Will You Still Love Me The Same

In the corner of the club, not far from the drinking bar, there was a stage where a man sat on a tall stool with an acoustic guitar in hand. With eyes closed and nodding to the cool rhythm his fingers made from touching the guitar strings, he parted his lips and soon his voice filled the entire club singing the song Shallow

Tell me somethin', girl

Are you happy in this modern world?

Or do you need more?

Is there somethin' else you're searchin' for?

I'm fallin'

In all the good times, I find myself longin' for change

And in the bad times, I fear myself

Tell me something, boy

Aren't you tired of tryin' to fill that void?

Or do you need more?

Ain't it hard keepin' it so hardcore?

I'm falling

In all the good times, I find myself longing for change

And in the bad times, I fear myself

I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in

I'll never meet the ground

Crash through the surface, where they can't hurt us

We're far from the shallow now

In the sha-ha, sha-ha-llow

In the sha-ha-sha-la-la-la-llow

In the sha-ha, sha-ha-llow

We're far from the shallow now

With each word he sang, one could feel the passion with which he was singing. Like he was singing for his woman.

Clara Hughs was leaning against the bar counter holding a serving tray close to her chest. She wore a sexy black bunny costume, with a white bunny tail at her waist, thigh-level black leg warmer with long white bunny ears on her head. Her waist-level long wavy brunette hair was tied in a ponytail. She had no makeup on but an application of lip gloss on her pink lips. At 19 years old, her beauty was breathtaking.

She was mesmerized watching the man playing the guitar. Lost in the melodious song he was singing. Clara was looking at the man's hands and how swiftly they moved on the strings. With each move, a beautiful rhythm is produced. She was lost in the song and instrument when Laura, her employer, came yelling at her.

"Stop daydreaming already about the music/guitar and move. People are thirsty. Move it already," Laura yelled

Clara, snapping out of her moment, quickly placed the tray on the counter for some drinks which she carried and started moving around the tables to serve the customers who wanted some drinks. She walked into one of the private rooms and two guys started harassing her.

"Come here you little bunny," the first guy said and pulled Clara's hand causing her to drop the tray and break some glasses, spilling the drinks all over the floor.

"Let go of her, she is mine," came the voice of the second guy pulling Clara by the waist.

"Please let go of me," Clara cried while she struggled to break free from the guy's grip on her.

The first guy stood behind her, he grabbed her hair, causing her to bend backwards and sniffed her neck to her shoulder.

"Nice I like your scent," he murmured. "I like to eat you up, bit by bit," he added with a grin.

"ha ha ha, we can have her together," the second guy got closer to her, bent over, and bit her belly under her bunny costume.

He tore the front of the dress open.

"Please, please stop it," she cried, raising her leg, she tried to kick the second guy but he caught her leg before it could hit him "Help, somebody help me," she screamed.

Laura walked into the private room with 3 well-built men in an all-black outfit.

"What nonsense. How dare you touch my golden price. Deal with these two" Laura yelled standing at the entrance to the private room with two fearsome guys.

One of the men with Laura pulled the second guy holding Clara and threw him to the wall like he was a piece of paper and in a swift move hit the other guy hard in the face sending him flying and crashing into the table with a lamp sitting on it. The man stood straight and adjusted his clothing, with not even a single scratch and shot the two guys a glance and they both ran out of the room.

Clara was on the floor crying. Laura looked at her indifferently and rolled her eyes.

"Get her ready. Someone has paid for her," Laura ordered

Clara knew what that statement meant; her face went pale immediately. She got up and knelt on the floor

"Please, ma'am. I will do anything you ask me. Please don't give me to any man," she pleaded.

"Clara, you make me sick. I run this place with money. It's not a charity business. I have fed you, clothed you and still take care of you. It's time you start paying me back. You need to get out there and give them what they want. That is how I make the money I use in taking care of you," Laura said and placed her hand on her hips looking at Clara furiously.

Clara was still pleading, infuriating Laura. She yelled at her

"You are making me lose money. My top clients want you. They are willing to pay enormous amounts of money for you."

