Playing Imprint

The Libertine

Pulp – Pencil Skirt

Jacob watched me as I walked into the back entrance of the club with his arms crossed over his chest. He was tense and he clearly wasn't happy with me. I felt bad for him, but really I was following my prerogative and it wasn't my job to make him happy.

"Bella, you're right on time. I have a minute to help you get ready. I like how you did your hair. I'll just finish it up. Show me your outfit." I pulled the clothes out of my bag for Giselle to see. She held them out to look them over with a critical eye. She was in her forties and looked beautiful with black hair and baby blue eyes enhanced with dark blue eyeliner. But she had a gravelly voice that gave away her age. "This is good for a night out dancing with your friends but this skirt isn't short enough. The top is great! Come with me. Let's see if we can't improve this. I had a great idea for your make-up. You have lovely doe eyes, I was thinking of going with a sexed up Audrey Hepburn look." Giselle continued talking and had so much to say. Some of us liked her help, others were more comfortable getting ready by themselves. I wouldn't do this without her help.

"You seem a little off. Did something happen?" Giselle broke my dazed following.

"Um ... yeah. Someone I know saw me leaving the club last night. He said he's going to be here tonight. It's a lot of pressure. You know?" She grinned at me.

"Well then, we better make it good then, huh honey?" I exhaled and worked with her to get me ready.

Time passed and I peeked out and saw Kate, Jen and Serena already out on the platforms. I'd taken my time getting ready postponing coming out to face Jacob. In half an hour Neelu would be out and taking the stage alone. She had a routine and would take center stage. I had to make sure I didn't watch her instead of working. She was one of the brave amongst us who embraced the job and found empowerment.

"Go get him." Giselle slapped my butt playfully. I felt bad for hurting Paul knowing that I wouldn't do anything to Giselle for that. I straightened my back, pulled my shoulders back, chin low and focused on walking out swinging my hips and keeping my balance. I caught myself darting my eyes to find Jacob but reigned myself in.

Other girls usually hopped onto a platform. But working with Giselle, it was clear that it was much too dangerous for a klutz like me. Giselle was creative and found a few different ways to climb onto the stage or platforms without looking like an idiotic klutz. I walked up to one of the bouncers with a mischievous smile and pulled his hands to my waist.

"Help me up Ian." He flashed a smile before returning to a serious frown again. I towed him behind me hearing a few patrons cheering Ian. I winked to the loudest cat caller. I hadn't heard from him yet. I turned around at the platform and put his hands on my waist and my hands on his shoulders. He lifted me up and I kept my bent knees together until I could see that I had cleared the stage. He made sure I was steady on the platform being well aware of my lack of balance. I curled a finger at him. He leaned an ear up as though expecting me to whisper to him. I whispered thank you and kissed his cheek. I lifted my butt in the air straightening my legs before rolling my body up and flipping my hair before turning to the pole. Taking a grasp on the pole high above my head in a swift motion I swept my body around the pole pulling my knees up and concentrated on keeping a steady momentum around the pole. I enjoyed being strong enough to hold my body weight.

I began to playfully undress when I caught Jacob out of the corner of my eye. He was sitting at the bar looking miserable. We made eye contact and I felt a shiver that I fought back and looked away. I felt guilt pull at me but continued toying with the patrons in front of me. Just as Giselle had worked with me, with my doe eyes, I played up innocent well. The loudest of my small audience was fun and playful, in turn making my job easier. He wasn't in the least bit intimidating and I felt flirty and fun entertaining him. Soon I was down to my G-string and heels, but I didn't pass that point. There wasn't much left to the imagination anyway. I tried not to think about that. Just then Neelu was coming out. Her mother was Indian and her father was American. She was an interesting combination of her parents with light gray eyes with tan skin. She had dark brown hair that offset her eyes beautifully. She really was tiny but filled the stage with her presence.

"Bella," Ken called me. "You have lap dances. The loud one here." He indicated with his chin looking at the flirty guy from the front. "And this giant." He looked towards Jacob. My heart beat faster, he watched me look over to him wide-eyed and grinned at me. "Are you okay with that?" Ken asked.

"Um..yeah, sure. Of course." Oh God! Jacob already had too much of my attention. I'm supposed to be working here.

I smirked walking over to my first dance.

