Mesmerized

Sephy

Breathe…just breathe. I can hear the beat of the music pulsing off every wall in the club as Sarah finishes her performance with Kade signaling me to let me know I am up next. I've been dancing at the club for just over a month and I still have stage fright before I go on. As the music dies and applause and whistles erupt from the spectators, I let out one last ragged breath, not even noticing Sarah walk through the curtains until I feel her hand on my shoulder.

“Got them all warmed up for you girl! Go Get em!” Sarah has always been so nice to me, unlike most of the other girls here. I smile at her as I hear ‘Know Me too Well’ by Nothing But Thieves begin to play and make my way onto the stage. My movements are smooth and precise with my hips swaying to the rhythm as I make my way to the pole that sits center stage. I grip the pole tightly with my right leg and slowly spin until I'm facing out toward the audience with the pole now against my back then raise up my left hand as the chorus hits. ‘Filthy impetuous soul, I wanna give it to you, just to see what you do’, I slide down the pole slowly as whistles and cheers flood the room. The stage fright has vanished and I continue my performance feeling much like a lioness stalking her prey. As the song fades out, I take a deep bow knowing how much the boys enjoy seeing my breasts heaving out of the top of my signature black corset. The screams are almost deafening as I see a man climb up on stage and rush toward me. He doesn't make it far before being tackled by Remi…they never make it far. I smile down at him before making my way backstage.

“Holy shit, you killed it girl!” Sarah screams as she runs up and throws her arms around me.

“Thanks! You were pretty amazing out there yourself!” I've always admired how Sarah seems to have unwavering confidence when walking onto the stage. She has a much more ‘active’ role in the club than I do, so maybe that's what fuels her to be so badass. Sarah not only performs, but she also does private dances and bartends on nights that the club is short staffed.

I never wanted that part of this life…hell, I never wanted any part of this life. I only took the job here because I ran away from home my junior year of high school and found it was nearly impossible to find a job without my high school diploma. I had been living on the streets for more than two months when a chance encounter with Sarah changed everything for me.

She had just finished her shift and was heading home to her apartment when she saw me sitting at the bus stop trying to get out of the rain. I was curled up on the bench when I heard the sound of her heels clacking against the sidewalk. I was surprised when she plopped down next to me and set her hand on my knee while leaning down to make eye contact with me

“Hey sweetie, what're you doing out here all alone?” her voice was warm and sweet like honey. I looked up to see the most stunning woman. She was tall and thin with the most perfect curves. Her long blonde hair was pulled high on her head and cascaded down her shoulders. Her bright blue eyes were piercing and her pouty lips were stained a beautiful shade of red. I look down and see she has black thigh high boots that nearly touch the hem of her tight red dress that was almost the same shade as her lips.

“Just trying to keep dry.” I can only imagine how pathetic my voice sounded.

“Where are you heading to?” I'm pretty sure she knew I had nowhere to go, but Sarah has never been one to assume anything. I shrug in response. “Do you have anywhere you can go?” her voice is soft and kind as she pushes to get some kind of information from me.

“No.” It's sad, but this was easily the most human interaction I had had in weeks.

“That settles it. You're coming home with me!” Her words are a firm demand, but her tone suggested she was quite happy with her decision.

“No, really, it’s ok. I'll be alright.” I tried everything to dissuade her, not wanting her to pity me.

“Oh no sweetie, I insist. We're going to get you home so you can shower, change and get some food in you. How long have you been out here?” she sounded so motherly.

“Um…I don’t know…maybe six weeks, or it might be eight. I don’t really know.” she let out a gasp at my response which surprised me.

“Well, I live close by. Let’s go get you warmed up!” She took my hand tightly in hers and pulled me along behind her. I couldn't help but marvel at how fast she trotted along in those heels. They had to be 6” high and she was practically jogging in them like it was nothing.

Over the next few weeks Sarah pampered me and took care of me like I was her child. When she found out that I had just turned eighteen, but had no high school diploma she had asked if I would be interested in working with her. I was hesitant at first, but after two months on the streets I knew I had no other real options, so I accepted her offer. She took me to the club with her that night and I was hired immediately by the club manager. That was three years ago.

“Let’s go get a drink before we head home!” Sarah’s voice rings out from behind me.

“Go ahead and head down. I'll meet you there after I get changed.” I flash a warm smile at her as she quickly nods before bouncing down the stairs. That girl's energy is never ending! I go to my dressing room and change into a black tank top with short, stonewashed jean shorts and then slide on my tennis shoes. Sarah always tries to get me to dress up more, but after spending seven hours in a corset and thong every night, I like to put on something that feels more comfortable. I whip my long black curls up into a messy bun and make my way down to the bar. As I walk onto the floor the sounds of screams and whistles flood my ears. This is pretty much a nightly occurrence and I respond by bowing and curtseying as I walk by the customers on my way to the bar where Sarah has saved me a seat while Remi is right behind me ensuring no one gets handsy.

“Sephy!” Sarah yells out over the noise of the audience.

“RaRa!” I yell back as she smiles at my use of her stage name. Sarah’s act is always done in a slutty cheerleader outfit, so I have to admit, the name is perfect.

“What are we having tonight, Sephy?” Troy, the bartender, is now smiling at us both as he awaits my drink request.

“Double Johnny Walker black on the rocks please Troy.” he whips around quickly preparing my drink. Within less than a minute it's sitting before me.

“Johnny is popular tonight!’ he smiles before turning to the shelves and grabbing the bottle.”You sure got the boys riled up tonight Sephy.” his comment has me blushing as I look over to see him set the glass with several others on a tray on the bar in front of me with a smirk on his face.

“Not a hard task with this crowd. Sarah did a fantastic job getting them all warmed up for me!” I smile at Sarah whose attention is focused on Troy. This girl has had the hots for Troy since he was hired six months ago, but the poor guy seems oblivious to it. I constantly try to find ways to get a spark started between them, but so far, my efforts have been useless.

“So, what're we going to do tomorrow?” I ask Sarah as I remember we have the night off.

“Oh, I volunteered to help bartend tomorrow since Leslie will be out of town. I meant to tell you last night.” Even as she speaks to me, her eyes are still focused on Troy’s every movement.

“Maybe I'll pop in and have a few drinks then!” As I say this, she quickly turns with a smile on her face.

“You totally should! You can wear that cute black dress you got last week!” she s so excited over the idea of me dressing up that I can’t help but giggle.

“It’s a date then.” I quickly shoot back the rest of my drink right before feeling someone brush across my back and turn to see a tall wicked looking man smiling devilishly back at me as he makes his way to the door. I give Sarah a hug before setting my glass back on the bar and throwing a few $20’s on the counter. “Thanks Troy! And you…I'll see you at home!” I hug Sarah then make my way toward the back exit.