And whatever that nebulous thing is scares me.
I slam back a shot of the fruity concoction the bar sent back here tonight then exhale slowly. I need to get myself into game mode, block out the shit night I had and the intense man waiting for me out there, and dance my ass off.
I’m returning to an old crowd favorite—my specific blend of burlesque and ballet set to beat-heavy R&B music. I enjoy the way I can lose myself in the routine, letting the music move through me and carry my body to its rhythm. I need the distraction tonight. A few hours to forget potential stalkers, my complicated history, and Specter.
I peel out of my robe, hang it on the hook near my dressing station, then sit at my vanity to touch up my makeup. I’ll spend a few minutes fussing over my face while I wait to be announced.
“Girl.” Rudy rushes over to me with a huge smile on his face. “Did you see your man?”
“No, because I don’t have a man.”
He playfully shoves my shoulder. “Okay, did you see your fanboy sitting at his preferred table?”
“Yes. Why is this exciting to you? He’s almost always here.”
“But did youseehim?”
I huff with frustration and twist in my seat. “What am I missing, Rudy?”
His smile grows as his eyes flicker with mischief. “You didn’t.” He makes a motion like he’s zipping his lips. “You’ll see.”
“Am I gonna be pissed?”
“You shouldn’t be.” He bounces on his toes. “But I can’t wait to find out.”
Well, shit. What is Specter up to?
“Cashmere,” Allen, our backstage tech, calls my name. “On in five.”
Returning my gaze to the mirror, I practice my stage expression, instantly erasing all hints of stress, frustration, and worry, and replacing them with what rakes in the money: seduction.
Minutes later, I’m standing behind the curtain, chewing gum and waiting for the music to start. I’ve chosen The Weeknd’s “Earned It” because the beat drives me wild. The curtains part and I slink out onto the stage, ignoring everything and everyone, especially Specter.
As I move through my act, playing it up for all these hungry men, my mind is blissfully blank. I’m absorbed in the sensuality of the music and connected to my body’s every movement. When all else fails, I can always count on dance to pull me through.
The end of the set approaches, which means it’s time for me to slide down into the splits, flip over and twerk my ass at the audience, then flip again and crawl to the edge of the stage. I do it, finally allowing my gaze to settle on Specter.
His awed expression sends a ripple of satisfaction through me. Not that I don’t always get admiring looks like that, but there’s something in his eyes that makes it feel new again. Different.
Now I know why Rudy was so excited. On Specter’s lap are at least a dozen long-stem roses tied with a huge, fuzzy bow. He brought me fucking roses.
I make it to the edge of the stage, writhing around on my back and running my hands over my almost nude body. The only things left in place are two tassels on my chest and my sequined purple G-string.
Specter’s lips part as he leans forward, his eyes surprisingly locked on my face and nothing else. I arch my back, tilting my head to watch him upside down, and as I drag my hand over my throat to my chest, he moans loudly enough that I can hear him.
“Fuuuck,” he murmurs, his brow creased.
The song ends and the lights dim around me. For a moment the crowd is silent, but then one of them whoops, and suddenly they’re all clapping, whistling, and shouting for me, tossing money at the stage. I get on my knees to wave at them all, offering the slightest of smiles, but Specter doesn’t move.
He doesn’t clap.
He doesn’t do anything but stare at me like a hungry lion watching his intended prey.
His intensity should bother me, but it definitely doesn’t. I get the sense his attention is given rarely, but I’ve got all of it. Every drop.
I get to my feet, blowing kisses and basking in the glow of their adulation. I knew this set would be a hit—it always is, and that’s why I don’t perform it often. It keeps the regulars excited and always coming back for more.
I turn around to take my leave. In the back, I blow out a breath as I put my robe on, mentally collecting myself before I go interact with Specter again.
