Lucy sat on the bed, her thoughts swirling as she tried to process what had happened. Less than an hour ago, she'd been dragged away by armed men, men who had beaten her brother bloody right before her eyes. Now, she was stuck in this unfamiliar room, unsure of what came next. 

She remembered the man from earlier, their boss, clearly, the one who had barked the order:

"Keep her here until I come. And don't touch her. Not one hair on her head." His voice had been cold, firm, and impossible to disobey. 

That man... he wasn't like anyone Lucy had ever met. His presence had filled the entire warehouse like a storm cloud, dangerous, powerful, impossible to ignore. She didn't know what he wanted from her, but the memory of his sharp eyes and the cruel smirk on his face made her stomach turn. 

Now here she was, locked in a room with no answers. On the bed lay a set of black lace lingerie. It wasn't hard to guess what they expected her to wear. 

Lucy stood and checked the room, the closet, under the bed, even behind the curtains, hoping to find something else to wear. Nothing. Just the lingerie. Her own nightgown was grimy and torn from the rough handling earlier. 

With no other choice, she grabbed the lace set and muttered bitterly, "Guess this is it." 

After a quick shower, she changed into the revealing outfit. The flimsy fabric clung to her skin, and the cold air of the room made her shiver. She hated this, feeling vulnerable, like she was being put on display. 

The door burst open without warning. Lucy jumped to her feet. 

It was him... the man from before. Barry Cooper. He stepped inside, still dressed in his expensive suit, and shut the door behind him. His eyes roamed over her, and she crossed her arms, hugging herself tightly. 

"Beautiful," Barry said, his voice low and rough. He took a step forward, and Lucy instinctively stepped back. 

He paused, smiling faintly as if her fear amused him. "I believe we haven't been properly introduced," he said. "I'm Barry Cooper. And you... are Lucy." 

She didn't answer. 

"You know," Barry went on, "your brother's a real pain. Owes me a fair bit of money. Tried to steal from me too." He shook his head, feigning disappointment. "That's something I can't ignore." 

Lucy's heart pounded. "What does that have to do with me?" 

Barry's smile widened. "I hear you said you'd do anything to save him." 

She swallowed hard, her breath catching. "What do you mean?" 

"I'll keep it simple," Barry said, stepping closer, too close now. His fingers reached out, brushing the lace strap on her shoulder. She flinched, and to her surprise, he pulled his hand back. 

"You're going to work for me," he said flatly. "I own a club, a nice one, and you'll dance there. Not just as a stripper," he added with a grin. "You'll be a performer, one people will pay good money to see. You've got the skills, don't you?" 

Lucy bit her lip, forcing herself not to react. 

"And when you're not working," Barry continued, "You'll stay with me. As my woman. You'll live under my roof, go where I say, and do what I tell you. That's the deal." 

"You're out of your mind," Lucy said, her voice shaking. 

"You want to keep your brother alive?" Barry countered, voice turning cold. "Then you'll say yes. Because if you don't..." He let the silence hang. 

Lucy clenched her fists. She hated this man. Hated his smug face, his cruel smile. But she knew what would happen if she refused. 

"Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "I'll do it." 

"Smart girl," Barry said, his smile widening. "You'll learn I always get what I want."

Lucy had no choice. The situation was clear, Carrick had messed with the wrong man, and now she was the only thing standing between him and certain death. 

She hated him for it. Hated that, despite every time he'd let her down, despite all the selfish choices he'd made, she still felt obligated to save him. 

"I... I want my brother safe," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want him to leave here alive and untouched. And I want your men to stay away from him, forever." 

Barry leaned back in his chair, watching her with a slow, knowing smile. "In exchange, you'll accept my terms." 

It wasn't a question. It was a statement. 

Lucy forced herself to nod. 

"Consider it done," he said smoothly. 

Her shoulders sagged in relief, until she felt his fingers against her arm. The touch was warm, possessive, as he ran them up to her shoulder, pausing just at the curve of her neck. His gaze never wavered, trapping her under its weight. 

Then, as suddenly as he touched her, he pulled away and walked out of the room. 

Lucy didn't move for a long moment. Then her knees weakened, and she sank onto the bed, pressing her hand to where his fingers had been. Even in his absence, she could still feel him there. 

TWO DAYS LATER

Carrick was leaving. Finally. 

From the small balcony attached to her room, Lucy stood watching as Barry's men escorted him toward a waiting taxi. She bit her lip, gripping the railing. Two days locked in this place, and she still didn't fully understand the kind of power Barry Cooper wielded. But she knew one thing, he wasn't just some criminal. He was a leader, a man whose very presence demanded obedience. 

Her eyes locked onto the car door as Carrick stepped out. He looked exhausted, his face bruised, his movements sluggish. But he was alive. 

Relief washed over her, until she saw it. 

A stark white bandage wrapped around his hand. His left hand. 

Something inside her twisted sharply. She couldn't see how much was missing, but she knew. A piece of him was gone. 

Her stomach lurched. 

She turned to Barry, who stood beside her, watching the scene with detached amusement. He hadn't even looked at her yet, and that made her even angrier. 

"What did you do to him?" she asked, voice low but shaking. 

Barry finally glanced her way, lips curling. "Hmm?" 

She clenched her fists. "What did you do?" 

His smirk widened. "Oh, come on now. I only took a finger. Maybe two." He shrugged lazily. "It's just his left hand. Not like he was using it much anyway." 

Her blood boiled. 

"He's missing a finger" she shouted, stepping toward him. "You lied to me!" 

Barry chuckled, shaking his head as if she were being ridiculous. "Don't call me a liar, darling. I keep my deals." He adjusted his cuff, revealing a flash of gold at his wrist. "I promised to let him live and to set him free. And look, he's still breathing." His voice dropped into something almost playful. "If I wanted, I could've taken a whole lot more. You wouldn't believe how much a man can lose before he actually dies." 

Lucy's stomach turned. 

Rage took over. She stormed toward him, heels clicking furiously against the tiled floor. "You bastard" 

She barely got the word out before her wrist was caught in a crushing grip. Before she could react, Barry yanked her forward, spinning her and slamming her back against the wall. 

The impact knocked the breath from her lungs. 

She gasped, but before she could struggle, his hand was on her throat, not choking, but holding, controlling.

"You," she managed, voice hoarse. 

Barry didn't even look angry. He was calm, composed, his voice light as he murmured, "I don't appreciate temper tantrums, Lucy. I try to be patient. I try to be nice." He smirked down at her. "But you seem determined to test my limits." 

She clawed at his wrist, her breath coming in short, frantic bursts. 

"L-Let me go..." 

His grip tightened for a second. Just enough to make her panic. Then, just as suddenly, he released her. 

Lucy stumbled, barely catching herself against the wall, gasping for air. 

Barry watched her with an unreadable expression before he reached out again. This time, his fingers brushed under her chin, tilting her face up so she was forced to look at him. 

"You need to learn obedience, darling," he murmured. "And I'm happy to teach you." 

She swallowed hard, refusing to speak. 

He let her go, stepping back with an amused chuckle. "For now, I'll let this bad attitude slide. But next time..." His smile was sharp, dangerous. "Let's not make it a habit, hmm?" 

Then he turned and strode out, shutting the door behind him with a decisive slam. 

Lucy stood frozen, her heart pounding. 

What the hell had she just gotten herself into?

A DAY LATER

Lucy found herself shoved into a sleek, black car with tinted windows. She seethed inwardly but accepted her fate. After all, she had brought this upon herself.

Thankfully, Barry wasn't with her. Instead, one of his henchmen sat beside her in the back seat.

"Where are we going?" she asked. The man only grunted and turned away. She bit her lip, feeling like a puppet on strings. She hated it but knew she had no choice.

"Fine, don't tell me," she muttered, looking away.

Suddenly, the car stopped. She peered out, confused by the desolate surroundings. What was going on?

Before she could react, a bag was thrust over her head. She tried to scream but was silenced by the man's gruff voice. "Boss's orders. Don't struggle," he snarled.

