“He’s different,” Darcy gushes. “First of all, he’s young. And second, what a face. You’re stronger than me.”
“It’s not about strength. It’s self-preservation.” Carding my fingers through my hair while I wait, I glance at the full tables around the club, at the hungry, groping men who can’t get enough of this place.
But on the other side of these walls is beauty. So much of it that it overwhelms me at times. There’s classical music and birds chirping even in the midst of urban decay. There’s theater, ballet, and stunning museums and libraries filled with tangible proof of humanity’s perseverance and ability to create art, in spite of everything. Inside these walls, I’m the art, the beauty, the tangible desire, but out there, I’m a part of the whole universe.
“I’d climb all over that if he looked at me the way he looks at you,” Darcy says.
“You’re more than welcome to.”
“Like I said, if he looked at anyone the way he looks at you. That man is obsessed.”
The word pricks unpleasantly at my psyche. Yes, Specter is a stunning man, and yes, I’m more than aware of his intense attention on me, and that’s what makes me uneasy. I’ve had my share of overzealous patrons in the past, and I’ve learned that the best way to deal with it is to keep my distance. I’ll let him buy me drinks and smell my perfume, but that’s it. Do I need to get laid? Like a bee needs pollen, but my choices lately have left me uninspired. If I had met Specter in any other setting, I would have gladly taken up space in his bed for a night or two, but not now. He knows how to find me, and that won’t work.
Toni slides another house cocktail in front of me, but waves me away when I try to pay. “It’s on me tonight, Cas. I haven’t bought you one in weeks.”
“Thanks, Toni.” I wink at the pretty, androgynous beauty. Toni’s genderless style is effervescent, like sunshine breaking through on a cloudy day. We never know what color hair she’ll have or if she’ll be channeling old Hollywood or nineties grunge, but whatever she does, she nails it.
I turn my attention back to the club, knowing the boss expects me to talk to at least a few customers, but all of them look so blah tonight. Only Specter was worth a visit, and he’s gone.
While I stir my drink with a slender straw, I see a man sitting alone in a far corner, his eyes trained on me until he notices I’m looking back. He pulls his gaze away quickly, focusing on his glass of beer. I’ve seen him before, and there’s something off about him—a vibe that crawls under my skin, setting off alarm bells to stay far away from that one.
“He asked me your name.”
I turn to my left to see Rudy, my sort-of friend. I keepcoworkers at a distance too, but we talk more than most of us, and I like him.
“What do you mean?”
“Your real name,” Rudy says, his face unusually serious. “I told him Cashmere is the only name he needs to know.”
“Did he buy you a drink?”
Rudy shakes his head. “I went over there to cheer him up, you know, ’cause he’s alone, but he didn’t want to talk about anything but you. I already told Gus and Eric at the door. They’ll keep an eye on him.”
“Thanks.” I exhale slowly. “I’m so tired of creeps. Why can’t they just come in, enjoy the show, and leave?”
“Who knows.” Rudy shrugs his slender shoulders.
I’ve always admired his features. He’s so pretty, with his long lashes and hazel eyes, his tan skin, and perfect features. From a distance, he looks like a doll, but when you get close you can see that his nose has been broken at least once, his jaw could cut glass, and his prominent Adam’s apple bobbles when he laughs, which he does often. He’ll also cut a bitch who fucks with him. I love that about him.
“You’ll be safe,” he says, rubbing my arm.
“I’m not worried. It’s not like I don’t deal with this constantly.”
“They can’t handle your beauty.” Rudy smiles. “When’s your next night off?”
“The usual. Sunday and Monday. Why?”
“Some of us were planning to go check out that new club over on the west side. Supposed to be like ours, but also actual stripping too.”
“Oh yeah, I’ve heard talk about it. Maybe. Text me.”
“I will.” He leans closer. “Look. He’s leaving.”
We watch as the lone man stands and drops some bills on the table. He turns towards us, his gaze zeroing in on me, and as an uneasy shiver moves down my spine, I straighten my shoulders. I won’t show any weakness. He nods at me in acknowledgmentbefore thankfully walking straight towards the exit. Once he’s gone, I relax, dropping my shoulders.
“At least I don’t have to deal with that now.”
“But make sure you get walked to your car. Just in case.”
