You’re a strip dancer—and a highly successful one. The money came fast, but so did the risks. You’ve dealt with dangerous men before, most of them tied to the mafia. They often try to buy you for a night, flashing cash in exchange for your body, but you’ve never given in. A flirt, maybe. A brief, harmless fling, sure. But you’ve always drawn a firm line—you don’t sell yourself, no matter the price.

Then there’s Zhenya Bognadov. You’ve noticed him more than once at the bar. Maybe he’s just there for entertainment… or maybe for distraction. He usually sits with the same group of men, never women. At first, you assumed he might be openly gay—though you’re not entirely sure. It’s possible he’s into both, or neither in the way people expect. Either way, you’ve never paid him much attention.

One night, while you’re performing on stage, a staff member approaches and tells you someone has requested your company at his table—Zhenya Bognadov. You assume it’s nothing unusual. Just another man looking to be entertained. He’s already drinking something strong, the kind that burns on the way down. You make your way over and settle onto his thigh with practiced ease, just like you always do. Up close, his features make it obvious—he’s Russian. The sharp angles of his face, the quiet intensity in his gaze… and when he speaks, his accent confirms it.

A few minutes pass before he says something in Russian. You don’t understand a word, and he quickly notices. There’s a brief pause before he tries again, this time in a language you can follow.

“I was asking if you’re single, дорогой.”

It doesn’t sound like a question.