Silk & Steel: A Mafia Romance | ENGLOT

Chapter 2: Beyond the Glimmer

The air hung thick with the scent of cheap perfume and stale sweat. Loud music vibrated through the floorboards, a constant thrum against Contessa's tired bones. She wasn't Luna Bianca right at this moment, right now, she was just Contessa, a weary girl staring at a chipped mug of lukewarm tea.

The other girls, a kaleidoscope of dyed hair and painted smiles, flitted around the cramped dormitory room, their chatter a nervous symphony. Contessa barely registered it. Her mind was a steel trap, focused on the numbers scrawled on a crumpled piece of paper hidden beneath her pillow. Every dollar, every euro she earned was another brick in the invisible wall she was building – her escape wall.

Mama June barged into the room. Her voice, a rusty saw on metal, grated on Contessa's nerves. "Alright, ladies! Places, places! We got a fresh batch of high rollers coming in tonight. You all better be on your best behavior, you hear?"

The girls chorused a practiced "Yes, Mama June." Contessa took a long sip of her tea, the bitterness mirroring the taste of her life here at The Gilded Cage.

The rhythmic thrumming of the music changed, signaling the start of the evening shift. Contessa rose, the practiced smile clicking into place like a well-worn mask. As Luna Bianca, she could navigate this world with blindfolded ease, a master of seduction and manipulation. But tonight, beneath the glittering facade, a different kind of fire burned in her eyes – the relentless fire of a desperate woman on the verge of freedom.

"Alright, Luna," Mama June barked, shoving a shimmering red dress at her. "Go get 'em, tiger."

Contessa, as Luna Bianca, sauntered down the stairs, the persona slipping on like a second skin. But as she passed the heavy oak door that led outside, a silent prayer escaped her lips. Just a little longer, she pleaded with the universe. Just a little longer, and then I'll fly away.

...

"Everyone! Give it up for Luna Bianca!"

The air hung heavy with the stale scent of desperation and cheap perfume as Luna Bianca, her stage name at The Gilded Cage, shimmied across the platform. Sequins clung to her body like glittering scales, catching the harsh spotlights that sliced through the smoky haze. Her real name, Contessa, felt like a distant memory, a whisper lost in the cacophony of cheers and wolf whistles.

Tonight, the routine felt particularly hollow. Each practiced smile, each suggestive glance, chipped away at the remaining fragments of her spirit.  But Contessa, with her silky black hair and steely grey eyes, held her head high.  Behind the mask of Luna Bianca, she plotted. Escape.

The garish music screeched to a halt, signaling the end of her set.  Contessa retreated backstage, the cheers of the men fading into a dull roar. Mama June stood waiting.  Her surgically enhanced lips stretched into a predatory smile. 

"Spicy number tonight, Luna," Mama June drawled, her voice dripping with fake Southern charm.  "Maybe a private gentleman wants to see your talents up close?"

Contessa gritted her teeth.  "Maybe," she countered, injecting a hint of flirtation into her voice, "but only for the right price, Mama June."

Mama June's smile faltered for a second, surprised by the defiance in Contessa's eyes.  But the older woman quickly recovered.  "You know the rules, sweetheart. Bruno sets the prices, not you."

Bruno emerged from the shadows, a cigar clamped between his teeth.  He eyed Contessa with a lecherous grin. 

"Heard you were a real firecracker tonight, Luna," Bruno rumbled.  "Might have a client interested in a... private session."

Contessa clenched her fists, her nails digging into the soft flesh of her palms.  "And the price?" she asked, her voice deceptively calm. 

"Hmm," Bruno stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Five grand. Double your usual cut."