Heart of a Stripper

by Harris, Cyndi

  “I am sorry.” He replied, staring her into her big brown eyes.

  He really felt awful about the nasty things she said to her. She didn’t deserve to be insulted like that.

  “It’s fine.” She smiled brightly. “I already know how most people think about the line of work I’m in. The only thing that kills me is that they don’t care about what’s up here.” She said pointing to her head.

  “But as you said, who wants to respect anyone stripping for drunken men. Thanks for the ride.” She said kissing his cheek. “Good night.”

  With that, she slipped from the car and wrapped the coat around her before bolting into the back entrance of the club. Mitchell sat, still feeling horrible about what he had said to her. Looking at his watch, he saw that he still had a little time before he needed to be at the restaurant. Turning off the car, he hopped out and slunk inside the club.

  Nevaeh hustled into the locker room and stopped at her locker. An older stripper with blonde hair shook her head as Nevaeh passed her. She was applying red lipstick to her already ruby red lips. She went by the name “Honey” because of her hair color.

  “Jimmy doesn’t like it when we’re late.” She barked.

  “I got the memo yesterday when he hired me.” Nevaeh said opening her locker.

  Sitting the duffle bag on the bench in front of her, she unzipped it and pulled out her skimpy outfit. It was an angel getup. Taking her shirt off, she tossed it in the bag before unhooking her bra. She grabbed the silver corset top that went with her outfit and threw it on. It had black fluffy feathers surrounding the top. It was definitely a stripper’s outfit.

  “Who gave you this?” Honey asked, picking up the leather jacket Mitchell had given her.

  “A friend.” Nevaeh smiled brightly as she rolled on her fishnet stocking knee highs.

  “Must be some rich friend.” Honey replied, feeling the material and studying it. “It’s real leather.”

  “I noticed.” Nevaeh chuckled as she slid on the barely there G-string and black tutu skirt.

  “Whoever he is, he smells good. And definitely has great taste, unlike the cheap bastards that roll in here.” She replied as they both erupted into laughter.

  “Where are you supposed to be?” Jimmy snapped, walking into the dressing room.

  “Going out there right now.” Honey replied, dropping the jacket to the bench.

  Nevaeh picked the jacket up and shoved it into her locker before jamming the bag into the bottom. Closing the locker, she hustled over to the mirror and let her hair down. Grabbing the brush, she started to primp herself as Jimmy eyed her briefly. Jimmy had on a white button shirt with a grey sweater on top, with black dress pants. His skin was mocha, and his black hair was cut low. He was the type of guy who liked to looked sophisticated, but was an asshole.

  “I don’t pay you guys to sit on your asses and tell jokes. If you want to make people laugh, be a comedian.” He replied harshly to Honey.

  “Sorry.” She replied walking to leave.

  “Here, have some of this.” He replied, stopping her and opening a small vile filled with white powder.

  Honey willingly sniffed it and giggled as he slapped her ass.

  “Go make that money.” Jimmy said, winking at her. She sauntered off as he set his sights on Nevaeh. She cringed as he slithered over to him. He was the type of douche that made her skin crawl. Just an all-around dirt bag. She knew more about that subject than she should have.

  “So I think I’ve found the perfect name for you.” He replied, gawking at her as she touched up her make up.

  “What’s that?” she asked looking at him through the mirror.

  “Fantasy, because that’s what you are. Every guy’s “fantasy”. Plain and simple. I’m going to set up a “school girl” act for you to capitalize on your innocence.” He said grabbing her arm gently, and spinning her around.

  He moved closer to her, and she sucked in a breath as he reached over to the table. Grabbing a clean towel, he wiped the make-up from her face.

  “You don’t need anything on that pretty little face of yours. Your natural beauty is what will get you the big bucks here. That, and the fact that you’re the youngest. Those old horny bastards will eat that shit up.” He said clearly, letting her go.

