22. Alyssa

CHAPTER 22

ALYSSA

" Y eah, 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'."

My heart races as I search for an escape route. Just as I'm about to knee the bastard where it hurts, a familiar voice cuts through the din.

"The lady said no."

Maar materializes beside us, his presence radiating danger. The Kraaj turns, sneering.

"This ain't your business, pretty boy. Walk away."

Maar's eyes flash. "I'm making it my business. Let her go. Now."

The Kraaj releases me, squaring up to Maar. "You wanna dance, tough guy?"

"Trust me," Maar says, his voice low and menacing. "You don't want this dance."

The air crackles with tension. I step back, my pulse pounding in my ears. Part of me wants to see Maar put this creep in his place, but another part fears the consequences of a brawl.

"Guys, come on," I interject, trying to defuse the situation. "It's not worth it."

The Kraaj lunges at Maar, swinging a meaty fist. Maar dodges effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise. In a blink, he has the Kraaj's arm twisted behind his back, forcing him to his knees.

"Last chance," Maar growls. "Walk away, or I break something you'll miss."

The Kraaj grunts in pain, his bravado crumbling. "Alright, alright! I'm goin'!"

Maar releases him, and the Kraaj scrambles away, muttering curses. The crowd that had gathered to watch the altercation disperses, disappointed at the lack of bloodshed.

I stand there, heart racing, caught between gratitude and frustration. Maar turns to me, concern etched on his face.

"Are you okay?"

I nod, my throat too tight for words. Maar's eyes linger on me for a moment before he turns to bark orders at his security team. Their voices fade into the background as I try to steady my breathing.

"Let's go," Maar says, his hand hovering near the small of my back without touching me.

We make our way through the casino, the noise and flashing lights a stark contrast to the tension thrumming between us. The elevator ride to our condo is silent, oppressive.

As soon as we're inside, I turn to Maar. "Thanks for... you know. Back there."

He nods, his expression unreadable. "Of course."

"It was a long shift," I say, running a hand through my hair. "I'm gonna take a shower."

I don't wait for his response, heading straight for the bathroom. It's all marble and gold, a far cry from the dingy dressing rooms downstairs. I turn on the shower, cranking up the heat until steam billows around me.

Only then do I let the tears fall.

The water mixes with my mascara, creating black rivers down my cheeks. I press my forehead against the cool tile, my shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

How did I end up here? Dancing for leering aliens, living in fear, trapped in a gilded cage with a man I can't trust but can't seem to let go of either.

I think of my father, of the life I left behind. Does he even know I'm alive? Is he looking for me? The thought sends a fresh wave of grief through me.

I slide down to the floor of the shower, hugging my knees to my chest. The hot water beats down on me, but I can't feel its warmth. I'm numb, hollowed out.

Part of me wants to hate Maar for bringing me here, for the lies, for everything. But another part... another part still thrills at his touch, still feels safe when he's near.

It's all so messed up.

I don't know how long I sit there, letting the water wash away my tears. But eventually, I force myself to stand, to reach for the soap. I scrub my skin raw, as if I could wash away the feeling of all those eyes on me, all those hands reaching out.

As I rinse off, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My eyes are red and puffy, my skin flushed from the hot water. I hardly recognize the woman staring back at me.

I turn off the shower, wrapping myself in a plush towel. For a moment, I lean against the door, listening. The condo is silent. Is Maar still out there? Is he worried? Does he even care?

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. I can't hide in here forever. Sooner or later, I'll have to face him, face this life we're living.

But not yet. Not tonight. Tonight, I just want to forget.