself and her outfit, she chewed her bottom lip and got in line with the other girls—earning a few glares in the process. Her attire consisted of a costume that resembled Natalie Portman's stripper outfit in the film 'Closer' it had been chosen for her prior to this night. Just as she was about to speak up to ask Amara about the customers, a thick uncomfortable silence filled the room. She glanced up cautiously at the figure escorted by two bulky security guards. His smile grew as his eyes wandered over the many girls, until they stopped over hers— his smile dropped. "Everyone looks exceptional tonight." His thick Russian accent popped out with every word that left his mouth. "Tonight we have a full house and I expect all my customers treated nicely, a lot of you have a debt to pay with me— go out there and make money and then we'll discuss what can be paid off." He lit up a quick cigarette and tugged a curl away from his face. "Get out there now, all of you— except you Rosa." He pointed with the tip of his cigarette to Rose and proceeded to flick the ash on the palm of one of his security guards.

"She always gets to be alone with him."
"I bet she's going to suck his dick."
"He always plays favorite with that whore, she barely even has a body."

Mutters and whispers could be heard from the group as they dispersed outside the dressing room, the thumping music from outside was let into the room—until it was once again muffled by the closed door. She was alone with him now, her breathing felt like it could become uncontrolled any second. "You look wonderful." The male approached Rose, rubbing the palm of his hand over her flushed cheek. "Thank you Mister Pavlikovsky." She stared up at her young boss and forced a small smile. His curly brunette hair fell gently over his soft features. "How many times have I told you, just call me Boris." He checked the time on his watch and placed his attention back on Rose. "Your debt is almost paid off, you've been one of my best dancers this year—not only that but the customers love you on stage." He retrieved his hand, "and I've come to grow very fond of you." Boris added, the words leaving his mouth felt sweet—especially coated by his eccentric accent. "I appreciate what you've done for me, and what this place has given me." Rose rubbed her hand over the side of her rib and bowed her head lightly.

"Don't be so humble, I basically forced you to work here." He muttered with a hint of toxicity in his voice, Rose nearly flinched at the comment, but was able to force a stifled laugh, she was about to say something but was cut off when one of the guards gestured to his boss. "Well I've got to go to my office, lots of stuff is getting moved tonight— I'll be watching you from the balcony once business is settled with these nice Japanese fellows." He grabbed a hold of Rose's hand and kissed it lightly. "You'll go on after Amara." Rose nodded and watched as he turned and left with his men. His frail lanky figure disappeared beyond the darkness of the clubs lights.

Rose sighed and made her way out of the dressing room as well. There were men in suits sitting all over, girls dancing on them or above them on stages. Eyes followed her as she made her way to the bar to grab a quick drink before heading to her station. In the back of her mind, she thought of Richard and felt her heart tear at the sudden urge to be with him. 'Why did I ever leave?' Dis-heartedly, she took the shot and watched as Amara left the main stage. Going to her station would have to wait. Silently, she rushed to the side and hid behind the curtains on the main stage. Slowly, they came apart and revealed her. The lights dimmed down to the shade of blue and purple. Swaying her hips to the music blaring, she slowly approached the pole and made as much eye contact with her customers. ''Florida Kilos' by Lana Del Rey played in the background as the men watched eagerly. Although she wasn't aware of the eyes that burned at her from the bar, or the ones that stared from the balcony.

Money flew and melted below her feet on the stage, in seconds the ground was covered and soon enough the song came to an end. Once the music changed, she made her way off the stage and was escorted to a back room where she would meet with customers on her own. The small lounge had a curved velvet couch with a circular stage and pole in front of it, the room itself had a lavender theme and matching decorations. Just as she was on, waiting for her customer. Her back faced the door. Then a familiar voice came from behind. "You little girl, are as slippery as a handful of water."

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End of page 29

Hello everyone! I've been in much better spirits lately. If you've ever watched The Goldfinch on AmazonPrime Video, you recognize the name Boris Pavlikovsky—the infamous Russian Drug Dealer, who's also incredibly handsome. I hope you're all okay and taking care of yourselves. My grandpa is doing so much better too. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers <3