I DO NOT OWN VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS.
Music Credit: "Legendary Lover" – Katy Perry, "Fine China" – Chris Brown
Chapter One:
I sighed and looked at myself in the mirror. It's always the same. I'm not ugly. I know that much. I know that a lot of men come here to see me. I have enough regulars. But, I don't think I'm everything that they make me out to be, either. They say I'm beautiful, but I don't feel it. But, that doesn't stop me from using it to my advantage. That's how I make my living.
"Bonnie, you almost ready? It's time." Caroline came up from behind me. I nodded. She looked at my face and added some lip-gloss. "There, now you look perfect." She beamed. I rolled my eyes.
"Thanks Care." I smiled.
"Don't mention it. Ready to shake your pretty, little ass?" She asked. I shrugged. I gave myself one more once-over in the mirror. Everything's in check. It's theme night – princesses. I'm dressed as a very slutty Jasmine and Caroline is dressed as an equally sexy Sleeping Beauty. I heard the music get louder. That's our cue. Alaric wants us all to come out and dance a song together before we split into our solo acts.
"Alright ladies, it's show time!" Alaric announced. Vicki hurried passed us with Elena hot on her heels. Anna must already be on stage. I followed Caroline out to the stage. I felt the vibrations of the music before I heard it. "Welcome to Mystique! Give it up for our naughty princesses! They're about to rock it out for you on fetish night." Ric stepped off the stage and stood back to watch our performance.
'Under a silver moon, tropical temperature, I feel my lotus bloom come closer.
I want your energy – I want your aura.
You're my destiny, my mantra.'
I started moving my hips, really feeling the music. It makes it easier if you pretend there isn't an audience. If you're dancing by yourself or with a couple of girlfriends, there's no pressure. The more into it you are, the more you captivate your audience. That's something I learned early on.
After I lost my Grams, my mom left, and my dad decided to be anywhere but around me, I needed to be able to support myself. Stripping lets me do that. In a way, it's empowering. Alaric isn't like most guys who own a Gentlemen's Club. He cares about his employees. We've got plenty of security that make sure that nothing gets out of hand.
'Take me down to the river, underneath the blood-orange sun.
Say my name like a scripture – keep my heart beating like a drum.
Legendary lovers – we could be legendary.
La, la, la, la, la...
Legendary lovers – we could be legendary.
La, la, la, la, la...'
My eyes opened a little, I can feel someone staring at me. I know people are looking, but it's that burning feeling you get, the prickly sensation that shoots down your spine when you know someone is watching you… really watching you. It didn't take me long to pinpoint the owner of the intense eyes. I bit my lip. He— he is something delicious to look at. He has deep brown eyes that penetrate you, a strong jaw, perfectly coiffed hair, kissable lips, slight stubble, and a suit to boot.
I licked my lips. Caroline pulled me against her and we started grinding as we felt against each other. Money started landing in the stage. She nuzzled my neck and we continued to put on a show.
'Go down in history, go down together,
Into infinity, forever
Your Cleopatra, your blushing Juliet,
Anything for your love, a ride or die
I never knew I could see something so clearly looking through my third eye.
Never knew karma could be so rewarding and bring me to your light.
Maybe this is the beginning of something so magical tonight.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh...'
Mystery man walked up to the stage with a fifty in hand and tucked it underneath the cuff on my pant leg. I winked and mouthed a kiss. He stayed in front of the stage and watched. I ran my hands through my hair and let my hand graze Caroline's back as we gyrated to the music.
The song ended and we left the stage. I felt the suit man watching me as walked away. I waited until the door was shut until I dished to Caroline.
"Bonnie, did you see him?" Caroline squealed. I nodded. "How much did he give you, anyway?" She asked. I pulled the money out of my pants and showed her. "Damn. I bet he gets a lap-dance before the night is over."
"I won't mind." I admitted. She chuckled.
