HIS ENTERTAINER

Chapter 1

(Past)

“Rachel, what about him?” Emiliano asked softly, his gaze drawn to the small boy trembling in the rain. The boy huddled on the ground, his head bowed low.

Rachel sighed, her expression pained.  "He's Eduardo's responsibility now, Emiliano.  He and I... we're strangers."  Her voice was quiet, but firm.

Emiliano hesitated. "Are you certain?  There's still time..."

Rachel shook her head, a tear tracing a path down her cheek. "He's like his father, Emiliano. Despicable.  I can already see the darkness growing in him.  One day, he'll be responsible for so much suffering. I can't bear to watch it happen. I couldn't live with myself knowing I'd allowed a monster to grow."

She turned to him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Let's leave, Emiliano. Just you and me. Let's go, and leave this behind."

He gently took her hand, a silent agreement passing between them.  They drove away, seeking refuge from the storm, unaware that some shadows are inescapable.
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                IVY SILVER POV.

(Present)

"Oh my goodness, I can't believe it!"

"I've been hoping to see him!"

"I heard..."

"Heard what? Spill it!"

"...He's a total sex god!"

The excited chatter was relentless.  The girls were practically buzzing with anticipation over the arrival of this powerful man.  The hype surrounding him felt almost surreal.

Silvia leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ivy, aren't you thrilled?"

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Why would I be?"

Sonia gasped dramatically. "Hermann Rodriguez is coming, and you're not even the slightest bit excited?"

Lucia, ever the voice of reason, intervened gently. "Girls, girls…Ivy's not a virgin, and from what I understand, Hermann only goes for virgins.  She knows she's not in the running for his attention." A shadow of sadness crossed her face. "None of us are."

I rolled my eyes, stifling a sigh.  Seriously?  This much drama?

Silvia, after a moment of quiet contemplation, said, "I heard he's going to be with Alicia."

Lucia's face tightened. "Ugh, I can't stand that woman."

I chuckled, watching Lucia playfully nudge Sonia, who giggled.  This was all a bit much.  Who was this Hermann Rodriguez, anyway?

I laughed, breaking the tension. "Okay, girls, let's get real. We have a show to do, money to make, and dreams to chase.  Let's not waste our energy on someone who'll likely never even notice us.  We're strippers, yes, but we're strong, independent women. We're entertainers, and we're going to make the most of it!"

Sonia grinned, bumping fists with everyone. "To the money!"

"Woohoo!" We all cheered.

"Money!"

I laughed, watching my friends get ready.  In the three years since I'd arrived at this club, they had become my family. We'd faced a lot together, and they'd made all the difference.

"Remember what I've taught you?"

Genevieve's voice cut through the excitement. Her warm smile was a reassuring presence.  She was our manager, but more than that, she was our sister. She made this place feel almost like home.
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                GENEVIEVE POV.

The club throbbed with energy—a sea of faces, bodies moving to the music, the clinking of glasses, and the shower of cash. I entered the dressing room, feeling a swell of pride as I watched my girls prepare.  They were beautiful, confident, and ready to take on the night.  They deserved better than this life, but for tonight, at least, they were shining.

My gaze fell on Ivy, her skin glowing under the lights.  She was stunning.  I remembered the frightened, broken girl I'd encountered three years ago, and a pang of protectiveness washed over me.  I knew I couldn't protect her forever.

"Ivy, honey," I said softly, approaching her. "Are you alright?"

She hesitated, then said quietly, "To be honest, I'm not sure what to expect tonight.  Is this really going to be it?  Will I ever find my mother?" Her voice was laced with a mixture of hope and uncertainty.

"Sweetheart," I said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to help you find your mother, and I'll make sure you get a better life. I promise."

She looked up at me, a glimmer of trust in her eyes. "I trust you," she whispered.

The words resonated deeply within me.  "Your skirt's ready. You look absolutely beautiful," I said, smiling. "You are beautiful."

She smiled back, a radiant, genuine smile.  She gave me a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Wish me luck!" she said, heading towards the stage.

"Good luck, my love," I whispered.

"Eve...Eve," Queena called, pulling me from my thoughts. "It's showtime."

"Is Alicia gone?" I asked.

"Carlie took her," Queena replied, her eyes scanning the crowd.

[Author's Note: The music played above is the performance music]

I watched my girls, my heart swelling with pride.  Three years of training, and they moved with a confidence and grace that was breathtaking.  From a distance, I saw Ivy.  She was different tonight; relaxed, almost carefree, her movements fluid and effortless.  She always seemed to find a unique joy in the pole dance, a way to release tension and find a kind of playful freedom.

Then, my phone vibrated, jarring me from my reverie.  Señor Rodriguez.  A knot of apprehension tightened in my stomach.  What could he possibly want?  I answered, trying to keep my voice calm.

"Yes, Signore?"

His voice, clipped and demanding, cut through the music.  " Prendimi quella di mezzo, subito! " (I want the middle one. Now!)

My gaze drifted back to Ivy, her silhouette a captivating contrast against the stage lights.  The realization hit me with the force of a physical blow.  I was keeping him waiting.  And that was something he wouldn't tolerate.  A wave of despair washed over me.

" Sì, subito signore, " I replied, my voice betraying none of the turmoil churning within. (Yes, right away, sir.)

The call ended.  The weight of his words settled heavily on my shoulders. I knew I couldn't completely shield Ivy from the predatory gaze of men like Rodriguez, but the abruptness of his demand, the casual cruelty of it, felt like a gut punch.  To give her up so soon… it felt utterly wrong, a betrayal of the trust she’d placed in me, and a shattering of the fragile hope I had managed to cultivate within her.  It was too soon.  Far too soon.

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  NB: sorry for any grammatical problems.