Bargain: An Object of Desire

Yvette's POV

“The client is waiting, Yvette. Don't fucking mess this up!” My boss hissed into the phone.

“I'm almost there, sir,” I breathed, running as fast as my legs could carry.

For the past five years after a fatal accident from which I lost my father and had my membership as a gymnast terminated because of broken bones, I'd had to do everything to survive while schooling.

However, when I thought heaven would somehow smile on me and all my efforts, my mum discovered she had cancer. Since the last two years, life has proven that a nine to ten has nothing to offer. So I dropped out from school and used the day to work different shifts as a bartender, cleaner, retailer and child caregiver.

At night, I stripped.

The only ones who could guarantee I get money huge enough for my mum's surgery, got wasted here. They're cruel for overlooking youths desperate to work decently whereas they'd spend freely on a whore.

Don't get me wrong though.

I didn't fuck them.

I just strip for them.

However, while I dragged my tired body from all the shifts I did today, I couldn't help but consider what I could benefit from tonight. It was that thought that had me gathering my strength and running through the puddle until I arrived at the club.

I had only made it halfway when I saw other girls around my age who did the things I did glare at me.

“Oh my goodness, Yvette!” My boss whined. “You're soaking wet. Fucking soaking wet when you should be on that pole. Do you have any idea how tonight's offer could change both our lives? Isn't your mum on the verge of death or does your fried brain think I'd even lend you enough to get her surgery done?!”

“I'll change right now,” I lowered my gaze then walked past him.

His words, as harsh as they were, confirmed my previous instinct.

I smiled genuinely for the first time in a long time.

A new thought had me frowning again as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I unconsciously began to pick the stitches of the hem of my shirt until my hands started vibrating.

These cruel men never really offered help to anyone, not even people like me. Therefore, what could possibly be tied to my performance tonight—

“Yvette!!!!”

I jumped.

“You have 20 seconds to walk out of there or else I'll make sure you go up there naked!”

I sighed, quickly removed my clothes and picked the new lingerie set he left behind. That was just how he worked—he decided what we wore and didn't wear.

My hair was still damp, so was my skin. Still, I made a dash towards the door. If he was right and the offer tonight would save my mum, then I was ready and I was going to use all my imperfections tonight as a weapon. That included my messy wet hair and