"Who was that?" Elena asked. I shrugged.
"I haven't seen him here before. Ask Alaric." I suggested.
"He can come see me, anytime." She grinned. I rolled my eyes.
"Isn't it enough you have both of the Salvatores eating out of the palm of your hand?" I quipped. She scoffed.
"Please, a woman can always use more attention." She grinned.
"Like you need more," I countered.
"It's not my fault they fawn all over me."
"You're so innocent in all of it."
"Right."
"Bullshit. Where's your sister tonight?" I asked her. She shrugged.
"She was supposed to be here. We normally make more money with the whole twin factor. You know Katherine; she'll be late, even if it kills her."
"That much is true."
"You used to be so much fun Bonnie." Elena told me. "What happened?"
"I grew up. I don't need drama in my life." I told her. She snorted.
"It's Mystic Falls. It's going to follow you around, no matter how much you try and avoid it."
"Can't we just get along? Or pretend to?" Caroline tried to keep the peace.
"Of course." I agreed.
"I guess." Elena sighed.
"Great. Bonnie, fix your hair. You're on in a minute." Caroline advised. I sighed and went over to the mirror. I fixed the veil that covered the lower part of my face and my tiara. I never expected theme night to have this big of a turn out. Next week is school girls.
Vicki came strolling through the door to the stage. She looked over at me. "It's all you, Bon. Break a leg."
I nodded and headed out. The stage is dark. The music started again and the spotlight fell on me. I ran my hands over my body and let the music flow through me.
'Baby, does he do it for ya?
When he's finished does he step back and adore ya?
I just gotta know.
'Cause your time is money and I won't let you waste it.
Oh, no, no...
Baby, just go with it.
'Cause when you're with me, I can't explain it.
It's just different.
We can take it slow or act like you're my girl.
Let's skip the basics.
Whoa...'
I grinded against the pole and hooked my leg around it. I spun myself around and dropped my arms and let my hair fall back. I gripped it with my legs so I wouldn't fall.
'He's so replaceable.
You're worth the chase you're putting on.
It's alright – I'm not dangerous.
When you're mine, I'll be generous.
You're irreplaceable, a collectible, just like fine china.'
I twirled down the pole and unzipped the side of my pants. A decent looking guy beckoned me over to the side of the stage. I danced over to him and dropped it low. He tucked some cash into my underwear. I blew him a kiss and lost my shoes. I shimmied out of my pants and let them drop.
'Baby, you're my favorite.
It's like all the girls around me don't have faces.
And the saying goes, 'Life is just a game, but I'm not playin'.
He's so replaceable.
You're worth the chase you're putting on.
It's alright – I'm not dangerous.
When you're mine, I'll be generous.
You're irreplaceable, a collectible, just like fine china.'
I moved my hips to the music and toyed with the zipper to my top. The mystery man reappeared in the center of the stage, holding another bill in the middle of his fingers. I dropped to my knees and practically crawled over to him. I looked at him with hooded eyes. He took the money and tucked it into my bra. I unzipped the tiny excuse of a shirt and let it fall of my shoulders. I could feel the heat of his eyes take me in.
'Took me awhile to find your love,
Ain't no amount of time in this world…
Save me a lot of time and just love me.
Feel it, baby – feel it in your soul.
Are you ready?
I know your heart been telling you, you belong to me.
I kn-kn-know.'
I raised my hands ran them back through my hair and down my chest. I felt all eyes on me. The man in the suit wasn't the only guy trying to get over to me to hand me money. I pivoted and got up, slowly, giving everyone a nice view of my ass. I kept dancing along the edge of the stage. My song is almost over.
'It's alright – I'm not dangerous.
When you're mine, I'll be generous.
You're irreplaceable, a collectible, just like fine china.'
I waited until the song was done and the spotlight turned off to stop dancing and start picking up my clothes. I grabbed the money on the stage and felt mystery man still watching me. I heard a few whistles and cat-calls and some more money headed my way. I smiled at a few of my regulars.
