Chapter 1 Chapter One
VANESSA COLLINS
"The boss wants to see you."
I looked up at Romario, he wore a smirk as left the room.
The other girls were looking at me but the most concerned was Alexa, who had in fact introduced me to this kind of work. I glanced in the mirror once more before getting up and leaving the girls lounge area.
My heels clicked on the floor as I made my way down the long hall and stopped at my boss Zed's office door. I knocked and waited until I hear his approval for me to enter. He was seated around his desk one finger in his teeth while his other hand was on his lap.
"You know why I called you in here?" he asked looking at me.
His voice was rough and always gave me the chills. I shook my head as a smirk formed on his lips. My hands played with the hem of my mesh thigh high stockings.
Two years ago I was no one, I had no money, no family, nothing. That was until Alexa and I met. She told me of the work she did and that she was earning so much money. After our conversation, she told me that she would talk to her boss to let me in the business.
I was accepted but not before I did some unspeakable things that I never imagined myself doing. I lost my virginity to a fifty year old man who's only sexual fantasy was pushing his fingers into a woman's mouth.
After that, well, I became a stripper and started working. I haven't slept with many men but I dance every night. The girls and I became very close and then everything flowed from there. I made my money but then I didn't really need it because Zed provided me with everything that I needed.
I was brought back from my thoughts by a shuffling sound. Zed had stood up and was walking over to me. I met him halfway and he wrapped his arms around my slim waist. His grip was firm as he smirked at me.
"You've been working really hard and I've decided to give you a promotion," he whispered in my ear before letting me go.
He turned and walked back to his desk. I stood there confused as he just sat down and stared at me.
"Harris wants a special day with you tomorow," was his next unexpected words.
My body froze at what he said. I couldn't believe my ears. I got somewhat angry when he chuckled.
"That's your promotion. Harris will come to pick you up tomorrow. Make sure you give him the best time ever. Don't disappoint me, he payed some good money," he stated not once breaking eye contact with me.
He smirked widely before pointing towards the door. I looked at him for the longest before walking out and slamming the door.
I ran a hand through my hair. I don't want to be sold to that fat, bald man. The things I've heard about him and what he does to girls are nothing but terrifying.
If I couldn't withstand the torture he does to girls, I will surely die. A few girls were taken from here to him and only one returned at that time. He has a sadistic way of getting pleasure from women and I hated it. From what I knew, he ties up women and whip them. He got pleasure from seeing them in pain and I knew that wasn't just a kink. He was just crazy and sadistic.
What could I do?
I owed Zed everything but now I realize that I can't work for him anymore.
Besides, if he wants to sell me to Harris - does this means he wants to get rid of me? I went to the bathroom and look in the mirror. My eyes looked furious from underneath my lashes.
Was this the real me?
Throughout the time I worked here, I never once said to myself that I was better than this. I had an account that I hid from Zed about three months ago because if he knew about it, he would insinuate that I was planning to leave him. He only knows about the money I earn from dancing.
It was time for me to change and leave this place for good. No more dancing for me. I should've never done it in the first place. I should've struggled until I found a decent job.
But who would've hired me without any degrees or experience?
I sighed and washed my face before leaving the bathroom.
I went back to the lounge and pulled Alexa aside. Her eyes were laced with worry as she crossed her arms and gave me her attention.
"I'm leaving this place,"I whispered to her making sure no one heard us.
"W-Why? What happened?" she asked, clearly trying to comprehend what I just said.
"I can't work here anymore. Zed sold me for the day to Harris and you know what he does to girls and I'm not ready to die yet. I'm leaving tonight when we go home. I've made up my mind," I told her almost quietly.
Talking about this was indeed risky.
She was quiet. She was staring at me as if she was trying to figure out if I was completely out of my mind.
"Just keep it to yourself please. I just want a better life and now I realize that," I said and she nodded.
I hugged her and kissed her cheek. I walked away and to where the cocktails were. I took up one but I didn't sip too much.
"Ladies, it's time to earn some money," Romario said, smirking at the girls. They started hurrying out but I remained.
"Aren't you going to dance?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at me.
I turned and walked up to him. I ran a hand down his broad chest and he released a throaty groan.
"No I'm not. The boss sold me to Harris and I have to stay reserved until he's done with me," I told him biting my bottom lip.
He nodded in understanding before stepping away. He wasn't allowed to touch any of the girls unless he would be in big trouble. He left the room and I hurried and locked it.
My heart started beating rapidly as I went to my room. Yes, we had to live here, but it was not a rundown place that was unfit to stay in. It was a large room shared by four of us girls. I took off my clothes and changed into something comfortable. I packed my bag, feeling my heartbeat quicken against my chest. I made sure to take my bank card from where I had hidden it and stuffed it into my jeans.
In the distance, I heard the sound of a door being kicked open.
Shit.
I zipped my suitcase and yanked it from the bed. Then I ran, as fast as I could, down the long hall.
"VANESSA!"
I.started running faster. I was not going to let him catch me. I reached the door that led to the stairs, but it was locked. I pulled a pin from my hair and began prying the lock open. I looked back and saw an angry Zed in the distance with his bodyguards right behind him. My hands moved quicker, and in no time, the lock gave way.
BANG!
I ducked and screamed before hurrying down the stairs. I knew I would not make it if I kept the suitcase, so I dropped it and ran as fast as I could when I reached the last step. I rushed down the narrow stairs that led to the alley, completely out of breath. But I was not going to give up. I kept running.
I ran until I had to stop.
I looked around, but there was no sign of them
"Hey."
I screamed as I felt a hand on my shoulder. I spun around to see a very concerned man staring at me.
"Are you alright? Why are you breathing so hard?" he asked, his voice soft yet deep.
"Are you with them-"
"VANESSA! I WILL FIND YOU!"
It felt like my heart was about to give out. They were going to find me and drag me back, if they did not kill me first.
"Do you need a ride?" the man asked, and I silently thanked the heavens.
I nodded while trying to catch my breath. Suddenly, he lifted me off the ground and carried me toward a car parked in the shadows. He started the engine and looked at me before driving off.
"If I am risking my life for you, you have to promise to tell me everything," he said, glancing in my direction.
I nodded as fast as I could, and he pressed harder on the gas. I leaned back and closed my eyes.
This was it. There was no turning back.