The disturbing sounds of loud banging echoed nearby through the apartment. The continuous disturbance resulted in me letting out an annoyed groan in my sleep.

**Bang!

Bang!

Bang!**

Dammit! Can’t a girl catch any shut eye around here?

I hated this place. The minute you try to get some sleep, that’s the precise moment that some sort of shouting, screaming, loud music or banging –from next door or somewhere within the complex –would be sure to disturb you. Not that I should expect anything better or different in a crappy apartment complex like this.

Often times, if I ignored these noises long enough, they would eventually stop. However, this banging sounded much closer, which meant that it must be coming from my door. And it only seemed to be getting louder.

**Bang!

Bang!

Bang!**

"Alright, alright! I'm coming!" I yelled as I finally got up and made my way to the door while still trying to rub the sleepiness from my eyes.

"My god, would you stop already!? I'm coming!"

"Where the hell have you been? And why haven't you been answering your damn phone!?"Solj asked demandingly; stepping inside the minute I had opened the door to my crappy little apartment.

"Oh, S-Solj? I-I was trying to sleep. I guess I didn't hear it ringing." I answered nervously while taking a step back.

"Listen, you don't have that phone to be used as a souvenir or some form of decoration nor accessory," Solj said threateningly. "You have it so that when it rings you answer immediately."

" Y-Yeah I know. S-sorry, I must've forgotten to take it off silent mode from earlier." I stuttered nervously as I made my way to the little crooked coffee table that was in front of the couch with my cellphone laying on top. "Did you need something? Why are you here?"

"The boss had been trying to get to you for the past two hours. He needs you in the club right now!" Solj said in a rough fuming voice.

"What? Why? I'm not schedule to perform until another couple of hours." I said confused as I looked at the time on my phone.

"Listen to me, I don't care about when you're scheduled to perform. You don't get to ask questions." Solj barked at me causing me to jump. I was frightened and started trembling with fear.

"The boss wants you at the club now, you do just that. It is bad enough that you weren't answering your phone and I have to come here. The boss wants you to meet with him, you do so. No questions asked."

"O-okay...Uhm alright. I'll just go get d-dress and ready." I replied making sure to keep a safe distance from him. "I'll be there in a few minutes alright?"

"You better be," Solj said walking out the door before stopping and turning his head to face me once again. "You better not keep us waiting long, you already have one strike up against you, don't make it a second."

As he turned and left, I couldn't help but let out the breath I didn't even realized I was holding in as I closed the door with a relieved sigh.

Solj was one of those huge scary looking guys, that worked for my despised boss Alfredo or better yet my slave master. Nobody in their right mind would dare try to challenge or stand up to Solj. He was tall and really muscular, he was more like those steroid based hulk looking, bodybuilder type of guy that could break your entire body using just one hand.

Solj was what you could call Alfredo's muscle. If Alfredo had a problem with someone, they would have to talk it out with Solj. And by talking it out, things usually don’t include using words at all. I had unfortunately been to one of those talking sessions with Solj a few times for trying to defy Alfredo, trying to run away, or just by making simple mistakes. And it usually resulted in me receiving quite a few bruises, a black eye and a fractured rib at one point. Let's just say ever since, I just tried my best not to get on their bad sides.

Sighing at what a mess my life was, I figured I better go take a shower and head over to Alfredo's (Lollipop Tease) Club. The name alone makes me want to gag every time and never think about candies or sweets ever again. Lollipop Tease was a strip club not far from this apartment, it was approximately a five to seven minutes’ walk from here.

I hated the damn place more than anything in this world. My hatred for the place and my hatred for Alfredo was on the same scale- overweight. I really hated the life that I had come to be living. I didn't do any of this because I wanted to, I did it because I had to. My 'job' was disgusting but in the end I was able to remain alive and keep my mom alive. I was a stripper/dancer at Lollipop Tease, dancing on poles and striping for equally disgusting men was what I had to do. And at times, if any required a private session and he had lots to offer, Alfredo would usually request one of us girls to sleep with him. It's beyond disgusting and makes me feel so cheap and dirty. On the daily, I usually wouldn't do that as a part of the session, but if Alfredo choose me to be that girl or the client requests me, I didn't have much choice.

