Page 2 of Neverland

Anton’s face reddened as he took a step forward. “You better watch your mouth, or—”

“Ahh, there he is.” Nicole beamed her Cheshire smile as she pointed to Anton’s groin. “You get a little turned on when you speak shit to a woman, do you?”

“You’re no woman—”

“Okay!” I interrupted their feud by positioning myself between them. “I’m ready.” Throwing a warning look to Nicole, she responded with a wink. This was all a game to her.

Wrapping his meaty paw around my elbow, Anton led me out the door and down the darkened hall illuminated only by a single red light. The music from the last dance still reverberated through the walls and the usual nerves kicked in. Some people hated the spotlight no matter how long they spent in it and I was one of them.

The crowd roared their appreciation as Cindi finished her set. She was a girl who left nothing to the imagination and when the foreign businessmen stopped in for a peep show, Cindi would go that extra mile to ensure their business deal was sealed by the end of her song.

The heavy red curtain rushed open and Cindi, completely naked and wearing a beaming smile, came bouncing down the stairs holding a hefty handful of bills. I could only dream of that much cash. It’s not that I didn’t earn it, it’s just that unlike the other girls, I wasn’t allowed to keep it. Cindi passed us, leaving a trail of sweet perfume behind.

“There’s a banker on table six. Be sure to give him an extra special show,” Anton instructed as he pulled me in front. A banker was someone who was liberal with their cash. The more we entertained, the more they gave.

The room darkened, only small blue LED lights lining the inner stage offering any guidance. Hushed murmurs reached my ears and by that alone I could tell tonight was a full house. I walked the length of the stage knowing the sound of my heels drew attention to my shadowed figure. I never knew what song I’d be dancing to, yet another privilege I wasn’t permitted, so I waited on the exact point where the spotlight would hit me as soon as the music started. Glancing around, I take in the full-house of expectant black shapes, waiting, hapless men, and the occasional small glimmer of sequins as the servers sashayed between patrons.

But most of all, I could feel the intensity of his gaze. The music began and my heart sank. It always did when he played this song. He relished in what it did to me, memories flooding back to haunt me of a time when it all began. A time where if I’d just taken an extra second packing my bag, I would have missed him and none of this would ever have happened.

He stood in the glow of the red bar light, his smile one that reveled in my pain. My own personal devil. He watched as I danced, his mouth moving to the lyrics.

This is between you and me

An obsession, a hate, a jealousy

What you give, I so desire

Watch out for me, I’ll set your soul on fire.

The room may be full of patrons, but this song… this was for him. Just the way he liked it.

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