  Swallowing hard, Nevaeh nodded tensely. Flashing a smile, he watched her as she spun back around and wiping her face clean. He stared at her derriere as she noticed his reflection in the mirror. Standing upright, she spun back around and smiled fakely.

  “I should head out there.” She insisted walking past him, but he grabbed her arm.

  “Try some of this.” He pushed, holding the same vile out to her that Honey had used only a moment ago.

  Looking down at it, she saw a white substance inside and immediately shook her head. Drugs were not, nor never would be her thing.

  “I’m ok.” She replied slipping out of his hand and grabbing the pair of wings lying on the bench.

  “You sure?” he asked, with a sly smile as he watched her slip on the black angel wings.

  “Positive.” She retorted as she sped walked from the room.

  “Suit yourself.” He replied taking a bit of the stuff on his index finger and rubbing it into his mouth.

  “That angel outfit looks good on you.” He replied seductively.

  Nevaeh swallowed hard again as a chill ran through her. Sure, he was an attractive guy, but that wasn’t everything. Having a sleaze ball hit on you wasn’t ideal in her eyes. Especially when he was supposed to be her boss, and the guy to protect her from the many men who walked into the club daily. She was already uncomfortable being in this line of business, but he pushed the uneasy feeling over the edge. Jimmy wasn’t going to be easy to work with, she could tell already.

  Gathering herself, she took a deep breath before leaving the locker room. She threw on a bright smile as she stood backstage. Tonight was going to be her first time to perform on the stage in front of everyone. She was thankful that jimmy hadn’t ordered her to strip any of her clothes off. He wanted to keep the crowd lingering on her as long as he could. He knew men would keep coming back to see her. Leaving them to only fantasize about her would be one of his big payouts.

  Honey was already on the stage and the men were of course going wild. She was definitely in her late twenties, but definitely beautiful. She had actually been one of the nicest girls Nevaeh had met the night before. Most of the girls were obviously threatened by the fact that Nevaeh was now the youngest to work there. Her audition wasn’t even that great, but Jimmy obviously had taken a liking to her. That was the thing that had rubbed all the other women the wrong way. Honey on the other hand, told her not to worry. She warned her to try and fit in all while keeping her distance until the others warmed up to her. She also told Nevaeh that they were just set in their ways and used to each other. Honey even went as far as to offer to teach her a few things. Having a friend in that line of business wasn’t ideal, but she was glad to not be totally blackballed.

  Chapter Four

  Mitchell was again surrounded by the strong stench of alcohol and smoke. He hated the stuff and thought it should be band. It just wasn’t fair to be stuck in a room full of people who thought destroying their liver and lungs was cool. But the real kicker was, second hand smoke was worse than first. What kind of cruel joke was that? The guy who invented Staring around the full club, he searched for Nevaeh hoping to see that she was okay. The only problem was, he hadn’t found her. Looking at his watch, he saw that he was definitely going to be late if he didn’t leave.

  Jimmy took the stage as he announced the next act. Mitchell grumbled angrily as he started to leave. He would catch her the next day at school to finish talking to her.

  “Looking for a good time?” a brunette haired woman asked walking up to him.

  She was wearing a pink bikini looking outfit, and her hair was straight.

  “No.” he said shaking his head.

  She grabbed him by the tie a
nd pulled him close. Her breath smelled of alcohol and he nearly threw up in his mouth. She was obviously drunk and he hated to see anyone, especially a woman in that state.

  “Come on sexy, I know you’re not in here for nothing.” She whispered.

  She was right about something. He damn sure hadn’t wasted his time going into a place he despised, and the sole reason he was there had just entered the stage and stood in the shadows. Pulling away from the brunette, he pushed his way through the very thick crowd of men who were bombarding the stage floor. They were obviously gearing up to see a show. Finally making it to the front, he waited eagerly to see Nevaeh just like every other guy standing beside him.

  “Be nice guys,” Jimmy replied still introducing her. “This is her first time on stage. I know she’s everything you dream of. Everything you want your girlfriend to be—Here. Is. Fantasy.”

