Captivated: A Mafia Romance (Carfano Crime Family Book 6)

~ Chapter 26 ~

Cassie

I packed my sexiest lingerie I bought on a whim last year when there was a sale to wear on stage tonight. I never wore super sexy outfits to my pole classes, and I haven’t had time to go shopping or order anything online, but I know this is going to work just as well with how it’s constructed.

I tie the lace cat mask around my head and apply a deep red lipstick to finish off the look.

My eyes stare back at me in the mirror without any emotion despite feeling everything at once. Right now, though, I think defeated is winning out over the rest battling for time in the spotlight.

I had something great for a moment and I ruined it.

I knew I was going to ruin it, too, but I’m just doing what I’ve done since I was twelve. I’m taking care of my little brother and being the mother figure he was denied.

I take a deep breath and walk confidently to the stage entrance to wait for the emcee to announce my name. A very different practice than at Dark Horse. Pandemonium feels like a movie scene of a stereotypical strip club, whereas Dark Horse felt like a private, dark, sophisticated club you’d only know about through word of mouth.

“And now, welcome to the stage, our newest member of the Pandemonium club, PRETTY KITTY!” he yells, and I cringe on the inside. I didn’t come up with that stage name, but when the house mom saw me with the mask, she suggested it and I went with it. It’s what Nico called me when he saw me last week, and I thought I’d like having the reminder of him before I took the stage. Now, I don’t want the reminder.

With one more deep breath to settle my nerves, I slip into character and saunter out onto stage, blocking out the yells of expletives from the too eager men.

I chose the song “High” by Whethan and Dua Lipa because I did a whole routine to it for my pole dancing class’s showcase at the end of last year, so I know exactly when to hit the beats and with which moves.

I practiced so much for that performance, it’s second nature to me. So when the second chorus comes and the beat drops, I drop to my knees and untie the bow holding the black lace covering my boobs together. Underneath, I’m still wearing a black leather bra, but it’s only the framing of the cups, so my boobs are completely out.

There’s an audible cheer, and where I already had money at my feet, more is tossed, in higher denominations this time.

By the time the song is over, it looks like I have more money than I’ve made in my two nights here combined, splayed out at my feet.

I sashay off the stage, knowing the money will be picked up and delivered to me shortly.

Once I’m through the curtain, I grab the pieces of lace hanging down my back that are still attached to the bra and quickly retie it so I’m covered as my eyes water with the sudden onslaught of emotions I’m experiencing.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

I can do this.

I have to do this.

It’s no big deal. It’s no big deal. It’s no big deal.

Maybe if I repeat it enough to myself, then I’ll believe it.

“Cassie,” the manager says, startling me out of my meditation.

“Yes?”

“Great job out there.”

“Uh, thanks.”

“I got another offer for your time. I know you said no yesterday, but tonight’s offer is a lot higher.”

My gut is telling me to say no, but my brain is telling me to hear him out. “How much?”

“A grand to start.”

My eyes bug out. “What?”

“He wanted to make sure you said yes.”

“Umm…” I nibble on my bottom lip.

“He’s just paying for your time. Anything extra will be extra.”

“I’m not having sex with anyone,” I tell him straight up, so he knows I have boundaries.

“This isn’t a fucking brothel,” he says, as if that was offensive for me to insinuate when he’s the one telling me extras get me extra money. “We don’t pander sex here.”

I still want to say no, but I know I’m not going to do any extras. This might be the solution I need to get me out of here faster. “I guess I’ll do it.”

“Great. He’ll be in VIP room 3 when you’re ready. Don’t take too long.”

“I won’t.”

When I get back to the dressing room, the guy in charge of sweeping up the money hands me everything I earned.

“Thanks,” I mumble, not making eye contact.

“You’re welcome.”

I refresh my lipstick and straighten my mask that got slightly askew during my dance.

“You okay?” the girl next to me asks. “I’m Melanie, by the way. Or, Sweet Melody, to everyone out there.”

“Hi.” I’m able to muster a small smile. “I’m Cassie. And yeah, I think I’m okay. I’m supposed to go to VIP room 3 now, and I’m a little nervous.”

“Don’t be, honey. It’s where the real money is made. They have the money, but you’re in charge. Just smile and talk to them like they’re the most interesting guy in the world. Most of the time that’s all they want. With a little lap dance on the side.” She shrugs.

“Okay.” I nod. “Thanks.”

“Anytime.” Melanie smiles.

I have to walk through the club to get to the VIP area, and men try and stop me, but I just smile and keep walking.

The security guy standing in front of the hallway doesn’t even say anything to me. He simply removes the clip of the velvet rope to let me pass and reclips it when I do.

Shoulders back.

Confidence.

It’s all a game.

Men are easy.

Take his money and leave.

I repeat those five things in my head until I reach room three.

I don’t know if I’m supposed to knock or not, so I knock once to let him know I’m here and then open the door myself.

The man sitting on the purple velvet couch stands when I enter, with a smile spreading across his face. He’s actually not bad looking. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it wasn’t a good-looking guy who wanted to pay to spend some time with me.

“Pretty Kitty. I can see why they call you that.” His eyes run down my body and back up – lingering on my chest before meeting my eyes. “Please, have a seat.” He holds his arm out to the couch, and I step around him to sit on the far end of it.

“I can see you’re a shy kitty,” he teases, his tone like he’s talking to a pet rather than a person. “I like that.” He sits down next to me. “You weren’t shy on stage, though. In fact, I’ve never been so transfixed before. I knew I needed to talk to you.”

