A Pleasure Worth Investing In

Have you ever had sex for money?

If you have…you know it’s no easy feat.

Theres always something you lose than you gain.

In this business, there is always a give and take; for every gain of money you receive, there is also a loss of self…One might gain money, but lose their dignity, self-respect, choices, safety, and much more.

I have been in this business for so long, that I cannot remember any of those things.

In my pursuit of money, I lost all sense of self-respect and dignity.

My Dignity no longer exists.

My Safety no longer exists

My self respect, choices, virginity, all of it are non existent.

However, I am not overly heartbroken that these virtues are gone. I mean, after all, I barely had them in my life to begin with.

As a young girl, my background was anything but perfect. My mother cheated on my father with her workout instructor, which I can’t blame her for considering what a bad shit crazy individual my father was.

What I blame her for is leaving me.

She left her seven year old daughter with a crazy man.

In doing so, my father took all his anger onto me, beating me purple and blue until I fell unconscious at times.

It wasn’t till I was Twelve, changing in the girls locker room, when another girl walked in on me undressing and saw my back and stomach covered with injuries.

She immediately went to the principals office to report what she had seen.

One thing led to another and off went my Father.

To jail he went.

After that I was sent to live with my uncle. My fathers little brother.

Turns out my father had a reason to be insane. His Father was abusive and a rapist. Turning one of his sons to be abusive and the other to be a rapist.

When I started to live with my uncle, my body was changing. My hips were coming out and so were my boobs.

I suppose that’s all it took for him.

He was my first.

Once I turned eighteen he decided to put me at work. Show me how to please any man.

Now that I’m twenty-five, he wants to show me another sort of business.

Turns out my uncle had friends. Friends that people shouldn’t be friends with.

They are downright dangerous people, people you would not want to be associated with, or even in the same room with, I knew from the way he was trembling.

They were truly not someone you wished to cross paths with in the wrong context.

And yet, tell me why my uncle is telling me I have to meet them?

I was sitting across from my dirty and unkempt uncle, who was sitting in his underwear, waiting for my answer.

A few buttons of his blue polka-dot shirt were undone, revealing a filthy undershirt. His beard was uneven and overgrown, with greasy strands of brown hair hanging down in front of his eyes. He held my gaze, expecting me to start to say something.

I could only watch him in disbelief before I stood up from the wooden table.

“What, what!” I slam my hand on the table causing him to flinch.

“Do you hear yourself Brandon! Y-you want me to meet- no wait you want me to do business with the pigs you work for?!” I point with my right.

“Sariah…you are a very gorgeous and smart girl, and I need you-”

I grab the small cup of vodka from his side of the table and throw it behind him. Shattering it completely against the wall.

“Fuck you!”

His head turns back to the broken glass with a stupid face spread across.

“I have given you my body! Hell I use my body to pay for the damn light bill!”

He gets up, looking at me with intensity. “That is why I want you to join me,” he begins saying, pointing directly at me. “You are the only person I have ever seen as a daughter of my own-”

I flick him off. “Cut the shit, does a person who thinks of another as their daughter sexual Harass her…no…no, So tell me why you want me to go to a club and sell my body to them?”

His lips pull back and show his teeth as they curl down into a frown.

“Sariah…”

My hand clawed in my hair, harshly pushing it back away from my face as I said, “Tell me!”

“Fine!” He sat back down. “I have lost a ton of money.” He grabbed the Vodka bottle. “I am broke and in debt.”

“H-how? I just gave you one thousand last week.” I flung my hands up. “How could you lose that much?”

He had the nerve to pinch the brim of his nose, like he was irritated.

“I went Gambling Wednesday. My friends offered me a game, a-and everything was going perfectly, I had four thousand dollars…until I lost it all.”

My eyes go wide before returning to my glare. “You’re so stupid…we needed that money for this damn house.”