She walked to her and pulled her up, holding what was left of her torn costume.

"What are you keeping your virginity for? Huh? It's not like Prince Charming will walk into a place like this to find you, princess," after yelling at her she closed her eyes and calmed herself, seeing the tear-soaked face of Clara.

"Okay, I know you have not done this before, so you are scared. Look, it will hurt a little and what follows next is an unending pleasure," She spoke softly into her ears straightening what was left of her costume as she wiped her tears.

"You are going to love it. Just let yourself go and bring me that money," Laura said with a smile.

"Please, I can't. I am scared," Clara cried

Laura's hand stopped as she got angry hearing what she said

"Okay, let's do it this way, you pay me a thousand dollars, any time a client asks for you, and I will let you go. How about that?" she said moving away from Clara and looking at her acrylic-fixed nails

Clara's eyes widened "One - one - one thousand dollars?" she stammered "Please I don't know where or how to get such an amount?"

"Well, that is your problem. You have the option, there is a man outside, who is willing to pay a million dollars for you. You can see him, or you pay me a thousand. I am being generous here," She said and walked away "Let's go boys"

Clara was left sitting on the floor dumbstruck. She straightened what was left of her bunny costume. Covering her exposed chest with the tray, she left the private room to her small room inside the club. She took off the bunny costume and slipped into another dress not so revealing. She untied her hair allowing it to flow freely on her shoulders and sat on her bed.

"One thousand dollars," She thought "Where am I going to get such an amount of money," she thought.

Laura takes care of everything, so she works in the bar for free. She has been working as a waitress since she turned 16 years old. It appears Laura wants her to sell her body by all means. Tears rolled down her cheeks. If only her parents were alive. She wouldn't have to leave this kind of life. Clara closed her eyes and the images flashed before her from the past

********Flashback***********

A tall man in a mask slapped her mum causing her to lose her balance and fall to the ground. Clara who was hiding in the wardrobe closed her eyes and covered her ears as she heard three gunshots sound.

Hearing nothing, she looked through the small space in the wardrobe. Her mother was lying on the floor motionless. She covered her mouth with her hand to prevent herself from screaming. She was just 6 years old. The man left the room, and she heard another gunshot and then her dad's voice. She stayed in the wardrobe till she heard the police car sirens making a loud noise.

An officer came to the room and found her in the wardrobe with a tear-stained face. She was sent to the orphanage. She run away from the orphanage home when she turned 15 years because she was constantly being bullied and there were some rape attempts too.

She lived on the street after running away from the orphanage, begging for food, or stealing them to survive.

One day she entered Laura's house to steal food and she was caught. Laura offered her a job as a waitress in her clubhouse called the Bunny Club, in return, she will take care of her needs. That is the payment she receives from Laura, clothing, food, and shelter.

****End of flashback********

Tears were still streaming down her cheeks as she lifted her head to pray

"God please don't leave me. Help me." she prayed.

Her only friend Jessica walked in. Seeing the state Clara was in she felt incredibly sad. Jessica was 4 years older than Clara. She was already in the business of pleasuring men with her body. She does have some money and has an apartment of her own.

"Clara," Jessica called out and Clara turned to look at her.

Jessica sat next to Clara and kissed her forehead.

"Clara, everything is going to be all right. If I have an option, I will not do what I am doing but see there is no way out," She said to her, and Clara looked at Jessica questioningly.

"I heard everything. I was at the entrance. Okay, I know you don't want to do that kinda thing. Have you thought of looking for a job outside? Let's try that. The club is open in the evening, so you can use your morning and afternoon to work at other places and earn some money." She suggested

Clara smiled "Thank you, Jessica. You are the best." They hugged each other

"It's settled then, tomorrow we go job hunting," Jessica said and she hugged Clara rubbing her back.

It was 9 a.m. and the city of San Francisco was already alive. Clara got up from her bed and looked outside her small window. She smiled and quickly made her bed. She entered the bathroom, took a shower and came back to her room to dress up. She opened her bag and found a pair of black jeans and a sea-blue top which she quickly put on.

