Ariel's POV (FLASHBACK)

THE SURROGATE STRIPPER

                       Ariel Donald

 Seconds later, he groaned hard and then stopped moving, as he cummed over.

 He moved to the other side of the bed, panting like he ran a treadmill. Bastard!

 After that I moved to the other side of the bed where he lay, turning my back towards him.

 I hated every minute of this and I was glad that I didn’t feel or enjoy the foreplay, a part of me felt like a cheap slut.

 After a while, he walked into the bathroom and got out after running the tap to clean up but before he left he dropped another wad of dollars on the bed.

 “You’re outstanding and I hope we do this some other time with no restrictions. I would pay to make you my favorite minx.” He pecked my cheek as he grinned with the satisfaction of my prowess in giving him such a wild and fantastic moment.

 As soon as he was gone, I went to the bathroom and washed my body thoroughly, his scent and sweat off me. I scrubbed for close to fifteen minutes. I didn’t care if my skin peeled off.

   “I hate this!”

    “Fucking shit!”

     “I hope I can forgive myself…”

     “Dirty cum!”

       “He’s mad to think I’d turn into his little minx!”

 I kept cursing the bastard while I bathed, after that, wore my decent outfit and went out in search of Eunice.

She was at a far end, dancing beautifully and twerking on a pot-bellied redhead.

There was no way I could go on in, looking so decent so it was no option than to run back for an outfit change.

Even though I knew I got paid real good tonight, there was no harm in working for more.

There was nothing that could go wrong tonight right?

 I wore the peach net dress Eunice kept, with some pink thongs. They were duct tapes as well for my nipples as I looked naked, the dress stopped at the end of my ass cracks.

Cool air blew towards me and at my taut nipples stood with attention, I took in my appearance and I looked like a Barbie doll.

 Even though I didn’t enjoy whatever action that occurred, my pussy was wet and I felt pretty horny myself.

 This isn’t the time for me to get laid, this is probably business and when I am ready I will get it with a guy I feel something for.

 I walked over back into the club and I couldn’t see Eunice with the man anywhere in sight.

  Where could she probably be?

I saw the pretty lady from earlier Anna, she winked at me and called me over to a room.

 As soon as I entered her office, she was beaming with smiles and told me to sit. The office looked exotic with red pieces of furniture and sexually stimulating images.

   A portrait by the wall had a seductive naked stripper romancing the pole and her tongue stuck out.

   “I know I scare you but, I’ve been working here for years and I’m in good rapport with Eunice. You’re Ariel right?” I simply nodded, and she grinned at me.

I can’t wait to leave this place and go home to bury my face into a pillow and hope all this will vanish and it was all a dream. “Why did you call me? I don’t wanna sound rude but I’m sorry and I’m kind of antisocial and so I stay in my lane. The job is pretty new to me, and I am finding my feet.” I narrated my feelings quickly to her without stopping to catch my breath and she nodded.

 “You don’t need to be so defensive, I was just like you when I came here back then. You will be alright, that I am sure of.” She cooed softly with the brightest smile I’ve received in months.

 “Anna, are you this nice, or am I mistaken?” I asked with raised eyebrows.

 “Well let’s say, Eunice is family to me and so are you. I’m a nice psycho bitch if that explains it.” We laughed heartily, and somehow I felt I met a friend.

 “Oh okay, keep your swords at bay. It had been a long time, I had a cool conversation and I almost forgot how it was to laugh.”

 She worded your welcome and sipped at her drink.

“Ariel, I have this to say, you did an excellent and outstanding performance on the freaking pole, and what you did to those clients was magical. How did you do it? I am jealous.” My cheeks burnt from embarrassment, and I felt like the ground should swallow me.

 Maybe I was so daring and carefree due to the alcohol, on a normal day, I wouldn’t have thought of lap dancing and stroking any bloody bastard.

I wasn’t the type to hunt men for money and use my body as my means, but it seemed today wasn’t a normal day.

  “Well, Uh… I’m…uh… I just gave them a good time, it was no big deal.” I stuttered, biting my inner cheek and nipped on my tongue nervously.

