Chapter 35
Ryan returned home, his mind filled with thoughts of how to approach the conversation with Iris.
He found her in the living room, waiting for him.
“Hi,” he said, sitting down next to her.
“Hi,” she replied, her eyes searching his.”Iris, I know I haven’t been the best husband. I’ve been so focused on the company that I’ve neglected you,” Ryan began, his voice sincere.
“I understand, Ryan. But we need to work on this together,” Iris said, her tone gentle but firm.”I agree. And I want to start now,” Ryan said, taking her hand. “I want to be better, for you and us.”Iris smiled, a flicker of hope in her eyes.
“I believe in you, Ryan. We can do this together.”As they sat there, Ryan stretched out to hold her hands as he looked deeply into her eyes, lost in each other’s eyes. Ryan stretched his head forward bit by bit trying to get to Iris’s.
He got so close they were an inch apart, Ryan tilted his head slightly as his lips collapsed coldly on her’s causing a spark between them, Ryan kissed her softly, taking her lips into his slowly as he munched on them, immediately Iris felt an itch on her own part and came to her senses as she disengages from the kiss.
“Errrrh, uh-m, I will…be heading to my room now”. Iris said with her words shuttered.
“Uh sure” Ryan replied, unable to say another word.
Iris stood up and left, walking across the hallway like she was confused and drunk.
She went Into her room shut the door behind her, and smiled gracefully doing a happy dance in her head.
She had never felt like this before, his touch tingles every part of her, sending a cold sensation like water running down her body from a shower.
Ryan felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was ready to prove himself, not just to his father, but to Iris and himself. It was time to step up and become the man he was meant to be.
Weeks Later*******
Iris, tired of the mansion, decided to get a job. She was a stripper before Ryan came up with the proposal but she wasn’t going to go back to it, that was the purpose she agreed to the marriage in the first place so she could stop being a stripper.
She knew what she had to pass through and experience in the hands of the male customers at the club.
Flashback**********
She remembered the day she first walked into the club, introduced to Mama Pee Pee by Skylar.
Mama Pee Pee was an imposing woman, with a no-nonsense attitude and a keen eye for talent.
She couldn’t understand what kind of job Skylar had brought her to.”Mama Pee, this is Iris,” Skylar introduced her to the manager.
Mama Peepee looked Iris up and down, assessing her. “Hmm. You’re a pretty one,” she said, puffing on her cigarette. “But do you have what it takes to work here?”Iris stammered, “I-I don’t understand, what kind of job is this?”
Mama Peepee and Skylar exchanged glances. Skylar took a deep breath. “Iris, this is a club. A strip club. We entertain the clients.”Iris’s eyes widened in horror. “A strip club? Skylar, I can’t do this!”
“You need the money, right?” Skylar said softly. “I know it’s not what you expected, but it’s good money. Enough to help your mom.”
“I… I don’t know,” Iris said, her mind reeling.
Mama Peepee stepped forward. “Listen, darling. It’s not easy, but it pays well. You need to be confident and know how to handle yourself. If you can do that, you’ll be fine.”
Iris looked at Skylar, who nodded encouragingly. “I’ll be with you every step of the way. We can do this together.”Taking a deep breath, Iris nodded.
Skylar took her to the changing room. The room was well-lit and spacious, with hangers and clothes stands filled with various costumes.
Different colors and sizes of lingerie hung neatly, alongside fur hats, belts, whips, patent leather, clear, Mary Jane stripping shoes, knee-high boots, ankle boots, and thigh-high boots, all arranged meticulously on a shoe rack.
A dressing table with a chair was adorned with an array of makeup items, and the white-painted walls enhanced the room’s brightness. In one corner was a bathroom, and in the opposite corner, was a storage space for unnecessary items.
Skylar had been excited for Iris. “Welcome to the club, girl! This is where the magic happens,” she said with a grin.
Iris was far from thrilled. “Stripping, really Sky?” she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and frustration.
Skylar’s face fell slightly. “I’m sorry I never told you, but you never asked,” she replied defensively.
“Don’t even do that right now,” Iris yelled. “I can’t do this. I can’t.”With that, Iris stormed out of the club, heading back home.