She walked into the club. All the chairs were turned onto the tables. Laura was sitting at the bar counting and putting into bundles the money made from the previous night. Clara greeted her but she didn't respond. She was so engulfed in the counting of her money that she didn't hear Clara greet her. Clara went out to get some food. Outside the clubhouse, she runs into Jessica.

Jessica, had a smile on her face "You were going on a job hunt without me?"

Clara raised her hands in defence "Noooo, how can I? I was going to get some food. Let's go together,"

They both walked into a nearby shop and ordered some sandwiches. That is all the money Clara had on her. The shopkeeper knew Clara so she gave them two cups of tea for free. They finished the food and went out to search for a job for Clara.

They went to shops, offices and places where they saw vacancies displayed. It was difficult for Clara to secure a job since she had never been to school. Reading and writing was a big problem for her. After roaming the streets for 3 hours with no success, Jessica and Clara sat down on a wooden seat close to a park.

Jessica took two bottles of water from her bag and handed one to Clara as she drank the other.

"It's gonna be hard. I forgot all about school. You get the job and the pay is too small, the pay is good, but you don't qualify for the job. haaaauh!" she said in resignation

Clara turned to look at her friend and spoke with more enthusiasm "How about this, Let's go with what we find. I can do the salesperson job or be a janitor. If the pay is too small I will do both. That will get me a good amount to raise the 1000 dollars."

Jessica looked at Clara like she was going crazy but she sighed after seeing her point she replied "If that is what you want"

she raised the bottle of water to her lips to drink and her eyes caught a vacancy sign for a Janitor across the street. She screwed the bottle cover back on quickly.

"Clara! Let's go," she said grabbing Clara's hand.

Confused Clara's eyes started wandering around to see what her friend had seen.

"Look at the computer office across the street," Jessica said pointing to a shop across the street from where they were sitting. "They are looking for a janitor. Let's go check it out," she announced.

They both entered the building. Clara was sent to the in-charge office

"Hello, welcome, I am Juana. Kindly have a sit" the in-charge greeted

Clara sat on the seat and introduced herself, "I am Clara."

"Good, so you are here for the Janitor job," Juana questioned

Clara responded with a nodded

"Tell me, what are the duties of a janitor" Juana questioned

Clara hesitated before answering "They clean?" She replied sounding more like she was asking a question than answering.

Juana looked at her questioningly and smiled "Have you ever done anything like cleaning washrooms and handling equipment"

"I know how to clean a washroom" Clara responded.

Jauna smiled mischievously and thought to herself, "I can make some money for myself with this girl"

"You are hired. You can start work tomorrow. I will pay you daily." She announced

Clara was smiling ear to ear.

They both left the building very happy. Clara was so happy she could make some additional money to pay Laura. They went back to the Bunny Club. The main entrance was closed so Clara used the back door to her room. She knew by this, that Laura had left for her home. Jessica left Clara with some food before leaving for her own home to await the club opening in the evening.

The club was opened in the evening for business as usual. Clara informed Laura of her new job and the fact that she would pay the 1000 dollars soon. Laura just laughed at her but decided to give her time to give in.

The night was over and it was morning. Clara happily got ready and boarded the bus to her new workplace. They sell computers and other mechanical equipment. Clara got there as early as 5 a.m. She was given the cleaning materials but didn't know how to use them and no one was willing to teach her. Is like someone left instructions that no one should teach her anything about the cleaning machines.

Clara was not bothered. She put the machines down and went for a bucket and a towel. She put on gloves and got to work. Within two hours, she was done cleaning the entire shop which had 6 washrooms, two showcase rooms, equipment areas and a sales side. She was asked to stay till 3 p.m. and keep the place clean.

Clara stayed till 3 p.m. ensuring the washrooms had a constant supply of toiletries. She went to see Jauna as it was time for her to leave and get the club ready to open. Jauna gave her an envelope which she happily received and placed in her bag.

Her first pay from working. She was so excited she didn't open it to check how much she had paid for the day. She thanked Jauna and left for home. She went to her room, placed her bag down, took the envelope out, put it under her pillow, went into the bar and started cleaning. Half an hour passed and Jessica joined her to clean.

