Meet Me in the Hallway (18+)

Prologue

I was exposed to his eager eyes. My entire body bared to the man that could make or break my future here. It wasn't anything new. I had known this life for years and standing among the other girls, it was easy to see who knew and didn't know what it was like. Showing yourself to these people. People who will always have your entire life in their hands, who have power over you. 5 years experience teaches you a few things. How to get what you want and from who.

"Alright, number 4 and number 8, meet me in the back. The rest of you can leave." The words broke through my ear drums and I looked down at my card, releasing a deep and rigid breath. It was me. Number 8. The flamboyant gentlemen gestured for us to go backstage, where robes were handed to us. The other girl, number 4, bit her lip while she was taken into an office first.

I leaned against the hallway wall, looking down at my strappy heels while they took their time inside. I chewed the inside of my cheek and dug at my nails, scraping the skin underneath the growth. "Rose," the strong voice spoke and I sighed, stepping inside the fluorescent lit room. "Do you know who I am?" The long haired man asked, his forehead sweaty and his shirt halfway unbuttoned. I told him I really didn't know much about him. "My name is Arthur Gable. I go by Gabe. I'm the general manager of this joint and I'm in charge of hiring new dancers. I've seen you before. Where are you coming from?"

"I worked at a club downtown for a few years. Figured I make my way to Beverly Hills to try and find something different." I shrugged, crossing my arms over my chest. "Move on."

"You're looking for bigger money?" He smirked and it was almost repulsive. But he was right. I had enough of downtown LA. I wanted more money, rich money. "I have an associate in Las Vegas who is looking to expand his club. He likes women with a certain look. Beautiful, mysterious, much like yourself. He likes experience. No one that could embarrass him. He told me to keep my eyes open for new talent. I like you. I think you're different, what he's looking for. Would you be willing to go?"

"I have nothing stopping me here. What do I get for going there?"

"He's got this apartment building near the club. Keeps a floor empty for his out of town acts. I could probably get you a set up there. If you agree to go?" He raised his eyebrow and I bit my lip. "A lot of big spenders." He coaxed and I sighed, looking him dead in the eye and asked him when I left. "You can fly out tomorrow, if you're ready."

"What if he doesn't want me to work for him?" I asked, as I looked at the middle aged man.

"Baby, I wouldn't have asked you if I didn't think he'd want you. You don't look like the type of girl to settle for this kind of life. You look..." he eyed my body and I stared him down when his eyes landed on mine. He laughed and shook his head. "You're unexpected and he likes that shit. You'd do good there and the men will love you."

"I'm not a hooker." I scoffed, making sure that wasn't what he was sending me into. He laughed dryly and grabbed an envelope from his desk.

"He's not a pimp. Doesn't need to be," he handed me the envelope and I looked inside. "It's $2,000. He told me to give it to whoever I chose. Ginger didn't want to leave, she was supposed to have half. You take that, a token of admiration. Be here in the morning and I'll have you taken to the airport. 7 AM."

"Thank you." I spoke softly and he nodded, wiping his hand across his forehead. "What am I supposed to do when I get there?"

"You'll meet a man, his name is Javier Hernandez. Tall, bald, built like a freight train. He'll be waiting to escort you to the club, then you'll meet Georgia. Fiery red head with an incredible ass. Swears like a sailor but she makes up for it with her generosity. She'll get you dressed in that fancy lace shit you girls like so much. Then she'll take you to Marco Morrison, your new boss's brother. He'll make sure you can put on a show. Then, when you pass the test, you meet Declan. And I hope for both your sake, he only sees you as another dancer."

"What do you mean?" I furrowed my eyebrows and he shook his head, clapping his hands together. For both our sake? What kind of warning was that?

"You're a beautiful girl, Rose. Why you chose this when you could be so much more, astounds me, but I feel you'll learn yourself what you want. I wish you luck in Las Vegas. A lot of luck."