Stella (Book One of Dark Souls Series)

Canestrelli

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spogliarellista- a person who earns money by taking off their clothes in a sexy way while music is playing
*~*

"Dirty Dave and Sloppy Steve are no-shows tonight," Rose spoke to me.

I looked at my blotchy-faced reflection in the mirror. "Less cash for me means niente mance for you," I spoke in fake disappointment.

As long as my body was mine for the night, tips were not important to me.

Without looking at her, I knew she was biting her lip.

The light bulbs bordering my desk mirror were giving me a headache.

"There is a man out there for you, though," she spoke in hardly a voice.

So much for my body being my own.

I turned in my seat to face her. "You think to speak those words when I've scrubbed off six layers of foundation?" I asked.

I willed myself not to get irritated.

"I just-I-"

"Leave," I snapped, holding my hand in the air to cease her rambling.

"He's new," she spoke instead.

I stilled in my seat.

Gio never got new clients.

"Merda," I mumbled.

Rose stood there, fumbling with her fingers.

"Do not stand by idol. Digli che ci saro!"

(Translation: Tell him I will be there!)

Before I could blink, she was gone.

"Cazzo," I hissed as I patted my makeup sponge over the blackened bruise on my jaw.

I heard her light steps coming down the hall before I heard her light, squeaky voice.

"He wants to see you now," she said. "Subito," she added.

Her huge, doe eyes held fear in them. I didn't know whether she feared the client or me.

"Take me to him, subito," I mumbled, throwing down the sponge. If he wanted to complain about my unfinished face, I would cut his balls off and send them to his mamma.

Rose walked me down the hall and to the back of the club. The low, sensual music played in the dark building. The only light was on the ministages.

"This way," she spoke as I followed her.

I hid my bafflement as she walked me to the VIP door. I thought she was taking me to the mini-stage. I've worked here a little over a year and I had never been in the VIP room, but I knew the rules.

"Should I stay outside?" she asked me.

We knew the rules were strict about entering "The Room."

I shook my head. "Return to the pole or Gio will have a heart attack. The next song is Laura's so either learn the routine or find someone to grind on."

She nodded before disappearing to the front of the club.

I knew my hands were shaking as I grabbed the metal doorknob and twisted it. I rolled my eyes as I changed my attitude.

"Hey, baby," I said, dropping my voice into a drawling, seductive tone.

I swayed my hips effortlessly as I walked around the man and stood in front of him.