"How was your first day at work?" Jessica asked with excitement

Clara was busy cleaning the tables in the bar. "Not bad. There was a lot to clean and they had some machines I didn't know how to use. I couldn't get anyone to teach me either so I used my usual bucket and water. I guess they were happy with the work I did because they asked me to come back tomorrow," she said excitedly

Jessica took one of the serving glasses and cleaned it. "That sounds good. Do you know how much they will pay you yet?"

Clara smiled remembering the envelope she was given with excitement she said. "They will pay me daily. I got my first payment today. Wait, I am going to get it" She ran into her room and came back with the envelope which she handed to Jessica with lots of excitement "Open it."

Jessica pushed the envelope back to her "Ah aa, you open it. It's your pay"

Clara nodded and took the envelope back. She opened it and brought out the money. The smiles and excitement vanished from her face "Wait, that can't be it?"

Jessica took the envelope from her turned it upside down open and shook it. She then looked inside, " Don't tell me that is all they gave you for working from 5 am to 3 pm?"

Clara sat on one of the chairs dejected "10 dollars? How will I raise 1000 dollars like this?"

Jessica sat next to Clara and pulled her into her embrace "Don't cry, we will figure something out. Let's finish getting the place ready." she said consoling her.

"I would need another job," Clara said sadly.

Jessica objected "No you don't need another job. We need to see the in charge. This is not the right rate even if you didn't go to school.

Clara and Jessica decided they would go back to Clara's new workplace and find out why Clara was paid 10 dollars after working from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

At 6 p.m., people had already started walking into the Bunny Club. Clara went to change into a new bunny costume which Laura handed to her that afternoon. Jessica was going around tables and giving lap dances to the clients who requested. There were private rooms for Clients who wanted some form of pleasure. Laura decided to sing to entertain the clients this time. She grabbed the microphone and started singing. Her dance moves were flawless. She had beautiful curves and knew how to use them to entertain. Her flexibility was also her advantage. The people in the club were mesmerised by her beauty and dance moves. She finished her song by sitting on the lap of one of the clients in the club. The people screamed for more of her performance. So she decided to do another song and dance.

It was 9 pm and the club was now full to its capacity and a lot still going on. Clara noticed a man sitting quietly by himself. He was sitting close to the entrance. He was not drinking, nor participating in any of the fun stuff going on. He was just sitting with his head lowered.

Clara went to him and offered him a drink. He lifted his head to look at the lady in front of him. A young beautiful lady dressed in a sexy bunny costume. He smiled and Clara smiled back. He looked like he just walked out of a painting. He had a beautiful face, a well-chiselled jawline, and short black hair. His eyes were emerald green. Very long black lashes and nicely shaped eyebrows. He was too handsome.

Clara started wondering if people like him walked this earth. He politely declines the drink. Clara tried to coax him to have something.

"You are here to relax and have fun, right? There is no fun in sitting and looking at the tables," Clara said smiling at the man.

"There is fun in watching," Came the voice of the strange man which was very alluring.

"Come on, there must be something you will want. Just tell me and I will get it for you," Clara tried to persuade him.

The strange man smiled and said "How about you keep me company? Be my entertainer," He tilted his head to the right. "Let's talk."

"I wish I could, but I have to serve the tables. That is my job," Clara explained.

"5 minutes. Just sit with me for 5 minutes and you can go. I will pay for your time," He said looking straight into Clara's eyes.

She got a little nervous and started feeling shy. All her braveness just went down the drain with just one look from this stranger. It was like she just looked into the eyes of Medusa.

"Okay, 5 minutes." Clara agreed.

Clara placed the tray on the table and sat on the chair opposite the strange man. He shook his head in disapproval and pointed to the seat next to him. Clara gulped and slowly got up and sat next to the man. She became extremely nervous.

"Are you afraid of me?" he asked in his alluring voice.

Clara shook her head in disagreement and said No. "I am fine, just that is my first time sitting with a guest of this club," She said nervously.