The only thing which allowed me to be able to do such distasteful and despicable acts, was the drugs I usually took before- that made me high as a kite. Half of the time it made me forget about my shitty conditions and brave enough to do all those crap that I'd never do without its influence. Speaking of which, I really needed a hit right now, I was definitely going cold turkey considering I was suddenly sweating off my ass, my hands were shaking and I definitely needed to get a high fix.

Hurrying to my room, I started searching through my drawers to see if I had any more 'pills' or anything left, only to come up empty handed.

*Oh crap!* I guess I really did need to get to Alfredo sooner or else I wouldn't be able to keep functioning for much longer.

I hurriedly chose some clothes from the small closet before rushing to the bathroom for a quick shower. I had to go see Alfredo which was one of the things I was really dreading, but on the other hand I was looking forward to seeing him, since I know he'd have the necessary fix for me.

I didn't voluntarily start doing drugs on my own, it's not something I would have ever wanted to do if I had a choice, but I was hooked on it. When I was just sold, I wouldn't willingly do anything Alfredo wanted me to. He tried using all sorts of 'methods of persuasion' which included me getting beaten and severely whipped, but I still wouldn't give in. And so I was forcefully held down and injected with--- I'm still not sure what drug was in that syringe.

Ever since I was injected, I became hooked on whatever drugs that would make me high. Hence, me always going back to Alfredo no matter how much I tried to stay away. He'd provide me with my daily fix as long as I do as he says.

Many people would ask why don't you just quit? Believe me I've tried a thousand times on many occasions, but trust me it's not easy to do, especially with the side effects I often experienced due to the withdrawal.

After I had finished with my shower I got dressed as quick as I could, throwing on a pair of ripped jeans shorts and gray crop top with a dark blue hoodie and sneakers before setting out. I practically ran all the way over to the club. I was starting to feel a bit paranoid and because it was getting slightly dark I had the constant feeling that someone was out to get me. I was just really anxious and irritable and I knew it was because I needed another 'hit' right now.

"So she finally decided to show up? I thought Solj would have dragged you back here." Andres said the minute I made my way to Alfredo's 'office' door.

Andres was another one of Alfredo's men but I like to call them his pets, who helped in keeping us girls that worked here 'in line' or 'disciplined'. Even though his features were less scary than Solj, he was just as much of an intimidating asshole as Solj was. He also didn't have any problem with hitting women either, and that was another thing that made me hate him even more.

"Is Alfredo in? I have to see him now. Can I see him?" I asked frantically wiping away the sweat forming on my face away from my brow, before scratching the side of my neck and arm.

It started to feel like I had ants crawling all over my body. I needed a fix now, that was the only way I'd be able to function normally much longer.

"Well you're eager to see the boss I never thought I'd see the day." Andres teased obviously knowing that I was having withdrawal symptoms.

"Andres please," I begged. "Can I see him now or not? After all he asked to see me."

"Knock and go in," Andres finally said nodding to the door. "He's expecting you".

"Ok." I regarded before going ahead and knocking on the door.

"Just come in!" I heard Alfredo's voice.

I immediately turned the doorknob stumbling in and closing it behind me. There behind a crappy wooden table Alfredo sat with his feet on the top of it with a cigar in his mouth.

"So you finally decided to show up." Alfredo said sounding a bit pissed as he saw me. "I've been calling you for hours and no respond, you know I should just take that damn phone from you since you obviously don't know the use of it."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I fell asleep I didn't hear it ringing." I explained hoping he'd drop the argument. "B-but I'm here now, I got here as soon as I could."

"Yeah, and you look like shit." Alfredo said looking at my state.

I was sweating profusely and itching and all in all—I was fatigue. I was sure that my pupils were dilated now too.

