Pandora's Box Ch. 01b

This story follows on from 'Pandora's Box: Chapter 1a'

Pandora's Box

Increased traffic meant that the drive downtown took slightly longer, and Dani parked up just before 10PM. Getting out, she was amazed by how much the street had transformed since her earlier visit.

The bars and clubs around Pandora's Box had lit up with both colours and activity -- bright electric and neon signs flashed from every angle and Saturday night revellers flooded the pavement and road. Cars and taxis honked their horns loudly and repeatedly as they slowly crawled past the people and buildings. The charged flow of a thousand conversations buzzed from every side as Dani swiftly made her way to her destination, enjoying the fresh warm breeze against her skin. Talking, shouting, laughing, and hooting filled the air, and the distant tinny drum of music spilled out of every open door.

Pandora's Box, however, was just as unassuming as ever compared to its surroundings. The only things that had changed were the front entrance, which now stood wide open, and the addition of a line of stanchions linked by red velvet ropes, behind which an impossibly long queue of people stretched down the length of the building and past the side alleyway.

Two tall bouncers, built like professional wrestlers and dressed in tuxedos, flanked the entrance, whilst a third paced down the queue with a clipboard. Dani remembered what Martine had said about the bouncers choosing who got to go in.

With an air of confidence, Dani strutted up to the two bouncers at the door. They both raised their eyebrows at her approach but didn't move otherwise -- she knew they weren't about to body a 5'7' college girl, although Dani could tell by their expressions that they weren't likely to just let her in without a good reason, no matter how hard she flirted with them.

"Evening there, miss. Can we help at all?"

"Hi," Dani said brightly, "I'm here for a trial shift. I have this." She reached into her bag and fished out Alma's card, handing it to the bouncer on the right. He looked at the card, turned it over, then looked to his companion.

"Keep an eye on her. I'll be right back." He disappeared into the club.

"He'll be right back," the remaining bouncer repeated to Dani. "Please wait here."

"Sure thing babe," Dani grinned flirtatiously at him. She wasn't sure what had come over her, but something about the energy of the street and its people was infectious. She felt supercharged, like she was about to delve into a world only a handful of people had the privilege of knowing. The corners of the bouncer's mouth curled upwards in a small smile at Dani's comment, but he otherwise said nothing.

"So, do you have to stand here all night?"

"Until 1AM, yes."

"Neat. Are you gonna watch the show?"

The bouncer laughed. "Nope, I'll be going home."

"That's a real shame," Dani simpered, cocking her head and playing with her hair. When the bouncer gave no reaction other than smiling and looking back at the queue, she took a step closer and "subconsciously" adjusted her bra, deliberately making her big soft tits bob gently. She looked away as she did it but saw the bouncer turn his gaze back to her out the corner of her eye. She smirked as she looked back and he quickly turned away again.

The first bouncer then returned, gesturing in the doorway for Dani to follow him. "Right this way miss."

Dani bounded up the stairs, brushing her hand against the other bouncer's arm as she passed. "Have a good night," she winked.

They passed through a set of double doors into a spacious foyer, reminiscent of a glitzy theatre. Large red curtains hung from the walls along with dozens of decorated golden picture frames. The lighting was low but, moving closer, Dani could make out all sorts of photographs within them: famous actors, music stars, and others in the most ridiculous poses and outfits; a drag queen dressed in a flamboyant peacock feather dress; and strippers lined up in black and white along a stage.

A small alcove with a desk stood at the end of the room, between two sets of Art Deco double doors and underneath a mezzanine with two red carpeted staircases leading to it. A blonde woman in her late 20s stood behind the desk chatting to none other than Alma, who was leaning against the wall with her arms folded. Upon spotting Dani, she smiled and walked forwards.

"Look who it is! Glad to see you here Dani."

"Thanks," Dani beamed.

"I'll take it from here Victor," Alma said to the bouncer -- he nodded and immediately retired back outside. She turned to Dani. "So, what do you think so far?"

"It's electric outside! You can feel how excited everyone is, the energy is amazing!"

"It gets even better later once the show starts. What about you, you seem exhilarated."

"I am! Believe it or not."

Alma laughed. "I do believe it. You must be a little nervous too though."

"A little, yes."

"Don't worry, it happens to everyone. It'll pass once you get going."

They had reached the alcove by this point, and the blonde woman behind the desk smiled at Dani.

"This is Lucy," Alma said. "She looks after the cloakroom -- she also has your uniform."

"Here." Lucy passed across a small pile of clothes to Dani. "They should fit perfectly but let me know if they don't. You'll also need to keep your bag here for the duration of your shift."

"Can I at least keep my phone?" Dani asked anxiously. She didn't like leaving it behind, and had also hoped to try and snap a few pictures on it.

"Afraid not. House rules. Don't worry, it's all perfectly safe here. Besides, your uniform has no pockets, so unless you plan on stashing it in your bra there's nowhere to put it anyway."

Somewhat reluctantly, Dani passed her bag over to Lucy.

"Good girl," Alma smiled. "There's a changing room over there. I'll wait here for you."

Dani nodded and headed for the changing room, passing through a set of heavy double doors. She expected to see other waitresses but was a little relieved to see that the room was empty. It was as luxurious and well-furnished as both the larger dressing room and Alma's office, with the same orange glow. A large dresser covered the far wall, covered in more beauty products than Dani had ever seen. As she placed her uniform on a bench, she paused to take a couple of deep breaths. The butterflies had returned yet again, and she did her best to quash them.

"It's just a waitress job," she reassured herself, as she removed her trainers and socks. "You've done this before. It's no different from Hooters."

Dani then carefully removed her halter crop top, successfully doing her best not to smudge or ruin her makeup, before unbuttoning her denim shorts and sliding them down her smooth, tanned legs. Now only in her red bra and panties, she placed her clothes carefully in their own neat pile on the bench.

Dani started with the pantyhose -- she had worn almost exactly the same thing at Hooters and stepped into the garment, rolling it expertly up her legs and pulling it up tight. It stopped about two inches below her belly button.

Next, she grabbed the black vinyl miniskirt and stepped into it, pulling it up her long legs and over her hips and butt. It was actually shorter than it looked, and tighter too, but not uncomfortably so, and it fit perfectly over the pantyhose.

After that was the black vinyl corset top. It was less versatile than her halter top, and Dani took great care pulling it on, conscious of her makeup again. Successful, she adjusted it and put her arms through the thin spaghetti straps. The top didn't quite cover her entire torso, instead stopping about an inch above her belly button.

Lastly, Dani took a seat on the bench and slid into the heels, strapping them on tightly. She didn't wear heels terribly often, but her balance was good enough, and her previous experience wearing them substantial enough, that she felt confident pulling them off. Standing up, Dani turned to the long, wall-mounted mirror on her right and paused to inspect her look. She liked what she saw.

The top fit well, and the V-neck and tightness of it made her large tits pop out enough to grab attention, but not in an overly obscene manner. She also liked that the bottom of the top didn't quite touch the waistline of the skirt, leaving a small gap in which her navel and toned midriff were exposed. Turning to the side, Dani grinned as she saw the way the skirt accentuated her bubble butt, curving around it tightly and making it pop out clearly.

She took a couple of practice walks, strutting like a catwalk model towards the mirror from the far side of the room -- she giggled to herself, feeling like a total sex kitten as her hips swayed sensuously from side to side and her boobs jiggled gently in their vinyl confinements. The heels made her look taller and more elegant, and she couldn't even feel the pantyhose. Indeed, the entire outfit was incredibly comfy and, despite its close fit, supple to the point of being nearly unnoticeable.

Her makeup and hair still looked fine, but Dani nevertheless gave her mascara a small touch up, enjoying the smoky look it gave her eyes, before gathering her clothes, taking one final pose in the mirror, and exiting the room.

"Look at you!" Alma beamed, looking genuinely impressed as Dani swaggered towards her. "I daresay our guests are in for a treat tonight!"

"You were right," Dani grinned, "it's super comfortable. I love it!"

"You look fantastic. The outfit compliments your body and curves incredibly well."

Dani handed over her clothes to Lucy, who stored them next to her bag. "Give 'em hell," Lucy grinned. "Good luck!"

Dani smiled appreciatively and turned to follow Alma, who stood by one pair of the Art Deco double doors leading to the club beyond.

"Are you ready to start your trial shift at Pandora's Box?"

Dani took a deep breath and nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be."

"Then let's go."

Trial By Fire

Dani and Alma passed through the doors into the main stage, and Dani's mouth dropped open in a combination of shock and awe. The main stage was vast, comprised of a large, well-stocked bar and an opulent auditorium. There were 12 luxurious booths, six on either side of the room, each with a round table covered in soft white cloth and with an expensive looking vase of roses in the middle. Each booth was capable of accommodating ten people, with the appropriate number of comfortable looking seats to match.

In the centre of the room was a more casual lounge area lined with soft, deluxe sofas and smaller tables for holding drinks -- it reminded Dani slightly of a fancy cinema or theatre.

Finally, flanking the room on each side above the booths, there were mezzanines with a single, long, wall-mounted table running the length of each one -- there were no seats here, with its purpose instead to provide standing room for a better view of the main stage.

The show had yet to start, and a large red curtain featuring the logo of Pandora's Box hung across the stage. The orange gas lamps that Dani had seen in the dressing room pervaded here as well, and there was a low hum of conversation as the room filled up with guests -- striking men in suits and tuxedos, and graceful women in dresses of all colours and cuts. The beat of house music could be heard distinctly, coming out of heavy Bose speakers on the periphery of the room, but it wasn't overwhelmingly loud. Between the guests, Dani could see other waitresses threading their way through holding trays of drinks -- they all wore the same tight-fitting vinyl uniform as her, and they were all absolutely drop-dead stunning.

"What do you think?" Alma asked.

"It's... overwhelming," Dani finally said, gazing around in awe. "It's even more than I expected."

"Best to get your bearings straight now. At 11PM the lights go dim and the music gets louder -- that's when most people will have arrived. This way, there's someone I want you to meet."

Alma and Dani walked to the front of the bar, where a waitress was checking the ticket for a tray of drinks in front of her. She was black and 5'10', with a long slender torso and even longer, graceful legs; her face was elegant and heart-shaped, with shining brown eyes and full lips. Her black hair was done in a medium-length afro, and Dani noticed she had a shining diamond navel piercing. She turned as they approached and beamed at Alma.

"Hey boss. Excited for the show tonight?"

"Contortionists freak me out a bit, I won't lie," Alma laughed. She gestured at Dani. "Naomi, this is Daniella. Dani, this is Naomi."

"Please to meet you." Naomi smiled kindly at Dani as they shook hands. "I didn't realise we had a new starter tonight."

"It was all very last minute," Alma smirked, and Dani grinned knowingly. "Naomi, I'd like you to show Dani the ropes. Let her shadow you for a bit, then if she seems eager give her a table or two to serve in your section. Are you up for it?"

"Let's do it," Naomi nodded.

"Great!" Alma squeezed Dani's bare shoulder supportively. "You're in great hands with Naomi, Dani. Just do what she says and you'll be fine. I'll be coming and going, so it's best you're with her for the evening."

Dani nodded and smiled. "Works for me!"

As Alma turned and began to walk away, back towards the double doors, Dani had a thought. She walked fast to catch back up with her.

"Alma!"

"Hmm?"

"I, uh..." Dani shifted uncomfortably. "I was wondering... these badges, for the... the games..."

"What about them?" Alma asked, a curious glint in her eye.

"I... I don't want to make any risky decisions tonight, you know? I know I should be able to control myself but I, uh..." Dani trailed off and gulped, then tried a different tack. "Look, where do you get them from? Can you tell... whoever gives them out not to give me one? Even if I ask, no matter how many times I ask?"

Alma couldn't help but laugh at this request. "You're a grown woman Dani. Surely you can keep yourself under control?"

Dani could feel herself getting hot under her non-existent collar. Alma had a very good point. But then she smiled sympathetically. "They're kept behind the bar. I'll tell the staff that you're new and not to be given one, under any circumstances. Happy?"

"Yes, thank you!" Dani smiled with relief.

"You're welcome. Good luck, and I'll see you in a little bit." Dani watched as Alma sauntered over to the bar staff -- she approached a guy who seemed to be in his early 20s. At 6'2', he was handsome with blond hair -- long and styled on top and cropped on the sides -- twinkling blue eyes and a strong, pronounced jaw. He was in great shape, packing an impressive muscular physique that Dani could clearly make out under his tight-fitting black t-shirt. As Alma spoke to him, she looked over and pointed at Dani -- the barman grinned charmingly at the latter, making her go bright red.

She hurriedly re-joined Naomi, who was returning to the opposite end of the bar with an empty tray. "Ready to go Dani?"

"Ready, willing, and able," Dani nodded.

