Chapter 19 #2
I make it to the club and into my seat five minutes before Cashmere is scheduled to come on. Darcy sees me, smiles, and automatically brings me a gin on the rocks. I’ll have to leave him a nice tip for that.
Phantom is gazing to his left, focused on someone or something I don’t see.
“What’s up?” I ask.
He turns to me, grinning. “Something pretty.”
“Dude, you’ve been looking at that person for an hour,” Ghost says. “Just go talk to them.”
“Yeah, okay.” With that, Phantom is on his feet, crossing the small space. I watch him stop in front of a tall, lithe person, but from this angle, I can’t see much else.
“We saw them when we came in,” Ghost says. “They danced earlier and I think Phantom fell in love. Or he fell in something.”
I chuckle, sipping my drink. “Good for him. No eye candy for you?”
“Lots of eye candy, but I’ve been keeping track of things. Every person who walks in here gets my attention.”
I put my hand over his for a second where it’s resting on the table. “I appreciate the backup. Nothing weird?”
“Not at all. Maybe the dude got scared off.”
“Or maybe he’s patiently waiting.”
“True. What’s the plan?”
That’s a damn good question. “I fucking need one. I thought the guy would be easy to find, but apparently he’s playing the long game.”
“You need to draw him into the light.”
“Yeah.” I sip my drink again. “But this isn’t a regular job. It’s not even a job. I have to keep Cashmere safe in the process.”
Ghost nods in agreement, but the conversation dies as the lights dim and the drag queen MC comes out to tell a couple of jokes before introducing Cashmere. A spotlight comes on to the left of center stage where the pole is. The curtains draw back and there he is.
My cock twitches and my chest tightens as soon as I lay eyes on him. He’s wearing a skintight nude-colored bodysuit, his toned legs on display. His thighs are something else; thick but sculpted. Strong. Nothing delicate about my pretty dancer.
He struts out onto the stage with loud, bass-heavy music playing.
“I fucking love this song,” Ghost says, bobbing his head.
“What’s it called?”
“‘Breathe’ by W. Ave. So fucking good.”
Cashmere is on stage, doing some hypnotic bouncing thing with his incredible ass. Fuck, I want to bury my face there. He flips his hair around, then winks at me when we make eye contact. My jaw drops as he swings onto the pole, writhing up and down it like he knows how to defy gravity.
The lights pulse with the beat of the music. There are soft parts in the song that Cashmere uses to draw attention to his stunning body, dragging his elegant hands over his torso and neck.
He’s upside down, with one leg wrapped around the pole as he slides up and down it easily. He flips off, sliding down into splits, but still bouncing that ass. I’m vaguely aware of Phantom sitting down beside me again, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Cashmere if the world was burning.
I’m also aware that he’s got this audience in a chokehold. Guys are on their feet, hollering and whistling in appreciation. My chest puffs with pride. That’s mine.
Cashmere folds his body backward, showing off how flexible he is. Then he’s on his feet, tearing the bodysuit off with one pull, revealing miles of flawless skin. He drags his hands up his bare legs, gazing at me again as he licks his lips.
Fuck.
“Duuuude,” Ghost whispers, smacking my arm.
I know. Fuck, do I know.
Cashmere twists around, climbing the pole again, and as the song ends, he falls back, swinging around the pole, supported by only one leg. The crowd loses it as the lights go down, and I have to adjust my cock to sit comfortably.
“I’m going backstage.” I’m on my feet before I finish getting the words out.
No one stops me as I pass into the employee-only area. I intercept Cashmere as he casually walks to the dressing room, placing my hand gently on his arm. He doesn’t flinch, just slowly turns to face me. His expression is peaceful, serene.
“Did you enjoy the performance?”
“You can’t be real. You’re a… I don’t know, an angel or something.”
He smiles, putting his hand flat on my chest. “I’m real.”
“You’re spectacular.”
“Thank you.”
I take his hand and press a kiss to his palm. “I’m glad I made it back in time to see you.”
“Your work is finished?”
I nod.
“Did you…” He glances over his shoulder. I know what he wants to ask, so I offer it.
“I did, yes. I showed up right on time to prevent something worse happening.”
His eyebrows knit together. “Something worse?”
“You don’t want to know.”
“Maybe I do.”
“Cashmere.” A man approaches us holding a clipboard. He isn’t looking at first, but then he notices me. “Who are you?”
“My guest,” Cashmere says quickly. “What’s up, Jimmy? Why are you here tonight?”
“Got something special next week and I wanted to make sure I could get you on the schedule.”
“I’m here almost every night.”
“It’s on Sunday. We’re opening the club for a private party.”
The hair on the back of my neck rises. Anything out of the ordinary is cause for concern.
“Hmm. Some fancy rich kid?”
“A rock band,” Jimmy says. I happen to know he’s the owner of this club. I researched everything about it as soon as I fell under Cashmere’s spell. “Can’t say more about it yet. They don’t want it leaked.”
“I’m sure I could be in.”
“Good. They specifically requested my sexiest dancer.” Jimmy’s eyes move to me. The look he gives me is cynical, but I notice a hint of protectiveness that calms my nerves a little. He’s an older man, probably in his sixties, but he’s fit and handsome if you like a silver fox.
“Cool,” Cashmere says. “I have an idea for a new routine that would go well with some harder rock music.”
“Can you have it ready by next Sunday?”
Cashmere gives Jimmy an “are you serious” look that makes the man chuckle.
“Right, of course you can. Thanks.”
“Of course.”
Jimmy nods at me before walking off.
“Are you the prince around here or what? He didn’t ask me to leave.”
Cashmere smiles. “Not a prince, but I bring in a lot of revenue for this place. Jimmy and I have an understanding. I get to do what I want and he leaves me alone.”
I chuckle, pulling him closer, but he squirms.
“I’m going to get you all dirty. I’m sweaty and I have body glitter on.”
“Yeah, I don’t give a fuck.” I cradle his face, simply holding his gaze. “You are the most beautiful thing to ever exist. Do you know that?”
He blinks slowly, but this close I catch the pink creeping onto his cheeks. “You’re very flattering.”
“I mean it though. You know I do.”
Cashmere nods, leaning in and pressing an all-too-brief kiss to my lips. “I’ll change and be out soon. I have to work the crowd a bit, you know?”
“I know.”
“And it doesn’t make you jealous?”
I shake my head. “No, and you already know why.”
A slight smile tugs at his lips.
“Do you want me to be jealous? Because I’ll get kicked out of here if I let that out.”
“No. I’m glad you let me do my work in peace.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Cashmere nods, his pretty hazel eyes roaming from my mouth back to my eyes. “See you soon.”
I watch him saunter away, my thoughts filled with the million things I want to do to him when I get him alone. If he lets me.
Fuck, I hope he lets me.