I left the stage and went back to the dressing area to catch my breath. I still have a few minutes before I need to be back on the floor to dance. A few of the other girls still have their solo song to dance to. I grabbed a bottle of water and chugged it.
"Bonnie, I think you have an admirer." Alaric came in smiling.
"Oh?"
"It would seem so. He's already asked about getting some private dances with you." Ric beamed. Good business works for everybody, especially him.
"And what did you say?"
"That it was up to you."
"Good." I put the costume back on and slipped on the shoes.
"Bonnie, do a shot with me, please?!" Vicki asked.
"I don't know…"
"Come on, Bon." Caroline went over to Vicki and tossed one back before heading to the stage.
"What the hell?" I touched my glass to Vicki's and shot it back. "Happy?"
"Ecstatic." She beamed. "Vegas Bombs make the world go round." She stretched and we went back out to the floor. Maybe that drink wasn't such a bad idea. We sat at the bar and watched Caroline get low. I spotted Tyler watching her. They've been on and off for awhile, more off than on lately. He has his moments, but it comes down to his unwillingness to grow up and commit. Care finally realized she deserved better than that.
"What's new with you?" I asked Vicki. I really haven't had a chance to talk much.
"Not a lot, I've been seeing Elena's brother, Jeremy." She admitted. I nodded.
"I can see that working out." I smiled.
"It's weird, because he's so young, but he's good for me. Matt doesn't seem to mind, thank God." She laughed.
"It's nice seeing you happy." I told her.
"Thanks, Bonnie."
"Don't mention it."
"I don't believe we've been formally introduced." A deep voice came from behind me. I spun around and saw the man-candy in the suit from earlier. I smiled. He gave me a once-over. "My name is Elijah Mikaelson. Can I buy you a drink?" He offered.
"Bonnie," I offered. "It's nice to meet you."
"How about that drink, Miss…?"
"Just Bonnie and I'll take water. Thank you." I looked at him. He's even hotter up close than he is far away. Elijah motioned to the bartender and he placed a glass of water in front of me. Elijah took the seat next to me.
"And that's my cue." Vicki excused herself. I chuckled.
"You captivate me." Elijah told me, softly.
"I must be doing my job right." I smiled.
"But, you're not like the other women here, are you?" He asked. I shrugged.
"Meaning?"
"You keep your undergarments on." He whispered. I blushed and felt very naked. Most people don't make me feel that way, even when I'm clad in far less.
"I'm not the only one." I reminded him. Caroline does the same. We're just not comfortable being naked in front of an audience.
"Tell me about yourself." He suggested. I turned to face him. He's leaning into me. It's an unspoken rule that you shouldn't hook up with your customers. It complicates things. It can fuck with your head and you don't want to have the reputation for putting out for money. It makes things… uncomfortable. Katherine's been there and done that enough for all of us.
"Buy a dance." I countered. He smiled. My heart fluttered. This man is going to be my downfall.
"It would be my pleasure." He smiled and helped me up. I followed him to a secluded table in the back. He sat down and made himself comfortable. "How much?" He asked.
"Twenty," I replied. I straddled him and sat on his lap. He pulled something out of his wallet and slipped it into the waistband of my pants. I smirked and started to move against him. He bit his lip and I watched him as I increased my movements. I rotated my hips and placed my hands on his shoulders.
"I believe we had a deal."
"Ask away." I gave him permission as I grinded against him. I'm not the best at giving lap dances, but there isn't much to them.
"How old are you?"
"That's what they always want to know, isn't it?" I asked. He remained silent. "I'm 22."
"Did you grow up around here?" He asked, his voice getting steadily huskier.
"I did. You?"
"I've lived all around the world." He replied, his eyes twinkling.
"That must have been exciting."
"It would have been better with your beautiful face by my side." He tried not to smile. "Do you dance here every night?"