"Let's go then. You done hospo before?"

"Yep."

"Then pick up this tray and follow me."

For the next hour or so, Dani shadowed Naomi as she served her section, composed of three of the booths closest to the stage on the left side of the room. It started off fairly routine and similar to the hospitality gigs Dani had done before but, as it got later, the lights darker, and the music louder, the guests got drunker and things got rowdier. In particular, there was one table of eight Italian men that were passionate in their hot-blooded desire to make as much noise as possible. Naomi conversed with them in fluent Italian and, although Dani didn't know what they were saying, she could tell from the body language of both parties that there was some serious flirting going on.

"They're calling me their 'African goddess'," Naomi smirked, as the two of them returned to the bar. "They're going to tip incredibly well, I can tell."

As Dani removed the empty glasses from a tray, she felt a shadow fall across her and a deep voice spoke. "Hot enough for you?"

She looked up in surprise to see the barman that Alma had been speaking to, grinning at her as he cleaned a wine glass. Dani blushed as she smiled back at him. "I'm sorry?"

"This place, tonight. Is it hot enough for you?"

"It's a little stuffy, yeah!"

"You'll get used to it." The barman smiled. "My name's Jake."

"I'm Dani."

"Very pleased to meet you Dani," Jake said, shaking her hand with a strong yet gentle grip that made her want to melt. "Alma says it's your first night?"

"It is," Dani confirmed.

"You picked a hell of a night to start."

"Yeah, it's pretty crazy. I'm enjoying it though!"

"That's good. It's a fantastic gig, once you're used to it. Alma seems to like you."

"Alma... didn't say anything else, did she?" Dani asked, slightly worried about her blue badge request.

Jake shook his head slowly. "Nope. Why? Is there something I should know about you?" he asked in a teasing manner.

Dani grinned and shook her head. "I'm squeaky clean."

"I doubt that!" Jake laughed, making Dani's mouth drop open in mock indignation. "Alma only said to keep an eye on you. Which..." With a cheeky glint in his eye, Jake looked Dani up and down and a sly grin appeared on his face. "...I am very, very happy to do."

Dani felt a tingling in her lower belly at Jake's boldness and giggled. "I'll make sure you have plenty to look at then," she smirked coquettishly as she turned away.

"Make sure you do."

Grinning to herself, Dani returned to Naomi, who was stood at the edge of her section.

"You seem to have acquainted yourself pretty well with this. Wanna take on a table in a little bit?"

"You're not gonna give me the Italian guys, are you?" Dani asked nervously.

"Oh no, definitely not," Naomi laughed, "only I can understand them. Besides, I'm pretty sure they're Mafiosos. Absolutely not what you should be dealing with on your trial shift. Let me know which of the other two tables you wanna serve when you're ready."

Dani scrutinised the other tables Naomi was serving. The one closest to the stage had caught her eye in particular; it was a mixed party of wealthy and attractive businesspeople who seemed pretty laid back and good-humoured. As Dani watched them, one of the table's occupants stood up. He was classically tall, dark, and handsome, dressed in a matching black shirt, black jeans, and black brogues. He was 6'1', with a lean oval face and serious green eyes. His dark hair was styled in a taper fade, and his skin was a deep olive shade.

As he stood his eyes met Dani's -- he smiled softly, fixing an intense gaze on her, and Dani immediately felt arousal flood her in a rush. Her heart beat faster, butterflies resumed their frantic swirling in her stomach, and she felt a telling wetness between her legs. He was hot as hell.

"Them," she breathed, gesturing at the businessman's table as he strode purposefully towards one of the doors leading off to the side.

"Good choice," Naomi remarked. "You can take it over later. Until then, give me a hand at the bar." With considerable reluctance, Dani forced herself to tear her gaze away from the businessman as she followed Naomi.

Dani was also noticing more and more waitresses wearing different coloured badges. There were at least five: red, green, yellow, white and, of course, the infamous blue badge, which she saw two waitresses wearing as they seductively sauntered from table to table, big grins on their faces. As Dani headed back towards the bar, she pulled Naomi over at the earliest opportunity and pointed out the badges.

"I know they indicate you're willing to play a game," Dani said, "but what do the colours mean?"

"Red is BDSM," Naomi said, "so you're willing to go up and basically let the crazy bastards do whatever they want to you, short of permanent scarring or disfigurement. Whips, chains, you name it."