I glanced at the worn-out clock on the wall and only had five minutes to prepare for my first performance. Sitting in the plush chair, my name hastily scribbled onto it, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. My once bright blue eyes had gone dull, and all the makeup in the world couldn't cover up the emptiness that was hidden deep within. My naturally wavy blonde hair was now perfectly straight, straightened with a flatiron and hairspray. With my body covered in glitter and my face caked with makeup, I struggled to believe that this was what I did for money. It was better than having to relive the past with my father.

"Ruby," a deep voice called from behind me, causing me to jump slightly. "You're up."

Inhaling slowly and deeply, I walked towards the stage with my eyes closed, muffling out the cheering audience who said their goodbyes to Candy, the previous dancer.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a big round of applause to Ruby!" the DJ shouted over the speakers as my song played in the background.

I strutted to the center of the stage and slowly took the robe off me as I swayed my hips from side to side. The crowd went wild with hoots and hollers when the robe finally fell to my feet. I walked over to the pole in nothing but my lacy red bra and thong. I wrapped my legs around the pole and swung to the song's beat. As the beat picked up, I removed my bra and exposed my breasts to the eager crowd.

As I moved to the rhythm of the music, I could feel the intensity of my performance building. I caressed my curves and felt the power of the spotlight command attention from every corner of the room.

Looking around, I saw how busy the club actually was for a Thursday night. The crowd was a mix of different people with their eyes locked on me. Some were good-looking, while some were not so much, but it didn't matter; they were all here for the same reason - to be entertained. ­­­

My eyes soon landed on a group of men in dark-colored suits at the far left of the stage that were whispering among themselves. As I tried to make out their faces in the dim lighting, I noticed they were all tall and broad-shouldered, exuding an air of authority and power. Their sharp, expensive suits suggested they were not only important but rich as well.

Each man within the group seemed to be in deep thought and discussion and completely ignored the performance in front of them. I couldn't help but wonder what was so pressing to them that they would come to a strip club and not be interested in the entertainment provided.

My gaze connected with one man's as he pivoted to face me. His eyes, a pair of deep sapphire blue, scanned the room and suddenly locked onto mine. His gaze was cold and calculating, yet I felt powerless to look away.

His body was tall and muscular, and he wore a perfectly tailored suit that clung to his broad shoulders, slim waist, and long legs. His dark hair was neatly gelled back without a single strand out of place. I guessed him to be in his mid-thirties.

As he continued to scrutinize me with those mesmerizing eyes, I couldn't help but feel uneasy - as though my skin was crawling under the intensity of his gaze and I had become paralyzed with fear. I could feel it trailing behind me like the venomous sting of a scorpion's tail. The last time a man looked at me like that, he had paid my father to have his way with me.

My heart pounded as I heard the roar of the crowd chanting my name in appreciation. I could feel the heat from the spotlights, and I felt a shiver of adrenaline course through me. Excitement coursed through me as I watched money drop like rain from the audience, a gesture of admiration for my performance. With a quick bow, I grabbed my clothes and all the cash and exited the stage.

As I stepped back into the dressing room, my boss, Adam, greeted me with a sickening smile. He leaned in closer, and I could feel his arm press firmly against my waist. Despite wanting to recoil from his touch, I forced my muscles to relax and maintained my composure.

"Nice job out there, Ruby," he said.

I wanted to scream, but took a deep breath and pulled my robe around me tightly, my stomach churning as I desperately tried to pretend everything was normal.

I clenched my teeth, trying to force my voice to stay even as I asked, "Adam, how many times do I need to say it? Don't touch me."

His hot breath scalded my neck as he whispered, "Don't forget, kitten, I can touch you whenever I please. Room 23 is requesting a private dance from you. He's a man of means and needs to keep coming back. Do whatever he asks of you."

My heart raced with dread as I stumbled towards the back room, dreading what awaited me behind the door. I knew the rules on the floor were simple, no touching of any kind. But these private rooms allowed for anything, and I had no idea what kind of depraved acts this man expected from me. I steeled myself for what was to come and reluctantly reached out for the doorknob.

As I stepped through the private door. The scent of cigars assaulted my nostrils, and an oppressive darkness surrounded me. The walls were a deep, bloody red, and heavy velvet curtains covered the windows, cutting off any natural light. I could feel the chill of the air conditioning system on my skin as I scanned the room.

At the center was a raised platform, illuminated by a single spotlight. Expensive leather chairs lined the stage, and in one of them was a man. He had pale skin and burning green eyes that seemed to bore into my soul as I walked closer. His body was immaculately dressed in a suit that matched those of the other men in the room.

The man spoke gruffly, his voice like a snake's hiss. "Dance for me," he commanded.

I let my hips sway to the beat as I felt my body move to the rhythm of the music. With every move, I could feel his gaze growing more intense until it felt like an icy hand reaching out and caressing me.

Suddenly, he lunged at me with an animalistic growl, his eyes wild with rage. His hands grasped my shoulders and slammed me against the wall, his grip like iron around my throat. I could feel the power and strength of his arms as he pinned me against the wall, and a storm of terror raged in my mind.