The strange man smiled. They sat there silently for the next 5 minutes. Clara was getting more nervous when the man asked her to go because the 5 minutes was over. It was strange for Clara but she was happy to leave. She hurried out of the place before the man could give her the money he took out of his jacket.

She didn't quite understand the man. She had never seen him before, and his behaviour was strange. She went straight to Jessica to tell her about the man but pointing in that direction she realized the man was no longer there. Clara would have thought she imagined it if she had not sat there for 5 minutes with him. She went to the counter and was still thinking about what happened when her thought was interrupted by Laura.

"I have a client for you. You can't say no. Is either you have my 1000 dollars here or you take care of him," Laura informed her.

"Please, ma'am. Please." Clara pleaded.

Laura was infuriated by her plea and asked one of her boys to take her to the private room for the guest who had paid for her.

Clara was carried by one of Laura's boys, Antonio. He placed her on his shoulder and headed for the private room. She kept hitting his back but the man was unmoved. He took long strides towards the direction of the private room. Clara was crying but no one paid any attention to her as this was normal. Before Antonio could enter the private room with Clara, she heard a familiar voice;

"I want her. How much?" came the voice of the strange man.

Antonio replied in his deep voice "Someone had already paid for her. If you want her, you will have to see the madam."

The strange man looked at the well-built man standing in front of him. He looked very tough. He smiled "I will quadruple the amount. I want her," He offered.

Laura seeing Clara still on his boy's shoulder standing outside the private room, decided to find out what was going on.

Antonio seeing Laura said, "This is the madam, you can talk to her."

"How much did he pay for her, I will pay 4 times the amount," he offered.

Laura smiled "10,000 dollars" She lied.

The man didn't pay anything. Laura just wants someone to break Clara. She believes that will get her to start using her body for pleasure.

The strange man opened his long black coat and brought out 5 bundles of cash "This is 50,000 dollars. I want to take her to my place. I don't want your private rooms." He said coldly.

Laura's eyes widened looking at the money but returned her gaze to the man upon hearing what he said;

"No, you can't take her out of this place. Either you use our private room or you leave."

He smiled and opened the other side of his coat and brought out another 5 bundles of cash "This is another 50,000 dollars. Can I take her now?"

Laura's eyes were now glittering like little diamonds.

"Sure you can. She is yours. Antonio put her down, or better still let him put her in your car. She is feisty," She said, turned and walked away with the money.

She had never made such an amount of money in one night since she opened the club.

Antonio was still carrying Clara who was still struggling and crying on his shoulder. He said to the strange man.

"She is a feisty one let me put her in your car for you."

The strange man looked at Antonio indifferently "No need, put her down,"

Antonio just obeyed him and left after putting Clara down. Clara turned to look at the man who had just paid 100, 000 dollars for her.

Clara confirmed her suspicion.

"Is you." She smiled amidst her tears but her smile vanished quickly remembering he just bought her for the night.

"Please, spare me. I will work to pay you back" Clara said without thinking.

The strange man smiled and looked at Clara for a while and said;

"Okay, I paid for your service. So let's start with your services already. Let's talk about how you plan to raise 100, 000 dollars." He said nonchalantly.

Clara's mind suddenly became a mess. 100, 000 dollars. She quietly followed the strange man out of the club. She could not raise 1000 dollars, how can she raise 100, 000 dollars? Tears rolled down her cheeks and she prayed silently in her heart.

"God if you are there and can hear me, please save me. I can't do it"

The strange man stopped and turned to look at her briefly but said nothing. He walked her towards his car, a black limousine. They got in and it drove off.

The strange man kept looking at Clara and saw that she had tears on her face. He opened an apartment in the car and took out some tissue. He got up and sat next to her. He placed his hand gently under her chin and turned her head to look at him. He wiped her tears and asked;

"Why are you crying?"

Clara said nothing but just looked at his beautiful face. She closed her eyes not sure what would happen next with the man's hand under her chin. The man used the tissue to clean the tears which had started streaming down her cheeks again.