“Iris, wait! Iris, come back!” Skylar called after her, but Iris didn’t stop.
Mama Pee Pee walked in, her eyebrows raised. “What’s going on? Where did she run off to?” she asked, looking at Skylar for answers.
Skylar sighed, already changing into her costume. “She just needs some time. I’ll handle it.”
Iris waved a taxi and headed home, her mind raced with thoughts of her mother and the dire situation they were in.
“Did you have to run off like that?” her subconscious questioned. “Not like you have anything better to do. Your mom’s life is at stake here,” her mind continued. “Do the right thing.”
Hot tears streamed down her face. “Why is my life so different and full of uncertainties? Of all jobs, who would have thought I would opt for a stripping job?” she thought bitterly.
“Is everything alright ma’am?” the cab driver asked, sniffing in the mucus coming out from her nose as she wiped her tears with her hands. “I’m fine, Please stop the car,” she said to the driver.
Immediately the car came to a halt, she got out, paid the fare, and flagged down another cab to take her back to the club.”I have to do what I have to do for Mom,” she whispered, taking a deep breath before walking back inside.
The club was dimly lit, with soft music playing in the background as she got in.
The strippers swung their hips seductively to the rhythm, while men in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and even 60s watched intently.
Iris found a seat at the far end of the club, taking in the atmosphere and observing how the strippers performed.
She watched as two strippers were beckoned to a round table by some men.
They gracefully walked down from their poles and cat-walked to the table, sitting and spreading their legs wide open for the men while moving their bodies to the music.
One man, likely in his 40s, took out some money and slapped it on one of the stripper’s butts. Iris’s eyes found Skylar on stage. Skylar moved with confidence and grace, clearly a favorite among the crowd.
Her body swayed rhythmically, and the audience loved her performance. Iris remained in her seat, observing and trying to understand the world she was about to enter.
As the night wore on, Iris found herself nodding off at her table. She was exhausted from the emotional turmoil and the unfamiliar environment.
A worker eventually woke her up, and she rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the sleep. She noticed that Skylar had changed and was about to leave.
“Skylar!” Iris called out, rushing to her. Skylar turned, surprised. “Iris, you’re still here? I thought you had gone home.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
“I came back and watched everything you were doing. I don’t have an option, so I’m in,” Iris said with determination.
Skylar’s face lit up. “Oh, that’s great! I’m sorry I didn’t let you in on what I was doing all this while.”
“That’s okay, Sky. Now I know, so let’s get to work,” Iris replied. The two friends left the club together, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The next evening, Iris returned to the club with Skylar.
This time, she was ready. Mama Pee Pee greeted her with a nod of approval.”Welcome back, Iris.
Ready to start?” she asked.”Yes, I am,” Iris replied, her voice steady.
Skylar took Iris back to the changing room. “Let’s get you ready for your first night,” she said, helping her pick out an outfit.
Iris chose a simple yet elegant black lingerie set, paired with knee-high boots. Skylar helped her with the makeup and a wig, teaching her some tricks to enhance her features under the dim club lights.
As they were getting ready, Iris felt a mix of nervousness and determination. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she said, looking at herself in the mirror.
“You’ll be great, Iris. Just remember, it’s all about confidence,” Skylar said, giving her a reassuring smile.
The first performance was nerve-wracking. Iris’s heart pounded as she stepped onto the stage. The music started, and she began to move, trying to mimic what she had seen the previous night. At first, her movements were stiff, but as the music flowed, she started to relax, letting the rhythm guide her.
The men watched her intently, some cheering and clapping. Iris felt a strange sense of empowerment.
She was doing this for her mother, and that thought gave her strength. After her performance, she joined Skylar at one of the tables. “You did great, Iris!” Skylar said, handing her a drink.”Thanks, Sky. It wasn’t as bad as I thought,” Iris admitted.”You’ll get used to it. And you’ll get better with time,” Skylar assured her.
As the night went on, Iris observed more of the club’s dynamics. She saw how the girls interacted with the clients, the subtle negotiations for private dances and sex, and the way money flowed freely.
It was a different world, one she was slowly becoming a part of.