“Hey! I saved you. Without me you would’ve still been with my brother, or in a terrible orphanage.” He started to lazily point at me again. His eyes desperate. “I saved you.”

“And where has that gotten me!” I glance at the house that we called home. The white walls were cracked, the white kitchen tiles were dirty beyond belief and the kitchen was just a mess. Even the table we sat at had piles of weed and drinks.

“I would rather you left me… if I had known what terrible life I would’ve had with you.”

“You would’ve had the same life at the orphanage, those motherfuckers would’ve found a way to make your body useful if you hindered them or became a nuisance.”

I roll my eyes and look out the window that was above the sink.

“What did you do?”

Leaning in his seat he said, “I promised them a great night…that’s all.”

I snapped my head at him. “Brandon, I do not work for you anymore, I work for myself. I am just saving my money so I can leave out of here soon.”

He stood up and tried to touch my arms, but I back away before his hands could. “All I need you to do is make my friend have the best night of his god damn life, a-and you’ll never see me again.”

I placed my hand on my hip and smirked. “Why should I? What’s in it for me?”

He laughed. “He’ll pay you if you do your best, and like I said I’ll never be encircled in your life again.”

I look at the floor then at him. “How much?”

“At least a thousand.”

I push my hair back again and turn away. “Just for a random girl who will suck his cock. Don’t make me laugh.”

”You’re not just a random girl though. You’re beautiful, I showed him what you look like and he is willingly to have you.”

Beautiful…The word “beautiful” had been stripped of its true meaning for me. Countless men had referred to me as “beautiful” or “gorgeous,” but they had never employed the word in its intended fashion. It was merely another way to refer to a lustful object that they desired, an object that was meant to please them and nothing else.

I look at him again. “And If I don’t?”

His scowl deepens. “If you don’t then we loose the house, and I will die.” He sighs at my grin. “As much as you want me dead, if you don’t agree to come with me…he will find you.”

He read my mind. He knows I wouldn’t mind seeing his body rotting and faced down on a muddy ground. Dead. And this house only provides nightmares so it could burn for all I cared.

I’m only still here because I have nowhere else…not until I find a new apartment and save the money.

However, that was not the concern of the matter. His so-called friend had seen my face, and from how he talked about him, he was a dangerous and wealthy man.

I let out a frustrated sigh. “When do we leave?”

I was just touching up in the bathroom. My long black hair was curled, my tan skin was clear, my blue eyes focused and my makeup perfect.

I coated my lips with dark red lipstick and added black mascara.

When I glanced up at the mirror, I examined my black dress.

The dress was a form-fitting, short dress, with thin straps and a low-cut neckline that left no doubt about its lack of modesty. It was quite tight fitting and made no attempt to hide any curves, revealing every dimension with no regard for subtlety or discretion.

The only thing I had else that was worth checking were my black pumps. Which were fine.

I was now ready.

As I exited the bathroom I saw Brandon. He barely looked passable in this high-class club.

Everyone was dressed sexy, lewd, or sharp.

Neither of those things appeared on him.

Not only was his body posture hunched and feeble looking but he was was sweating up his brown button up shirt, and wore stained jeans.

“Come on.” He impatiently says once he starts walking.

Alright Sariah, this will be your last time seeing this man. Just smile and use your charm.

On command, my smile appeared and we made our way through the crowd.

The music boomed out from the speakers, a frenzied atmosphere of dancing and revelry filled the club, its patrons fully immersed in this world of music and mayhem. They were all moved to their own rhythm without a care.

For me, however, this music, these men, and these obscene outfits were not merely a passing fancy, but my daily life…

It took a while to get through the throngs of people to reach the glass stairs, the pressure of the crowd made it difficult to even move a single step in the desired direction. It felt like an eternity, the heat and noise and bodies creating an overwhelming atmosphere that was suffocating and draining, and while doing so I felt a brief touch on my rear end.

I would’ve smacked the dirty old piece of crap and said, “You’d have to pay to touch,” but I hated to keep someone waiting.

