A/N: Fast update this time guys! Lots happening this time, and the game is starting to change for Flora. Enjoy the tenth installment of Red Lights, and please make sure to tell me how I'm doing! I want this story to be its absolute best! XOXOX

Chapter 10

The club was in full swing by the time Flora finished her set. There were so many people packed into the space that she felt slightly claustrophobic, but also very excited whenever someone happened to brush up against her. All the skin on skin contact had made her body extra sensitive to touch.

Flora glanced around the space, trying to see through the extra dark lighting to what was happening tonight. The bar was packed; electric blue drinks were flowing off the counter like water as Sparky worked overtime to keep cups filled. The DJ in the corner had been playing heavy beats all night, trying to get people in the dancing mood. The lights were not only dimmed, but slightly colored in shades of red, green, and blue, creating a party atmosphere. Glow sticks and black lights made the space look more modern, and all the girls were required to wear layers of black leather and neon. Flora herself was wearing a hot pink mini skirt and black leather bustier to fit in with the crowd. It was something new for the night, something that Miss F wanted to try out according to Musa. The goal was a mix between modern club and 80's throwback, but to Flora, all she saw was a giant rave.

But that was good for business. Flora had already made more in tips in her one dance than she did most nights, and she had only just gotten off stage to prep for solo dances. She could only imagine the line that would be outside her private room. Sure, her hips would hurt in the morning, and her thighs would kill her, but she would be that much closer to paying off her debt. She couldn't forget that this was not for fun; this was her job.

Flora took a turn around the perimeter of the club, making sure not to interrupt any dances that were already going on. She saw that Baby was close to getting one guy to let her dance on him, and the group next to her was already in the middle of a show à la Alice. Flora supposed that the whole staff was out and working tonight as busy as it was.

"Hey baby, let me get some of that ass," someone shouted from beside her, reaching out to pinch her behind. She jumped a bit and scowled. Usually she got wolf whistles or a few raunchy comments, but this was the first time anyone ever tried to touch her without her consent. It was new and completely unwelcome, scaring her a bit.

She turned her head to face her assailant, seeing a middle aged man, slightly pudgy and more than a bit greasy smirking up at her from where he was reclining on a booth. He looked rather pleased with himself, eyeing her up like a piece of meat, and Flora could tell that he was very, very drunk. He wasn't worth her time, not even for a quick dance.

"Excuse me," Flora said curtly, picking up speed as to avoid any more harassment.

"Hey, where do you think you're going huh?" the man asked, reaching out to grab Flora by the wrist, nails digging into her flesh. She stumbled from where she was trying to walk away, forced into facing him once more.

"Hey, you're hurting me," Flora told the man as his fingers chose to stay put on her wrist, the long fat digits cutting off her circulation until her fingers pricked with numb needles. He didn't seem to care though, and only laughed at her attempts to shake off his hand.

"Let go of me!" Flora shouted, trying to break free of the grip.

He got angry then, his grip turning vice-like. Flora cried out in pain as he twisted on her wrist, getting close to her face, invading her personal space. Her skin crawled, and she forced herself to hold in tears.

"You're not going anywhere! I paid good money to get into this hell hole and I'm not leaving until I get a show!"

Flora panicked. She couldn't stop him from pulling on her, from dragging her away from the center of the room and to God-knows where. She couldn't stop him from doing whatever he wanted to her.

"Hey!" Sparky shouted.

When did she get out from behind the bar? It didn't really matter, because in the next second, the redhead turned and decked the man right across the face. Flora could hear the smack of skin as Sparky's knuckles made contact with the man's nose, followed by a sickening crack. He let go of Flora immediately, stumbling backwards into a booth. She could see the blood gushing from the man's nose as he held it, the red liquid pooling in between his fingers and down to stain his shirt. Sparky shook her fist, her knuckles a little bruised, but not nearly as bad as the man's face. Flora could tell that his nose was probably broken.

"Security!" Sparky called, her eyes never leaving the man until two hulking men showed up behind her. "Please escort this gentleman out of the club. He's no longer welcome here."

Sparky pulled Flora away from the scene and over to the bar and placed her on an empty stool. A moment later, a glass was seated in front of her full of a strong smelling amber liquid.

