“After what? After you got off?” She shoves the money away like it burned her. “I have a job to do, Alessio. I’m not your kept woman.”
The fire in her voice should irritate me. Instead, it makes me want to kiss her again.
“I’m going to work,” she says, pulling on her bra. “Keep your money.”
I want to tell her it isn’t about money, it’s about the way I can’t stand the thought of her walking back out that door and selling pieces of herself to strangers. But the words jam in my throat, sounding too much like a confession.
I watch her storm out, and I slump back in my chair with a harsh exhale. I’ve always prided myself on being logical. Controlled. But around Nina, I’m neither of those things.
The possessiveness I feel for her should be a warning sign. I remind myself where that road ends. My father couldn’t stomach the weight of this life, so he walked. Left my mother sobbing for weeks while I learned the truth at seven years old: love is weakness. People always leave when it gets too hard.
His sudden exit taught me that romantic relationships are fragile. They simply aren’t worth the trouble.
When it comes to Nina, I just have to remember that it’s better toneverget attached.
But that doesn’t mean I’ll let anyone else touch her.
Logic can go fuck itself.
17
NINA
The gossip hitsme the moment I walk into the dressing room the following day.
“Boss hasn’t missed a night in over a week,” Cherry says, adjusting her sequined top in the mirror. “Usually he only shows twice, tops.”
I keep my expression neutral while applying lipstick, but my pulse quickens. Katie catches my eye in the mirror and smirks.
“Maybe he’s got a reason to stick around,” she says with a knowing look.
I focus on getting my lip liner perfect. The last thing I need is strip club gossip about me and Alessio, especially when I can’t even figure out what’s happening between us myself. One minute he’s spreading me across his desk, the next he’s back to treating me like I’m invisible.
Men.
Even the ones who make your toes curl can drive you absolutely insane.
“You’re up next,” Starla announces, poking her head in the door.
Katie leans closer to me. “You know, he doesn’t usually sleep with the dancers.”
My hand freezes halfway to the mascara tube. “What makes you think?—”
“Honey, these walls are thin and you have a very distinctive voice.” She grins. “Which is interesting, considering he doesn’t usually mix business with pleasure. You must be special.”
Heat creeps up my neck. So much for keeping things quiet.
“It’s not what you think,” I mutter.
“You have a terrible poker face.” Katie applies another coat of lip gloss, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “It’s complicated, right?”
“Something like that.”
She grins. “Well, lucky for you, he’s not here tonight. Gives you some space to figure out what you want.”
The music from the main floor fades, signaling my cue. One last look in the mirror. I’m wearing Keshia’s red dress with black lace beneath, and while the outfit is perfect, I’m still working on feeling as confident as I look. The dress is tighter and shorter on me than it is on her, but it makes me feel powerful. Like I’m in control of something, even if it’s just how men look at me.
I stride onto the stage as Britney’s “Toxic” starts pumping through the speakers. The song suits me tonight. It’s dangerous and seductive, carrying the same electric edge I feel whenever Alessio’s near. Even when he’s not here, like tonight. Even when I wish he was.