Especially someone dangerous.

My head watched below as we trodded up the stairs. Hundreds of people were below dancing by the DJ, further ahead on the other side was a large bar that was full to the brim with couples and sad people.

We ascended the stairs to the exclusive and lucrative upstairs area, I could see why the rich people were the ones who frequented this area. Not only did it offer a clear view of everything below, but there was also the added attraction of a strip club for those who wanted to take their viewing experience to the next level.

The possibility of working within this strip club, something I had never considered previously, suddenly gave me a slight glimmer of excitement and delight. The sights and sounds of the stage and the large quantities of money flying on the stage held me in a trance.

Or even better, I didn’t have to be the center of attention, I could just be a waitress and give people whatever they wanted behind private booths.

I slowly shake my head and lightly smile.

I shouldn’t be focusing on current job options, right now I have one that must be fulfilled.

I glanced at Brandon’s face. Not only was he fidgeting but he was sweating bullets.

Why was he so scared? I was the one who had the pressure?

“Braaanndoon.”

Both our heads snap forward at his name being called.

My expectations had been subverted by the sight that met my eyes: a man who was an amalgamation of the very worst qualities and characteristics.

He was a combination of a fat and ugly man with missing teeth, he was an older man who was trying to appear younger despite his obvious age.

My eyes widened in disbelief at the disgusting combination of traits that was before me.

His black to gray hair was balding and he had a scruffy beard with sunglasses.

I slowly turn my head at my piece of shit uncle.

“Brandon great to see you, great to see you.”

An Italian accent came silently from the man.

He came before us and swiped Brandon with his arm around his neck. “I was starting to think you wouldn’t show.”

Brandon nervously laughed, “Of course I would show, I like my life you know.”

Mr. Lorenzo laughed heartily. “Ah ha! That is why I like you Brandon, you aren’t that stupid.”

Brandon and him started to walk, and I followed. “Yes, um Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Lorenzo.”

Mr. Lorenzo turned his head back at me. “Ah! You must be the beautiful niece.”

I internally cringe at the word. “Hello, Mr. Lorenzo.”

His eyes followed my every movement as we walked together, and every slight shift or tilt of my body drew his attention as if he were carefully examining my every detail. He then proceeded to say, “You’re even more gorgeous than the photo he gave me of you.”

Tacky.

I forced myself not to roll my eyes but instead force a smile that made his dark brown eyes glint.

“And you’re so much more generous than uncle led on.” I said referring to let us come up to the VIP.

“I wouldn’t let my guests stay in the sweaty pits of downstairs, now come on while I bring you to my booth.”

It wasn’t far, just a minute or two walk. Soon we made it to his booth. There were two bodyguards standing on each side. They didn’t look sophisticated, instead they wore a white tank top and jeans, looking like gangsters as a gun was in their back pockets. They made no attempts to glaze over me, which I appreciated.

The booths appearance was pretty alright. There was a large red curtain on the left side. For privacy of course and on the inside of the booth were three more men, playing cards.

All of them sat at the round table and lounge chair.

Mr. Lorenzo made his appearance known as he loudly shouted, “Looks whose here!” At the men.

The first man to catch my attention was the man with blonde hair and in a elegant blue suit. He was giving major businessman vibes and a hint of class and sophistication.

I cared not for drugs or cigarettes but as he lit a cigarette and exhaled a curling cloud of smoke, I had to admit he had a certain appeal.

I cast my eyes to the middle of the group and locked onto a large and bulky man, who had evidently just finished eating a copious amount of chicken wings, as he had leftover sauce on his chin and his fingers, and the napkins beside him were already stained. This individual’s bald head was perhaps one of his most distinguishing characteristics, but the size of his body alone was enough to make him stand out. His outfit consisting of a black button-up shirt and pants completed the overall effect of this man.