His hot breath was on my face. I could see a wicked smile curling on his lips. "You're mine now," he snarled with unbridled malice, squeezing tighter and tighter until I thought I would pass out from lack of air. My vision blurred, and a wave of dread crashed over me as I realized I was completely powerless against him.

Terror and panic surged through my veins as I tried to pry his iron grip off of me. I heaved and wheezed, desperate for air, my body quivering with the exertion.

As I looked into his eyes, teeming with contempt and hatred, I hoped to find some kind of empathy or understanding. But his gaze remained unyielding and harsh.

My voice caught in my throat as I attempted to beg him to let go. Fear had rendered me speechless, immobilizing me against the wall as he squeezed tighter and tighter.

I could feel the blood racing through my veins; everything else became a blur as my focus shifted to escaping his tight grip.

With one last burst of strength, I kicked my leg out and connected with his stomach. Startled, he loosened his grasp long enough for me to break away.

Without hesitating, I bolted out the door. Adrenaline pulsing through me, my heart pounding in my ears. I ran to the cubby that held my purse and didn't stop running until I was outside of the building.

My lungs burned for air. I gasped for air as I tried to take in a full breath. My knees buckled from the exertion and I collapsed onto the sidewalk, exhausted. My legs trembled with weakness, and I could barely stand.

After a few deep breaths, I collected myself and made my way to the nearest bus stop. The bus soon arrived, and I boarded with my heart still roaring with terror and adrenaline. The streetlights flashed by in streaks of light as the bus followed its course down the road.

Tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn't hold them back any longer. As the bus rumbled down the road, I let the tears flow, feeling a deep sense of shame and regret wash over me.

When I finally arrived home, I stumbled inside and headed straight for the bathroom. I stripped off my clothes and stepped into the shower, turning the water up as hot as it would go.

When I finally arrived home, I stumbled inside and headed straight for the bathroom. I stripped off my clothes and stepped into the shower, turning the water up as hot as it would go.

The hot water lashed my skin like a whip, but it was exactly what I needed to soothe my pain. I felt a sense of release and relief wash over me as the water cascaded down my body. The hot water also made me acutely aware of the bruises that were forming on my neck and shoulders. Tears mixed with the water as I thought about what had happened and what I was going to do about it.

I couldn't go to the police. Not with my father and his goons out there looking for me. They'd find me, and I'd be in more danger than I was now. But I couldn't go back to Lilac Roux either. The money was good, but it wasn't worth all the shit I had to deal with constantly.

Stepping out of the shower, I grabbed a shirt and leggings from my closet and made my way to the safe hidden beneath my bed. After entering the correct combination, it popped open to reveal an envelope full of cash. I counted it quick as I tried not to think about how much more I'd need to truly start over.

$7,000.

Though it was a respectable amount, it wouldn't be enough to sustain me for long if I ran away from this place. With no friends or family to rely on, I had no other choice but to find another job that paid well enough for me to hide away some extra cash for a rainy day.

The money I currently had would only last me a few months. If I didn't find something before it ran out, then I would be out on the streets and completely vulnerable. That was something I couldn't deal with. So, I needed to find something, and I needed to find it fast.

I grabbed my laptop from its place on the coffee table and carried to the kitchen table. Placing it down with a soft thud, I powered it up and opened the browser to several job boards. I scrolled past several advertisements for lackluster positions with pay that wouldn't be nearly enough to get me out of my current situation. Finally, just as I was about to give up, I spotted an ad for a company called Ashwood Hotels.

Ashwood Hotels is seeking a highly motivated and organized Personal Assistant to support the CEO at the headquarters in Lower Manhattan. The successful candidate will act as the primary point of contact between the CEO and other executives, internal and external stakeholders, and customers.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Managing the CEO's schedule and calendar, screening and directing phone calls and emails, preparing reports for meetings and presentations, as well as organizing travel.

We are looking for a candidate with excellent organizational and time management skills who also work well under pressure. Must be willing to complete a full background check, drug screening, as well as sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Prior PA experience a plus, though we are willing to train the right candidate.

This position starts out at $125,000 per year with the opportunity for quarterly bonuses based on work performance.

My eyes widened as I read the salary amount at the bottom of the job ad. It was more than enough money to live comfortably and even allow me to continue to put money aside to move even further away from my father. Although I didn't have any experience as a CEO assistant, I did some administrative work for Adam.

I spent the next two hours editing my resume to highlight the things they were looking for. I also wrote a cover letter that explained my passion for learning and my willingness to put in the work to excel in a new position. When I felt I edited them both to get as good as they could, I sent them both to the email address listed in the ad.

As I yawned and stretched, I realized it was already 4:30 A.M. Reluctantly; I powered down my laptop and made my way to my bedroom. My mind was racing with the possibility of a new job. But, with a deep breath, I finally allowed myself to drift off, hoping and praying that the job gods would be in my favor.