"Drink that," Sparky instructed, putting the bottle away. "It'll calm ya down a bit."

Flora did as she was told, even though the drink burned all the way down her throat and made her eyes water. She did feel the effects immediately, and warmth slowly crept up her body, slowing her heart rate just a little.

"Are you alright hon?" Sparky asked Flora, the man forgotten as security practically shoved him out the back door.

"Yeah, I'm fine…" Flora nodded, tugging idly at her wrist where the man's fingers had made angry red welts. "Thank you, for doing that. You didn't have to."

"Oh, hon, 'course I did!" Sparky insisted, reaching over to pull Flora into a sideways hug. "Someone's gotta look out for you. This's a scary job, and you're gonna run into some scary people. Best to have a few friends willin' to stick their necks out for ya. Anytime ya need me, just holler."

"Thank you, that means…that means more than you think," Flora replied, trying not to get choked up. The sentiment hit her hard. All this time she thought this was just a job, but these girls had come to mean more to her than just coworkers. They were friends.

"Alright, well, these drinks ain't gonna serve themselves," Sparky sighed, gazing over at the line that had reappeared at the bar. "And I think that line is waiting for you hon."

Flora glanced over at her private rooms, a few gentlemen sitting patiently on the leather couches surrounding the curtained area. They were all waiting for her, and she groaned, suddenly not in the mood to deal with any more customers.

"Can't I just take the rest of the night off? Fake being sick or something?"

"Come on now, we both know that's not your style," Sparky chided, pulling out some bottles to start mixing orders.

"You're right…" Flora sighed, pulling herself up from the stool. "I'll see you at closing time then."

She started to make her way over to the other side of the club, making sure to hold her head high and strut in her heels like she had been taught. Even if all she wanted to do was curl up in a ball and go to bed, she had to fake being sexy. It usually worked, and soon enough the fight scene was forgotten and Flora was back to receiving more welcome attention like winks and smiles.

"Excuse me, Miss," a man called her over, much more polite and courteous than she was used to at the club. "So sorry to interrupt your work, but would you mind if I stole a moment of your time?"

Flora was captivated by the man, blinded by his charm. He looked classy, not that she wasn't used to that given the Red Fountain's clientele, but he was…different. He exuded confidence, and it showed. His mahogany colored hair was styled and meticulously kept, as was the three-piece suit he sported. His violet eyes gleamed with playfulness, though Flora had a slight feeling that she was the thing he was playing with.

Flora sat down across from him, and he smiled at her, his teeth a dazzling shade of white.

"Allow me to introduce myself," the man started, extending his hand to Flora. "I'm Riven, Alistair Riven."

"Rosie," Flora replied and took his hand, but instead of shaking her hand, he reached forward and placed his lips upon her knuckles, kissing it like a gentleman would. Flora was shocked at this, and had to forcefully remember to withdraw her hand after he let it go.

"Do people normally call you by your last name?" Flora asked, genuinely curious. She'd never met someone like that. She just assumed that was something only done in spy movies.

"Of course," Riven replied easily, a laugh escaping his lips. "Alistair was my father's name, and while he was a great man, the name itself is rather...unfortunate. I always thought that he was punishing me by giving me his name. I had every intention of changing when I was younger."

"What made you change your mind?"

"Sentiment...But anyway," Riven continued, putting the conversation back on track. "I've been watching you dance Rosie. You have quite a talent."

"Thank you," Flora replied, a feeling of pride welling in her chest that she had managed to do something right.

"I run a business downtown that recruits young women, not unlike yourself, to become something greater than what they are. I can offer you a job that you could only dream of. Magix City could open its doors to you. You could have the rich and famous eating off of the palm of your hand," Riven was getting more and more enthusiastic as he spoke, and it was hard for Flora not to fall for his open expression and charm. He took a breath and sat back a bit, flashing a bit of a smile before he said, "And, of course, the pay from just one night alone is well above what you'd ever make in a year at this place."