The last man to occupy this booth was a slightly muscular individual whose physique was accentuated by his tight-fitting attire. His blond hair was cropped into a buzzcut, giving him a rather striking appearance. His skin was mixed and hazel eyes were sharp.

I gave them a slight nod as each and everyone of them gazed at me.

Mr. Lorenzo told Brandon to sit, to which he did, with the buzzcut fellow. Mr. Lorenzo sat with the blonde man, while I stood.

I wasn’t comfortable sitting just yet, even though Mr. Lorenzo offered.

“Sariah was it? You are quite stunning, I’ve never seen a sexy girl like you walking on the block, Its a shame we only now meet.” Mr. Lorenzo smiled and grabbed a drink from the table.

“Yes.” Is all I said. I really just wanted to get this over with.

Brandon raised one of his hands, as high as his cheek.

Mr. Lorenzo and the blonde man cast a slight smirk before Lorenzo gestured for him to speak.

“Mr. Lorenzo what do you want tonight? As I’ve told you before my niece does wonders. None of her clients have ever given a low rating.”

Mr. Lorenzo nods and sips his liquor. “I’m well aware, as you’ve told me this already.”

I take a step forward. This was lasting a bit longer than I wanted.

“What Brandon is trying to say is, can we please get this show on the road.” I close my lips and smile at him. “Mr. Lorenzo I have been forced upon this by my uncle.”

Brandon mouth dropped in embrassment.

“And I am in no way trying to rush you, but seeing I have to do this against my will, I was hoping we could hurry up?”

Mr. Lorenzo smiled, “A girl who stands on business, I like it.”

He takes another sip of his drink, smacks his lips then turns back to me. “Brandon said you the best of the best, better than all these women I’ve hired to do the same work you’ve been doing, Is he right?”

Brandon had forgotten to mention that this man owned the place.

The attention of the blonde-haired one had shifted toward me, and I realized that everyone’s eyes were upon me, as if they were awaiting something exciting to occur.

Ok Sariah, do your job and this will all go away.

“He also said that you would pay me a thousand, so I guess my success depends on you.”

Brandon nearly spat out his drink when the individual known as Mr. Lorenzo spoke to him with an amused but accusing tone, saying, “Brandon, Brandon, you tell lies to your niece?”

I place my hand on my hip and glare at him. “Did you?”

Brandon scratched his head and scooted a tad. “Uh well…”

Seeing that my nose was flared and I was gonna smack the daylights out of him, he quickly stood up, causing the bodyguards to move quickly and point their guns at him.

“I-It was the only way to get this girl out the house,” he said, banging his hands on the table and looking desperate as he looked at Mr. Lorenzo, saying “She was a bit... resistant... and it was the only way to get her to you!”

It only took me two strides before I slapped him. “Of course, you lied, selfish bastard!”

“Not exactly, M-Mr. Lorenzo you did promise that you would indeed pay her…right?”

Lorenzo placed his elbows on the table and started to nod. “I did…but only about six hundred.”

I clicked my tongue and let out a disgusted noise as I looked back at Brandon, who had a shocked and perplexed look on his face. I responded scornfully, saying “Well, that won’t do then, because I had only agreed to that amount.” I then took my hand and grabbed a handful of his hair, pulling him closer and glaring into his eyes. “Perhaps you should use your body to pay off your debt.”

He grit his teeth at me, “You are a whore Sariah! Just do this for me already!”

His breath was starting to bother me, so I shoved his face away.

“Great idea,” Mr. Lorenzo added, speaking with a low voice that only I was able to hear. His words caused a wave of uncertainty to cascade over me, and I was about to ask about his comment when I was startled back to reality by the sudden snapping of his fingers.

His Body Guards suddenly closed the curtain, pushing me further inside the booth, causing me to feel a rush of panic and confusion. “Hey! What’s going on?” I yelled, attempting to regain control of the situation.

