Russian Nights

chapter 1

She watched the door as she danced, ignoring the creepy stares of the men sitting in this seedy night club, staring at her body. She lost herself in the music while her eyes searched for the familiar pair of blue orbs in the dim lights. He had been a regular for a few weeks. Not visiting every night, but every other, always staying till the morning lights, drinking, watching the girls dance. He had never paid for a girl so far, though. He was no Russian either, like all the other men in here, but he played his role to perfection. His Russian was flawless, not even the hint of an accent,  still, she knew he was no Russian. His clothes were expensive, but not too over the top. He drank a lot, but never as much as the Russians did. He was generous, but never wasting money like it was worthless paper. He joined the dirty jokes, knew all insults there were, but he was not that loud and boisterous. There was something about him, that was simply not Russian. The way he spoke, was polite, elegant in a way, his taste was more sophisticated. He had class. Like none of the other men in here had.

As another song started to play and more vodka was served to the crowd, more pound notes slipped into the girls skimpy clothes, which were soon falling to the floor she saw him enter. He was wearing a dark blue shirt with a black jacket over it. He threw his coat over a chair in the corner and ordered a double vodka, like always. His blue eyes darted around fixing themselves on her body, burning her skin. He smirked as he leaned back and enjoyed the show. She closed her eyes, pretending to be dancing just for him.

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Lucas entered the “русский ночь“ and immediately his eyes fixed on the girl dancing in that spot on the right, close to the stairs, instead of the asset he was supposed to watch. She was young, maybe in her mid-twenties, blonde hair, vibrant green eyes. Her body was just a little too thin, otherwise she would be perfect. But like this she was just a skinny striptease dancer. Even more if the amount paid to Sergej, the club owner, was right.

After ordering a drink Lucas leant back in his chair, enjoying the view before him, eyes fixed on the blonde dancer while his ears listened into the conversation at the next table. Still, he was almost losing his focus, only thinking about the girl.

Suddenly Lucas’ attention shifted back to the men at the table next to him though. They were talking about him now, it seemed. They were worried about his identity, paranoid like everyone in their business. “…he only comes to watch, never saw him drunk… never got a girl…” Lucas heard them mumble. “Lucas! Get out!” Ros hissed in his earpiece. Lucas sat up, thinking of something very quickly. He snapped his fingers and moved for Sergej to come over.

“да?“ he asked Lucas in a grumpy voice. “I want the girl.” Lucas said, indicating his head towards the blonde one dancing. “How much?” Lucas added, pulling a thick pack of notes from his pocket. He handed more than enough to Sergej who immediately got the girl pulled off the stage. “спасибо! Room 4, 1st floor.“ Lucas nodded, getting up, taking the bottle of vodka with him.

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She was afraid. So far, this had never happened. No man had ever demanded her. She was too skinny. A bag of bones, as they said. No one wanted her, which was good. She only had to dance then. But now, she was sitting in this room, on that bed, knees drawn up to her chest, shivering. Someone had paid for her.

She could hear footsteps approaching and curled herself up in a tighter ball. Suddenly the door opened and – the blue eyed man stepped in. She relaxed, a little at least. He was different. Or so she hoped. “Hello.” He said, his Russian perfect again. “Do you understand me?” She nodded. “да.“ “Alright. I’m not gonna hurt you. Okay, I just needed to get out there. So… what is your name?” He asked as he sat down in a chair in the corner. “Sasha…” “I am Nikolai.” He told her lowly. Somehow she doubted he was speaking the truth though, why would he, she wasn’t telling her my real name either.