Chapter 5 Into the lion's den

Valentina found herself shoved into a sleek, black car with tinted windows. She seethed inwardly but accepted her fate. After all, she had brought this upon herself.

Thankfully, Druid wasn't with her. Instead, one of his henchmen sat beside her in the back seat.

"Where are we going?" she asked. The man only grunted and turned away. She bit her lip, feeling like a puppet on strings. She hated it but knew she had no choice.

"Fine, don't tell me," she muttered, looking away.

Suddenly, the car stopped. She peered out, confused by the desolate surroundings. What was going on?

Before she could react, a bag was thrust over her head. She tried to scream but was silenced by the man's gruff voice. "Boss's orders. Don't struggle," he snarled.

Was this Druid's plan? To kill her?

"Relax," he warned. "If you don't, accidents might happen."

Valentina got the message-stay still or risk dying. She took deep breaths, trying to calm down as the car resumed its journey.

She lost track of time before the car stopped again. She was dragged out, unable to form any mental map of her surroundings. She focused on staying alive.

As she walked, she heard thumping club music. Was this her destination? Druid's club?

A new voice, British-accented, spoke as she was guided further. After a long walk, a door creaked open.

The bag was yanked off her head.

Valentina blinked, adjusting to the dim, red-lit room. It looked like a scene from the red light district. She wasn't alone; other girls stared at her curiously.

"Girls!" the British-accented man called out cheerfully. "Meet your new colleague! She'll be with us for a while. Play nice, no cat fights!"

He left, shutting the door behind him, leaving Valentina alone.

She surveyed the room. It was large, with multiple beds, vanities, and a divan. One girl eyed her as she approached an empty bed.

"Is this taken?" Valentina asked. The girl shook her head. Valentina sat down, noting the socket and small table beside each bed.

"Hi," the girl greeted. Her short bob framed her striking doe eyes. "I'm Hela."

"Valentina," she replied, grateful for the conversation. "You're a dancer too?"

"Yeah, we all are," Hela shrugged. "You must be new. Any questions?"

Valentina shook her head. People often underestimated her, thinking she was inexperienced. It worked to her advantage sometimes.

"I perform for a living," she said after a pause. "This is just another club."

"It's not just another club," Hela corrected. "It's the Mafia's underground club. Hard to leave."

"Wait, underground?" Valentina asked, surprised when Hela nodded. "And what do you mean, hard to leave?"

Hela gestured around the room. "Most of us owe debts to the Mafia or their allies. Some, like Kristie," she pointed to a loud girl, "are hiding from the law. We're here because we have no other options."

Valentina pressed her lips together. "I guess you're right. I'm here because of a debt too."

Hela smiled warmly. "Don't worry, you can pay it off. Maybe be out in a year. I'm hoping the same for myself."

Valentina returned the smile, feeling a rare sense of camaraderie.

"Hey, Hela, get the newbie over here!" a girl with a buzz cut and piercings called out. She was completely naked, her studded nipples gleaming even in the dim light.

Hela stood, motioning for Valentina to follow. Valentina hesitated, recognizing the type-the self-appointed boss.

Time to put her in her place.

...

As the blond approached Valentina, she rudely asked, "Can you dance at all?"

The way she spoke made it clear that she saw Valentina as nothing more than a piece of trash.

Despite this insult, Valentina remained calm and collected.

She knew that in this underground world, filled with heartless and cruel people, rebellion could have dire consequences.

With a soft sniffle, she avoided making eye contact with the blond and responded firmly, "I will show you when it's time."Valentina's ability to stand up for herself in the face of disrespect was admirable.

It seemed as though she had been thrown from one difficult situation into an even worse one but she refused to let it break her spirit. Her determination to prove herself as a dancer despite the harsh environment surrounding her was something to be admired.

"I will show you when it's time," Valentina declared with a determined glint in her eyes.

"Hmm!" She smirked, her confidence evident as she appointed Hela to assist her through the intricate routines and steps ahead. With a nod of agreement, Hela stepped into her new role eagerly, ready to guide Valentina through the labyrinth of challenges.

Hela's guidance extended even to the most intimate details, such as selecting lingerie suitable for their clandestine activities in the underground realm.

Valentina was unfamiliar with the nuances of this hidden world, and relied on Hela's expertise not only for the routines but also for the attire that would distinguish them from the ordinary.

In the depths below, where the air hummed with anticipation and the atmosphere crackled with raw energy, the dresses were not merely garments but expressions of power and allure. They were designed to captivate, to entice, and to command attention, unlike the mundane attire worn on the surface.

Valentina scrutinized herself in the mirror, her reflection a canvas upon which she painted her determination and resolve. Each glance was a silent affirmation, a reminder of the countless hours she had dedicated to mastering her craft. In the reflection, she saw not just herself but the embodiment of her aspirations and ambitions, urging her onward to greatness.

Valentina's ample breasts spilled out, barely contained by the small leather cut that covered her nipples. The corset hugged her curves, emphasizing her hips and sculpted stomach. As a novice stripper, Valentina felt exposed for the first time.

Her bare buttocks were on display, with the G-string nestled between them unabashedly, reminiscent of a scene from adult films.

"Isn't it absurd to strip like this?" Valentina questioned Hela sharply.

"Well, it's stunning! You look incredibly attractive!" Hela replied, stepping back to admire the scene before her.

Valentina wished Hela had acknowledged the shame she felt instead of praising her appearance. She matched her silver leather lingerie with a six inches silhouette that added so much to her height .

Valentina almost lost her confidence in her new strippers' clothes. It's evening already and they are set to mount the ground stage to please the mafia's and all their clientele that she would preferably call Snoop dogs .

The schmaltzy music filled the room solemnly and the coloured light buzzed through the edges of the wall. The smell was horrific as several cologne buzzed in the air.

Valentina sniffed in sharply and braced herself to accept the cross bestowed to her.

Soon the ladies stepped out from the inside, each girl dazzling and beaming with smiles except Valentina looking awkward and embarrassed.

"Valentina, are you not a stripper anymore? " She questioned herself trying to put in the mood but it was hard for her in this kind of toxic environment where hard mens scattered all around either drinking and sniffing or gambling with guns and weapons beside them.

Valentina wiped her forehead dropping sweat and the make up Caria had spent hours getting ruined with her sweat.

"Valentina, are you okay ? Hela called out. She walked towards her and squeezed her cold palms.

Valentina fidgeted with the hems of her pants. Her heart thuds out loudly like she wants to pick a race.

"What if I didn't do it well? Would I be killed? " Valentina let out her fears to Hela who took her in.

"Shhh I believe you can do this! " Hela gave her a reassuring smile .

"You will do well and serve the masters ok! " She Added.

" Masters? " Valentina demanded

"Yes, once you do well on your first night, you won't have to be bothered with the crowd anymore. You will only serve in the private room and serve the masters.

"Hmn! " Valentina breathed unevenly trying to digest Hela's words.

"You mean I will only strip for the crowds tonight and if I do well that's all? " She muttered slowly

" Yes, so I believe you will do well and find your way to the top". Hela giggled at Valentina naiveness.

It wasn't sure if Hela had ulterior motives on Valentina but she wanted her to do well if she would be lucky enough to find her way to the top and at least help her too. So, she lied .

Valentina looked mighty chipper after the reassurance, ready to do as she was bid and get a chance to meet with Druid and served him only at least.