5
“ You are now members of the Flaming Ruby ,” the middle-aged , hard-faced madam named Samantha said . She was in charge of the girls who had been hired to dance , strip , and do whatever the clientele wanted for the New York City club that catered mainly to demons hiding in men ’ s bodies . Ivy was among them , nervous as her first shift approached . She had trained under Bao ’ s women for the last six months , living in an apartment above his restaurant .
“ You will dance for the delight of our patrons ,” Samantha continued , pacing in front of the nude women . “ You will not be tipped for your dances . No patron will ‘ make it rain ’. If you ask for even one cent , you will be forcefully removed .
“ If a patron wants to take you in the private room , then you are to go with him . If he wants to kiss you , then you are to kiss him . If he wants to do more , then you will let him do whatever he wants . If he wants to rape you , then you are to let him rape you . If he wants to kill you , then you will die . Is that clear ?”
There was a murmur of consent from the four girls who were starting that night , Ivy included . “ IS THAT CLEAR ?!” “ Yes , Madam Samantha !” the girls shouted in unison . “ Very good ,” Samantha said . “ Now go to work .”
Ivy waited in the dressing room , putting on her makeup in her lingerie . “ You ’ re going to knock ‘ em dead ,” someone said behind her . Ivy turned to look at the blonde who had addressed her . “ I ’ m Simone .”
“ Ivy ,” Ivy replied . She extended her hand , and Simone shook it once . She was also in her stage attire : a light blue bra and pantie set .
“ Don ’ t worry about Madam Samantha ’ s speech ,” Simone said . “ Barely anyone gets raped or killed .” “ But it does happen ?” Ivy asked . Simone shrugged . “ They ’ re demons ,” she said .
“ IVY !” Madam Samantha shouted , sticking her head into the dressing room , reminding her of Otto screaming her name in a diner a lifetime ago . “ You ’ re up ! You too , Simone !”
“ Time to play ,” Simone said , offering Ivy a smile . The two walked out past the black curtains , joining the girls who were finishing up their sets . The Flaming Ruby had a restaurant area upstairs and a bar , but none of the dancers were allowed to see it . This area was dimly lit , full of cigar smoke and the smell of scotch and brandy . The chairs were carved wood , as were the tables . The tables were lit by red candles , but the stage was illuminated .
Ivy danced as a Guns N ’ Roses song played . She grasped the metal pole and bent her body back , whipping her hair . She moved with the music , turning , wrapping the back of her knee on the pole for leverage , smiling as she danced in her lingerie . She couldn ’ t see the face of the men watching , but she could feel their gaze .
“ You ’ re perfect for this job ,” Bao had said . He was present during Ivy ’ s training , listening as one of the women of his cause , Anna , trained her to dance and please men as an art form .
“ They will partake your beauty with their eyes ,” Anna had said , touching Ivy ’ s neck with her soft hands . “ They will taste your damaged soul with their senses . This is what will draw them to you .”
“ But you ’ ll have to get their attention ,” Bao said . “ Once you have it , it will be hard for them to let you go .”
Ivy took her off her bra , letting it fall behind her as she danced . She showed the patrons her bare breasts as she moved her body to the