Was this Barry's plan? To kill her?

"Relax," he warned. "If you don't, accidents might happen."

Lucy got the message, stay still or risk dying. She took deep breaths, trying to calm down as the car resumed its journey.

She lost track of time before the car stopped again. She was dragged out, unable to form any mental map of her surroundings. She focused on staying alive.

As she walked, she heard thumping club music. Was this her destination? Barry's club?

A new voice, British-accented, spoke as she was guided further. After a long walk, a door creaked open.

The bag was yanked off her head.

Lucy blinked, adjusting to the dim, red-lit room. It looked like a scene from the red light district. She wasn't alone; other girls stared at her curiously.

"Girls!" the British-accented man called out cheerfully. "Meet your new colleague! She'll be with us for a while. Play nice, no cat fights!"

He left, shutting the door behind him, leaving Lucy alone.

She surveyed the room. It was large, with multiple beds, vanities, and a divan. One girl eyed her as she approached an empty bed.

"Is this taken?" Lucy asked. The girl shook her head. Lucy sat down, noting the socket and small table beside each bed.

"Hi," the girl greeted. Her short bob framed her striking doe eyes. "I'm Vanessa."

"Lucy," she replied, grateful for the conversation. "You're a dancer too?"

"Yeah, we all are," Vanessa shrugged. "You must be new. Any questions?"

Lucy shook her head. People often underestimated her, thinking she was inexperienced. It worked to her advantage sometimes.

"I perform for a living," she said after a pause. "This is just another club."

"It's not just another club," Vanessa corrected. "It's the Mafia's underground club. Hard to leave."

"Wait, underground?" Lucy asked, surprised when  nodded. "And what do you mean, hard to leave?"

Vanessa gestured around the room. "Most of us owe debts to the Mafia or their allies. Some, like Kristie," she pointed to a loud girl, "Are hiding from the law. We're here because we have no other options."

Lucy pressed her lips together. "I guess you're right. I'm here because of a debt too."

Vanessa smiled warmly. "Don't worry, you can pay it off. Maybe be out in a year. I'm hoping the same for myself."

Lucy returned the smile, feeling a rare sense of camaraderie.

"Hey, get the newbie over here!" a girl with a buzz cut and piercings called out. She was completely naked, her studded nipples gleaming even in the dim light.

Vanessa stood, motioning for Lucy to follow. Lucy hesitated, recognizing the type, the self-appointed boss.

Time to put her in her place.

As the blond approached Lucy, she rudely asked, "Can you dance at all?"

The way she spoke made it clear that she saw Lucy as nothing more than a piece of trash.

Despite this insult, Lucy remained calm and collected.

She knew that in this underground world, filled with heartless and cruel people, rebellion could have dire consequences.

With a soft sniffle, she avoided making eye contact with the blond and responded firmly, "I will show you when it's time." Lucy said.

"Hmm!" She smirked, her confidence evident as she appointed Vanessa to assist her through the routines and steps ahead. With a nod of agreement, Vanessa stepped into her new role eagerly, ready to guide Lucy through the labyrinth of challenges.

Vanessa's guidance extended even to the most intimate details, such as selecting lingerie suitable for their activities in the underground realm.

Lucy was unfamiliar with the nuances of this hidden world, relied on Vanessa's expertise not only for the routines but also for the attire that would distinguish them from the ordinary.

The dresses were not merely garments but expressions of power and allure. They were designed to captivate, to entice, and to command attention, unlike the mundane attire worn on the surface.

Lucy scrutinized herself in the mirror, her reflection, her breasts spilled out, barely contained by the small leather cut that covered her nipples. The corset hugged her curves, emphasizing her hips and sculpted stomach. As a novice stripper, Lucy felt exposed for the first time.

Her bare buttocks were on display, with the G-string nestled between them unabashedly, reminiscent of a scene from adult films.

"Isn't it absurd to strip like this?" Lucy questioned  sharply.

"Well, it's stunning! You look incredibly attractive!" Vanessa replied, stepping back to admire the scene before her.

