I broke the kiss and pulled back, turning to face the stage.
The spotlight swept across the small platform, stopping on a woman in sparkly heels and a sequined jacket.
I glanced back to James. “That’s her.”
Chapter 10
The men seated around the stage whooped and hollered as the music started and Ruby began to dance, then provocatively slid her jacket over her shoulder.
“I presume she dances, then comes out and serves drinks after?” James asked, glancing at the stage before turning to me.
“Yeah.”
He gave a curt nod, then sat back in his seat and focused on the stage again.
Ruby—Dani’s stage name—was a talented performer. Then again, she’d been dancing for a decade, so she knew exactly which moves drew the most attention, and in turn, the most money. Sure, she was grateful for the cash the men stuffed into her G-string or the other few strips of fabric left on her body, but her real goal was to entice them into paying for lap dances and back-room meetings.
The now familiar burn of jealousy filled my chest. James’s full attention was on Ruby as she stripped off her layers, but I reminded myself he needed to look interested, or a private room request would seem suspicious.
I sipped my club soda, everything in me screaming for a drink. I took a deep breath, trying to release the tension in my shoulders. I didn’t need a drink. I only wanted one. Badly.
James reached over and took my hand, setting it on his lap. I gave him a questioning look. He leaned in close to my ear.
“I don’t know what you’re thinkin’ right now, but you’re the only woman I’m interested in seein’ strip. And I know you would probably kill for a drink, but you’ve got this.” He pulled back and studied my face. “Do both of those cover your thoughts?”
I lifted my chin. “I’m not jealous, Malcolm.”
His grin spread. “Good, because you’re all the woman I need.”
I scoffed, shaking my head, but he leaned over and kissed me again. This time I registered the taste of beer on his lips, making me crave it even more.
He pulled back slightly and cupped my face, his thumb tracing my jaw. “Whatever happens from here on out, just remember you’re the only one I want.”
I drew in a breath, my heart racing as I gave a small nod. He was smart to look interested. This was how we’d get Dani to talk.
Ruby’s set ended and she went backstage. Our waitress sidled up to James, asking if she could get him another beer.
“Yeah,” he said, “but what I really want is to get a private audience with Ruby. Do you know when she’ll be out?”
Our waitress scowled. “She’s gonna be a few more minutes.”
James pulled a bill from his wallet and stuffed it down her cleavage. “That’s for you if you tell her I’m willing to pay double the normal rate.”
The woman batted her eyelashes. “You lookin’ for a threesome? Because I can join you and Ruby. We both know how to have a good time.”
“My wife will be roundin’ out that threesome,” James said gruffly. “But you can get me that beer and close my tab. I’ll be payin’ Ruby in cash.”
The waitress pulled the money out of her bra, her eyes widening at what looked like a hundred-dollar bill. “I’ll get right on it.” She set her tray on the empty table next to us and hurried to the back.
“Someone’s a big spender,” I said in a dry tone.
He gave me a sardonic look. “Money talks, and Alex is outside waitin’ on us.”
He had a point. Plus, after Bobby’s reaction, I wasn’t sure what Dani would do when she saw me. Had she heard about my shooting? I wasn’t sure she even paid attention to the news. She’d never been too thrilled to see me in the past, but she’d trusted me. Would she trust me now?
James leaned in close again. “Fill me in on what you know about her. Why didn’t we come see her first?”
I should have filled him in while she was dancing. Before, I could have blamed it on being half drunk. Tonight, I had no excuse. “I met her about seven years ago, soon after she started dancing. She got busted for solicitation. I suspected she knew something about a case I was on, so I got her charges dropped in exchange for information. Every so often, I’d meet with her if I thought she might have some something, but she usually doesn’t know much.”