That was something that immediately hooked Flora's interest. This was why she started dancing in the first place: to pay for school. If Riven was offering her something greater, she had an obligation to learn more. She just couldn't let any opportunity pass her by. But she also was secure at the Red Fountain. Sure, she hadn't been there long, but she had already made connections and friendships with the girls. Not to mention, it wasn't like she was being paid chump change. They were good to her; she just couldn't turn her back to them. She couldn't turn her back on friends.

"I see greatness in you, Rosie, a greatness that is wasted here," Riven said in all seriousness, his dark eyes holding hers in a stare that made her skin prickle. It was like he could see right through her, and she felt unnerved. "With me, you could be so much more."

"Rosie, you're needed back in your rooms, now."

It was Musa who so rudely interrupted Flora's conversation, her lithe frame taut with tension and suppressed anger. At first, Flora thought that Musa was angry with her, but it was in fact Riven who earned her signature scowl. In fact, Musa seemed to be radiating hatred towards the man.

"Ah, Musa, long time no see," Riven greeted Musa, but his tone fell a bit flat, like she was the last person he wanted to see. Apparently the feeling was mutual.

"I'm going to fire the idiot who let you back in here," Musa practically growled, clutching her clipboard with white knuckles. Flora was surprised it hadn't broken yet under the intense strain. "You're not welcome here. Leave before I have security throw you out."

Flora knew that Musa had problems dealing with her anger, but this was an all time new. She had never seen her mentor so worked up and so absolutely livid before. She had a feeling that if Riven stayed any longer, security would have to throw them both out for starting a scene.

"No need to cause a fuss. I was just on my way out," Riven placated Musa, holding his hands up in general surrender as he rose from his booth. He turned to Flora and smiled at her one last time.

"Think about my offer Rosie. We'll keep in touch."

He handed her his card, a thick creamy slip of paper gilded in gold, and without even a passing glance at Musa, disappeared into the crowd.

Flora glanced at the card and saw that his address was listed as Main Street, more specifically Cloud Tower. Flora had to read that again to make sure she wasn't seeing things. Riven had an office in the Cloud Tower, the most exclusive and upscale business center in the city. She almost fainted at the thought, wondering what exactly she was letting Musa scare off.

"Don't even think about it Rosie," Musa's voice reached her ears, her harsh tone pulling Flora from her daze. "This isn't the first time he's come around and you aren't the first girl he's tried to sink his teeth into. That man is dangerous. He cannot be trusted."

The expression on Musa's face was grave, like there was more to this story that she wasn't willing to tell. One thing was clear: Riven meant bad news, but Flora didn't know if he just bad news because he was trying to take away Red Fountain business, or if he was bad in general. From first impressions, he really seemed harmless. A bit pushy maybe, but he was a businessman; that was expected of him.

Musa didn't seem up to entertaining any of Flora's ideas, and instead started directing Flora back to her private room.

"Now get back to work," Musa instructed like the mother hen she was. "Your shift ends in two hours and I see six men that need attention before then."

Flora did as she was told and finally got back to her room. The men were happy to see her make her appearance, all of them sitting up a little straighter as she eyed them. She settled on a younger man with light blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. Nothing like Helia or Riven. Nothing distracting.

"Would you like a dance, sweetie?" She asked him in her most sugary tone. She watched his pupils dilate, his body practically leaning into hers as she ran her fingers over his chin, playing. He nodded rapidly, and Flora smiled.

"Follow me," she instructed, pulling him up gently by his tie and leading him behind the gauzy curtains. He was only too eager to comply, seating himself on the couch in front of her.

Flora meant to start slow, she really did. She moved in a slow, sultry sweep over to where he was reclined and leaned forward, her hands planted on either side of him so that she had him boxed in. From this angle, he could see straight down her bustier, getting a prime view of her breasts. She shimmied her chest a bit and watched him swallow, making sure her breathing was just as heavy as his so that he got the impression that she was just as aroused as he was.

The man finally gained enough courage to run his hands over her waist, trailing them up and down her sides as she moved, her lips inches from his. Technically there was nothing against kissing the clients, but Flora found it much more satisfying to tease them instead, deny them what they wanted most for as long as possible. Somehow, guys got off on it, and she got off on the power trip.

