Chained By The Alpha Jessica Hall

book 2 Chapter 10 Maya

Fear gnaws at me, twisting my stomach into knots as I think about the horror stories I've heard the other girls whispering about in hushed tones-tales of clients who push boundaries, and who see us as mere objects for their pleasure. I pray silently that none of them will ask for more than a dance, knowing that some girls are paid for things I'm not ready to give. The thought sends a shiver of disgust through me. This isn't the life I envisioned, but circumstances have pushed me into corners I never wanted to explore

With a deep breath, I grab my keys and head out the door, my heels clicking on the pavement as I

make my way to the car. Once in the car, the first place I go to 1s the gas station

I reach into my coat pocket, feeling the last crumpled ten-dollar bill I have, and reluctantly feed it into the gas pump, watching the numbers climb slowly. The drive to work is a blur of streetlights and darkened storefronts, each mile bringing me closer to a reality I wish I could escape

As I pull up to the back entrance, I pause, staring at the uninviting door. My hand hovers over the handle, my mind racing with doubts and fears. Finally, I force myself to open the door and step inside, slipping my mask over my face, I make my way to the back where the lockers are and hurriedly remove my coat and dress. Glancing in the mirror, I make sure everything is covered despite the lack of covering I am wearing before reluctantly

stepping into the main area of the club. My eyes instantly dart to the stairs leading to the VIP section

The club atmosphere is thick with anticipation as the opening acts start performing. Neon lights flicker, casting erratic shadows over the dancers and the leering faces of the men who watch them. The air is heavy with the scent of cheap perfume and pheromones. I move to the bar area, and Emma behind the bar raises a brow at me

"Trevor said you're working the VIP section tonight." I chew my lip and nod nervously. She sighs but pours two shots. She slides them across the counter. I shake my head. "Drink them. You'll need them," she tells me and I stare at her, and she nudges them closer. I take the shot and swallow it in one gulp. I can feel the warmth spreading through my body as I take a deep breath. I turn to Emma and give her a weak smile

"Have you clocked in?" she asks, and I shake my head. She reaches down behind the bar, retrieving something

She drops the tablet on the counter. I quickly clock in, sliding the tablet back to her before picking up the other shot. I down this one, which this one, makes me cough

"Go on before you chicken out." she waves me off. Trevor and the girls that work here all know who I am, but like me, the girls also don't want their identities known since they are from packs within the cityNôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

The VIP section is dimly lit; as I climb the stairs, it overlooks the dancers on the floor below. Plush sofas line the walls, creating an illusion of luxury in the midst of vulgarity. My stomach twists into knots as I enter, my every sense on high alert. Closed curtain booths leave

much to the imagination, especially when hearing the noises coming from a few I pass

"Booth 8," Trevor points to me. With a nod, I force myself to move to the booth. Pulling back the curtain, I quickly enter, my heart racing in my chest. I clutch the curtain, my back to whoever is inside it as I tried to get my bearings, but I knew if I fumbled heading in, Trevor would have kicked me back to the lower floor. I take a shaky breath and peek around the curtain

A tall, well-dressed man 1s sitting across from me, an amused expression on his face when I notice there is not one but two men in here. I freeze in place, my heart pounding in my chest when I recognize the second man. Vance