CHAPTER ELEVEN

KACEY POV

"So you never really talked about how your visit went, how's your mother doing?" Elijah asked curiously.

"She's doing much better. I hope you enjoyed the pastries she made you."

I did enjoy them and they were very delicious."

"You've been on your laptop the whole day, what are you doing?"

"Nothing much, just some research since I'm two days behind the lessons don't worry, I'm sure that you'll catch up. After all, you're a fast learner."

I nodded quietly.

"I guess you're right."

He stood up ready to leave.

"Since you're busy I'll come back some other time."

"Yeah but I'll catch up with you later immediately when I'm done with my research."

"Alright Kacey."

Once Elijah was gone I sighed with relief. He's my best friend but sometimes he can be just really nosy especially if he suspects that I'm doing something shady.

I opened the site to the application. It was a famous nightclub called club kiss. It seemed really fancy and most famous celebrities went there, this meant that they would pay their workers well. But this wasn't my type of gig but either way I felt like I didn't have much of a choice but because it was a losing situation.

I had to find a way to save the bakery and this was the only way I could think of. I just have to keep my mother and friends in the dark.

I began filling in my application. They wanted my hair color,eye color, height, measurements,shoe size, my pictures and a few personal details. Once I was done I sent it. But before I could close my laptop I received an alert that my application was accepted.

Something wasn't right.

But after a thorough check I realized that the email I received was legit. I had been accepted and the last step was a face to face interview which was tomorrow afternoon. It's a must to meet all their dancers to make sure they know the rules of the club and job.

I closed my laptop.

It felt like I had made a bad decision because something didn't feel right but it was already too late to back out.

The next day after school I decided to skip a few of my afternoon classes.

"Hey the chemistry lab is this way" Ronnie corrected when she saw me going in the opposite direction.

"I know but I think I need to rest for a bit. I'm not feeling very well."

Elijah looked concerned.

"Is everything alright?" He asked curiously.

"Yeah I just have a headache but don't worry about me I got permission from the principal it's only going to be for a day."

"Okay I hope you feel better soon."

I nodded quietly.

"Thanks guys I'll see you later."

A few minutes later I changed my clothes into a pair of sweatpants and a plain t-shirt paired off with a hoodie and sneakers. I wore my late father's baseball cap so that no one around the campus would recognize me.

Before I could sneak out I bumped into someone outside the gate.

"I'm sorry I wasn't looking."

When I looked up it was Maxwell.

"Kacey."

"If I had known that it was you I wouldn't have helped you."

"I know that you would have helped me either way."

He scanned me from head to toe.

"Where are you going?" He asked curiously.

"That's none of your business."

He took a step forward.

"It's my business, especially since you're Skipping class."

I rolled my eyes at him.

"Are you spying on me?"

"Did Diamond send you?"

He shook his head negatively.

"That's where you're wrong Diamond didn't send me to do anything besides I don't take orders from her anymore."

"And I'm not spying on you, I only knew about your afternoon classes because those are the classes I'm taking."

"Look I don't really have time for this, I have to do something important."

"Then go, it's not like I'm stopping you."

I cocked a brow at him.

"You're in my way."


Maxwell moved aside.

"Kacey, I want us to talk about what happened between us."

"We have nothing to talk about and secondly I can't stand you."

I turned around to look at him.

"You're really getting on my nerves."

"I know that you still love me."

"You're right but I hate you with the same intensity I loved you."

"I did love you Maxwell but not anymore."

I walked away from him before he could utter another word. No matter how sorry he was, I couldn't let him trick me again. He ruined my life along with Diamond I can't trust especially after what he made me go through. I almost lost my scholarship because of them.

Luckily I found a bus at the station. Only a few Passengers were inside and an hour later I arrived at the club.

I approached the building as my stomach tightened with each step I took.

My nerves were all over the place but I couldn't turn back no matter how scary it was.

The bouncer at club kiss stood tall and intimidating when he saw me he frowned at me.

"What do you want, kid?" He asked in a cold tone.

I cleared my throat nervously as I took off my father's old baseball cap and glasses.

"I want to work here as a stripper."

The words left my lips before I could stop them.

He cocked a brow at me.

"Please just check your list. I'm sure that you're expecting me."

He nodded quietly and began scrolling through his tablet.

"What's your name kid?"

"Kacey Simpson."

"Why do you want to work here as a stripper?" He asked curiously.

"Is that question part of the interview?"

"You're going to answer a question with a question?"

"Do you want me to answer that?" I taunted back.

He sighed deeply.

"Okay your name is on the trainee list."

Before I could go inside he stopped me.

"You should turn back before it's too late, kid , it's brutal in there you won't last a day."

"Thanks for the warning but I have to do this."

"Anyway this way."

I nodded quietly and followed him inside the club. Once the door was closed it was very dark inside. I could only see some neon posters and signs which were glowing in the darkness.

I looked around the place.

"Wow this is really cool."

"Try not to get lost, kid , this is just a short tour."

I nodded quietly.

We stopped in front of the door.

"This is where you'll be interviewed, just knock on the door and be clear why you want this job."

I sighed deeply.

"Alright, thank you Robby."

He looked surprised.

"I checked your name tag."

He gave me a pat on the head.

"Good luck Kacey."

Once he was gone I sighed deeply trying to relax before I could knock on the door. A girl around my age came crying.

When I saw this fear gripped me.

"Are you Kacey?"

"Yes I am."

"They are calling you inside I'm guessing that it's your turn to get tortured."

I swallowed hard as she stormed out of the hallway. Maybe this is the reason why Robby was trying to warn me.

I pushed the doors inside and walked into the small office.

A woman with dark black hair was sitting on the desk.

"Don't be afraid to come closer so I don't bite."

I nodded quietly and took my seat.

She turned to look at me.

"I can smell your fear from here."

"What?"

She burst out laughing.

"I'm just messing with you I'm guessing that you must be Kacey?"

I nodded quietly.

"Use your words please."

"Yes ma'am."

"Your application was very impressive, I mean academically."

"Thank you."

"You're a very intelligent girl Kacey and you have a bright future ahead of you. Why do you want to become a stripper?"

"Sometimes being intelligent isn't enough, especially if you don't have any money."

"Ah money problems."

"You're a student right?"

"Yes at Venus university for the gifted."

"That's a very expensive university. How are you managing to pay for your tuition?"

"Well I'm learning under a scholarship."

"Okay the interview is almost over I just have a few more questions to ask you."

"I need to know if you can work under a lot of pressure and under low supervision."

"Are you willing to do anything?"

I nodded quietly.

"Okay if that's the case I'm gonna need you to take off your clothes."

My eyes widened in shock.

"Take off my clothes?"

She nodded quietly.

"You won't remain entirely naked I just want you to remain in your underwear and bra."

"Why do I need to take off my clothes?"

"To test your confidence."

"And also I need to make sure that your measurements are accurate."

A middle aged woman walked inside.

"This is Katherine, she'll be taking your measurements."

I slowly took off my clothes.