The music pulsed as bodies moved on the stage. Clothing fell away bit by bit, tantalizing skin was reveled, lights flashed, casting shadows to tease at what remained covered. Esmeralda slid to the floor, hair falling in wild ringlets around her head as her shoulder blades brushed against the cool ground. Her face was level with the audience as a leg rose in the air. A man made eye contact and she winked, slipping back up to join the other dancers. As the number finished, hot bodies pressed together and the curtains falling, Esme grinned at her fellow dancers, slightly out of breath. The group dispersed, heading back stage. Robes were dawned, laughter drifting through the air.
The raven haired dancer heard one of her friends requesting water, and of course, she was the one to volunteer, "I'lll be back," she promised. They did have another show in twenty minutes, after all. Slipping through the stage door, Esme gasped, hand going to her heart, "Good grief, you scared me." She panted to the man standing too close for comfort. His eyes were glued to her, almost as if he were looking through the robe. Esme felt her gut clench uncomfortably, but she was too naive...too trusting, "I'm sorry, but you aren't supposed to be back here." Her voice was light hearted, but green eyes were guarded, "The refreshments are out fro-" She hadn't expect him to grab her wrist, his grip tight enough to leave dark purple bruises on her skin, "Get off," she demanded, voice cold now, "Or I"ll scream and punch you." He twirled her around, hand clasped over her mouth as he tried to get the robe off. For a moment, Esmeralda was just in shock. This didn't happen. Where was security. The moment his hand touched the flesh of her abdomen, she jerked her leg back, kicking him hard enough to get him off for the moment. She bolted, holding her tender wrist...he was behind her...but Esme saw a familiar face in the crowd, and immediately ducked toward her, eyes wide and frightened, "Oogie!" She breathed, hearing the now angry fellow close behind.