Before he could get too comfortable and handsy, Flora pulled back, making her back arch in the process, and threw her head back before leaning forward again. This time she lifted one of her legs up and over him to straddle his hips. She sunk down and settled as far down as she could on his lap, wiggling her bottom just a bit to make sure he was getting aroused. It didn't take long to locate his erection though; she felt it as soon as she ground backwards on his lap.

She did her usual push and pull, hips rocking back and forth until he was rock hard beneath her. It took a few minutes, but the slow-growing look of desperation that painted the man's face as she worked was well worth the wait. Only then did she pick up her pace, her hips moving in small, precise circles around his crotch. She made sure to vary the pressure, teasing light touches most of the time, but every once in a while coming down hard. His breath hitched then, and he let out a long string of curses.

"Holy fuck, you're gorgeous," he sighed out, biting down on his bottom lip as his hips rose to meet hers for more friction.

"Keep talking," Flora whispered in his ear, catching the lobe with her teeth and pulling gently.

"Shit," he gasped, his fingers gripping tightly onto her hips now as they danced their slow and dirty grind. "Shit you're so good. You feel…so good…."

His face was pressed into her chest, her breasts practically his pillows. Flora could feel his perspiration, the heat from his face radiating onto her. It wasn't long now. She could either end the dance now or go just a bit further until he burst.

Flora leaned back away from the man, letting herself balance on an outstretched arm as she rose up from the couch to resituate herself. When she met his hips again, she was further down on his crotch, and her back was arched back as she bounced up and down on his lap. He let out a low moan, his face screwing up like he was in pain, but Flora recognized that look. He was seconds away from coming, and she was going to bring him there.

It didn't take long. In fact, after three agonizingly slow rotations followed by the fastest gyrations her hips could allow, she had pushed him over the edge. She felt wetness bloom beneath her, and sure enough, as she dismounted, a giant wet patch stained the crotch of his pants. He, himself, was slumped against the couch, breathing hard.

"Here," Flora offered him a tissue, which he took gratefully.

When he was done cleaning himself up, she gathered her tip, which he gave freely. He gave her a bashful smile and she batted her eyelashes at him as he left out the curtains.

One down, five to go, Flora thought to herself as the next man let himself in.

The rest of the men flowed together in an undistinguishable string. By the time she was down with dances, her thighs burned and her own underwear was damp from where she had sat on top of cum-filled pants. She threw them away as soon as the last man was served, more than eager to get out of her costume for the night.

She retreated to her vanity as soon as she could, the club winding down for the night. There were only a few people left, and most of them were staff or loyal customers who were granted special privileges for their patronage.

Her plush vanity stool was like a blessing for her sore bottom. She sat for as long as she could as she took off layer upon layer of foundation and eyeliner. The bustier was the hardest to get off, the laces refusing to budge until she practically ripped them apart. Timmy would kill her for abusing his costume, but her ribcage also needed room to breathe. It was nearly two a.m. before she was finally back in her civilian clothes and ready to go back to her apartment.

"Night!" Flora called over to the bar as she headed on her way out to her car.

"Night hon!" Sparky called, her own bag in her hands. She was clearly on her way out as well.

Flora was almost out the door when a voice called out to her from back inside the club.

"Oh, almost forgot!" Sparky exclaimed, smacking the counter for effect. "Something to cheer your night up. There's a party in the Woodlands goin' on tomorrow night. Some of Sky's friends are throwin' it. You should take the shift off, come and have some fun."

A party. She was being invited to an upperclassmen party. She had told Krystal that she had been to one the night before classes started, but in reality she had yet to go to one. Flora assumed that they were sort of like a college right of passage. They were supposed to be fun. She wasn't even working, so why not?

"Yeah," Flora replied, "I think I will."

"That'a girl," Sparky smiled and patted Flora on the shoulder before abandoning the bar for the night. "I'll see ya tomorrow night then!"

Flora waved at Sparky and watched her leave, her car pulling out of the parking lot like a bat out of hell. She got in her own car and sighed, picking at the frayed edges of the fabric of her seat. She felt so tense, so uncertain about so much. It was like life was throwing too many things at her at once: Helia, her job, class, Riven. The list kept growing.

Perhaps a party was just what she needed to calm herself down for a while.