Chapter one

Chapter 1

I walked down the Miami streets, the air warm and humid, the sounds of the city enveloping me. My heels clicked on the pavement, and I feel my heart beating faster. I try to stay focused, to remember why I'm here. But it's hard not to get caught up in the energy of the city, in the endless possibilities that it seems to promise. I took another deep breath and force myself to concentrate. 

I see people walking by, all kinds of people. There are tourists in Hawaiian shirts, families pushing strollers, young people laughing and talking on their phones. There are people selling things on the street, people begging for money. I see a man in a suit walking by, talking on his phone. I see a homeless person, dirty and disheveled, pushing a shopping cart full of belongings. Ugh

In the city of Miami...

I opened the doors leading to the Sultry siren,  where I work.

The bouncer nods at me as I walk in, and I head straight for the dressing room. The room is a bit of a mess, with dancers frantically changing and applying makeup. I slip into my stage outfit which is a slinky black bodysuit, paired with knee-high boots and a faux fur coat. I checked my makeup one last time, making sure my eyeliner is sharp and my lipstick is the right shade of crimson. and take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves before heading out to the stage.

"Hey mama, you are pretty late, you don't wanna get on the bad side of Siren"

Layla, one of the girls I work with. She's like my best friend, if something goes wrong, we console each other.

"I had to check something before coming. I need to be on stage now before you know who comes"

"Ok mama"

We air-kissed.

As I step out of the dressing room, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. But as I stepped onto the stage, something changes. I feel a sense of calm wash over me, and my nerves disappear. I start to move to the music, my body flowing with the beat. The audience is mesmerized, their eyes fixed on me. I feel powerful, in control of the room. I took a deep breath and give myself over to the dance, letting my worries and doubts fall away. I am in the moment, and nothing else matters.

I move around the stage, my movements fluid and sensual. I can feel the eyes of  the crowd on me, and I revel in the attention. 

I feel the bills being pressed into my hands, and I can't help but smile. This is what I live for - the attention, the admiration, the feeling of being worshipped. I know that I'm desired, and I drink it in like a drug. As I move around the stage, I see the faces of the men in the crowd, their eyes following my every move. I'm a siren, luring them in with my sensual movements and the promise of something more. I'm untouchable, yet so close.

It's past midnight, I look at myself in the mirror, still wearing my stage makeup. But I feel like I'm looking at a different person. I'm not Samantha, the woman who lives in a small apartment and works as a dancer to make ends meet. I'm Samantha, the woman who captivates an audience with her moves. I felt a mix of pride and anxiety as I take off my makeup and change into my regular clothes. 

Layla entered the dressing room, a smile on her face. "Wow, Sam, you killed it tonight!" she says, looking at the wad of cash in my hand. 

"That's the most I've ever seen you make in one night!" I smile back at her, grateful for her praise. "Thanks, Layla" I said.

"It was a good night, Samantha" She tapped my shoulder and I smiled.

I counted the bills one more time, feeling a sense of satisfaction, This is all for rent. I sighed.

My father passed away when I was in high school. He had been sick for a long time, and his death was expected. But it was still devastating, and I felt lost. My mother, whom I hate and resent, decided to leave town and start a new life. I was left to take care of my younger sister, Sarah. I dropped out of school to get a job and provide for us. 

I worked hard, but no matter how many hours I put in, I could never make enough money to support us both. If it wasn't for Layla that introduced me to this, I don't know what would have happened to Me. I'm forever grateful to Layla cause this job is saving my life and Sarah's. 

I entered my tiny apartment, trying to be as quiet as possible. Sarah is asleep on the couch, her long dark hair spilling over the arm of the couch. I cover her with a blanket, careful not to wake her. I notice that her schoolbooks are spread out on the table, and I see a stack of overdue bills next to them. I put the cash I've earned tonight on the table, along with a note telling Sarah to use it for whatever she needs. I will make another money for rent. I kiss her gently on the forehead, whispering "Good night, Sarah," before heading to my own bedroom.

My phone rings, jerking me out of sleep. I reach for it, squinting at the screen. It's 10am, and I'm not a morning person. I answered the phone, too sleepy to check the caller ID. "Hello?" I mumble. 

"It's Siren"

I used my hand to clean my eyes and sat upright. Why is siren calling me?

"Good morning"

I greeted.

"Meet me at the address I sent to you in 3 hours"

She hung up.

My phone buzzed. The address...

For her to contact me directly, it seems important.

The "siren" is the headliner of the strip club, the most popular dancer, who's the boss of the other dancers. When there's a problem at the club, the other dancers go to the "siren" for help. The "siren" is known by that nickname, and her name is unknown to the other dancers. 

Siren's house is an opulent mansion, with luxurious furnishings and exquisite art. It's clear that she is wealthy, and accustomed to a life of luxury. As I step inside, I feel out of place, as if I don't belong here. The "siren" leads me to the living room, where she motions for me to sit. I sit, trying to look at ease, but I feel tense and uncomfortable. She sits across from me, her expression unreadable. My heart is pounding in my chest. What will she say next?

"I guess this is our first time meeting alone, Samantha"

She sips her wine.

"Yes"

"I will go straight to the point, you should know I don't like beating around the bush"

You are

"One of our customers eyes has been on you for a while, you piqued his interest and he wants to make a deal with you, it's going to benefit us. Mind my manners, would like to drink anything? Water? Alcohol? Wine? Juice?"

"I'm good, what deal?"

It's weird I'm meeting her in her house now a deal? Rumors circulating that she deals with old rich men and that she link up girls. They use them and of course, pay them REAL MONEY. if that's what she called me for, hell no! I need money doesn't mean I'm shameless.

"Don't be in a rush Samantha, you will lose this offer. He wants to marry you, like a contract marriage, there will be rules and you will have to quit coming to Sultry siren. I'm sure this is not your first time hearing such"

Well no.

"Why?..."

"26, I believe you are a grown woman. save those questions for later, he doesn't like to wait, if you hesitate, this opportunity will go to another girl and you might regret it"

She rested her back on the couch. 

Like I knew she wanted to link me up. I mean, you just told me something so absurd right now but marry me, from the rumors I heard, I've never heard about contract marriage with the girls.

"Umm, I don't..."

"Think it through Sam. This might never come your way again, And also, he's not old, I'm aware of the rumors circulating-- I can assure you he's not old, he's between 30/31, you have 5 minutes"

30 years? 

"Lest, I forget, if you accept this offer you are going to walk out that door with a million dollars"

What? My eyes widened.

"So what's your choice?"

A million dollars, that's like a lot, with that amount of money, Sarah and I can move out of that tiny apartment to a bigger one. He's not old and I get to quit stripping. Once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Yes, I accept"