"I had a request for a lap dance once I got off the stage and she took it instead. This is the third time this week and Candy said she's done it to her, too."
God dammit. I did not need this shit. "I'll deal with her."
I stalked into the dressing room and made a beeline for where Chablis sat touching up her makeup. "Chablis. My office. Now."
"Can't it wait? I'm getting ready to go on stage."
I arched a brow then grinned. "No, it can't wait. Midori and Candy will go on in your place."
"What? Like hell they will!"
"Think very carefully before you say another word. You have two choices. Shut the fuck up and get in my office, or get out."
If looks could kill I'd be dead twice over. I watched as she debated if I was serious before she deflated a little. "Fine. Let's go to your office."
"Smart girl." I turned to where Midori stood watching us. "Midori. Grab Candy, you two are taking Chablis' spot in five."
I waited until Midori nodded then motioned Chablis to go ahead of me. I didn't trust the bitch—no way in hell was I letting her walk behind me.
"What the hell, Carly? Giving my spot to fresh meat? What was so damned important?"
"Sit." I moved behind my desk and waited until she did as she was told before I responded. "I hear you've been pinching requests from some of the other girls. Three separate times this week you've taken lap dances that were supposed to go to Midori. You've done it at least once to Candy, as well."
Chablis rolled her eyes and I felt mine narrow at her.
"It's not my fault the men changed their minds when they saw me."
I had to resist the urge to smack her. "Honey, don't flatter yourself. They're horny, they're drunk, and they're men. They'll take whatever is offered to them as long as they can pretend they're fucking you. Even if you're not that hot."
"You bitch!"
"You say that like it's going to hurt my feelings.” I smirked at her. “That’s Queen Bitch to you,puta.This is your one and only warning. You pull another stunt like that and you'll be standing in the unemployment line. Or on a street corner."
I watched as anger filled her eyes. Her skin flushed, her nostrils flared as she breathed rapidly through her nose, and I waited for her to snap.
"Warning duly noted. Can I get back to work now?"
Damn. I was so hoping she'd give me reason to fire her. "Yeah. Just keep what we've discussed in mind."
I waited until she stomped out of the office and the door was closed behind her before I collapsed back in my chair.
I spent the next hour going over paperwork Camille hadn't gotten to. Being a manager had it's pros and cons. The paperwork was a definite con.
As soon as I reached the main floor of the club my eyes sought out Gio. He stood against the rail surrounding the VIP level and my gaze drank in the vision he presented. Black pants that accentuated his toned thighs and tight ass, dove gray t-shirt that clung to his abs and strained across his chest, shoulders, and biceps, and, surprisingly, a pair of dark loafers on his feet, sans the socks.
Just looking at him made my mouth water and my girlie parts wet. Not good. Not good at all.
Instead of heading to the VIP section, which is what I really wanted to do, I made my way to the bar. "Hey, Tony. How's it going so far?"
"Heya, Boss Lady. So far, so good. We had to toss a couple assholes out when they tried to get a little too grabby with one of the girls. Seems not everyone has heard the club is under new ownership and that shit won't fly anymore."
"It's a strip club, Tony. We can pretty it up by calling the girls 'exotic dancers', but the truth of the matter is, they're strippers. There will always be assholes who think strippers are glorified hookers and free game for anyone."
"Sad but true. What can I get you from the bar?"
"I need something strong tonight. Why don't you surprise me."
Several minutes later, a drink was set in front of me. I arched a brow and took a sip. "Damn, that's good. What is it?"