"You can call me Ragnor Usiku," he said softly.

Clara opened her eyes to look at him. He just smiled and let go of her.

She found his name to be strange. She was lost in her thoughts when he heard the man asking her to step out of the car. She didn't know they had arrived. She was still in her bunny costume. The man removed his coat and covered her with it, held her by the shoulder and walked her towards the 4-storey mansion.

The exterior of the house was breathtaking. There were yellow and white lights everywhere. They entered the house and Clara stumbled backwards out of shock. The man caught her before she could fall. Clara's eyes widened. The house was big and extremely beautiful. The chandelier light looks like it was made from diamonds. They lined up the long hall, which had a long red carpet from the entrance.

The man held her hand and walked her into the house. They used the elevator and went up to the 3rd floor. The elevator door opened and they walked through another door into a big living room. A man walked up to them.

"Sir you are welcome. Miss, welcome. Shall I.." Came the voice of the butler but Ragnor cut in before he could finish.

"Ask the servants to prepare something for my guest. Prepare the guest room for her." He instructed.

Clara was surprised to hear the orders he gave. She will be sleeping in the guest room? They are getting her food. Curiously she asked.

"Where will you sleep?" Clara asked softly.

He looked at her and smiled "Why? do you want me to sleep in the guest room with you?" He teased.

The butler lowered his head at the flirtatious comment of his master.

Clara blushed "No, I...I... am.......No," She said nervously averting her gaze.

"I don't mind if that is what you want," Ragnor said with a smile.

The butler further lowered his head avoiding his master's gaze.

Looking at the butler who had bowered his head so much he looked like his head was about to hit the ground.

"What are you still doing here? Who asked you to stay and listen?" Ragnor questioned raising his brow.

The butler quickly left the two to carry out the orders given him.

Ragnor led Clara to the huge living room and offered her a sit. He walked to the bar and poured himself a glass of red wine. He then poured some already prepared tea for Clara and brought it to her.

"You don't look like someone who knows how to drink. I hope you like tea. If I am mistaken too, I can get you some wine?" Ragnor asked.

Clara smiled and took the tea from his hand "You are right, I don't drink. The tea is fine,"

He sat down on the sofa opposite Clara and said "Tell me about yourself. I want to know you more."

Clara got nervous but still managed to say something, "My past is not fun to listen to" She lowered her head "And it makes me very sad."

Before Ragnor could say anything, the butler came to inform them about dinner. They both walked into the dining area. It was huge and the table was very big and long with 12 chairs surrounding it. He pulled a seat for Clara and he also sat down. Servants were lined up behind them with trays in hand. They all wore the same dress as a uniform.

One after the other they filled Clara's bowl, with chicken, some rice and vegetables. Clara took the chopsticks and tasted the food. It was very nice. She ate what she could. Ragnor just sat there watching her eat and drinking his wine.

The butler came to announce to him the guest room was ready. He nodded and after Clara was done he led her to the guest room. He entered the room with her and she tensed up. She took off his coat which she was wearing and gave it back to him. He looked at her and walked to what looked like a door, opened it and went inside. He came back holding lingerie.

"Go take a shower and wear these," He said holding out the lingerie to her.

Clara just collected the lingerie and walked in the direction he pointed. She opened the door and it was a jacuzzi, it was already filled with water. She got in and took a bath. She came back to the room, wearing the lingerie he gave her. He was sitting on the bed waiting for her. He got up when she entered the bedroom.

"They fit. Looks nice on you. Come sit." He led her to the dressing table and helped her dry her hair. "You can go lay down," he said sounding more commanding.

Clara walked towards the bed with her head lowered. Tears began to flow down her cheeks again.

"This is it. This is the time he takes away my innocence." She thought and climbed into bed.

Clara was lying in bed, and she tried to plead one more time "Please, I will work hard to pay you back." she pleaded.

He looked at her curiously, walked towards the bed and leaned against the bed pole.

"I'll take it you have never been with a man before. If I do, I will be your first?" He smiled. "Get some rest I will see you tomorrow"

He turned and walked out of the room closing the door behind him.