“That’s sweet, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He smirks. “Are you nervous? You seem nervous. We’re just talking, Kitty.”

I give him a small grin. “I am a little nervous. I’m new to this.”

“Your honesty is refreshing. And don’t worry, we’re just talking. At least, for now.” He reaches towards me to move my hair off my shoulder and I freeze, holding completely still, hoping he doesn’t touch me. “I love your hair. Is it natural?” His eyes dart down to my lap, and it takes everything in me to not flinch away from him and cross my legs.

This feels like cheating.

I’m not with Nico, and I don’t know if I ever was, but this feels like I’m betraying him.

I clear my throat. “It’s natural. So, what’s your name?” I ask, wanting to get off the subject of my hair and the inevitable, does the carpet match the drapes?

He grins. “Brian. But I’ve been called a few other things before.” He winks. “In fact” – he scoots closer to me – “while we’re in this room, I insist you call me something else.”

I swallow hard, my mouth dry as my body is on high-alert and functioning solely on adrenaline. “What do you want me to call you?” it comes out breathy, which he reads as me trying to be sexy about it when really, I’m just nervous, and he flashes me a predatory grin that sheds all his falsities at once.

He grabs his coat from the couch draped behind him and pulls out a stack of cash. He holds it up between us so I can get a good look, and then tosses it on the table in front of us. “Girls like you always have daddy issues, and that’s good for me,” he says, touching my hair again.

“Why is that?”

“Because I love spoiling brats like you.” He pulls my hair and I gasp, not expecting that. “So when I’m paying for your time, I want you to call me daddy. I want you to tell me how much you love my generosity. I want you to tell me all you’re going to do to earn my affection and money.”

What the fuck have I gotten myself into?

His eyes take on a different look. They shift away from friendly to something more sinister. His fa?ade completely falling.

“You denied me yesterday, and it seems all it took was more money for you to agree to see me. That tells me all I need to know about you, Pretty Kitty.”

“And that is?” I ask, my voice strained. I’m trying to remain calm so I can maneuver myself out of here without getting hurt. Or worse.

“That you’re expensive, and not for everyone.” He runs his finger down my arm to my hand that’s resting on my thigh, where he circles his finger around one of the holes of my fishnets.

“Did I say you could touch me?” I challenge, and he grins, his eyes dancing with mirth. It’s time to give him bitch kitty, and not good little kitty.

“Is that the game you want to play?”

“I’m not playing anything. I never said you could touch me.”

His eyes dance even more and he reaches into his coat, pulling out another small stack of cash. “How about now? That has to earn me a small touch. Or you can take something off and I won’t touch you. I like looking, too.” He winks, and my stomach rolls.

I don’t want to be here.

I’d rather grovel at Nico’s feet and beg him to let me borrow money than be here right now.

What the fuck am I doing?

Fuck my pride, and fuck my stubborn stupidity.

“You don’t have enough money to be able to touch me,” I tell him. “Or look at me.”

I go to stand, and he puts his hand on my thigh, digging his fingers into me to the point of pain.

“Ow, what are you doing?”

“You think you’re too good for me? You’re a stripper for fuck’s sake. You can’t be better than me. I pay, and you give me what I want. That’s how this works.”

“Get your hand off me,” I grit out, trying to shove him away from me. He doesn’t budge, and instead pins me down by wrapping his other hand around my bicep. “Get off me!” I say louder, but he just smiles.

“I like some fight in a woman. That’s what makes the chase all the more fun.” He tries to kiss me, so I turn my face away so all he gets is my cheek. “But not too much fight,” he adds.

He drags me away from the corner of the couch and goes to straddle me to pin me down where I know it’ll be harder to escape.

That’s when the reality of what’s about to happen hits me and I freeze for a split second before kicking it into high gear and fighting like hell any way I can.

He may have a hold of my leg and arm, but I’m still able to reach between his legs to grab his dick. I squeeze him as hard as I can and he yelps out a squeal that I find immensely satisfying.

But the next thing I know, the back of his hand is connecting with my cheek, and my fears turn to pure anger.

I’m angry I put myself in this situation. I knew coming in this room was a bad idea from the start.

I’m angry this piece of shit thinks he can touch me because he tossed some money on the table.

I’m angry I pushed Nico away again, when all I want to do is pull him closer.

I wish he was here.

I want to tell him how sorry I am and that I’ll do anything to gain his trust back and promise to never lie to him again.

I want to be able to face him again and still be only his. I don’t want this guy’s hands on me, in me, or anywhere near me.

I twist his dick, and when his grip on my thigh loosens, I knee him in the dick and claw at his face – raking my nails down his cheek and neck.

Brian lets out a scream and covers his face, which gives me the opportunity to push him away and get out from under him.

I make a beeline for the door and yank it open. These stupid heels are slowing me down, but it doesn’t matter because I hear the angry voice of an angel and run straight towards it.

I hit a wall of muscle and feel arms wrap around me that let me know I’m safe. “Help me. Please.” My voice is raw, and it comes out as a broken plea while tears stream down my face.

“I’ve got you, Cassandra,” Nico assures me, and I’m calm for only a moment before he holds me at arm’s length to look me over. I cower away from his gaze and wrap my arms around my middle. “What happened?”

“He…I didn’t want him to touch me.”

Nico doesn’t say a word. I can’t look him in the eyes because I don’t want to see the disappointment or regret in them.

I don’t know what he’s seeing right now, but I watch as his hands turn to fists and he storms past me and right into the room I just ran out of.