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.

Lucy was taken out of the underground in silence. No one said a word as they led her to Barry's mansion. By day, she stayed in one of his grand rooms, resting and recovering. But at night, she was taken back to the underground, like a shadow moving between two worlds.

Her room was next to Barry's. It was as large and well-furnished as his own. The bed was soft, the curtains thick and heavy, and the closets were so big they could fill a boutique. Lucy's mouth had fallen open the first time she stepped inside. The luxury didn't comfort her. Instead, it made her uneasy. What exactly was going on?

It was her third day in the mansion. She hadn't seen Barry since the night she passed out. The maids brought her food, clean clothes, and anything else she needed. No one spoke much to her. She wanted fresh air, to feel the sun or breeze on her skin, but she was too scared to break any rules. For now, she stayed inside.

That morning, Lucy woke early. The room was quiet except for the soft chirp of birds outside. She stepped into the bathroom and took a long shower, trying to wash off the fear that clung to her skin. After drying off, she stood in front of the mirror, rubbing lotion onto her arms and legs. The cool cream felt good against her warm skin.

Suddenly, the door creaked open.

Barry walked in, his face as cold as stone. His dark eyes swept over her, but he showed no hint of surprise or desire. It was as if he had walked in on someone brushing their hair, not a half-naked woman. Still, Lucy gasped and grabbed the towel, pulling it over her chest.

Barry's voice was low and sharp. "Get dressed. Now."

Lucy's heart raced. "What...why did you come in here like this?" she asked, trying to sound annoyed, but fear made her voice shake.

He stared at her, his gaze like ice. "I said get dressed," he repeated, his tone colder this time. "I don't have time for questions."

Lucy froze. No one dared argue with Barry, not in his house, not in his world. She knew that. Still, she couldn't stop her words. "You came to look at me, didn't you? Is that it?" she said, her voice small, trying to hide the tremble.

Barry's eyes darkened. His glare was enough to silence her. He didn't raise his voice, but the threat in his words was clear. "Don't test me, Lucy. Put on your clothes before I lose my patience."

She swallowed hard. With shaky hands, she reached for her dress and slipped it on, fingers fumbling at the buttons. Her cheeks burned with shame, but Barry didn't look away. He watched her as if daring her to speak again.

When she was done, he stepped closer, his boots heavy on the floor. "The next time I tell you to do something," he said, voice low, "you do it without talking back. If you want to stay alive in this house, learn fast."

Lucy's breath came quick. She hugged herself as if that could protect her from his cold words. "When am I leaving?" she asked softly, hardly believing she had the courage to ask.

Barry laughed, but it wasn't warm. The sound was bitter and empty. "Leave? You're not leaving. Not until I say so. A million dollars doesn't just go away. Unless you have a plan to pay me back, you're mine until then."

Her eyes widened. "A million dollars? My brother stole that much from you?"

Barry didn't answer. His silence said more than words. He moved closer, making Lucy back away until she hit the wall. His gaze dropped slowly down her body, and she felt his look like a touch. Her arms shot up again to cover herself.

"You don't fear me enough," Barry said after a moment. His voice was like gravel, rough and cutting. "That's your mistake. You think you can argue. You think you can look at me like that and not pay for it."

Lucy's fists clenched. She was scared, but she wouldn't let him see how weak she felt inside. Her chest rose and fell fast, but she kept her eyes on him.

Barry smirked. "Still trying to act brave. I see it in your eyes. But you're scared. I can smell it on you."

She didn't answer. She couldn't. Her throat felt tight, her mind spinning. What did he want? What was he planning to do to her?

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "You think this is bad? I haven't even started."

Lucy shivered. Her heart pounded so loud she thought he could hear it. She closed her eyes for a second, trying to gather strength. Don't break. Don't let him win.

Barry stayed close. His voice dropped to a whisper. "I could make you beg, Lucy. I could make you beg so bad you wouldn't even know your own name."

Her lips parted, but no sound came out. She felt his breath on her skin, and it sent chills down her spine.

He tilted his head, his mouth close to her ear. "You don't know what it means to be mine. But you will. Soon."

Barry's smirk grew. He was enjoying her fear, testing how far he could push without touching her. His voice stayed cold, but there was something dark in it, something that made Lucy's skin crawl.

Lucy's thoughts raced. 'Would he really hurt me? No...he wouldn't. I'm still useful to him. He needs me alive. That was the deal. I just have to stay strong.'

Barry pulled back just a little, studying her face. Her lips trembled, but she stayed silent. That amused him even more. "Good," he said quietly. "Maybe you're learning."

Then he turned, his coat brushing against her arm as he walked toward the door. Before leaving, he paused, looking over his shoulder. His eyes were sharp, cold as steel. "Stay in your room. Don't test my kindness."

And then he was gone, the door closing behind him with a soft click that felt louder than any shout. Lucy stood there, heart still pounding, body shaking. The room felt colder now, empty and still.

She let out a long breath and sank onto the edge of the bed, pulling the blanket around her like a shield. Her mind was a storm of fear and confusion. But one thought burned clearer than the rest:

I have to find a way out of this. Before it's too late.