Dane's Angel |18+

Chapter 1

C H E R R Y

Smoke clings to my clammy skin like a second skin, as the machines beneath the stage billow the gray artificial substance up. Obnoxious DJ music bumps through the speakers at a deafening volume, while several patrons are getting drinks, waiting for the show to start. Scantily clad girls run back and forth from their vanities to the dressing curtains, wanting to get their appearances just right.

Lola's Lounge is considered the city's most elite gentlemen's club. It's black leather couches, sparkling tile floor, high-end poles, and luxurious private VIP rooms give the stereotypical sleazy establishment a sense of elegance. Lola employes only the best girls, along with top of the line bartenders and security. Sometimes the place can get a little rowdy on holiday nights, so we usually need manpower to keep the delinquents in line.

I take a deep breath, exhaling slowly as I let the curtain fall back into place before sitting back at my vanity. I play with the dark red wig atop my head, even though it's already perfectly in place. Dark red lipstick lines my plump lips, while smokey black makeup covers my eyes, leaving my brown eyes to mix with the dark. My skin is pale, but not sickly looking. I'm wearing my favorite black lace ensemble, black stockings, and dark red heels.

I'm so busy criticizing my looks that I don't see the girl behind me until she places a small box onto my table. Startled, I look into the mirror to find my friend, Jade, grinning at me evilly.

Jade is a tall, willowy Latina with perfectly tanned skin. Her dark eyes match mine, but her midnight hair is a far cry from my bleached head. She looks more like she belongs on a magazine cover verses a stripper pole, but she doesn't care. She lives her life fast, without anyone telling her what to do, and likes it that way.

"Happy Birthday, Bitch!" Jade chants beside my ear, causing me to cringe. She knows what today means for me, but she still tries to make a big deal out of it. I know it's all out of love, but sometimes I wish she wouldn't love me so much.

I roll my eyes before opening the small gift box she set down. Lifting the lid, I let out a sharp laugh as I look at the small gold chain, with the word "Daddy" written across in cursive. It's so small and dainty, you have to really look to be able to read the small lettering. Jade gives me a flirty wink before placing the dainty necklace around my neck.

I first met Jade when we were both eighteen, at that point I had been living by myself for a little over a year. I was completely broke, hungry, but somehow found myself getting a scholarship to the local University where they provided me with housing. Jade was my roommate and we instantly clicked. Within the first week, we knew each other, we had seen each other naked, kissed, and cleaned up each other's puke as one of us always got shitfaced whenever we went out. She was also the reason I gave the sugar baby business a try. It was fine for a while. I mean, it's not that hard to sit on a guy's lap, nibble his ear lobe, while whispering dirty words and calling him daddy. It was honestly the easiest thing I've done for money. But I drew a line at sleeping with the married ones.

An ex sugar baby/stripper with morals? Shocking, I know.

I may do a lot of slutty things for money, but being a homewrecker isn't one. The last thing I need is for one of their wives to find me and ruin my reputation. Or worse.

Hypocritical for someone who dances naked for a living? Probably. But at least my conscience is clear.

Now, the word "Daddy" is mine and Jade's little joke as we remember our crazy college and sugar babying days. Jade still dabbles in the business a bit, but I've given up. I'm still holding out for my prince charming to rescue me.

"Delicious," Jade purrs into my ear, before kissing my cheek sloppily.

"Thanks, babe," I cringe at her slobber, as we hear one of the stagehands call the five-minute warning. I take the last spot in line backstage, mentally preparing myself for the show ahead. I usually take the day off, but Jade wouldn't allow another birthday alone on the couch, drinking white wine while watching reruns of The Bachelor all night.