She placed the last tray of empty glasses onto the bar, she looked around at the empty strip club.

Glitter barely sparkled under the twinkle of lights; the stage had already been mopped of any sweat that had dripped from its dancers.

The music had been turned off; the DJ was nearly finished packing up his belongings.

She reminded herself everyday that she was saving money as a bottle girl for LIVE IN HEAVEN; a strip club ran by Stacy, a man who came from money but would prefer to sit in the comfort of woman, a man who looked like he attended church every Sunday morning without fail.

She needed money to attend police academy classes, her father Sergeant Mario Burton had offered to pay for his daughter's attendance, but she didn't want to be seen as asking for hand outs by a man who had a hard reputation within his ranks, she didn't need to be given special treatment.

Clarissa Burton just wanted to earn her own way into her family footsteps, even if it was going to take her a while.

Clarissa smiled a little as a woman with black wavy hair made her way out of the dressing room, Clarissa wasn't surprised to see Katy wearing layers of clothes.

She knew that strippers didn't always dress skimpy at all hours of the day, especially when they were leaving for their way home.

"Bye Brad." Katy purred out as she watched the DJ pick up his bag.

"Cya Gorgeous." Brad didn't call her out by her stage name.

Katy blushed as she playfully shivered in disgust.

Brad teased a smirk "Alright, See ya Clarissa." He called out as he stepped down from his booth.

Clarissa looked up from the rubbish bag she was tying up "Night, Brad."

Brad made his way out towards the front door.

"Do you want me to wait?" Katy offered as she stopped at the bar.

Clarissa shook her head "I'll text you when I'm on my way."

"You sure? I can stay."

Clarissa shook her head.

"Do you want me to grab one of the guys?"

Clarissa shook her head again "Katy, it's fine. I'll be fine."

Katy sighed as she tossed a glance up at the office stairs, she noticed Stacy looking down at the two girls. She looked back down at Clarissa "Call me. The minute you walk out this door, call me. I want to hear you while you head home."

Clarissa wasn't going to fight Katy against their safety "Text me when you get home."

Katy sensed Stacy walking down the stairs, she didn't want to leave Clarissa, nor did she trust Stacy to be alone with Clarissa.

"Katy." His voice filled Katy's voice.

Katy swallowed hard, she beamed as she looked up at the owner of the club "Stacy."

"You were great tonight." Stacy lingered his gaze onto her body.

Katy kept her smile "Thanks."

"I can see you've got a great partner." Stacy looked at Clarissa.

Clarissa reached for the cloth tucked over the nozzle of the sink.

"Yeah, Clarissa's great." Katy followed Stacy's gaze.

Stacy wasn't much older than the girls, Katy was twenty-five while Clarissa was teetering the edge of twenty-six, while Stacy was nearing his mid-thirties.

"Clarissa." Katy spoke with worry in her tone.

"I'm almost done, don't stress." Clarissa sprayed down the bar and began to wipe it down.

"Yeah, Kitty. Don't stress. I'll walk Clarissa out when we're done."

Katy looked at Stacy, she hated when her boss used her stage name out of context. Her heart raced, she wanted to pull Clarissa out with her, she wanted to let fire rage in her eyes, but she couldn't. She loved her job too much to earn herself a bad reputation.

Stacy smiled "Goodnight, Kitty."

Katy swallowed hard, she faked a smile "Goodnight, Stacy." She turned her attention to Clarissa "Ring me."

"Oh, she will." Stacy answered for Clarissa.

Clarissa looked up at Katy, there wasn't an ounce of worry in Clarissa's body language.

Katy wanted to keep begging but knew better, she silently made her way out towards the entrance door.

"Clari, pass me a glass and that bottle." Stacy pointed to a red labelled clear liquid barely touched alcoholic bottle that sat on high display behind the counter.

Clarissa did as she was told.

"Grab a glass for yourself."