Lucy wished Vanessa had acknowledged the shame she felt instead of praising her appearance.

She matched her silver leather lingerie with a six inches silhouette that added so much to her height.

Lucy almost lost her confidence in her new strippers' clothes. It's evening already and they are set to mount the  ground stage to please the mafia's and all their clientele that she would preferably call Snoop dogs.

The schmaltzy music filled the room solemnly and the coloured light buzz through the edges of the wall

The smell was horrific as several cologne buzzed in the air.

Lucy sniffed in sharply and brace herself to accept the cross bestowed to her.

Soon the ladies stepped out from the inside, each girl dazzling and beaming with smiles except Lucy looking awkward and embarrassed.

"Lucy, are you not a stripper anymore? " She questioned herself trying to put in the mood but it was hard for her in this kind of toxic environment where hard mens scattered all around either drinking and sniffing or gambling with guns and weapons beside them.

Lucy wiped her forehead that was dripping with sweat to prevent the makeup Vanessa spent hours applying from getting ruined.

 "Lucy, are you okay ? Vanessa called out. She walked towards her and squeezed her cold palms.

Lucy fidgeted with the hems of her pants. Her heart thuds out loudly like she wants to pick a race.

"What if I didn't do it well? Would I be killed? " Lucy let out her fears to  who took her in.

"Shhhh I believe you can do this! " Vanessa gave her a reassuring smile .

 "You will do well and serve the masters Ok! " She Added

"Masters? " Lucy demanded

"Yes, once you do well on your first night, you won't have to be bothered with the crowd anymore. You will only serve in the private room and serve the masters.

"Hmm! " Lucy breathed unevenly trying to digest  words.

 "You mean I will only strip for the crowds tonight and if I do well that's all? " She muttered slowly

 "Yes, so I believe you will do well and find your way to the top." Vanessa giggled at Lucy naiveness.

 Lucy looked a lot more relieved after the reassurance, ready to do as she was told and get a chance to meet with Barry.

The Ladies walked out finally, leading Lucy to the strippers main stage. It was a big stage in the center of the club meant only for stripper's and the whole angle of the room focused on the center.

 The overflow and VIP rooms are all connected to the center strippers tonight and it was their custom for any new strippers to dance alone for the whole show before she could be rated if she's good enough for the masters.

    Almost immediately a song drifted into the air while the whole crowd waited for Lucy to move her body to the beat. Her legs shook and once again sweat drops down her cheeks.

'I will sing and you dance for me! Shake your body damsel.' The lyrics went on as Lucy eyes ran into Barry's cold eyes, a part of her striked to the beat and she started her performance

  Lucy finds it easy to woo other ladies with her curvy skills. She finds it easy to curl up around the middle stage and express her body.

In no time she finds herself doing what she signed up for but the only thing that kept ringing in her head was for how long this will end, causing her legs to ache badly already as she found herself curled up around the dance pole.

 She took the last bend revealing all her butts and she wondered if those men could see her pussy lips.

"i need to talk to Barry. I can't continue stripping this way! I'm not used to so much crowd. Lucy thought to herself briefly.

However, the thought of how cold and ruthless he could be shook her violently.

"What if he got angry and passed me round to all men to touch me and mess with my body". She imagined as the song ended.

It would have been a piece of cake if all the men in the room did was applaud her and not stare like they're ready to devour her anytime.

Several glances were casted at Lucy on the stage as her heart beat faster.

"Come girl, let 's touch! " One of the men yelled.

"No, I need to taste these ripe fruits! The other demanded and walked towards Lucy on the stage with his red eyes as though he was ready to tear Lucy legs apart.

"Stop this nonsense! She needs to serve more duty tonight!"

Barry who had been watching Lucy declared and silence invaded the whole room with the deadly look on Barry's face. No way Lucy herself will be free tonight.

He ordered her to step down from the stage and Lucy submissively followed the lion into his den.

'Haha sorry poor girl you are lucky tonight we could not have you' A man commented as they walked off.