"Friday through Wednesday," I told him. "Are you going to come see me again?"
"I'd like to." He admitted. I bit my lip and ground myself a little harder against his growing arousal. "Do you only entertain at Mystique?"
"Are you asking if I only dance for an audience or are you asking me out?"
"I haven't decided." He grinned. I nuzzled his neck.
"I only entertain here and I might be interested in the latter." I whispered in his ear. The song ended and I started to climb off of his lap. He pulled me back on and slipped another bill in my top.
"Is there a private room we can move this to?" He questioned. I nodded.
"It'll cost you extra." I warned. He grinned.
"I don't mind paying extra for a little time with you. Lead the way." He lightened his grip on my waist. I moseyed off of his lap and grabbed his hand. He got up and looked at me. "Lead the way." I took him to the back of the club. Alaric nodded at us as we went back. There are a few more security guards back here, just in case someone gets a little too handsy. I took him to the room furthest in the back. No one will bother us here. The club doesn't close for hours. Once we were in the room, I sat down on the edge of the table with the pole attachment and waited for him to close the door.
It's quieter in here. You can hear yourself think. It's a little bit brighter than the rest of the club, but designed to be just as erotic.
"What is it that you want, Mr. Elijah?" I asked him. The formality helps me feel a little bit more in control. He didn't say anything for a moment.
"I would very much like to get to know you." He said quietly. "I'm more than willing to pay you for your time. Make no mistake, I would like a few more dances from you, but I would mostly like to talk."
"You just want to talk?" I asked. It threw me. Sure, we got guys like this every once in awhile. They come in with problems that they can't tell to anyone else, so they come here because we don't judge. Why would we? We take off our clothes for a living. Sure, it normally doesn't touch the mysteries of life, but it happens. They just need to feel like someone cares. They need that connection. A lot of men feel that easier when there's attraction and something sexual is going on.
"If it's alright with you," he clarified. I nodded.
"Of course," I answered. "Let's talk."
"Please, make yourself more comfortable." He gestured to the other side of the plush couch that he was sitting on. I nodded and sat down next to him. I moved my back to the arm of the couch and face my body towards his. I kicked off my shoes and waited. "What's your name?" He asked me, again.
"I don't give out my full name to clients." I told him. He smirked.
"That's wise, but I can just find out some other way. Mystic Falls is a small town." He reminded me. I sighed. He has me there.
"My name is Bonnie, Bonnie Bennett." I told him. Realization dawned on his face.
"You're Sheila's granddaughter."
"You knew Grams?"
"She helped me out a long time ago. I'm sorry to hear that she passed away." He brought his hand over mine. He's so warm.
"You can't change the past." I shrugged.
"Do you honestly not date the men who come in here?" He asked.
"Not normally, no, but a lot of the men in Mystic Falls seem to find themselves in here at one point or another." I answered.
"Would you ever consider letting me take you out for a night on the town?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Maybe you're not the only one who is captivated." I bit my lip.
"You're going to have to stop doing that."
"Doing what?"
"Biting your lip."
"You don't like it?"
"It's distracting." He whispered. I did it again, on purpose. He groaned. I moved over to his lap.
"Another dance?" I asked him. He nodded. I started moving, again. I grabbed a remote for the stereo off of an end table and switched it on. Soft music surrounded us. "If we did go out on that date, it wouldn't be like this." I told him.
"How so?"
"This is my job. There's a difference between how I make my livelihood and my personal life. I need to make sure that's clear before anything were to happen." I told him. He nodded.
"I understand. I would treat you like a lady and nothing less." He seems so sincere.
"I believe you." I whispered. "What sort of things do you like?" I asked him.
"I enjoy reading, walking at night, and taking pleasure in the little things. I like routine and experiencing what the world has to offer. I am very old-fashioned in more ways than one. When I see something I want, I don't have a problem working for it." He whispered. I smiled.
