Shield and Strip
Chapter 1
“I’d never put you up for adoption, I’d have to pay somebody to take you.” My father’s harsh words were seared into my brain as I laced up my heels. I remembered the day I ran away from home with nothing but the $257 from my savings account to help me survive. It wasn’t long before my ass was handed to me and I found myself working where every girl talks about at least once in their life…a strip club.
It was easy money, I walked on stage and flaunted what I had…thankfully due to Italian food and the Stairmaster I had things to flaunt. It was a Friday night in D.C , S.H.I.E.L.D had rented out the Red Lady for the night. All I had to do was flirt with a few rich boys who thought they were men and have them shove daddy’s money down my bra. Easy. I mused to myself as I continued adding glitter to my eyelids. I was pulled from my thoughts by my coworker’s shrill voice.
“I’ll be worth every penny tonight.” Sharon, otherwise known as Ruby, exclaimed as she blew herself a kiss in the mirror net to me. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the tall, curvy blonde dressed like an expensive French maid— but who lived in a shack behind McDonalds. Sharon/Ruby loved to tell us about her year spent at college before she ran out of money paying for her new BMW. Sharon turned her evil gaze at me, as though she heard my annoyance.
“Oh sweetie!” She started rushing over to me to give me an unwanted hug. “Don’t be nervous! I know those S.H.I.E.L.D boys, and they aren’t all that bad!” She cooed, her voice making my nerves strain and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
“Gee, thanks. I was so worried.” I said flatly, trying my best not to acknowledge her with sarcasm. “I’m so lucky to have a girl here with experience.” No need to cause too much drama tonight. Sharon bought it and smiled down on me before she gave me another hug and pranced her way to the stage.
A few hours went by, and before I knew it, I was sitting on the lap of a senior member of the prestigious government group. “Ya know, it’s my birthday.” The Great-Value Steve Rodgers slurred into my ear. I took a deep breath to hide my disgust with his Coors Light smelling breath and smiled up at him with the best doe eyes I could muster.
“Oh, is that so?” I quizzed feigning interest hoping he’d throw a $100 down my cowgirl outfit to celebrate. “Well, Happy Birthday!” I squealed hating myself as I kissed the agent’s cheek.
“Yes ma’am. This ‘ol S.H.I.E.L.D boy is now a ripe thirty-three.” The drunk agent proclaimed as if it was something magical and I should be astonished that he could be thirty-three and in a strip club. Yet, I was caught on his place of employment instead.
“Did you- did you say S.H.I.E.L.D.?” I inquired.
“That’s right, babe.” He leaned in for a kiss, but I placed my finger on his lips in objection.
“Well, in that case.” I stood up and adjusted my bedazzled costume and fixing my pink cowboy hat. “I retract my birthday wishes.” And with that, I left— not just the agent in the middle of the room, nor the establishment, nor my career, I left that life in hopes of finding something better…Like maybe a nicer living, somewhere where selling yourself to make a living wasn’t a thing.