As they walked by, Lucy grabbed a glass of champagne from a waiter, and she turned around to stare at some people and she didn't notice when Barry paused. As soon as she turned to face him, her hands collided with his clothes and the glass of champagne emptied on his outfit.

"How dare you? " Barry roared as the glass of champagne got emptied on his suit and flowed freely down his pants.

 Lucy shaked terribly looking for napkins to clean Barry suits.

"I'm terribly sorry! I was..." Lucy stuttered trying to find her words when Barry dragged her hair and pulled her up.

  "You are here to pay your brother's debt but it's obvious you're not capable!" Barry said, his voice intimidating.

"Please I feel weak! '' Lucy begged amidst her tears.

She had never felt this way in her entire life looking for means of survival.

She felt her strength leaving her body and she slowly fell into Barry's arms.

Everyone in the Vip room widened their eyes in shock.

"This girl is indeed grounded! " One of them commented and signaled Barry to take Lucy's body away from him.

Before they could move Barry gave them a shock.

He carried Lucy himself to his own Vip room not caring who was watching.

They look surprised, it was obvious Barry took interest in the poor girl but they all know how it will end because their cold mafia boss is not capable of loving a woman not to talk of even keeping a stripper.

Barry ordered one of his men to come explain how Lucy was treated for her to feel this much weak after her dance.

   He dropped her gently on his bed and watched her sleep. Her stomach growled softly and under her make up revealed heavy bags under her eyes.

 She looked stressed. Barry noticed and tightened his grip.

The guy he handed Lucy to walked in trembling knowing is in trouble for his presence to be demanded in Boss's chamber.

"What have you done to her? Barry demanded with a very stern voice sending shivers down the guy's spine.

"I only handed her to the ladies! " He explained.

"Go bring whoever it is! " He said coldly and the guy rushed out to call Vanessa.

 Few minutes later, the both of them walked in, shivering in fear.

"Did you ask her to dance today? " Barry asked, trying to hold back his anger.

This was the first time he was talking to Vanessa ever since he brought her here and he wondered what kind of person she is as she went down on her knees.

 "Sir she was handed over to us today for training but we found out she was a stripper already and she's so good at it." She paused to watch Barry reaction, but she found him glaring at her and she quickly lowered her head.

"So we thought she could start immediately. Lucy seems scared of crowds because she confides in me and is not comfortable with the dress."

"I think she must have felt tired after putting so much effort into dancing at her first performance too." She continued

 "All She needs is rest and good food because she has not eaten anything since she got here." Vanessa blurted looking at Lucy who laid on n Barry's bed."

"What the fuck? Why didn't she eat? " Barry yelled.

"Sir I thought she was taken care of before she was brought to us because our dinner was served already and we have nothing left to offer her." The guy let out sharply.

"So you literally treated her like a piece of trash and handed her over to work without care!" Barry declared and brought out the gun hidden in his pocket all these while.

"Next time I bring in my women you will remember in your next life you need to care for them".

Barry said and cocked the gun and shot the guy kneeling next to Vanessa.

Vanessa's heart skipped a thousand times as the shot left the guy in the pool of his own blood.

Lucy immediately woke up from her sleep, panting heavily as she took in deep breath at the sight before her.

Barry left the room seeing the look of horror in Lucy's eyes, and that she could run from him any time soon.

   Vanessa rushed up to her and hugged her tight patting her back..

     "It's okay dear ! Sorry! Sorry you will be fine." Vanessa cooed.

  Soon, some of Barry's men came in immediately to drag the dead guy and clean up his room.

A minute later, a few ladies came in with a tray of food and some robes, they kept it and left as soon as they came.

"Please stay with me, don't go! " Lucy begged Vanessa.

"What if he kills me too?" Lucy asked in fear, oblivious to what had led to the unfortunate guys death.

She had woken up to the sound of a gunshot and saw a young guy lying dead on the ground whose face looked familiar.

"Shh ! He cares about you! " Vanessa said as she served her food.

"I'll feed you." She added, taking her time to glance around Barry's room.

She knew that she might not get another chance to walk into Barry's chamber, and the only way she could stay here a little longer was to care for Lucy.