  Scrambling from the stage, the spotlight shined on her as she stood with her back facing the crowd. The music dropped and it was fitting. Beyoncé’s song “Naughty Girl” began booming through the speakers. Opening her arms slowly, the wings spread out. It really looked as if she were an angel.

  A naughty angel.

  Mitchell watched intently as she spun around slowly. Her hair was pinned up into a bun and she was wearing a silver face mask to match her corset. She was more than a sight for sore eyes. But he didn’t have to beat that into anyone’s head because all the guys were hollering for her. Dollars were flying on the stage as she slowly sauntered over to pole in her tall heels. Walking in front of it, she leaned up against it before running a hand against her stomach area. She then slid down the pole seductively to her knees.

  Looking straight ahead, she spotted Mitchell out in the crowd. Her confidence instantly shot through the roof as a smile teased her lips. Knowing that he had stayed to see her made her feel good. This show was going to be all for him. Lying on the floor, she crawled over to the edge of the stage all while staring him in the eyes. She saw his cheeks instantly go rosy, and that was something she knew she would never get tired of. Just knowing she pushed his buttons like no one else did made her proud.

  Grabbing him by the tie, she pulled him in and planted a seductive kiss on his very soft lips. Coming off the stage, she pushed him down into a chair and backed up as all the other guys made a circle around them. Mitchell looked up to her with the most uncomfortable look on his face. He damn sure couldn’t refuse what she was about to do because he knew it would make her look bad. Not to mention the fact that he wasn’t about to let her do it to another guy. So, looking up to her, he watched her show.

  Grabbing the tie holding her hair in the bun, he watched as her long black hair cascaded down to her back. The men holding beer beside her cheered as she gyrated in front of him. Whipping her hair, she ran her fingers through it before walking over to Mitchell. Standing in front of him, she grabbed his hand and placed them on her hips. Rolling her hips, she then turned and sat on his lap. She wrapped his arm around her and leaned back as she grinded against him. She could feel his erection start to grow in his pants as it poked her. He clutched her tight as she continued to dance on him.

  Getting up, she walked behind him and placed her hand on his head before rolling it around. Leaning over, she nibbled his earlobe and he squirmed in the chair. The men cheered as the other strippers sneered at her from the other side. As the song ended, the men cheered and shoved dollars at her. Everywhere from her G-String, and some even tried to put money in her corset. Mitchell sat a bit dazed as he watched her disappear to the stage. She picked up all of the money lingering in the stage and headed to the back.

  Jimmy winked at her as he grabbed the mic and she ran passed him. He slapped her ass as she disappeared to the back with her hands full of money.

  “That was Fantasy!” he replied as the next song blasted through the speakers. “was she smoking or What?!” he laughed.

  Nevaeh pulled her duffle bag out of her locker and unzipped it. Snatching off the mask, she put it in the bag, along with her money. Zipping it back up, she shoved the duffle bag back into the locker and closed it shut before locking it back up. Turning around, she saw Sparkle standing there with her arms folded over her chest. Her skin was a chocolate, and she had blonde hair. She wore blue contacts and always wore glitter.

  “So you think you doing something, pulling shit like that?” she asked snottily.

  “I didn’t see anybody with a penis complaining out there.” Nevaeh replied pushing passed her, but Sparkle caught her arm.

  Pulling her back, she shoved Nevaeh up against the lockers.

  “Listen bitch,” she snapped staring her in the eyes. “You better watch your ass around here. No one’s gonna just let you walk in here and steal all the fucking customers.”

  “No, you listen!” Nevaeh said snatching free of her grip.

  Shoving her back, Sparkle slammed into the make-up table and a few things skidded off.

  “If you did your job, you wouldn’t have a damn thing to worry about.” She replied walking over to her.

  Grabbing her by her extensions, she stared her in the eyes as she pulled them hard.

  “Don’t ever fucking touch me again.” She said clearly. “It’s not my fault you’re threatened by my beauty. So keep your insecurities to yourself.”

