Angelacandy's Song: In the Shadows of Temptation

“Hey, I’m Sugar. What’s your name?”

I look up from my lap, lifting my head off my knees and blinking back the tears to focus on the man before me. He is tall and well dressed, his suit impeccable and hair perfectly styled. His eyes are dark and deep, framed by a smile that is more like a smirk. I can see it in his movements as he stands there, arms crossed and leaning casually against the bar in Skin Gentlemen’s Lounge.

My hand moves to my face to try to hide the blotchy redness of my cheeks, but it doesn’t work. “Angelacandy,” I choke out. My voice is hoarse from crying, a dry rasp that causes my throat to ache.

He nods slowly, his face softening into a sympathetic smile. “Well, Angelacandy, what can I get for you here at Skin? A drink? Dessert? Something special for your Sugar Daddy or Daddy for the night?” He pauses for a moment and then continues on, “Actually…do you need a Daddy for the night?”

I look away and sniffle quietly before answering him. “A drink…please. Just water…if that is okay.” It feels odd asking for water when I don’t even know what this place is other than an all-male strip club with handsome men who are willing to give me money if I let them touch me in places where I usually don’t even let myself touch me.

Sugar takes in my appearance. My hair is disheveled and slightly frizzy because of the humidity outside today; I had been outside too long without an umbrella after getting into an argument with my mom about how much time she spends online talking to her new boyfriend instead of spending time with me like she used to when dad was alive. My skin is pale because I haven’t been able to afford any foundation or concealer since my mom took away my credit cards so that I couldn’t spend money on stupid things like clothes or makeup or music downloads like she says they are doing when they really aren’t! And finally, there are tears running down my face as evidenced by the dampness of my black eyeliner which now has smudged all over it making it look like raccoon eyes instead of cat eyes like everyone was wearing at school today!

But then again this place isn't like school either so maybe it will make me look more grown up than childish and he won't think I'm weird for wearing makeup here in the first place!

Sugar gives me a knowing nod and smiles warmly as he turns to grab two glasses from behind him on one of the shelves behind the bar countertop. He fills one glass with ice cubes from the ice bucket next to it before reaching into a small refrigerator beneath the countertop to pull out a bottle of water which he opens using the bottle opener on his keychain before filling the second glass with water from the bottle while handing me the first glass full of ice cold water with some condensation still dripping down its side before he fills his own glass with water as well.

He pulls out one of the barstools located next to him at the countertop before seating himself in front of me as he lifts his glass full of ice water towards mine before clinking them together lightly over our heads gently before taking three drinks straight to his mouth while leaving his lips parted allowing condensation from his drink to drip down onto his face along with a few drops from his nose until one single drop falls from his bottom lip onto his chin which he catches quickly by pulling himself away from drinking any further and wiping it away with two fingers held together as he looks around for something apparently lost between our two glasses which he found moments later when he located an errant piece of ice stuck inside one of them causing him to wrap up our little drinking session by sliding both glasses together so that we could each take another drink before looking back at me expectantly once again waiting patiently for an answer as if nothing just happened!

I can feel my eyebrows furrowing together in confusion as I stare dumbfounded at him trying desperately not to make eye contact with him because staring directly at someone while they are drooling on themselves makes people feel uncomfortable but it's hard not to notice! Besides why else would someone be wiping their mouth so furiously unless they have drool dripping down onto their chin!?

I decide to give him an answer since he seems to be waiting so patiently although I am not sure what exactly I should say since he asked me two questions back-to-back but didn't give any indication that he expected more than one answer! Maybe it's one of those trick questions only idiots ask! Although if being called an idiot means that I can get free drinks then bring 'em on!

The man's smirk widens as he continues to observe me with a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. I can't help but feel a strange mix of discomfort and intrigue at his audacious demeanor. "So," he drawls, leaning in closer, "tell me, Angelacandy, what brings you to Skin Gentlemen's Lounge on a night like this?"

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. The soothing sound of my breath mingling with the lively music playing in the background creates a strange harmony, reminding me of the duality of my current situation. "I...I needed a place to escape," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "Things at home have been...challenging. And, well, I found myself drawn to this mysterious world. Maybe hoping to find something different, something...extraordinary."

Sugar nods understandingly, as if he carries the weight of countless stories similar to mine. "Ah, the allure of the extraordinary. We all seek it in one way or another, don't we?" He takes a contemplative sip of his water, his eyes never leaving mine. "Some find it in material possessions, others in wild adventures. And then there are those who turn to places like this, seeking escape, seeking a taste of something different, even if just for a fleeting moment."

His words resonate within me, striking a chord of truth and self-reflection. Suddenly, I realize this encounter is more than just a chance meeting. There's an odd connection between Sugar and me, as if he knows exactly what I'm going through. It's almost as if he can sense the turmoil in my soul, the longing for something beyond the confines of my current reality.

"And what about you, Sugar?" I venture, my curiosity piqued. "What brings you to this place? What is it that you seek?"

Sugar chuckles softly, his voice a rich melody amidst the pulsating sounds of the lounge. "Ah, Angelacandy, you have a knack for asking the right questions." He leans back, his eyes scanning the room, taking in the vibrant dancers and the mesmerized patrons. "This place... it's my sanctuary. A world away from the monotony of ordinary life, where I can unleash my desires and explore the boundaries of pleasure."

I watch him, captivated by the way he embodies confidence and liberation. There's an aura of mystery around him, a magnetic pull that draws others into his orbit. "But isn't it lonely?" I question softly, my voice filled with a mix of curiosity and vulnerability.

Sugar's smile softens, his eyes glimmering with traces of a hidden melancholy. "Loneliness comes in many forms, my dear. There are those who feel alone surrounded by people, and there are those who find solace in the hidden corners of their souls. I'm one of those who have embraced their solitude and found companionship in the most unexpected of places."

His words linger in the air, charging the atmosphere with an air of introspection. I realize that in my pursuit of something extraordinary, I stumbled upon more than just a strip club. I found an unexpected connection, a fellow traveler on the path of self-discovery.

As silence settles between us, Sugar leans closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Angelacandy, if you're searching for something extraordinary, I might have just the thing for you. Something that goes beyond the boundaries of this place, beyond anything you've ever experienced. But before I reveal it, you need to answer one question for me."

My heart races, anticipation mingling with uncertainty. "Yes?" I prompt, my voice a breathless whisper.

"Do you trust me?" Sugar asks, his eyes locked with mine, his sincerity shining through.

Without hesitation, I meet his gaze and nod. In this inexplicable connection, I find solace, a glimmer of hope amidst my turmoil. "Yes, Sugar. I trust you."