A sudden chill washed over me as I saw the buzzcut-faced man holding a gun to Brandon’s head. At the sight of the weapon, my throat went dry as I witnessed the tense situation unfolding in front of me. The bigger man wiped his fingers with a napkin before grabbing Brandon’s hand and pushing it down on the table, holding on tightly.

“What are y’all doing?”

Brandon began to squirm like a maniac at the sudden weapon being pointed at him, tears suddenly flowing from his eyes as he screamed, “Please don’t!”

“Sariah do you know what I hate most in this world?”

My eyes wavered to the blonde man, who leaned back with his eyes closed. As If this was a daily thing for him. “No.” I replied.

Mr. Lorenzo’s tone suddenly became a lot more menacing as he continued to stare at Brandon, saying “I hate it when people lie, especially if it involves me.”

“Look you can have her, you can take her, use her just please!”

“Be quiet!” The buzzcut ordered as he shoved a gun in Brandon's mouth.

At hearing his pleading words, I shook my head disapprovingly, expressing my disapointment at his sudden act of cowardice after he had just offered me to the man standing next to him. Even though he was offering me as a means to save himself, I couldn’t help but disdain such weakness, and I added more sharply than I intended “I don’t want bloodshed.”

“That uncle of yours offered you up, and we all know what sort of man he is. He wasn’t very kind to you during your childhood, was he?”

My face slowly drops. “T-that…What are you going to do?”

Mr. Lorenzo gave a slight lick towards his teeth and rose to his feet, unsheathing a red pocket knife from his back pocket. His words were chilling even though he spoke in a calm voice as he said “How much would you say a finger would cost?”

“What?” I stumbled back in absolute shock, watching as the blade stabbed into the table with Brandon’s pinky only being cut slightly. At the same time, I heard Brandon’s screams growing increasingly muffled, and I could barely make out his words in between the screaming.

“A-Are you crazy?” I whisper.

Mr. Lorenzo’s face was unreadable, even though I could definitely tell that he was feeling somewhat amused by the situation at hand. He pushed his gray hair back and asked, “You said he should use his body to pay off his debts, and so I was just wondering if you still wanted the money or not?”

I glanced towards Brandon who was still shaking his head repeatedly, his expression a mix of shock and distress. “I don’t want money that will be stained with blood,” I replied firmly, my voice unwavering as I took a deep breath and looked back at Lorenzo.

“That’s where you’re wrong dear, every dollar bill comes from sweat, tears, and possibly a little bit of blood,” Mr. Lorenzo said with a sardonic smile, seeming to take pleasure in his statement and his way with words.

“Look, I-I’ll please all of you if I have to just leave me out of this ordeal.”

Mr. Lorenzo snatched the blade out of the table, and the tension became even more palpable as he turned towards me suddenly and said, “I no longer want you sexually, don’t take it as an insult, I’m just aware that you’re worth so much more than a plaything that I can simply toss aside after a while.”

At his words, I tensed up, not taking his compliment, and instead I asked sharply “What did you mean? I have no debts to you.”

The sudden laughter of the other men surrounding us at the table, made me feel a chill go through me as I saw the knife being waved in a casual manner. Mr. Lorenzo continued waving it around and said, “No, you might not owe me anything, but none of that matters because I simply want you.”

“Why-” He raised his finger at me telling me to be slient, to which I do, but not without letting out a frustrated sigh.

Mr. Lorenzo interupted me as he waved his knife around, giving me an unsettling smile as the tension escalated. “No one has told me how much a pinky finger costs,” he spoke in a lowered and ominous voice, the blonde-haired man quickly replied by saying “At least six thousand… sometimes more.”

A loud laugh escaped him. “Fantastic! You hear that Brandon? You’ll be able to pay off your debt with only one small finger.”

He then began to press the knife against Brandons skin. Blood started to pool from it.

I’m not watching this.

I quickly turned away, unable to watch what was happening, and as I did, I heard a blood-curdling scream echo in the booth.