"I-I n-need a fix," I said trying to control my irritability. "I need a hit of something. Got anything for me?"

"We need to talk business first." Alfredo replied taking his feet off the table and straightening up in the chair.

"Yes, of course but I need a fix to be able to concentrate. I-I can

h-hardly focus on what y-you're saying now. " I said to him while scratching my forehead.

This ant feeling was getting more intense and I'm sure I was about to lose control soon if I didn't get a fix. I was starting to twitch.

"You'd better focus on what I'm saying because I'm depending on you. You fail this task and you’ll not only don't get any stuff but you get punish." he said seriously.

"Okay alright, alright, I get it." I nodded. "So do you have any now?"

"Patience princess, patience." Alfredo chant as if he was taking to a dog.

"I DON'T HAVE ANY PATIENCE FOR PATIENCE! I NEED A FIX!" I screamed at him losing my cool now.

Alfredo raised a brow at me which obviously meant 'who the hell do you think you're talking to' but it also had a hint of amusement to it.

"Are you sure about that? Because outbursts like that could just cause the stuff to go missing." Alfredo smirked flicking his fingers as if showing how it would disappear.

"No, Alfredo please." I begged breathing heavily as a result of the difficulty I was having with breathing now. "Please, just give me something."

"Fine, since you asked so nicely." Alfredo grinned as he reached into his drawer for something then throwing a syringe at me.

"What is? I thought you'd have the pills or something else." I said as I caught it.

"That in your hand is something else. It's the good stuff, it'll last you up to a day or two." Alfredo replied throwing me a piece of elastic as well. "You'll get the rest of stuff if and when you complete this task I have for you".

I didn't answer him just yet, instead I drew for the elastic before sitting in the chair in front Alfredo's desk, then wrapping it tightly around my upper arm as to make the veins visible. After my veins started showing I took the syringe injecting the area in between the crease of my elbow. I had no idea what substance was in that syringe but I know I could immediately start feeling it taking effect as it made its way through my veins.

The euphoric feeling, I got once I had emptied the syringe caused me to leaned my head back on the chair with a satisfied smile. I was definitely high but that only means I wouldn't be walking around like a crazy person for the remainder of tonight. Being high was the only way I could remain relax and even more composed to do whatever it is Alfredo wanted me to do tonight.

"So I see you like the smack." I heard Alfredo spoke after a few minutes.

"S-smack?" I finally answer after clearing my throat.

"Yes, that's what was in the syringe. You complete the task tonight and I promise you a week long supply along with the pills." Alfredo replied. "How does that sound?"

"What do you want me to do?" I asked him.

"I'm glad you asked. You see there's this guy coming here tonight. He's not one of our regular customers but he's even more important than the others." Alfredo started.

"And what makes him so different and important than the others?" I asked him.

"Well he's an important business man. We had some dealings with him before but still haven't had the right amount of money to pay him back. " Alfredo announced.

"What do you mean you don't have enough to pay him back? You're making bank here. " I said to him.

"I don't want you questioning me. I can't pay him back everything tonight, if I attempt that I'll be flat broke. I want him to hold out a bit longer and you're going to help in convincing him to wait some more. Maybe even persuade him to forgot about the repayment." Alfredo replied folding his hand on the table.

"What? How am I supposed to do that? If the guy wants his money, do you think nothing I will say to him is going to change his mind?" I asked incredulously.

"See, that's the thing. You're not going to talk to him." Alfredo replied. "You're going to spend the night with him, keeping him entertained and satisfied. You're going to do whatever it is to keep him focus on you that'll allow him to forget the original reason he came here tonight."

"You want me to sleep with him?" I asked in disbelief.

He knows how I hated doing those task yet he's giving it to me.

"You'll dance for him, sleep with him, do whatever you have to do until he forgets about the money." Alfredo said to me.

"But why me? I'm not even one of the pleasure girls Alfredo. You know I didn't sign up for that, why can't you just send Katie or Mandi? They'll do anything like that willingly." I said to him hoping he'd change his mind.

