Oneword: Backlit.

It was not what he expected. The crowds filtering through the narrow streets. The cigarette butts lining the creases of cobblestones. The lights shining off of the still water. In the night, the city took a different feel. A turn for the exotic, the taboo. But it was all so normal in the thick of things. Like if you just simply told people it was okay, then it would magically be.

He watched a small motorboat float on by. The passengers laughing and drinking as if they had no idea what was happening around them.  

He threw is filter into the glowing red water. 

The windows were filled from top to bottom. The first two rows had doors you could climb into if you wanted. He watched every silhouette as he walked by, backlit by hot red lights, tinting their complexions the colour of cinnamon hearts. The girls were sitting, dancing, knocking on the windows, coaxing him to come in.  Makeup, costumes, lingerie, some were already empty. 

He cleared his throat and stared straight ahead deciding to take a turn down the narrow street. It was claustrophobic with bodies and on each side windows lined the path. The girls were so close which was foreign to him. Back home there was an air of foreboding around these types of girls. Look but never touch. Here, though, it was welcomed, encouraged. They wanted your money.

"Hey love, why don't you come on in?" She had caught him staring. Maybe it was the small frame, or the intense eyes, or the black lace. She smiled seductively with her red lips, half outside of her room.

It seemed weird for her to step on the cobblestone. The windows created an alternate universe. Once she broke through the glass barrier she became exotic, fantastical.

She held her hand out, coaxing him to take it. He could just see her nipple through her lace bra.

"Let's go," she said one last time. He let her grab his wrist and pull him inside.