20

Tomas.
I continued in my flashback, telling Jennifer how I met Maya. I called Mark, and he was already prepared. I hopped into my sporty car and drove to his home, eager to pick him up. Together, we headed to this club-the strip club. It was something completely new for me, a venture into the unknown.
As we drove, I asked Mark, “So, where’s this strip club?” I was genuinely curious but had no clue where I was headed.
“It’s in the south. Just let me drive, Tomas. This is your gathering; we’re going to celebrate your graduation. So how about we switch seats? I’ll take the wheel,” Mark said confidently.
“Alright, I’ll pull over to the side of the road, and we can change seats. I hope this place will change my mood,” I replied, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.
Mark nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, of course! You’re going to enjoy this day, I promise you it will be the greatest experience ever. You won’t forget it!” He winked at me playfully.
I shook my head, trying to suppress my nerves. “Okay, Mark, let’s do this.”
After switching seats, I settled into the passenger side, loosening up slightly. When we finally arrived, Mark exclaimed, “Here we are, Tomas! We made it. This is the place.”
I peered through the window and exclaimed, “What the heck is this, Mark?! It looks so dull! It’s underground!” I shot him a bewildered look, my confusion evident.
“Don’t stress, man. You’ll love it,” Mark assured me, his confidence unwavering.
“Alright, let’s go in. We don’t want to miss the best part of the show,” he added, a grin spreading across his face.
“Yes, let’s!” I smirked, feeling a rush of excitement.
As we strolled through the first floor, the entrance to this establishment felt like stepping into a cave, with walls painted a deep black, illuminated only by dim red lights. It was an odd place, intimidating for any girl-and for any man too. Honestly, if Mark hadn’t assured me that he knew this place well, I probably wouldn’t have dared to step inside.
Guards opened the door for us, leading us through another iron gate, and then-bam! We entered a massive space filled with people, the sound of loud music thrumming through the air. The atmosphere was thick with smoke and raucous laughter.
“Mark, are you sure this place is alright?” I asked, still somewhat hesitant.
He nodded confidently. “Oh yes, don’t worry, they won’t bother us,” he assured me, giving me a playful look.
Just then, a man in a dark suit approached us. “Hi, Mr. Mark, your table is ready, and some of your friends are waiting for you,” he informed Mark with a polite nod.
“Lead the way, sir,” Mark replied with a grin.
I followed him, Mark walking beside me as I looked around in awe. “This is such a strange place. I never thought I would enter a place like this,” I muttered to him.
“Tomas, it’s a VIP strip club. You’ll see,” Mark said, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
“What?! A VIP?! This is insane! It can’t be!” I raised my eyebrows, genuinely shocked.
“This is your table, gentlemen. Please enjoy your time,” the man in the suit said, bowing slightly before departing.
Some of our college friends were sitting at the table, waving us over. “Hey, Tomas! Welcome!” they greeted, shaking my hand enthusiastically.
“How did you manage to get Tomas to join us at this strip club?” they teased Mark, laughter in their voices.
I sank into the couch, surveying the loud environment. “This music is so loud, guys,” I remarked, feeling slightly overwhelmed.
They laughed. “Yes, Tomas, just wait until the star of the show comes out!” they replied, excitement palpable in their voices.
“What star?” I asked, intrigued.
Suddenly, several girls who looked like they were dressed for a completely different kind of party approached us, their outfits minimal at best. “Hello, sir! What would you like to drink?” one of the girls asked, her hands resting on my shoulders. Another girl leaned closer, her presence overwhelming.
I stared at them in disbelief. “What the heck is this place, guys?! It feels like a sex party!” I exclaimed, incredulous.
They chuckled. “Oh man, just enjoy your day…”
I pushed the girl’s hands away and addressed the other one. “Tequila, please…”
Suddenly, every man at our table began to stand up, applauding and shouting, “Maya, Maya, Maya!”
“What’s happening, guys?” I asked, bewildered.
“You’ll see! Just keep your eyes on the stage, Tomas,” they urged, their anticipation building.
As the music changed to a slower tempo, my attention was drawn to the spotlight as it illuminated a pair of high heels strutting onto the stage. Instantly, my eyes were glued to the scene unfolding before me.
The lights flashed on, and everyone began to clap and cheer for Maya. A stunning girl with long blonde hair, a body that seemed sculpted by art itself, stepped onto the stage. She wore a short black skirt and a red top that barely covered her stomach.
Her hair flowed elegantly around her, and from my vantage point, I could see her deep blue eyes sparkling in the dim light. She swayed her body side to side, moving in a way that was mesmerizing.
Then, with a flourish, she removed her skirt, revealing a G-string underneath. The crowd erupted with excitement, and I could feel the electric energy in the room. Men were eager to touch her, but the bouncers kept them at bay.
As the music shifted to a faster beat, she removed her top, revealing her curves in a red bra that barely contained her. The sight was both intoxicating and overwhelming. I felt a stir of desire deep within me, and it was undeniable.
Every man began tossing money onto the stage, including Mark, who seemed completely entranced.
I continued to watch her as she moved sensually, her lips pouting provocatively. In that moment, I felt a rush of heat, my heart racing as I absorbed the scene unfolding before me.
Suddenly, a man leapt onto the stage, grabbing her and squeezing her. She pushed him away and kicked him with her high heel before continuing to dance, her face betraying none of the chaos around her. I could see that she was just going through the motions, putting on a show for the audience.
Then, she exited the stage, disappearing backstage. I don’t know why, but I felt compelled to find her. “Where’s the bathroom?” I asked Mark.
“It’s over there, Tomas,” he pointed.
“Okay, hold up, I’ll show you,” Mark said, leading the way.
The bathroom was located near the backstage area, close to where the stars prepared. As I stepped inside, my eyes scanned the area, and then I saw something that made my heart drop.
A man was strangling Maya, his grip tight around her neck. I froze for a moment, my breath catching in my throat.
“You, Maya, work for me. You need to listen, or I will ruin your life. You can’t stop; you’ll never leave here,” he threatened, pushing her against the wall.
In that instant, something snapped within me. I rushed forward and punched the man, my adrenaline surging. He turned and glared at me, a menacing smile creeping onto his face.
“What are you doing? You have no idea what I can do to you!” he sneered, but before he could finish, Mark stepped in and shoved him away.
“Back off! This is Mr. Tomas Charl!” Mark declared, his voice firm and protective.
“Oh, sir, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know!” the man stammered, backing off immediately.
Maya, shaken, hid behind me. I took her hand, looking into her tear-filled eyes. She was terrified.
“Please, put on some clothes, Maya. You’re coming with me,” I instructed, my voice steady.
She widened her eyes in fear. “Um, sir, he’ll never let me go easily. He’ll find me and force me back,” she whispered, trembling.
I approached the man, my expression fierce. “Maya is leaving with me now. Forget about her, or you will regret it,” I warned, my voice low and dangerous.
“Alright, Mr. Tomas, but you need to pay me,” the man replied, still defiant.
I narrowed my eyes. “How much?” I demanded.
“One hundred thousand dollars,” he said, a wicked grin spreading across his face.
“Fine, I’ll send you the money tomorrow,” I replied, my resolve firm.
“Maya, let’s go,” I said, guiding her gently but firmly.
I draped my coat over her shoulders, feeling her shiver against me. Her hands were icy cold as we made our way out, my heart racing with the knowledge that I had just stepped into a world far more dangerous than I had anticipated.