Chapter 8 Dress Up

Lucy lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. The soft glow from the lamp cast long shadows on the walls. The room was quiet, but her mind wasn't. Barry's words from earlier echoed again and again.

"You're mine, Lucy."

"I want you close."

"You'll belong to me. Only me."

She pulled the blanket up to her chin, her heart heavy. The air felt thick, like it pressed down on her chest. She wanted to scream. To cry. But she just lay there, frozen. Her eyes burned from holding back tears.

'Why me? she thought. I never asked for this. I don't want this life. I don't want him.'

Her fingers clutched the blanket tighter. She let out a shaky breath and shut her eyes. Forget it, she told herself. Just sleep. You'll figure it out tomorrow. Slowly, the weight of the day pulled her under, and sleep took her into its quiet embrace.

***

The next evening, Lucy stood by the door, waiting. The same guard from the night before showed up. He gave a short nod, said nothing, and led her out. The ride to the club was silent, the hum of the car the only sound between them.

When they reached Barry's Den, the noise hit her the moment she stepped out. Music thumped through the walls. The smell of smoke, alcohol, and sweat filled the air. Lights flashed red and blue, casting strange shapes on the pavement.

Lucy walked in, her head low. She moved through the crowd like a ghost, hoping no one would notice her. But, as always, eyes followed her. Hungry, jealous, curious.

She tried to ignore them.

Later, during a break, she found herself leaning against the wall near the dressing room. Vanessa came up beside her, wiping sweat from her brow.

"You okay?" Vanessa asked, her voice soft.

Lucy let out a sigh. "I don't fit here, Vanessa. I don't belong in this place."

Vanessa leaned on the wall next to her. "I felt the same at first. You just have to be patient."

Lucy turned to her. "Patient for what? For Barry to break me down? For the girls to stop hating me?"

"For things to make sense," Vanessa said gently. "For you to learn how to survive here. That's all any of us can do."

Lucy frowned but didn't argue. She knew Vanessa meant well. She crossed her arms and stared at the floor. "I don't want to survive. I want to leave."

Vanessa gave a small, sad smile. "We all do. But wanting and getting are two different things."

The rest of the night passed in a blur of music, lights, and faces. Lucy danced. She served drinks. She forced smiles when men stared too long. Her feet hurt. Her back ached. But she kept going.

When it was finally over, Barry's man was waiting to take her back to the mansion. The ride was as quiet as before. The city lights flickered past the window like stars falling from the sky.

***

Lucy sighed with relief when she got to her room. She kicked off her shoes and rubbed her sore feet. Her body felt heavy, her head foggy with exhaustion.

A soft knock on the door made her freeze. Before she could answer, a maid stepped in, carrying a large white box tied with a black ribbon.

"This is for you, miss," the maid said, placing the box on the bed. "From Master."

Lucy blinked. "From him? What is it?"

"A dress," the maid said. "He wants you to wear it. You're to join him for a ball tonight."

"A ball?" Lucy echoed, her heart sinking. "Tonight?"

The maid nodded. "Yes, miss. He said to be ready in one hour."

Lucy stared at the box as the maid left the room, closing the door softly behind her. She felt her chest tighten. The room suddenly felt too small. The air too thick.

She walked to the bed and slowly untied the ribbon. Her hands shook a little. Lifting the lid, she pushed the tissue paper aside and gasped softly.

The dress inside was beautiful. Soft silver silk, smooth as water, shimmered under the light. It had thin straps and a low back. Tiny beads sparkled along the hem like stars. It was the kind of dress that made a girl feel like a queen. Or a prize.

Lucy touched the fabric. It felt cool against her skin. She imagined herself wearing it, standing beside Barry, the center of attention. The thought made her stomach twist.

'This isn't me', she thought. 'I'm not a doll he can dress up and show off.'

But what choice did she have?

She sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the dress. The room was quiet except for the soft tick of the clock on the wall. Each second felt loud in the stillness.

***

An hour later, Lucy stood in front of the mirror. The dress fit like it was made for her. The silver silk hugged her curves. The beads caught the light when she moved. Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders. The maid had helped her with light makeup, just enough to bring out the blue in her eyes.

She barely recognized herself.

A knock came at the door. The same guard waited outside. "The car is ready," he said.

Lucy grabbed a small silver clutch that matched the dress. She took one last look at herself in the mirror and let out a slow breath. You can do this, she told herself. Just get through tonight.

She followed the guard out. The night air was cool against her skin. The car gleamed under the porch lights. Barry stood beside it, dressed sharp in a black suit, his dark hair smooth, his eyes on her.

For a moment, he said nothing. His gaze moved over her slowly, from head to toe. His face was calm, but his eyes burned.

He opened the car door for her. "Come. We're late."

She slid into the seat, the silk of her dress rustling softly. Barry got in beside her, and the car pulled away.

For a while, they rode in silence. The city lights flickered past the windows, bright against the dark sky. Lucy stared out, trying to calm the storm inside her.

Barry watched her. "You're quiet."

Lucy glanced at him. "I don't know what to say."

He smirked. "That's new. You always have something to say."

She looked down at her hands. "I'm just tired."

Barry reached out and took her hand in his. His grip was firm, warm. "Don't be scared. Tonight, you're with me. No one will dare touch you."

Lucy didn't answer. She stared at his hand holding hers and felt the weight of what that meant.

'No one will touch me' She thought. 'Because I already belong to him.'