I didn't go for the hike. I wanted to. I told myself over and over again that I was a strong, successful young woman that could do whatever she put her mind to. If I wanted to go on that hike with some classmates then there was nothing that could hold me back. Besides, they had noise makers and bear spray, how dangerous could it be?

But my mom's wishes rang in the back of my mind. She wasn't a woman who was scared of much. She had raised me on her own and dominated in the world of business. Not even taxes scared her. I don't think I could come up with a better role model in terms of fearlessness. So if she said the mountains were dangerous then they must've been crawling with bears, snakes, cougars, and spiders.

Instead, I convinced my friends to settle for bowling. They all argued with me, but eventually agreed. We ate cheap wings and drank soda. With finals coming up we were all so stressed and it seemed like laughter was the best medicine. For college students we threw a surprising amount of gutter balls and drank way too many sugary beverages. We laughed louder than the little kid's party that was next to us. But when it was all finished the smile on everyone's face was undeniable. Maybe fresh mountain air would've done the same thing, it was hard to say, I was just thankful for a break from the pressure.

I ended up back in my apartment, staring into my closet well before I would've liked to. As much as I enjoyed my job and as little as I had to work, it was still work. It was still something that I would avoid if I could. Still, I reached in and picked out a pure white set with fishnets. It was nothing special by itself, but under intense red light it would glow like no other. And the white portrayed innocence, helping me bring Chastity to life. With the lack of motivation I was feeling I would have to pull out all the stops tonight and this was the outfit to do it in.

An hour later I was at the club.

I thought that once I hit the pole I would be more in my element. I thought that once I let Chastity out full force she would take over and I would be so confident and carefree. I just wanted it to be like it always was. I wanted to feel like a bad bitch who ruled the world when I was up there. I was out here hustling for my money; I should've been proud and sexy like I usually was.

But something was off. And my tips showed it.

I wasn't exuding the charisma I was capable of. I didn't feel like toying with the customers or whispering in someone's ear. Even the thought of doing a simple lap dance for someone made me feel dirty, like I was cheating. It was absurd; I had never been with any man. And if I were to date someone they would have to respect my career choice or it simply wouldn't work. I had been independent all my life so I would struggle with anyone telling me what to do. And I had never been uncomfortable with using my body for money so what changed now?

But when I slipped backstage, feeling dejected and annoyed with myself I saw the stage manager. And just like that I knew.

"You made an impression on that guy the other night. He's been here almost every day asking for you."

My hands clenched into fists at my sides, "I don't want to do it," I replied tightly.

"I think you might. This guy is willing to pay more than what you've made all night."

I ignored the jab at my poor performance. The cards were in my hand now and I needed to consider how to play them. There was a fair amount of money at stake here, but that damn man was a lot to handle and I wasn't in the mood for it tonight. Plus, I didn't understand his infatuation with me. I worried that giving in might give him the wrong idea.

"Tell him I want four hundred dollars up front. If he provides it he gets four songs," I bargained.

The manager left and I waited but I already knew the answer I would receive. There was something about Ajax that told me he refused to give up. The entitlement and power that rolled off of him with ease wouldn't allow him to back down.

And there was a part of me that liked it.

The stage manager returned and handed me a wad of cash. Though I knew I should've been annoyed my heart fluttered in my chest. I brushed it off. He was just an attractive young man and his attention was flattering. The fact that he was willing to pay so much for it helped as well. In a couple weeks I would forget all about him and just be thankful for the extra cash when I had to pay my bills.

"Keiko," Ajax breathed as soon as he saw me. I watched the way his shoulders slumped under the branded hoodie, like he was relieved to see me. Had he really been worried that I would say no? Why on Earth would it matter so much anyway?

"I'm Chastity here," I corrected with a certain amount of firmness.

Ajax said nothing in response. Unlike the first time he paid for a private dance he allowed himself to just gawk at me. And when those green eyes drifted over my toned legs and smooth stomach I felt what I had been missing all night. The way he looked at me made me feel like the goddess I was. I sauntered over to him, letting him drink me in as I approached.

When I was close enough to reach him he whispered, "Can I touch you? Please?"

I just shook my head with a coy smile.

"Keiko, please. Having you touch me but not being able to hold you is driving me crazy," he complained. It sounded like I was almost putting him in physical pain by teasing him.

I hated the way my name rolled off his tongue so nicely. It made me a little weak in the knees. He made me feel like I was talking to my high school crush instead of being a sensual woman with all the power in the world. So, to get back at him I told him that customers were absolutely not allowed to touch the performers. One touch would be enough to send a security guard in here. It wasn't true, but he didn't know that. He looked frustrated at the statement, frowning hard and biting his lower lip. But he eventually nodded.

"So, you didn't get enough last time?" I teased, lowering myself on his lap.

His eyes were glued on my panties. I knew that he wanted to see what was underneath. "I'll never have enough," he panted.

"I didn't realize that a little dance was worth so much to you," I murmured, knowing that I was ruining the dance with all my talking. But I needed to know why this man was willing to pay so much and why he was waiting for me when the other women in this club were just as beautiful.

"Honestly, I'd pay triple that just to have coffee with you," he moaned. "Keiko, you're killing me."

"Why do you want me so bad?" I demanded again, this time more firmly.

I thought my body brushing against his would be enough to keep him in the moment. But at my harsh question his eyes burst open and his mouth opened and closed several times. He was silent for a second, just sitting there with a furrowed brow. "Do you really not understand who I am to you?"

"You're a client, Ajax," I stated. "Now why did you keep coming to this club? Why did you pay so much for this dance?" I lifted myself off his legs and spun around. Last time watching my ass move had been an amazing distraction for him. I could only hope the same would happen this time. It seemed it was.

"I only knew your name and that you worked here. And I knew I had to see you again," he breathed, "My God, Keiko, you can't do this to me twice."

"I thought this is what you wanted, big boy," I purred, "Is this why you came back? Because I made you cum?"

"No," he choked out, like he was struggling to keep himself from climaxing already.

"Then what is it?" I asked, rubbing my ass over his erection.

"I'm only in town for a few more days. I wanted to get to know you better before I left."

At that I had to laugh out loud. My hand flew to cover my mouth but it was too late. There was no saving this lap dance anymore. I moved myself away from him and turned to face him.

"Ajax, just because I humped your leg doesn't mean we're dating, okay?"

"Please," he whispered desperately, suddenly reaching for my hand. I pulled away before his fingers could even skim my skin, "Just meet me for coffee. For half an hour. If you hate it and hate me then you'll never see me again, I promise. I'll get on my plane at the end of the week and you'll never hear my name again. I just need you to give me a chance," he pleaded.

"A chance to do what?"

"To make you mine."

***Next chapter at 12 votes :) I personally love Ajax already.***