"Hi there." I greeted brushing a hand over his shoulder. His friends had shit eating grins but he had a smirk and played coy. He raked his eyes over my body and he leaned into me I sensed he was about to take control. Fear crept up on me.

"Bella, turn around and leave. You're going to get hurt. This is all ridiculous." He started yelling at me, fighting for control. I enjoyed his protective rants.

I fought to gain control over the tone of the situation. "What's your friends name?" I asked the man beside him, deciding I'd take the ball out of his court. He was fun but a bit too aggressive in close quarters. I'd observed the girls for a few weeks picking up their tricks.

His friend stuttered. "It's Kyle. I mean, his name. Not my name. I'm David." I smiled, he'd played his part for me beautifully. I felt my confidence grow and leaned down to his ear.

"Thank you David." I turned back to Kyle. He looked to be in his early twenties, clean cut wearing a backwards baseball hat with a good build. He stopped talking.

I brought my hair around to one side and over my shoulder. I leaned over him placing my hands on his knees but keeping my butt straight in the air. "I was told you paid for a dance." His eyes darted between my lips and hanging breasts. He nodded at me sucking in a breath. I was relieved to have control over the tone and felt more comfortable from this point on.

I felt eyes on me and I fought the urge to look at Jacob. I would not look at him. I focused my attention on Kyle. I stepped back and turned slowly for him. Kyle's face became coy again, but he was manageable. I continued dancing for Kyle until Ken indicated when Kyle's time was up. I stroked Kyle's chest and wished him a good night as I moved on to Jacob. But he wasn't where I expected.

I looked to Ken for guidance. He tilted a chin to a back corner that was quiet and empty. Ken put his clip board down and mouthed to me. "Are you okay back there?" I nodded assent. Ken smiled reassuringly and moved on.

I found Jacob with a beer watching me walking to him. I swayed my hips walking to him. My balance had improved working with Giselle and weight lifting. It paid off in this moment. With Jacob's eyes on me, I suddenly felt very naked. Of course, I was only wearing a G-string and heels. But it felt weird in front of Jacob. The boy I'd met on the beach still held in my memory. Back when flirting was a feat for me and done badly. I guessed he liked it because now he was paying for me to seduce him. Or he was just jealous.

"So are you going to give me some space for your dance?" I asked giving him a naughty smile. At the very least, I was going to do a good job of this.

He pushed the table away knocking a chair down with it. His face was hard. He clearly still wasn't happy about the dance he had watched. Hopefully I could distract him from this concern. "Anything you want Bells." He said darkly.

This wasn't a good start. I stepped between his knees and placed my hands either side of him on the back of the chair. I leaned my breasts forward so his nose was between them. I brushed against him and slowly pulled away. I took small steps touching my hips keeping my eyes on him for as long as possible as I turned around. I placed my hands on his knees facing away from him. I swayed my hips down to his crotch in circles until my butt touched him. I was so nervous but refused to acknowledge it to myself. I ground over him gently until I felt something hard. I nearly yelped and decided it was time to stop that. I took a deep breath to steady myself. I stood up and glanced over my shoulder still giving a coy smile turning around still swaying I traced my fingers up my body. My nerves were pulling on me and I found myself nibbling on my lower lip again. He swallowed hard as I watched his adam's apple bob. We made eye contact and I felt a pull towards him. I yanked my feelings away from his pull. He wasn't having me. I wasn't his breeder. While he made me nervous, I didn't feel the least bit dirty dancing for him. But I told myself I was doing my job. I was glad I was too nervous without my clothes to feel aroused.

I took a stance before him and arched my back as I danced slowly undulating my hips bringing myself down low to the ground. I held his thighs and used him to aid bringing me back up. I was working on strengthening my thighs at the gym but couldn't comfortably bring myself back up and still look sexy while doing it. The other girls were stronger and more limber.

I brought my knees between his thighs supporting my weight pressing against his crotch and held the back of the chair rocking in front of him. He seemed to be having a hard time holding still at this point.

I whispered in his ear. "You had better hold still there, they'll kick you out if you touch me." I smiled before I gently blew in his ear. I could feel a shiver run through him. I was pleased to see that I was having an effect on him. I then placed a knee on each of his thighs and leaned my body against him. I breathed down his neck and I carefully slid my knees back together between his legs and slid down his body onto the floor.

