I sigh, “It doesn’t even matter, I’m going to have to tell him sooner than later. But I gotta go,Big Daddydoesn’t like it when we’re late.”
Her expression is priceless, brows knitting together. “Big Daddy?”
“Don’t ask,” I say, rolling my eyes.
She frowns. “Just text me your set time, bitch.”
“I will—soon as I get to the locker room.”
? ? ?
By the time I step into the club, the bass is already thumping, low lights washing the room in neon colors. I cutto the back, slipping through the locker-room door, breathing in perfume, hairspray, and the faint smell of pussy.
I’m convinced no amount of perfume is ever going to cover that smell.
Lexi and Mariah sit at the mirrors—lashes in one hand, gloss in the other. A few girls I don’t know too well yet are half-dressed, sliding into glittery two-pieces and thigh-highs. One day, I’ll work up the nerve to ask about Star and Light. But not today. I don’t have the space for anything else weighing on my mind.
“Look who’s back,” Mariah says, grinning as I drop my bag on the bench. “Ready to make some real money tonight, Lolli?”
Lexi leans closer to the mirror, pressing a rhinestone to the corner of her eye. “Don’t listen to this hoe, she was nervous as hell her first night.”
“Yeah,” I say, smiling as I change into my new black see-through lingerie—the fabric so thin you can see my nipples clear as day. “I’m ready.” I unzip my bag, pulling out my robe.
The bass rolls through my chest as I step onto the stage, lights sweeping over my entire body. The crowd is packed, almost every seat is taken—nothing compared to the other night. The announcer’s voice dissolves into the music.
My nerves spike, then settle when I catch sight of Arina in the front row, smiling wide with a drink in her hand, her blue eyes glued on me. The empty seats beside her feel like a small mercy. I told her I didn’t care if she brought King, but being up here makes me rethink that fast. I’m surprised men aren’t flocking to her table, she’s so magnetic it’s insane.
My shoulders drop instantly as I let the music guide me. I catch the pole and circle it with slow, swaying my hips to the beat. My robe slips off my shoulders, revealing my glittery white lingerie beneath. Whistles pop, cheers get louder, andbills flutter. With every move, the room narrows to heat and rhythm—until I see a familiar head of loose curls.
Cairo.
My knees almost give out, but I keep moving.
He’s in a corner booth with two men I don’t recognize. Then I quickly remember I only know about Saint and King. His eyes watch me like an angry parent.
Unlike him, his friends are loud, peeling thick stacks and swaggering to the edge of the stage to rain bills that fan around my feet.
But Cairo doesn’t move. He just stares like he’s holding himself back from killing every man in here for staring at me.
I swallow hard and turn to the mirror behind me, using my reflection as armor. This is my life. I won’t stop just becausehedoesn’t like what he sees. It’s like I’m marked for controlling people.
I dance until the song hits its last beat, and the crowd shifts toward the next announcement. I drop down, sweeping the bills into my hand while my other hooks my robe closed. As I step off the stage, I avoid eye contact with Arina, knowing she’s completely unaware of the storm that’s brewing in the corner.
The locker room’s nearly empty when I stumble in—just one girl leaning into the mirror, dragging on another layer of lip gloss like her life depends on it. My hands tremble as I drop my bag of cash on the bench.
Why did he have to come here tonight, of all nights?
I knew there was a chance he’d see me here, but I thought I’d have a little more time—to prepare. Hell, to figure out how to even tell him without completely ruining whatever this is we have.
The door swings open and slams shut just as quickly, snapping me out of my head. I turn just in time to see Cairo storming in, chest heaving like he sprinted straight from hisseat. His eyes pour into me like I’ve done something unforgivable—like I’ve betrayed him in a way he can’t even name.
And God help me, I forgot how much more beautiful he is when he’s upset. Even with the heels, he still towers over me, a gray silk button-up clinging to his chest, tattoos wrapping his arm like art meant to be feared more than stared at. And suddenly I’m not here—I’m back in the shower, steam curling around us with his massive dick stretching me so easily.
I shouldn’t still be thinking about that right now. But I am.
“What the fuck Jainey? You’re really working here?” He bites out. “Why didn’t you tell me? Baby girl if you needed a job thatbad, I could’ve helped you. You didn’t have to belittle yourself with this shit.” His tone going stern.
“I didn’t know I needed your permission,” I snap. “I’m grown and can work wherever I want. Who said Ihadto tell you anything Cairo? You sure do have a lot to say for someone who isn’t my man.”