"You signed up for any damn thing I tell you to do, the minute your Dad sold you to me." Alfredo said raising his voice.

"Step dad," I corrected him immediate anger in my voice at the mention of that brute. "Weston was my step Dad, he's not my father."

"It doesn't matter what he is to you. Just know that the minute he brought you to me you belonged to me. You'll do anything I tell you to. Either that, or you say goodbye to that pretty little mother of yours in that home- you know I could just send someone over there discreetly to finish the job. And in addition, you don't get these." Alfredo said as he held up a small clear bag full of pills.

The minute he had mentioned my mom, I didn't care what I had to do. I just could not let them hurt her. She's the only family I got. The constant threats to her were what kept me so 'submissive' to Alfredo.

"No don't, please." I said immediately in defeat. "I'll do whatever it is, just don't hurt her. Leave her out of this."

" Good girl," Alfredo grinned, happy I had submitted to him. "Ackles will be here any time soon, I'll ask Andres to escort him to the number 7 private room. You go get clean up and all dolled up for him. Wear something really revealing and preferably black. You're going to do that as quick as you can and then go meet him."

" Okay, " I nodded getting up from the chair. "But what if this Ackles guy isn't interested in me or even more in women in general? How do I pull this off?"

"You'll think of something." Alfredo replied. "Besides, you're really pretty, you have one of those face and body that'll turn any gay man straight."

I'm sure that was meant to be a compliment in there somewhere but I couldn't think of that all I could think about was how repulsive this was. And how offensive his statement was.

"Hold up, wait...What?" I said in disbelief. "He's going to see my face?"

Another thing about Lollipop Tease was that us girls wore masks during our performances. It was Alfredo's way of 'protecting' us, making sure we don't really fall prey or target to any of the men who came there, in case they see us outside on the streets. The masks were our disguises. So basically none of the guys here knew how any of us girls looked in the face.

"Yes. Like I told you this guy is different. We need to make him comfortable enough and I'm sure he isn't going to go for a girl in a mask. So forget about the mask tonight." Alfredo replied sternly. "Now go ahead and get ready. Don't want to keep him waiting."

I narrowed my eyes at him before turning to leave when his voice stopped me at the door.

"And Amy… you better not fail this or you know what'll happened to you." Alfredo said and with that last warning I left his office.

As I headed to the dressing rooms, I had the feeling of wanting to sleep but I had to shake it off. I know it was the drug causing that as well but I also know that I had to try do what Alfredo told me to.

If I didn't know any better I'd say Alfredo was afraid of this guy, but that's strange. If Alfredo was putting out all these efforts and warning me not to disappoint this guy, then that means he must be a hell lot scary. And that scared the crap out of me too. If I had to deal with this guy who Alfredo is afraid of, there's no telling if I too won't be scared for my life.

I made my way to the dressing room that I shared with five other girls. Alfredo had organized dressing rooms for us girls here but six girls to a room. At first there was only one dressing room but as the number of girls increased and it got chaotic-since conflicts started arising amongst the girls about who is hogging the mirrors and stealing the other's outfits and makeups- he had extended the club to provide three more dressing rooms.

"Hey girls," I greeted as I entered and saw two of the other girls I shared the room with sitting down smoking and doing lines of coke.

"Hey Amy, I thought you didn't have to perform until later." Nora asked as she looked up from her lines that she was setting up to snort.

"Hey babe," Katie said blowing out a puff of smoke after taking a drag from her spliff.

"Katie! No smoking in here!" I grabbed the spliff from her hand and tapped it on the ashtray to put it out. "Are you trying to smoke up the outfits? The last thing I want is to go perform smelling of cigarette smoke."

"Sorry Ames," Katie replied. "I just really needed a joint."

"I tried to tell her." Nora said sitting up straight and wiping her nose. "You're here early."

"Slave master requested me here for a private session with some guy he is apparently afraid of." I scoffed as I went to my side of closet and picked out a simple two-piece black lingerie with some lace and a black satin robe to wear over it.