Chapter One

Noella

My lips puckered up, plump and firmed. Twisting the Marilyn rouge lipstick, I spread it thick across the parted flesh. Forming a soft circle, I ran my fingers down the edges, crisping up the trim.

I stared at myself in the mirror, lights popping off the sides, the thumping of bass ringing in the background, and with my mask complete I was ready to take the stage.

My name's Copper; well, it is to everyone in here anyway. It's my stage name and I was labeled that my first day at work. Gloria, the owner, couldn't remember my name. I guess the deep red hair with orange highlights cued her to call me Copper.

And well, it just kind of stuck. In the real world I'm Noella, and yes, I was a Christmas baby.

I've been working at Tigress for a few months now, starting off as a cocktail waitress, then graduating to stripper. The money I earned only serving drinks wasn't cutting it. Every night I would see all the other girls leaving with three times as much as I'd made in tips.

Gloria let me give the stage a try, and... I've been the star act ever since.

The beaded curtain behind me jingled. “Copper, you're up,” Fionna said. She's been working here for a couple of years, I guess you could call her a veteran to the trade. A small girl, with long brown hair, and a body to die for.

Honestly, I couldn't tell you what part of her is still real. She's had her boobs done, a nose job, lipo, and I'm pretty sure she's even had ass implants too. Now, I wouldn't go saying

that on record, but I don't think her ass happened naturally.

“Thanks, I'll be right out.” Slipping my feet into the five inch high, blue pumps, I stood and took one last glance in the mirror.

The tight, white bikini top had a large bow dressing the center; a mini skirt, the same shade of white, had a matching bow perched just above the crease of my ass.

How much longer will I need to do this? Tugging on my skirt, the lower part of my cheeks hung out. I lifted my hands up and shifted my breasts inside the small top, cleavage peeking up over the edge, the subtle flesh a perfect draw for the eye.

Being a stripper wasn't on the top of my list as far as professions go, but it was the money I needed. Not that I had much of a choice anyway. When you owe a debt like I did, it didn't really matter where the cash came from.

So long as I had it to give.

Exhaling a deep breath, I turned and walked through the curtain. The small beads felt cool against my hot skin, chilling my spine as they trailed up my back.

The blaring music fell to a hush, the loud voices turned to whispers. With a slow blink my mind went into a trance, ready to play my role as Copper.

As the lights dimmed across the stage, my song began to play. Elongating my legs, I walked as tall as I could. Each limb extended by the magic of my heels. I wasn't exactly spoiled in terms of height, standing at five foot two; the extra help was a perk.

My body swayed to the beat, fingertips following the deep curves of my hips. Dipping at the knees, I pushed them open. Thrusting my hips forward, my hands rode the inside of my thighs, gently caressing the delicate flesh.

Every jaw around the stage fell down, gaping open. Loud grunts and yelps played over the music. I didn't want to admit it, but I was good at my job, making every guy's cock swell with desire.

Standing slowly, I turned towards the long brass pole, the icy metal hit my palm as I spun around in a single twirl. Popping the rivet to my top, my breasts spilled out, nipples hard as diamonds from the gentle breeze.

Gripping the bar over my head, I glided it down the center of my back. My free hand squeezed one of my breasts, and that's when the green began to fly. The bills rained over the stage, every set of eyes frozen on my masquerade.

The men hollered loudly, breaking the sound barrier, screaming for more.

And I would, I would give them what they wanted.

Sliding across the floor on my belly, I rolled onto my back. Clenching my breasts, I ground up into the air, running my hands over my stomach. Fingering the lace trim of my panties, I pulled them up tight. The soft silk formed around my pussy, taking shape, my lips emerging beneath.

The one thing that gave me some comfort working here was that you didn't have to go full nude; it was an option, but not enforced. Some of the girls chose to, but that wasn't for me. I often thought that was why I tended to make more money than them; I left something to the imagination.

I wanted to keep some piece of myself just for my eyes; and if it felt right, for the man of my choosing. Tits are one thing, and don't get me wrong, I did bring it close to the line, but I never bared all the goods.

As my song came to an end, I gathered up my earnings. The men around the stage yelled for an encore. Smiling, I said, “See you guys next weekend.” Winking softly, I exited to the back.

