The stage lights are blinding, casting a haze of neon colors across the dance floor. My heart races as I enter the spotlight, the sequined costume clinging to every curve. I take a deep breath and start moving to the pulsating beat of the music.Rude Boyby Rihanna comes on and the crowd on the dance floor whoops in delight.
"Come on, Chloe," I whisper to myself. "You can do this."
My body responds to the rhythm. I grip the pole and twist my body around it. I spin, leap, and twist, bucking my hips in time to the music.
"Beautiful!" Alia calls out from backstage, her voice rising above the thumping bass.
Her encouragement warms me, but it's not enough to drown out the nagging thoughts in my head. Is Dylan going to be okay? And Mom...oh, God, if she ever knew…
Most of the dancers are ignoring the stage, but my attention is caught by a man whose eyes are fixed on me, unwavering. He’s sitting in one of the VIP sections and I can’t see his face properly as I writhe around, but I’m conscious of his attention.
The next song is slower and I adjust my rhythm to a slower, more sensuous style. Despite my reservations, the beat and the pull of my body moving around the pole is energizing me.
A hand closes around my ankle and I stop, looking down. An intimidatingly tall, muscular, bearded figure stands by the stage. Angry, coal-black eyes stare up at me. Eyes that I recognize instantly.
“Zeus?” I’m so surprised I nearly slide down the pole into a puddle on the floor. His shirt sleeves are rolled up, his arms heavily tattooed. There’s a scar bisecting one eyebrow and he’s not smiling.
“Chloe. Tell me what you think you’re doing?” His eyes are blazing.
My heart starts beating faster than the music. “I’m dancing. What are you doing here?”
He stares at me. “Get off that stage right now, or I’ll climb up there and carry you off myself. Let’s be clear about one thing…”
I freeze, our eyes locked.
“From now on, you dance only for me.”
ChapterTwo
ZEUS
My jaw is clenched tight and I don’t - won’t - let go of Chloe’s ankle. Her luscious curvy body is barely covered by those obscene scraps of glittery fabric. HowdareMitchell use her like this, like bait on a hook for the sharks circling in this shitty club. And what’s worse is she’s oblivious to how much danger she’s in.
Chloe’s body is completely still and she hasn’t moved an inch. Before she can protest, I reach up to grab her wrist and haul her off the platform, scooping my hand under her knees and then placing her down in front of me.
"Chloe, explain to me why you’re here? What the f…why are you in this place? " I growl, steering her toward the bar before she has time to object. Her hips sway in front of me, sending all the blood from my head straight to my cock. Not being around her for so long hasn’t dulled how she affects me. If anything, it’s intensified.
"I need the money," she says, her voice soft. I can’t tell if she’s mad or scared. Maybe both.
I shake my head and run a hand through my hair. Why the fuck hadn’t Dylan said anything to me? I haven’t spoken to him in years, for the one very good reason that’s standing in front of me right now, but I thought if he was in trouble he’d call me.
The bartender slides two drinks our way. My gaze flickers around the room. Most people here know who I am and no one is brave enough to meet my eyes. Apart from Chloe, of course.
Chloe follows the direction of my glance around the room and her eyes narrow. "Why is everyone making space for us? And how did we get free drinks?"
I ignore her questions, too angry to answer. "You're done here. Grab your things."
She bristles. "Excuse me? I haven’t seen you in ten years and you’re bossing me around? I don’t think so."
"You heard me. I'm not leaving you in this place a second longer. I’m more than capable of picking you up again, throwing you over my shoulder, and carrying you straight out those doors."
Chloe sets her jaw, ready to argue. She opens her mouth just as Mitchell appears over her shoulder. His beady eyes gleam when he sees Chloe. "Thirsty already?"
My fist itches to do some damage to his smug, carefully shaved face. I hold myself still, looking down at him. "She's done working for you."
"Not until the end of the week," Mitchell is gleeful. "Her brother owes me money, and the girl's mine until then. Or longer, if he can’t pay up."
"Name your price. I'm taking her out of here tonight."