  With that, she let her hair go and turned to leave. Sparkle shot to her feet and started after her, but Honey grabbed her.

  “Quit it!” Honey shouted, as Nevaeh quickly left the locker room.

  Walking out into the crowd of men, she pushed her way through them and felt a hand grab her wrist. Spinning around to shout, she stopped when she noticed it was only Mitchell. He saw that she was visibly shaken up. That damn sure didn’t sit too well with him.

  “I want a private room.” He demanded.

  Looking up at him, she swallowed hard and nodded. Grabbing his hand, she led him to the back. Taking him upstairs, he closed the door behind them. The moment he turned to her, she wrapped her arms around his midsection and held him tight. He stood stunned as his arms dangled aimlessly, not knowing what to do. Taking a breath, he wrapped his arms around her to make her feel safe. It was obvious that something had shaken her up, and he wanted to be there for him like she clearly needed him to be.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked after a moment of silence.

  Letting him go, she realized that she’d flocked to him for comfort. Something she never searched for in a person. There was no way she wanted him to know was vulnerable.

  “Sorry.” She replied pulling herself together. “Just had a run in with a co-worker who’s jealous of me because I’m young and pretty.”

  “Beautiful.” He corrected, and she blushed as she let her eyes slide up and search his face. He was staring back at her and had obviously meant what he said because it wasn’t the first time he’d said it.

  “Your show was—”

  “Sorry about that out there.” She said, plopping down on the love seat shaped as red lips. “I was just nervous and I used you as a muse. I know you don’t like that type of crap, so you don’t even have to say it.”

  “Let me finish.” He said walking over to her as she looked up to him.

  “Although it’s not something I approve of, it was good. More than good.” He said sitting beside her.

  She looked over to him stunned by his admission. He didn’t seem like the guy to give credit, where credit was due when he disapproved. There were definitely a lot of things she wanted to learn about him. With him being her new principal, she was sure that would be easy.

  “Really?” she smiled.

  “Really.” He responded, still keeping eye contact with her. “Although, I could’ve gone without the kissing.”

  “Sorry. I would like to say it was just for entertainment purposes, but I hate lying.” She giggled.

  “Well, that’s the last time.” He said clearly. “Kissing is off limits between us. You’re a minor, and not to mention that I’m your principal now.
I can’t afford to—”

  “I’m technically legal, but I got it.” She insisted.

  “Good.” He said, sitting back and looking straight ahead, as they both fell silent.

  “So,” he said trying to break the silence again. “Did you get into this for dancing?”

  “No.” she said shaking her head. “My answer will always be the money.”

  “Then why not do a day job?” he inquired.

  “Let’s not do this, please.” She pleaded.

  Nodding, he skidded over to another subject.

  “Would you like a ride home?” he pondered, standing up.

  “I can’t leave yet, until I make my quota.” She insisted.

  “I’ll give you everything in my wallet, if that means I can take you home.” He said pulling it out of his back pocket.

  “Why would you do that?” she replied, wrinkling a brow to him.

  “You know I don’t like you here. If it means you get a good night’s sleep before school tomorrow, then I’ll gladly sacrifice it for you. It’s just paper, and you’re my student. I kind of think you should come before money.” He answered truthfully.

  “Then you must have a shit load in that wallet.” She giggled.

  “Will two grand do?” he asked pulling out a wad of money.

  “Hell yes.” She replied, scooting forward.

  “Language.” He snapped.

  He hated hearing her use foul language. It was unbecoming.

  “Sorry.” She shrugged.

  “So, let’s go.” He said, holding a hand out to her.

  “You know, you really shouldn’t carry that much money around. Especially in this neighborhood.” She replied.

  “I usually don’t, but I guess today’s your lucky day.” He retorted, as she took his hand.

  The money was for him to buy Kate a present, as well as pay for dinner. None of that mattered if it meant getting one of his students out of a hazardous situation. He always did whatever he could to ensure the safety of one of his children. Helping her up, they left the room together.