 “Well, I am in charge of girls in this club, so I was amazed at your performance and the boost in sales today. You put on quite a show, visuals were so erotic and sensual.” She praised and continued cheerfully.

 “I was startled by the praises a client heaped on you. If you could overhear all he spoke about I’m sure you killed it, you got gold buried in that waist of yours.

  He said a lot of nice things about you, and because of your prowess he doubled the consultancy payment, this is the first time a client has doubled his money all thanks to you.

And I can’t believe when you say it your first time, you acted like a professional.” She clapped and I felt shy.

 “Anna, you don’t have to thank me. I had to do what is expected of me, and besides, I’m just doing this for just the money and nothing else.” I corrected her.

  “Do not worry, you’re going to make a lot of money. I will give you your share of the consultancy fee, you will have your money before you leave.

  I would love to inform you, there’s a party that’s going to be held in a few weeks. I would like you to attend, lots of wealthy cash cows will be there and I will be in charge of choosing some of our finest ladies here to attend as well.”

 I straightened up immediately, did she mean wealthy men? Oh, la la... I’m game.

 “Anna, What’s the party all about? I hope it’s not a mafia party or an illegal party. I’m scared for my life, I got a family to feed.” I begged.

  “Hahahaha…” She placed a hand over her chest to still her laughter before sipping on her drink and continued. “You’re such a drama queen, Ariel. It’s just a normal party, there’s nothing to worry about. We don’t get involved with drug lords or all of the other shit. We attend business men’s parties.” She explained.

Anna draws her desk drawer and offers an envelope. “Here, take this, this is your pay, with an additional bonus on top.”

 “Alright, thank you, Anna. Let me take my leave now.” I bowed slightly and walked out of the door.

  After I took the money, I went out of her room in search of Eunice but she was nowhere in sight.

   It seemed she was busy with her client, so I thought of going home alone. I’ve had enough for today, and my head and toes were aching.

  I bagged up my stuff and as I was about to leave the building to get a taxi home I was intercepted by a rainbowed-haired colored lady.

    She looked like one of their regular strippers here, as well, and had a full heavy makeover on her bloated botched lips.

    “Hey! The newest bitch, what have you been discussing with that slut, Anna, for too long?” As she spoke her breath smelled of alcohol mixed with cigarettes, it was unpleasant and it stank.

   “What’s your business?” I retorted back to the rude bitch, quickly.

 “Oh my, my, the newest bitch got her tongue wagging too early. You are a cheap slut, there is nothing you have that I don’t have. I have way more clients, I’m prettier and bustier than you could ever be.” She spat bitterly, my air was polluted.

     “Are you done? Please move out of my way. I don’t have the time to argue with an insecure brat!” I clicked my tongue to the roof of my mouth and sent her a haughty glare.

    She laughed hysterically as if she was raving mad. Why is she jealous of me? I’m not rich and what possibly is she jealous of?

     She waved her fingers in my face. “No matter how you try to slut your way in, you can’t top my efforts in years to come. You will be used and dumped back to the slum you crawled your pathetic self from.” She cussed, shook her strong ass, and walked away.

       “Insecure brat!”

 That was her problem, I am not here for silly Queenie shit. I’m here to take the money and go, nothing else matters.

 I knew all this would come up sooner or later, but I’m strong and will fight.

  “Crescent layout,” I ordered a taxi and hopped in immediately. I alighted the taxi after paying the transport fare and walked slowly into the apartment.

    The lights were switched off so I turned it on and got straight to business. “I need a massage,” I muttered and yawned lazily, kicking the shoes off my feet and undressing.

 I dashed off into the bedroom and got into the shower to relax my hurting nerves and to clear my head.

  Bathing has never meant so much to me until today. I still scrubbed hardly at my skin hoping to peel his touch and scent off me. It repulsed me and it was against everything I stood for but desperate times came for desperate measures and it was the only way I could get money.

      I’ve never hated myself until today.

 When I finally agreed to leave the shower after my heavy breakdown and sobs in the bathroom I slid under the bed covers and picked my family photograph safely tucked under the pillow and ran my fingers over the rim of the old frame and placed a feather-light kiss.

    “I hope you’re not disappointed with me, Father.” A lone tear slid down as dizziness envelops and I sunk into sleep.

