Chapter Thirty-Six
Lucy
If I didn’t already know the kind of shit that goes on in this club, I would probably feel a little embarrassed at the way I have just screamed Max’s name for all to hear. I have walked in on plenty of girls getting it on backstage after a performance. At least mine was with someone I know.
The one good thing about Max, clearly having much more experience in sex than I, is that he knows exactly what he’s doing.
The things he can do with his tongue are on another level.
I wonder if this is what it’s like all the time.
Or is it just me and him? From the way my girl friends have spoken about past experiences, I highly doubt it.
“We still need to talk about your lying, Sugarplum,” he says once we’re dressed.
“I know,” I say, dropping my shoulders in defeat.
“The thing I don’t get is why you thought you needed to keep it from me. You know me better than that.”
He looks so serious right now, which is a complete contrast from his early actions.
“I was so nervous that you wouldn’t approve, but Max, I really like it here. It’s not my forever job, but right now it’s what I need.” I tell him, taking a step closer and wrapping my arms around his middle.
“You need?” His brows furrow some more. “What do you mean?”
“Lucy! I know you’re up to no good in there, but you have five minutes before you’re on.” One of the girls calls through the door, the sound of her giggles getting further away as she heads down the hall.
My eyes plead with him to understand as I pull out of his embrace.
“I promise, we will talk more about this later,” I beg as I turn to the mirror to fix my now smeared makeup. “Will you stay?”
“There is no place I’d rather be. I’ll be front and centre, baby.” He winks, then holds a hand out to me. “Now go and show all those lucky bastards exactly what they can’t have.”
By the time my last set finishes, I am drained.
Physically and emotionally. What a whirlwind of an evening it has been.
I pack up my shit and wave to the girls before leaving to find my man.
He wasn’t lying earlier when he said he would be front and centre.
That was exactly where he was throughout my last two sets.
A huge smile on his face as he relaxed back with his legs spread and a drink in his hand.
I knew I’d be shocked by his reaction, as Max isn’t known for doing anything the typical way, but tonight couldn’t have gone any better.
I know I have a grilling coming my way, and I won't hold back this time. Anything he wants to know, I will tell him. Even about my money troubles, although they’re not exactly an issue anymore.
When I make it out to the bar area, it’s much quieter now. The performances have finished, and most men are receiving their private dances in the small side rooms. Max is easy to spot. Relaxing at the bar, nursing what looks like a glass of water, and scrolling through his phone.
He must feel my gaze on him, as a second later, he lifts his head to look straight in my direction. That cocky smile of his is back, his full face is alight with mischief, the closer I get.
“There she is.” He says as he curls an arm around my waist. “I don’t think I will be able to watch you again.
All I want to do is drag you off that stage and have my wicked way with you in front of everyone here.
” He nuzzles into the side of my neck, nipping the skin there as he goes.
“You are the hottest thing I have ever seen.”
“I wouldn’t be against that.” I laugh as I swat him away. “You can always take me home and do all of those things.”
“Now, that sounds like the best idea.”
Hand in hand, we make our way out of the bar after I say my goodbyes for the night and head to the car. We're almost there when a loud voice calls over.
“I told you, all you have to do is offer a decent price and the bitches will go home with you.”
A bunch of drunken laughter follows, as the group of dishevelled men lean against the wall of the bar. I just roll my eyes and continue to walk, but Max stands stock still, gripping my hand like a vice.
“What did you just say?” He growls, and not the sexual growl I’m used to. No, this is pure, unfiltered anger.
“That any of those whores will go home with you for the correct number of zeros.” They all laugh again in response.
All but Max.
He is seething now. I can feel the tremble in his hand as his grip tightens around mine.
“Ignore them, they’re drunken fools,” I say, giving his hand a slight tug towards the car.
He finally gives in, about to follow me, when the dick head decides to open his mouth once more.
“Listen to the hoe, or your dick won’t be getting wet tonight.”
Yep, the guy has a death wish. Not even a second passes before Max starts to stalk over to him, giving him the scariest look I have ever seen before wrapping his hand around his neck. The other guys start to back away, shit scared of the possessed man in a business suit in front of them.
The drunken man's face starts to turn red, but Max doesn’t ease up; he just stares. The life behind his eyes is gone now. The playfulness from the bar earlier is a thing of the past.
“Apologise.” He says simply in an unnatural calmness.
I think the guy tries to respond, but can’t as he gasps for breath. All Max does is tilt his head to the side.
“Any time today.” He taunts. “I’m all for a good joke. But that wasn’t a very nice thing to say to someone you don’t know, was it? So, apologise.”
“So-sorry.” He stammers as his hands claw at Max’s.
“Very good.” Max lets go then, and he drops to the floor like a sack of shit, panting as he rubs at his neck.
“What the fuck?” He squeaks out.
“Max, can we just go. Please.” My voice trembles, as tears sting my eyes.
Without another word, he spins on his heel and takes my hand again, steering me back to the car. I hurriedly climb into the passenger seat and slam the door behind me.
What the fuck just happened?
I haven’t seen this side of Max in a very long time. I guess not much has changed since we were younger. He has always been the one to jump to my defence, but his tactics haven’t always been the legal way.
I remember being seventeen and on a date with Simon, one of the popular boys from school.
We had pulled up at the end of our street when he tried it on with me.
I’d kissed him and didn’t want to take it any further, but he did.
I got out of the car and ran as soon as he turned nasty about it.
It’s funny, really. When I was young, every boy I turned down would call me a whore.
I was halfway home when Max found me in an absolute state.
Once I was calm enough to tell him what had happened, he was so angry that he punched a hole in the living room wall!
The next morning, it was all over social media that Simon’s car had been smashed up. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out who did it.
I’m snapped back to reality when his door opens and he slides into the car, not even glancing in my direction. The rest of the journey is the same, neither one of us speaking a word. Even in the elevator up to his apartment.
I would usually try to break the silence with a joke, but right now I’m so shook up I can’t find the words.
I’m standing in the middle of the living room when he walks past me and straight up to the second floor to the bedroom.
I don’t know what to do. I could go to my studio, as that always helps, but even I know my body has done way too much today.
My choices are to stay on the couch for the night or face his moody ass and get into bed.
I’m still debating what my best course of action is, when he coughs to get my attention. He is on the top step of the stairs, watching me.
“I know I didn’t handle tonight very well, but I can’t sleep without you near me.” He says with his voice low. “Will you come up to bed? We can talk properly tomorrow?”
He looks so fucking sad.
I couldn’t deny him even if I wanted to.