Mafia's Broken Omega (Mated in the Mafia #6)

2. Avery

2

AVERY

I left my apartment with the late-afternoon sun still warm on my skin. It was a little earlier than I usually went to work, but I had nothing else to do. Might as well get started on my pole early and bring in some extra cash. Every dollar I pulled out of my G-string was one step closer to early retirement from stripping. Then I’d finally have the freedom to do fun stuff. Stuff that didn’t involve alphas putting their grubby hands on me while I shook my ass.

As I passed a reflective window, I couldn’t help checking out my ass. At least I looked good. For fun, I added a hint of eyeliner that made my eyes pop without announcing my profession to the entire world.

Truthfully, I wasn’t ashamed to be a dancer in an omega strip club. People liked to judge sex workers and sex-adjacent roles…but I didn’t give a shit what they thought of me. They weren’t paying my bills. Being a stripper was filling my piggy bank, but it didn’t define who I was. It was a business decision more than anything else. I didn't touch drugs, didn't drink my tips, and I was careful who I went into the back room with. Most nights, I declined all the extras because I made enough on stage. Quite frankly, I didn’t have the energy to play nice when up close with the alphas too often.

Choices were my drug, and I was addicted to seeing my savings grow so I could have even more of them.

Besides, my expenses were fairly low. Clothes were the only thing I spent serious money on and that was more of an investment. And technically, they were a write-off. At least that’s what I told myself when I filed my taxes every year.

As long as I was doing it, I put away the majority of what I earned while I still had the energy and looks to pull it off. The extra shifts I'd been picking up were brutal, but every day I started early was a grand in my pocket.

In five years, I wouldn’t be shaking my ass for drunken alphas. This was a short-term sacrifice to ensure I could do whatever the hell I wanted, whether that was traveling the world, starting a business, or just lounging on a beach somewhere without a care.

I reached the nondescript building that hid its neon soul behind dark windows and went inside. Music vibrated through the floor and walls as bodies moved in slow motion. Inside the club, no one could tell it was mid-afternoon outside. The sun didn’t reach this far. If the patrons didn’t know what time it was, then they couldn’t tell how much time had passed.

Another day, another dollar.

The club was almost empty when I arrived, so everyone looked up as I went inside. The other dancers and staff nodded as I passed on my way to the dressing room. I opened my locker and pulled out my stage clothes with the familiar scent of cologne and sweat surrounding me.

These afternoon gigs were nice because I was usually the most popular omega in the place until the night crew showed up. Without actual competition, I could rake it in without burning out. I pulled on a pair of tight shorts and a mesh tank then touched up my makeup in the mirror. I debated on putting one of the chic wigs over my hair, but today was a good hair day, so I opted not to. With a final slide of my palm over my head to smooth out my hair, I headed out front.

As soon as I got on stage, I owned it.

The lights hit my skin, and the bass thrummed through me like a second heartbeat. I moved with the music, slow and sultry, so the small crowd felt like I was dancing just for them. It was a power trip to hold their attention so completely. Every gaze was locked on me, and I fucking loved it. I spun and dropped on the pole, using it as an extension of my body.

The alphas in the room had hunger in their eyes. I knew what they wanted, and I gave it to them…on my terms.

As I danced, the adrenaline quickly flowed in my veins as cash piled up on the edge of the stage. The energy of the room rose with every move I made. This was why I put in the hours and pushed myself so hard. The money was good, but the thrill of commanding a room and being the center of attention was its own high.

I let it drive me as I finished the first song and transitioned into the next.

As I rolled up from the floor and pushed to my feet, I saw him. The alpha sitting right up front was watching me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. He was big and broad with dark hair that fell over his eyes and a mouth that looked like it was made for kissing. Unlike the usual crowd, he was ridiculously handsome. Something about him commanded attention. He wasn’t one of the low-lifes here during the day because they lacked jobs or were hiding from their wives or omegas or both.

I almost lost my rhythm as he watched me, stripping me bare with his gaze alone. I caught myself and quickly recovered as I pushed harder into the routine, but I couldn't shake the feeling that he was seeing right through me. Witnessing something I didn’t like to show anyone.

After I finished my set, I held my smile through the whistles and catcalls as I scooped up my money. When I headed off stage, my plan was to go straight to the back, but the alpha was waiting for me.

Standing right where the floor met the side of the stage, he looked me in the eye and held up a wad of cash. “Got a few more minutes?”

For you, I’ve got the rest of my life. “Um, I should get changed...” I knew what he wanted, and I kinda wanted it too, but something felt different about him. He wasn’t just a regular trick. Or maybe I didn’t want him to be.

“Come on, sweetheart. You’re breaking my heart.” His grin released two dimples that stood out on his cheeks, making him look more adorable than he deserved.

Cheesy…and kinda cute. And too fucking gorgeous to actually resist.

“Maybe just a few minutes…” I winked and nodded toward one of the back rooms. It was all part of the hustle, and I was about to make a killing.

The heat of the alpha warmed my nearly naked skin as he walked directly behind me. As hard as I tried to play it cool, it was impossible to ignore the way my pulse quickened and my cock hardened.

I never got overly turned on by marks. I let them get off and then collected my cash, all while staying in control. But something about this man made me feel like I was the one being hustled. Like he was using me for more than I was getting out of him.

My ass slicked in anticipation as he followed me into the room and closed the door. “What’s your name, omega?”

I sucked in a deep breath and turned back to face him. “They call me Velvet, cause that’s how I feel wrapped around you.” I placed my hands on his shoulders and gave him a squeeze. His shoulders were wider than I had first thought. He could fit two of me in his arms and still have room.

His gaze roved me up and down. I was used to eyes on me, even when I was completely naked. Shyness never entered the equation. Yet when he looked at me, it was like he saw into my soul.

“Around me where?” His voice was low and raspy, pushing my dick even closer to the edge of my short shorts. If I wasn’t already poking out, that would be a miracle.

“Everywhere, alpha.” I pushed my hand into the V-neck of his shirt, pushing aside the fabric so I could touch his skin. I dragged a finger across his sternum and up his neck. “Every damn where.”