Hunger (Damnation Book 1)

Chapter 5 - Fine Print

School passes, for once, much too quickly. Since I skipped yesterday for my interview and Chase, I've got a lot to catch up on, which upsets him because I'm more focused on school than him. I must keep busy or I might lose it and Chase's mood swings are not helping in the slightest. I'm worried about this new gig. I want to please Daddy, but this place is starting to give me the heebie-jeebies as I walk up. There's a catch, like always, and I'm going to get it today.

When I walk into the Devil's Backbone, Caleb gives me a goofy smile. "Hey there, baby doll," he says trying to be smooth. He fails miserably.

I wave but I don't stop. I want to be alone as I change. I'm sure I will have plenty of people staring at me soon enough. I can't get Michael's eyes out of my head. They'd be scorching hot. If only he'd give into his desire, I might understand what this Heaven thing is all about. Shaking my head a bit, I try to focus on the job. I need to get my head in the game or I'm not going to survive. I sigh and leave my normal clothes in my locker and head up to the stage. I'm not nervous, but I am a little wary of what's coming.

"Whoa, there, honey," the boss says stopping me. "You are going to be in a private room."

"Private?" My voice is flat and it's more of a statement than a question.

He nods and says, "Fine print, sweetheart. Caleb says you were too good to just dance on the stage, but I'm sure we will get you up there soon enough. You're going to make me a gold mine."

His greed pisses me off. Private rooms? There are always special rules for those. Boss man doesn't disappoint. "There are no rules really for these rooms. You got the money, you get what you want," he tells me.

"That's prostitution," I say offhandedly.

"That's business, sweet cheeks," he says pushing me into a room with a slap to my bottom. "This is for your first guest. Oh, and your stage name is Angel."

This is bullshit. I go for the doorknob, but the door is locked. I'm stuck here until they decide to let me out. Sitting down in a chair, I squirm in the chair because the lace of my camisole itches a bit. It's new and I haven't had enough time to wash it enough to make it soft. It's been a long time since I've felt this way. It's almost like hopelessness, or what I have always imagined what hopelessness would feel like. What is wrong with me? Working for my father never feels this empty.

A light comes on in a room next to me. I'm in a box, but I can sort of see through the glass. I mostly just see me. So, this guy can't touch. He doesn't have the money, I guess. Get me through this night, I say in my head not really praying but more of a mantra. I can't stand stupid people who think prayers are actually heard.

Music starts as the guy in what looks like a crumpled flannel shirt and dirty denim sits down opposite of me. He is definitely some kind of construction worker, but I turn on the charm. He is my customer after all. His light goes out and all I can see is my reflection in the glass. I suppose this will help me. At least I can see what looks hot and what doesn't.

The worst part is I can hear him. He's telling me what he likes and I'm trying not to make ugly faces because I know he can see it. He keeps using pet names like "baby" and "doll face" and I try not to roll my eyes.

I feel gross as he walks out after putting himself back together. I fluff my curls and try to calm my body, but my power has me all worked up. I need something. The boss comes and opens the door. "Follow me," he says grabbing my arm. I see a couple of other dancers who flash sympathetic looks. I'm sure they have been through this as well.

He drops me off in a room with a nice couch and a pole. "Hello, sir. This one to your liking?" he asks the client. I try to keep my breath calm, but my breasts heave with my deep breaths.