“Very nice, Copper. Another profitable evening I presume?” Fionna flipped up a purple wig, adjusting it to frame her face. Shifting on her heels, she slid into her dress.

“Yeah, it was alright.” I stuffed the bills into my locker and walked over to my vanity.

“Alright? Looks like you did pretty well, as usual.” Her tone fell short, peering at me through her mirror.

This was a cut throat business, and when a newcomer, like myself, steals the show, most girls didn't care for it.

Rolling my eyes, I freshened up my mascara and changed outfits. It was time to walk the floor. This was where I made most of my money, but it was my least favorite.

The guys always got too handsy, and if you weren't up front with the rules, things could get messy. I hated how they all thought that we, dancers, were there for the taking.

I'm not a hooker. I'm a dancer.

Period.

That's why I preferred the stage. I was in control, no hands running up into places I didn't want them to go. You played with yourself, got their attention and their money, that was it.

If I had a dollar for every guy that thought I would suck his cock, I wouldn't have to work here anymore.

The way I figured it, right now I didn't have a choice; until my debt was paid, I was stuck.

Sliding into a tight red dress, I swapped out my heels for the clubs standard, clear spiked platforms. “Out on floor I go,” I said, tossing Fionna a quick smile.

Her lips pursed tight, a single brow arched. “Mm hm.” She huffed under her breath.

Standing at the feeble attempt for a door, I couldn't help but feel like I was walking into a seventies porn. They really need to do something about this. These beads are fucking ridiculous.

I thought it was bad enough the place was decked out with furry rugs under the tables, multicolored lights flickering in the empty spaces around the walls, and the scent of cheap cologne mixed with dirty man juice clinging to the air.

If Gloria would just put a little more money into the place, it'd bring in much better business.

The club was pretty packed tonight; making my way around a few booths, I strolled through the room, looking for a decent guy. I tried to stay clear from anyone who looked shady.

My definition of shady: Any man who is currently jerking off, or carrying a towel.

Those are the types I stayed away from; the thought of watching some old greasy man whack off in front of me made me cringe.

Scanning the crowd, I noticed a lone guy tucked off in the back corner. He was leaning back in his chair, hand rested on a glass of liquor, just watching his surroundings. His mouth was taut, hair slicked back with a single strand dangling in front of his eye.

Alright, let's give him a try. He looks innocent enough.

My heels clicked against the hard cement floor; smoothing the front of my dress, I brushed my hair over my shoulder. “Hi there, I'm Copper. You interested in a dance?”

“Does it look like I want a dance?” His deep voice sent chills through my body.

“Well, aren't you cranky. Maybe I can help loosen you up?” I ran a single finger over his shoulder as I circled behind him. “I promise you'll enjoy yourself.”

He was wearing a tight white t-shirt, muscles etched out beneath the fabric, ink sheathing one arm. A pair of jeans with a slight tear in the upper thigh covered his legs. He was certainly built hard. Squeezing his shoulders, I blew hot air over his lobe.

Clutching my wrist tight, he yanked me forcefully back around front. “Hey! No touching!” I yelled.

From the corner of my eye, the bouncer cocked his head up. Greg was great at his job. He always walked each one of us out to our cars at the end of the night and kept a watchful eye over us while we were on the floor.

Nodding to him that I was fine, his muscles relaxed and Greg leaned back against the wall.

“Sorry, Sweetheart. But I can't see you back there.” He brought the glass to his lips, twirling his finger in a circle.

“What?” I asked sternly, holding my arms out.

“Spin around for me. I'm not going to pay for what I haven't seen yet.” His hand fell down to his lap, hips shifting in the seat.

Really? Spin for him? I thought, as if I was some piece of jewelry he was going to adorn for the evening.

Lifting my hands to my hips, I spun, shaking my curves. A little treat for my evening boss; if he was going to pay. “Like what you see? I can be yours for a little while.”

“That depends. Can you keep your hands off me?” His lip curled up, teeth displayed, glistening under the lights.

“The rules are you don't touch me. But I can touch you, where ever and however I want.” My bright red lips pulled up, heart shaped and matching my dress.