                (MORNING)

                  Ariel Pov

  I slid into a floral skirt and an off-shoulder crop top, with a pair of Adidas shoe, grabbed my purse, and left for the shopping mall. I had to buy some groceries for Mom and goodies for my brother, and soon afterward I took a taxi to the hospital.

I arrived minutes later at the hospital, I checked in with the nurses and made some deposits before I went to see my mom.

 Eunice checks in most of the time with Matthew to see Mom, and I can’t be more thankful for her sacrifices.

 As I entered her room, she was on her bed keenly watching the television.

  I walked in and gave her a big hug, she slowly moved her arms and hugged me as well.

 “It’s so good to see you, Ariel, where have you been? I felt you were disgusted with my unending problems, you have the world on your shoulder, and I’m adding to it.” Mom looked teary-eyed, I held her and patted her back slowly.

   “Mom, I missed you too, please forgive me. I had no money, and I was busy with work. You can never be a burden, I love you so much. How are you feeling mom?”

   “I’m doing good, you don’t look too well. Please take care of yourself, I won’t forgive myself if anything goes wrong with you.” She pleaded.

   “Mother, I’m fine. I’m just a little tired with work schedules, that’s all.” I said convincingly.

  “Ariel, please don’t work yourself too hard, I’m…. not sure if I will make it out of here alive, this cancer is killing me slowly. I might lose to it.”

 “Never! Quiet! Don’t you dare say that. You will make it out of here. Do you hear me? Don’t you dare leave me alone… You’re the only family I have left.” I cried.

“Ariel, it’s fine. Okay, I’m sorry I got carried away and wanted to ease your burdens.”

“Mom, don’t be I love you and Matthew. You’re the reason I work so hard, and I made a few deposits even though we have a larger sum to pay. Please be my strength, you have to fight for us.” She smiled and I hugged her for a long time, with tears streaming down my cheek.

 “And I love you much more, you are the most hardworking and selfless person I’ve ever met. The best child I could ever wish for.” My mom praised me and I felt so happy.

 Instantly my phone buzzed, I checked who it was and I didn’t know the caller.

  “Hello, who’s speaking?”

“Hey, girl, I used a different phone number to call you, there’s great news!” Eunice screamed over the phone excitedly.

   “I’m sorry I left…” My voice trailed.

   “Come off it bestie, I’m not mad at you. I came home this morning to get some clothes and you were asleep so I didn’t want to wake you. The reason I called is about the ballroom event, you have been picked.”

        My head banged.

  “Picked? How, when, where? I didn’t participate seriously and I was never chosen by our agency. So how the fuck did I get picked?”

 Oops, Mom was close by, so disrespectful to curse in front of her.

 I muttered. “Sor-ry.” She smiled facing the television.

  “It’s a long story!”

   I rolled my eyes and urged. “Start from anywhere as far as your message is passed.”

  “Well, I overheard one of the men I was entertaining last night talking on the phone about their need for a girl so I volunteered and told him about my bestie and went on to tell him to check our look book in our agency. He left this morning and I had to go home but luckily he called again, and demanded I get information across to you that the show chairman wants you as the Female Lead!”

  My breath stopped, my lips fell open and I screamed.

 “This is an opportunity for a lifetime, Eunice I’m so grateful. I’m going to compensate you, for all the stress and your kind-heartedness towards me.” I was so emotional, right now.

  “That’s nothing I will forward the address to make sure you make it right on time, good luck babe.” She disconnected the call. I could hear a masculine voice in the background and I’m sure it was a male interest of hers.

  “Mom, I will call Eunice to keep you company. I’m so sorry for leaving you like this.” I begged and she nodded, kissed my forehead, and with that, I left for the house.

 I got my knapsack and included my lip gloss, eyeliner, and my working outfit. Immediately my phone buzzed, Eunice had sent the address.

     ‘NEW COMPTON LAYOUT, NO.23 CHERRY STREET.’

  I got into a taxi and we drove off to the address.

 I was ushered into the building and I could see a lineup of cameras, director, and costumier, amongst others with their name tags. I didn’t need to be told they had been waiting for my arrival.