"It sounds nice."
"Your turn." He reminded me. I moved my body off of his lap before bringing myself back down.
"I like my freedom. My friends are my life. I like being outside, especially during the day. It helps me feel connected with nature. I don't plan too much of the future and I take things one day at a time. I don't differ too much with my day to day schedule. I guess you could say we're alike in that way." I told him. I moved my hands off of neck and brought them over to the zipper on my shirt. I felt his eyes watching me. I tugged it down and let my shirt come off. He didn't say anything for a moment.
"Let me take you out Thursday night." He tried. I looked into his eyes.
"Only if you come see me tomorrow," I requested. He smiled.
"I was planning on it." He agreed. "Is that a yes?"
"I don't think you would accept anything else."
"Probably not."
"Alright, it's a yes. But, only if you agree to keep your head on while I'm working. I'm not going to quit my job just because it makes you jealous." I warned. "It never ends well."
"You've got a deal, Miss Bennett."
"Bonnie," I corrected.
"Bonnie," he agreed.
"So the day after tomorrow?"
"It's a date."
We didn't stay in the room too much longer. I've made decent money from Elijah alone, but my shift was far from over. He followed me back to the lounge area and he took a seat at the bar.
"Bonnie, we have you been all night?" Tyler asked me. I shrugged.
"Working," I replied. He rolled his eyes.
"No kidding. You look hot tonight." His eyes wondered over my attire. I did my best not shudder. Don't get me wrong, he's attractive. But, he's also the guy that's constantly broken my best friend's heart. He loves to come in here and hit on everyone. "How about a dance?" He asked. I sighed.
"Not a good idea, Tyler."
"Why not? It's not like Caroline would care. She's made that much clear. She'll dance for me and say nothing."
"What do you expect?"
"I-I don't know."
"One dance, then you find someone else." I sighed.
"Don't look too disappointed, Bon. You know you've danced with worse."
"That's not comforting. At all." I let him know. He just laughed and took a seat. I sat on his lap, facing away from him. I did my best not to look at Elijah while I moved on Tyler. It seemed to be impossible. My eyes kept finding their way to his.
"Turn around." Tyler murmured. I turned and faced him. He groaned as I moved my pelvis against his. He took out a few bills and tucked them under my bra. It didn't take long for the song to end. I got up and saw Caroline looking our way. I mouthed an apology. She nodded. I walked over to the bar to get water and Elijah's friend intercepted me.
"Hello, love," he smiled. "So, you're the one who has captured my brother's attention." His brother, huh?
"Hello," I looked at him.
"My name is Klaus. Pleasure to meet you." He took my hand and brought it to his lips.
"Bonnie," I replied. He smiled.
"Are you this friendly with everyone, love?" He asked.
"Only if you're lucky." I winked. He chuckled.
"I like you. You're feisty. Don't break his heart."
"No promises," I smirked. He chuckled.
"If you get bored with him, I'd be happy to show you a good time." He smirked and turned to leave.
"I think I'll be just fine."
"Offer still stands, love." He smiled and walked away.
I pulled off my work clothes and I tossed them into the hamper in the dressing room.
"I'm so tired, Care." I told her. She sighed.
"I'm beat. I feel like my feet would fall off if they had the chance." She mused. I pulled on jeans and a sweater. "Who was the guy chatting you up earlier?" She asked me. I smiled.
"That would be Elijah… The guy who insists on taking me out on Thursday. I told her. She squealed.
"He's seriously hot." She gushed. I smiled. "I think I have an admirer of my own."
"Who would that be?"
"He got more dances out of me than I can count, tonight. He said his name was Klaus." She told me, pulling her clothes on.
"He's Elijah's brother."
"No freaking way," she said in disbelief. I nodded. "Maybe the hot gene runs in the family?"
"I think so." I giggled. "You ready?" I asked her. She nodded. "Let's go home, Care."