I could see his eyes; they didn't look like the typical ones that imagined fucking me as I stood there. His were reading me, looking over my body and studying me.

Butterflies shot through my belly, my nerves sparked with electricity.

What the hell? Stop it, Noella! You can't get excited over a customer!

I didn't know where these feelings had boiled up from. He was just another guy, here at the strip club, only to get off in some way. No different than anyone else; that's why they all came here.

“I can't promise I won't try and grab that sweet ass of yours,” he said, biting his lower lip.

“Those are the rules. I can go find someone else. There are plenty of men here to choose from.”

He pulled a large roll of money from his pocket. “I have a lot of time on my hands, do you have the time for me?”

“Look, Buddy, money talks to some of these girls and they don't give a fuck what you do to them. I can go get one of them right now if that's what you're looking for. But I just dance, that's it. I'm not a whore.” Folding my arms over my chest, one leg shot out to the side.

His stare fell from my face to my leg, eyes walking over the bare skin, tongue running across his bottom lip. “Fair enough, then dance already,” he said, jerking his head up to the ceiling.

If this guy even tries to lay a finger on me, he's going to end up with my heel in his face.

Closing my eyes, I listened to the sounds filling the room. Rocking my hips, I gyrated towards him, letting the music fill my body, rolling to its beat. I placed my hands on his shoulders, pussy swaying against his pants.

Most of the men I'd danced for talked while I was working. They would tell me I looked beautiful, how I had a nice body, anything to try and get me to go a step further.

I waited for this stranger to do the same, but he didn't.

Annoyance started to fill my gut; he was sitting motionless, no words crawling out over his tongue. “You have a name?” I asked. Bending over in front of him, I ran my hands up over my ass, pushing the fabric up towards my back.

“Does it matter?” His palm rested on the table, fingers spread wide. His free hand rolled the wad of cash aimlessly.

“I was just asking. But fine, sit there like a mute. Doesn't matter to me.” Whipping my hair around, I peered at him over my shoulder.

“It's Hegan.” Pulling a five dollar bill from his roll, he tucked it into the diamond cut out on the small of my back. “How about you just dance and if I have a question I'll ask you.”

“My god you're a prick, huh?” Turning to face him, I slid a leg over his lap, grinding down.

I could feel his cock, enlarged and bulging through his jeans. Well he can't say he's not turned on. I tried not to laugh out loud, but a slight giggle escaped my lips.

“What?” he asked, muscles twitching around his brow.

“Nothing, I'm just glad to know you're at least enjoying this.” Smiling brightly, I got pleasure from his arousal. Pressing down onto his lap, the warmth of my panties surprised me.

I never got turned on at work; I tried hard to stay focused but this guy had started to soak me from the inside out. The wetness had begun to coat my thighs, my clit swelled to the forming mass beneath me.

Pushing off of his lap, I stepped back, my eyes wide and confused over the desire he was driving into my core. Gazing at the dampened flesh of his arms, I saw the sweat trickling over his temples. I had the urge to drag him in the back and let him have his way with me.

Alright, settle down. Focus! Focus! He's a customer, don't let him pull you in.

“What's wrong? Feel something you like?” His grin widened as his hand gripped the bulge between his legs.

“Stop it, this dance can end right now.” Nervously I ran my fingers through my hair, my breathing intensified as my ribs stretched to their limits.

He was making me nervous as hell, and honestly... I enjoyed it.

His eyes froze on me, their deep green color almost black under the lights. I watched his jaw cock out to the side, making him look like he was cut from steel. His muscles pulsed, shirt contracting around each hardened arm as they thickened.

Suddenly, I felt like he was dancing for me. The way his body shifted in the chair, hard-on pinned against his jeans, sent me into overdrive.

“Hey, you're the one who set the rules; I'm doing just as you asked. Sitting here, not touching you. I can't stop you from seeping all over my leg. But I'm not surprised; you're not the first woman to cream from just touching me.”

This guy thinks he's God's gift to the world, and I'm the one losing control. I didn't need his money, there were other men to dance for. I wanted to just turn and walk away, but my feet felt heavy as cement, legs weak at the knees.

