My heart rate spikes at the excitement. I didn’t think he cared to talk to me even though Nick gave him the go ahead to do so. I send him one back
11:54 a.m. - Hey, stranger! I’m busy today. Raincheck?
That sounds so stupid.
11:55 a.m. - Ethan said you would be at Sapphire this afternoon, mind if I stop by? I’d love to see you again.
Shit. Do I want him to meet me there? I have no idea what I’m doing and not sure if I’m ready for an audience. I’m going to have to start work sooner rather than later. I suppose I’m going to have to get used to men watching me dance eventually. I take a deep breath and send him a text back.
11:57 a.m. - Sure, sounds great! I’ll see you there : )
Chapter 28
Maya
I know I told Nick I wasn’t some Cinderella, but if my current state of affairs isn’t rags to riches, I’ll be dammed. I’m way out of my league in this swanky club.
Sapphire looks a lot different during the day without partygoers and flashing lights. I was too nervous to appreciate the beauty of it my first time here. Swarovski crystal chandeliers adorned with real sapphires dangle from the custom-lighted, coffered-mirror ceilings.
The bar is to the right with a tank of live smooth-hound sharks swimming in an aquarium behind it. The separate private area for Vade and his guests is to the left. I didn’t notice the curtains next the booth the other night—now open to the strip club in the back.
A huge dance floor is in the middle between the bar and the lounge. Behind it are heavy black drapes where the exotic dancers are. Where I am going to have to go. I gulp, my heart rising to my throat.
It’s empty this time of day, but still. I’ve always preferred to be invisible rather than the center of attention.
Sasha leads me to the back. In the center of the room is a pole with wraparound seating. “You’re going to have to learn some basic moves first, so we will start with a chair.” She brings a high-backed chair to where I’m standing.
“I have no idea how to dance and I’m not very good with walking in high heels either.”
She gapes at me like I have three heads. “Well. You’ve got a lot to learn, Erin.” She looks down at her nails. “Ugh, Ineed a fill already. I’ll have to ask Nick if I can be a little late for tomorrow’s lesson so I can get them done. Maybe he will forgive me if I get his favorite shade of blue.”
“Emily. My name is Emily.” I know she did that shit to get under my skin. She knows my name, and I’m sure Nick doesn’t give a flying fuck what color her nails are so it shouldn’t piss me off as much as it does.
“Whatever. Go get a pair of your new heels from the car.” She shoos me away like a fucking dog.
I check my phone on the way to the car and smile when I see another text form Marcus.
1:04 p.m. - Hey beautiful, I’m running a little late. I should make it Sapphire around 3:30. Text me if you leave before then. : )
1:04 p.m. - They open at 5, so we have to be out by 4:30. Looking forward to seeing you.
Two and a half hours later, my feet and legs are so sore I can barely walk. I have strutted, spun, twisted, and turned every which way but the right way. If anyone ever looks at one of these kinds of dancers again and says they’re getting off easy, I might have to punch them in the throat.
I have self-defense training tonight and a long ways to go before I’m ready to step in a club and perform. I wish I had another month to train for this.
“We’ve got to practice lap dances, but I think you’ve had enough for now. I’m going to text Nick and update him.” She whips out her phone and walks away from me.
She just can’t help herself. I’ve avoided the subject of him as best as I could and she keeps bringing him up.
“I volunteer to be her practice dummy!” Marcus struts into the room wearing a sleeveless white tank top that shows off his tanned muscles and red gym shorts.
He looks edible and he’s right on time. My intrusive thoughts keep saying to give Sasha a high five. In the face. With a chair.
“Oh great!” Sasha’s face perks up and she saunters over to him. “I’ll give the first demonstration, then Ashley can practice if we have enough time.”
“It’s Emily,” I snap at her. That chair looks mighty tempting.
“I want the honor of being her first dance, so we better let her do it, so we don’t run out of time. I’m sure you can give verbal cues.” He pulls out a wad of cash. “I’m ready whenever you are, princess.” He grins at me.