Ken caught my eye and indicated our time was up. I stood and spoke into his ear. "I hope you enjoyed yourself. Our time's up." I turned and didn't look at him as I swayed my hips walking away on my heels. I thought I heard a whimper but refused to look back and check.

Neelu was done on the stage so I worked my way back to my platform. A hand caught my wrist. "That, was hot." One of the Friday night regulars said. He was a big spender and a favourite of Matthews. He seemed okay, if not a little raunchy at times. I didn't like that he grabbed my wrist.

"What's that?" I asked confused for a moment.

"Dani, move over okay." He ordered one of the two girls sitting either side of him. Neither one of them worked at the club. He patted the chair beside him indicating that I sit down. I knew Matthew would approve of me joining Gary, so I took a seat. "I saw you dance for the big guy over there. That was hot. You're pretty new here. I'm just surprised. You look so innocent but that wasn't innocent."

"I know him." I admitted. "He's a good guy. I thought I should give my best effort."

Gary laughed and flicked ash from his cigarette in the ashtray. "I'll say. If I were him I might need a trip to the restroom to cool off after that. What are you drinking babe?"

I tried not to bristle at being called babe. But his attitude was laid back and I tried not to take it personally. Donna stood over us taking orders for the table.

"Just water." I requested.

"Donna, I'll have another beer thanks." He looked at me again. "Water? How old are you?" I looked down at my hands.

"How old are you?" I countered. He laughed.

"It's not polite to answer a question with a question but seeing as you asked. I'm thirty-six. Now, how old are you?" He leaned in to hear me speak with the casual manner of two friends chatting.

"I'm eighteen." He clutched his chest.

"You're killing me! Arrgh! I'm twice your age and you seem so much more mature than me." He laughed. I couldn't help but smile along with him. He was easy to talk to.

"You're friend doesn't like me much." He cocked an eyebrow to Jacob who was frowning at us. "Are you sure he's not your boyfriend?"

"No, but he is important to me. Someone drugged me last night and so he's taken it upon himself to follow me here and make sure nothing happens to me." Gary gave a playful shocked look.

"I don't blame him. That makes more sense if he's already a friend of yours. Any idea who drugged you? I have an idea but he's not here tonight." My eyes widened.

"I have no idea. My friend figured it out when he saw me coming outside last night."

Our drinks arrived and we thanked Donna. Sidney came out onto the stage and danced a routine. She was touching forty but didn't look it. She was confident, strong and just as creative as Giselle. I wished I actually had confidence and didn't just pretend to have confidence. She had thick tight curly brown hair reaching wildly past her shoulders, angular features, tall and if she didn't have implants, would probably have had perfect proportions. In my opinion, the implants damaged the effect even if they did move naturally.

"How does your friend feel about you working here?" Gary brought me back to the conversation.

"Not too happy. But it's not really his choice, is it?"

"I guess not." Smoke blew in my face and I coughed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that." Gary apologized sincerely. I wasn't liking where this conversation was going and how personal it was getting.

"So, what do you do for a living Gary?"

"I run an online store selling sex aids to women. I also have a storefront in Seattle, but women generally tend to shop online. There wasn't a lot of competition for business specializing in women's sex products when I started. So I've done well fortunately. We're called 'Come As You Are'." I listened with my mouth agape. "What can I say? I like women. It was the first line of work that I actually liked." This attempt to steer the conversation to something more comfortable had blown up in my face. My face grew hot and I felt myself blushing. He chuckled at me. I drank back my glass of water and tried to focus on Sidney but she was finishing up on stage. I looked around for something else to occupy me while I cooled off.

Then my eyes rested on Jacob who was bent over himself laughing as though he had heard the whole conversation. I narrowed my eyes at him. He probably had heard the whole conversation with mythical superpowers. Damn him. I willed him to explode under my gaze.

Gary laughed at us both. "If I didn't know better I'd swear he was listening over all this noise." He observed Jacob. "It is funny that you're visibly squirming listening to details about my business when you're a stripper sitting at this table in only a G-string." I closed my eyes and took a cooling breath. That didn't work in the smoke filled club. I coughed. I suddenly really wished I had some clothes on because as he mentioned it I felt very naked again.

"I'd love to see that corset top and skirt on you again." Gary hinted.