He was fucking hot as hell and not like any of the other guys that strolled in here. I only saw guys like him during a bachelor party, the rest of the time it was gross perverts, looking to get laid, or as close as they could to it.

“What? Nothing to say? Come on, babe, finish the dance already, before I get bored.” Palming his erection, he draped his tongue over his teeth.

I sat in silence for longer than I had realized. “Fuck you,” I hissed through my lips.

“I can tell you want to, you're just as hot between those thighs as the air in this dump. But you said no touching, remember?”

He wants to play, huh? I'm going to make him want me so bad it hurts. Then I'll leave him hard and solo.

Hegan was trying to challenge me; I'd seen it before. The way he slouched in his chair, cock pressing against his zipper, a shit eating grin on his face; he was used to being in charge.

But I was going to teach him a lesson.

Not every woman would crumble to his poison.

Digging my palms into my ribs, I pulled them up to my breasts, squeezing them together, the warmed flesh spilled over the seams. Walking closer to him, I leaned in, his nose inches from my mounds; parting my lips I exhaled across his cheek.

The heat hit his skin and I watched him shudder. Hegan's movement was subtle, but I caught it. The shock moved from his head to his legs, hips twitching against the seat.

Slipping my thumbs beneath the silk straps, I peeled them away from my shoulders, his eyes frozen on my body. My large plump breasts spilled from beneath the fabric, bouncing in front of his face, nipples grazing the stubble of his jaw.

I knew he was getting dragged in, trapped in my web of seduction. It seemed he had forgotten that in this world, I was the master of illusion, the goddess of ecstasy. I was paid to make men imagine their wildest dreams.

And I was fucking good at it.

His chest rose quickly with the burst of skin, fingers tightening around the seat; I watched his knuckles drain to white.

“You like that, don't you?” My eyes rode the muscles of his chest down to his cock. “Yeah, I can see you do. But that measly five dollar bill isn't going to cut it, Sweetheart.” Forcing my tits together, I dragged my tongue over one nipple. “Honestly, you're lucky you even got as much as you did.”

Hegan flipped three hundred dollar bills out, slipping them in the crease of my breasts. “Happy?”

He seemed so unfazed, tossing the money like it meant nothing. That was more than most men came in here with. And by the look of it, he had plenty more where that came from.

What the hell does he do for work? It can't be legal, or he's just trying to play the part like the rest of us in here.

He looked young, in his twenties. Too young to be carrying that kind of cash. And he certainly wasn't dressed like he was loaded.

If we did get a guy in here who had a large bank account, you knew it. The limo would be parked outside, they would be dressed in a tailored suit, hair fixed just right to their skull. Those types screamed- “I'm rich and have some extra to play with tonight.”

That was not Hegan.

Twisting my back to him, I said, “It'll do for now.” Flashing a quick smile, I bent down. Dragging my nails up the back of my legs, my dress sliding up to show my ass.

“Well, that's all you're getting. Unless...” Hegan fanned out the money. “You want to take this little party elsewhere?”

“Didn't I cover that already? I told you I dance, that's it. I'm not a prostitute.” Flipping my hair back, I shot him a glare.

“Well, you could have fooled me.”

Huffing loudly, I whipped around. My large heels entangled each other; losing my balance I almost fell to the floor. Hegan jolted forward and his firm arms caught me in the air.

Wrapped tightly in his grip, my stomach began to twirl; wild fire and battery acid crept up my throat. Dipping my fingertips into his muscles, I felt his rock hard chest.

The sudden urge to kiss him radiated through my brain. What the hell am I thinking?! Stop! Get a damn grip!

“Thanks,” I said, pressing against his chest to sit up.

“I just saved your life, you owe me now.” Hegan smiled a devilish grin, eyes fixing on the exposed bare flesh, hard-on in his pants shoving into my lower back.

Jumping from his lap, I scrambled to pull my dress up over my chest. “I'm done here.” I snapped at him, storming off. Taking one last look over my shoulder, I saw Hegan sitting with a shit eating grin painted on his face.

He was a prick. A royal fucking prick, who thought any girl would be lucky to get a piece of him. If he chose to give it.

How could he just expect that I was going to roll onto my back and let him fuck me?

I wasn't that kind of girl.

And I never would be.