  I waved at them and a few waved back and others just didn’t care.

        Oops.

   A young lady walked up to me with a smile on her face. She looked elegant and polite, she dressed smartly in her tailored suits.

   “Hi I’m Miss Ela and you’re Miss Ariel.” She protrudes a hand for a shake which I reciprocate with a puzzled look and shakes her hands.

   “How did you know my name?”

   “We have been waiting for you since the Boss made his pick ma’am.” She replied politely and led me into a room in which I thanked her.

  It was a huge hall that had different people scattered around in their departments creating, painting at the walls and others. My gaze fell on a red-haired man, he looked kind of mean but replaced that with a sexy smirk.

  I could remember he was the red-haired pot-bellied Eunice was entertaining last night in the club. What a bloody pervert!

 He was eye-fucking me, and somehow I felt disgusted but I didn’t let it get to me. I’m here to do my job so it ain’t a bother.

  I won’t agree to sleep with him or cave into his lustful stares even though he played a part in helping me.

  “We’ve been waiting! Without wasting time. Camera test, makeover, custumeir, hairstylist get in formation!” The red-haired director announced and immediately their various crews went berserk into action.

 The make-up artist didn’t waste time in pulling me to a chair and getting my face ready and the hairstylist as well as they made sure I got ready in a few minutes.

I had my hair rolled into nice curls, a gold crown was placed on my head with a gold choker nicely placed on my neck, bracelet to my wrist and my fingers were painted and for a minute I felt relaxed and zoned out from my problems.

  “It’s time to wear the gown ma’am.” The customeir walked up to me and led me to a private dressing room. A gold-encrusted plated ball gown that made my eyes bulge in surprise was waiting. I changed into the attire and walked back to the main room.

 The minute I stepped into the room a quick wave of warmth washed over me. I need not be told that the Chairman had gotten here and the other workers were waiting to begin the shoot. The picture settings were ready.

  From the corners of my eyes, I saw a man but his face was covered with a gold mask. The lady that welcomed me whispered some words into his ears and he nodded in correspondence.

   His haunting gray-blue eyes were directed in my direction, those eyes looked familiar like I’ve seen them before but that’s not true. I’m incapable of seeing such a powerful man.

    They were staring right back at me intently, undressing me, leaving me bare and I felt hot, my skin burning holes under his powerful gaze.

  My chest felt like it was burning as I felt the holes his hard gaze left on my skin, goosebumps formed in every corner and I felt like I’m submerged under.

His eyes were getting to me and honestly, I got scared.

 I can only see the crew members but not the Ela lady I hoped to see. I guess she had something else to do.

 There’s a clapper sound then the lights go off to replace a red and gold light, giving the room a sensual and photogenic atmosphere.

 My eyes followed him as he got up from the black leather couch he once sat on, to the gold throne he will be taking in front of me.

 His eyes don’t leave me, and I try to not let him see the effect they caused on my body.

  He looked rich, classy, and very dominant.

 He wore the gold regalia like a king, his gold mask was still on so I didn’t know what he looked like.

  My eyelashes were dramatic, I had the Cleopatra look.

  I was freaking out by staying under the same roof as this man and breathing the same air. It did things to me I can’t explain but it doesn’t matter I’m here to work.

 I’ve already been thoroughly lectured by my modeling institute, and so I know where to go once I’m given the chance to pose.

So once the clapper went on I dazzled and let my spirit fly.

 I tried my best to be elegant, strike a great pose, and act more alluring. I possess fluid body movement as the camera clicks, then I walked closer to him and it was just an inch separating us.

  “Add more passion and fierceness! Get closer. Great!” The director of photography instructed as I gulped and shakily wrapped my arms around his neck and locked gazes with him.

     Click!

      Click!

  Those eyes of his were messing with my system, I was intrigued and fascinated as I felt the warmth emanating from him.

 “More action!”

 I took a step higher and brought my lips close to his to appear as a kiss but we weren’t as I cocked my head to the side and brushed my lips to the pec of his nose.

  He pulled away from me immediately.

 “Get out!” He commanded and walked away slamming the door shut with a loud thud that shook the building.

 Did I do something wrong? I just hope I didn’t mess everything up.