"I'll be right back Gary." I smiled gratefully for his suggestion and went up to my platform and pulled my clothes down and headed backstage to put them on. I came back out and he was leaning back on his chair with an elbow on the back. He smiled at me and I saw that Jacob had joined him. I held a stiff smile on my lips and tried to maintain my composure as I took a seat.

"I was telling Jake here that I have some private parties coming up soon. If you're interested in working he's requested to come and keep an eye on you." Gary pursed his lips in amusement. "What do you think? I could pay him to be security for the other two dancers for the night as well." I felt a blush creeping up on me again. "For a stripper, you blush a lot honey." A glare slipped out of my control and I quickly suppressed it. That wasn't polite in front of patrons.

I was seated between Gary and Jacob. His girls had left the table.

"It's sweet watching young love." I opened my mouth to deny his observation but he continued. "I don't see much of that around here. Jacob, you really have to get her out of here in the first six months. They're pretty much committed to the pay check after that. They earn more than a teacher's salary without student debt." He was addressing Jacob as if I wasn't at the table. I felt anger building but pushed it down. Jacob was glancing at me with concern. "If she ends up moving out, it will only be harder to get her to quit. But don't ever throw it back in her face." That was when I stopped listening to his words, I was getting too angry.

"I'm sorry, I have to go." I stood up and almost fell when my chair toppled. Gary and Jacob caught an arm and threw looks at each other that I couldn't read.

"Will you come to my private parties? I am going to check with Matthew, I'm not trying to steal his girls." I just wanted to get out of there and I'd agree to anything to get away from the situation.

"Yeah, sure. I'll see you later." I nodded to Jacob and headed backstage trying to keep a sway to my hips but lacking the surety of earlier in the evening.

"Ken, I have to go. I feel sick." He acknowledged me and touched my shoulder.

"You did great out there tonight." I nodded a thank you.

I was shaken up by Gary's words. I'm sure he intended to shake me up. Gary acted like he knew me and exactly where I was headed. He didn't know me or anything about me. I stripped down and put on my jeans, t-shirt, hooded sweater and runners. I went to the sink and washed the make-up off with a round pad. Then I ran my hands through my hair trying to make it not so big. I left the skirt with Giselle and thanked her before packing up my bag and leaving the exit. Jacob had brought the truck around and was waiting for me. It was freezing and I wished I had brought my coat. I climbed in and saw Jacob's goofy smile.

"What is it? You don't think you're getting laid do you?" I accused. He pulled the truck away still smiling.

"I enjoyed the last dance and your friend Gary was fun. He knows how to push your buttons." My head jerked up realizing what had just happened.

"He did that on purpose? He was trying to get me to leave?" Jacob grinned but didn't answer me.

"I'm being ganged up on." I grumbled.

Jacob laughed. "With those innocent bright eyes of yours up on stage, who doesn't want to take care of you? You're too cute to strip." I glared at him.

"When you whimpered during the lap dance, I wasn't too cute to strip for you." I retaliated. His head dropped a little and he was quiet. I was still cold but I stubbornly decided not to warm myself on him. I watched the road ahead. It was trance inducing.

I pulled out my cell phone to check the time. The night was still too early to sneak up the stairs to bed. Charlie wouldn't start snoring for at least another 2 hours. I sighed feeling tired.

"What is it?" He asked with sincere concern which only made me feel bad because I was trying to be annoyed with him. I was too tired for being angry with him. It was hard work.

"It's a bit early to be sneaking past Charlie. I'll have to wait around for bit before I can go to bed. I wasn't planning on leaving early." He frowned.

"In that case you're staying at my place. You're tired. This is something I can take care of. Besides, you could still wake Charlie even if you did wait and you've probably told him you're staying over someone's house." I wanted to argue with him. And I tried.

"What do you get out of this?"

"The satisfaction of knowing that you're home safe and sound away from perverts."

"I'll have the couch." I said firmly.

"No, I'll take the couch. You take my bed." The trucks heat started to make me overwhelmingly drowsy. After all of the noise and energy this truck ride was lulling me to sleep. Even arguing with Jacob I felt safe and content. I leaned my head against his shoulder.

"I don't want to sleep in a strange bed by myself. Will you stay with me?" I murmured. My brain was telling me off, but something else was talking in my haze.

"Of course I'll stay with you honey. As long as you want me too."