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“Maybe.” He leans close to his mirror to reapply his gloss. “Wish me luck.”

“Good luck.”

I get up and prepare to go work the crowd, knowing there’s only one person out there I want to see, but I gotta get that bag.

Out front, I wink at Whisper but keep my distance, moving between tables. One of the customers gets a little handsy and smacks my ass as I walk by him. I swing around and lean in, getting close to his face.

“You know the rules, sugar. No touching.”

He grins, revealing yellowing teeth. “Sorry. You’re just so pretty.”

“Thank you, but keep your hands to yourself.”

I move on to a table of younger guys. One of them is wearing a birthday banner so I stop to give him some attention. The birthday boy is attractive, with a strong jawline, soulful eyes, and a mop of thick hair. In some ways, he reminds me of a younger version of Whisper.

“Are you having fun tonight?”

He nods, staring at me with glazed eyes. “You were awesome.”

“Thank you. Is tonight a milestone?”

“A what?”

One of his friends laughs. “A major birthday. Yes, he’s turning twenty-five.”

“Well, happy birthday.”

He stares at me, then licks his lips. “What can I get for my birthday?”

“I think we do free shots.”

“I meant from you.”

“Oh, I’m just here to look pretty.”

“Lap dance?” he asks.

I shake my head. “Not a strip club, darling.”

“I could pay you.”

“Still not a strip club.”

“You want to come over to our place after?” a friend at the table asks. “We’re having a little party.”

“Tempting, but I can’t. I have plans after.”

The birthday boy suddenly grabs my wrist, squeezing a little harder than I’d like. “Please? I even got you a drink.” He pushes it toward me and it sloshes a little onto the table.

“Let go of me.” I say it sweetly, with a smile, before I escalate.

He does, pulling his hand back. “Sorry. I came here tonight to see you. You’re my favorite.”

“That’s so sweet, and I appreciate it.”

“But you’re not coming over?”

“I don’t mix business with pleasure.” That was true until I met Whisper. “Besides, you don’t want to ruin the fantasy. That’s why this works.”