Page 32 of Maar's Girl

ONE YEAR LATER

CHAPTER 22

ALYSSA

"Yeah, dance like you mean it, girlie," a heavily tattooed Kraaj calls from the floor. I thank the universe for the zillionth time that I'm up on a high stage.

I sway my hips to the pulsing beat, feeling the eyes of the crowd glued to my every move. The stage lights burn hot against my skin, a constant reminder of how far I've fallen.

"Hey, sugar," I purr, catching the gaze of a leering Zygonian. "Like what you see?"

He nods eagerly, tentacles waving. I suppress a shudder and force a flirtatious wink.

"Then why don't you show me some love?" I gesture to the tip console, my smile never wavering.

The Zygonian fumbles with his credit chip, dropping a generous sum into the console. I blow him a kiss, my stomach churning.

"That's it, baby," I coo, spinning around the pole. "Mama needs a new pair of shoes."

The crowd hoots and hollers as I dip low, giving them a tantalizing view. My skin crawls, but I push the feeling down. This is survival now.

A burly Kraaj bellows from below, "Shake that sweet ass, darlin'!"

I comply, gyrating my hips in a way that sends the crowd into a frenzy. Credits rain onto the stage, and I collect them with practiced moves, making sure to give the audience a show.

"You boys are too kind," I tease, running my hands down my body. "But I'm not that easy."

Laughter erupts, and more credits follow. I catch a glimpse of Maar at the bar, his eyes dark and unreadable. My heart clenches, a mixture of anger and longing that I quickly smother.

"Who wants a private dance?" I call out, forcing my attention back to the crowd. "I promise it'll be worth your while."

As the patrons clamor for my attention, I can't help but think about how I ended up here. A year ago, I was helping people, making a difference. Now, I'm just another pretty face in a sea of neon and sin.

Maar might think he's protecting me, but this gilded cage is its own kind of prison. I'm trapped between the life I lost and a future I never wanted, all because of his lies.

Yet, even as I seethe with resentment, a part of me still aches for him. It's a weakness I can't afford, a vulnerability I refuse to acknowledge.

So I dance on, losing myself in the rhythm, pretending that each step takes me further from the truth. But deep down, I know I'm just running in place, caught in a limbo of Maar's making and my own conflicted heart.

The music fades, and I strike my final pose, chest heaving. Sweat trickles down my spine as the crowd erupts in applause and catcalls. I force a smile, collecting the last of the credits strewn across the stage.

"Thanks for the love, boys," I call out, blowing a kiss to the audience. "Don't forget me!"

I sashay off the stage, my legs wobbling slightly from exertion. The next dancer, a lithe Andorian with shimmering blue skin, brushes past me.

"Knock 'em dead, sugar," I murmur, earning a wink in return.

As I make my way through the throng of patrons, a meaty hand grabs my arm. I spin around, coming face-to-face with a Kraaj, his breath reeking of cheap booze and something far worse.

"Where you goin', sweetheart?" he slurs, yanking me closer. "Night's still young."

I try to pull away, but his grip tightens. "Sorry, big guy. My shift's over. Why don't you enjoy the next show?"

The Kraaj's eyes narrow. "I ain't interested in no blue bitch. I want you."

"Let go," I hiss, struggling against his hold. "I said no."

He laughs, a harsh, grating sound. "Ain't no such thing as 'no' in this place, darlin'."

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