Six

NEXT DAY

The music thumped through Barry’s Club, low and steady like a heartbeat. Lights flashed red and gold across the dark club, casting shadows that danced on the walls. The smell of smoke, sweat, and cheap perfume filled the air. The night had just begun, but the place was already packed. Laughter, clinking glasses, and loud voices echoed from every corner.

Lucy stood in front of the mirror in the dressing room, applying a thin layer of gloss on her lips. The new outfit felt tight on her skin, showing more than she was used to. But she reminded herself, this was her job now. She had no choice. Just get through the night, she thought. Do what you have to do.

When she stepped out onto the floor, the noise hit her harder than before. Men’s eyes followed her as she walked by, hungry and full of lust. She kept her head high, pretending not to notice. Inside, she felt cold. Empty. Every step reminded her that this wasn’t where she wanted to be, but she was trapped, at least for now.

Lucy made her way to the stage, where Vanessa stood leaning against a pole. She gave Lucy a small nod, a silent welcome. Lucy felt a bit of comfort in that look. At least someone wasn’t out to get her.

But not everyone felt the same.

From the far end of the stage, a blonde girl smirked as Lucy passed. Her voice rang out, loud enough for Lucy to hear over the music. “Look at the princess,” the blonde sneered. “Master’s little toy. Thinks she’s too good to talk to the rest of us.”

Lucy stiffened but kept walking. Not tonight, she told herself. It’s too soon for fights. Let it go.

But the blonde wasn’t finished. “Or maybe she’s just too tired from keeping his bed warm at night,” she added with a fake laugh, loud enough for others to hear. A few of the girls chuckled nervously. Most looked away, afraid to get involved.

Lucy’s jaw clenched. Her hands curled into fists at her sides. Every part of her burned with the need to snap back, to make the girl regret those words. But she didn’t. She took a slow breath and kept her eyes on the stage.

Vanessa stepped closer. “Don’t,” she whispered, her voice calm. “She’s not worth it.”

Lucy glanced at her. “Did you hear what she said?”

“I did,” Vanessa said softly. “But don’t give her what she wants. That girl feeds on drama. And Master wouldn't want you doing that. Trust me.”

Lucy swallowed hard and nodded. She forced herself to look away from the blonde. But inside, she felt the storm building. Every insult, and jealous glance, every whispered word, it all piled up, heavy on her chest.

The night dragged on. Lucy danced when she had to, moving to the beat while men stared and cheered. When she wasn’t on stage, she served drinks, dodging hands that tried to grab at her. Her legs ached. Her back hurt. But she kept going, trying to stay invisible when she wasn’t working.

But the blonde wouldn’t let her have peace.

Each time Lucy passed, she had something to say. “Careful, princess. Don’t trip over your own pride.”

“Master’s pet shouldn’t be serving drinks with the rest of us. She might catch something.”

“Bet she thinks she’s better than us. But she’s just a whore like the rest of us, only she got there faster.”

Lucy bit her tongue. Again and again. She could feel her nails digging into her palms, her teeth grinding together. Her head pounded from holding back.

Finally, when the music quieted for a break, she found a small corner to sit for a moment. Vanessa joined her, handing her a glass of water.

“You’re doing good,” Vanessa said, her voice low so no one else would hear. “I know it’s hard. But don’t let her win.”

Lucy took the water, hands shaking. “Why does she hate me? I didn’t do anything to her.”

Vanessa gave a sad smile. “It’s not you. It’s Master. You’ve been here what, three nights? And he’s already given you more attention than he’s given some of these girls in years. They’ve fought for his notice. You didn’t even try, and he picked you.”

Lucy looked down at the water, watching the ripples in the glass. “I didn’t ask for this.”

“I know,” Vanessa said gently. “But this is how it works here. The girls see you as a threat. And the men, well, you’ve seen how they look at you.”

Lucy closed her eyes for a second, trying to steady her breathing. “I’m not here to fight with anyone. I just want to survive this. That’s all.”

“And you will,” Vanessa said. “If you keep your head down. If you stay smart. That girl, she’s trying to push your buttons. Don’t let her. Master might like you now, but if you cause trouble in his club, he won’t protect you. He’ll make you pay.”

Lucy nodded slowly. The truth of those words settled heavy in her heart. She didn’t want Barry’s protection. She didn’t want any of this. But Vanessa was right. She had to be smart.

The break ended, and the music started again. Lucy stood and smoothed down her outfit. As she walked past the blonde, the girl opened her mouth, ready with another insult. But this time, Lucy didn’t react. She kept her eyes forward and walked on, as if the girl wasn’t even there.

That made the blonde even angrier. “That’s right,” she called after Lucy, voice dripping with venom. “Run along, princess. Hide behind Master’s shadow.”

Lucy didn’t stop. But inside, she felt the fire burn hotter. She kept her steps steady, but her mind raced. One day, she thought. One day I’ll shut that mouth of yours for good.

The night went on. The club filled with noise, smoke, and heat. Lucy worked until her legs felt like jelly, until her throat was dry from breathing in stale air. But she kept going, kept holding back, kept her head down like Vanessa had said.

When the club finally started to empty out, Lucy slipped into the dressing room, exhausted. Vanessa came in behind her.

“You did good tonight,” Vanessa said, sitting beside her.

Lucy let out a long breath. “I wanted to hit her so bad.”

“I know." Vanessa said, smiling gently. “But you didn’t. That’s what matters. That shows your strength.”

Lucy nodded, but her fists were still clenched at her sides.