Sierra #2
“If you say so. He’s never asked me about any of my family, or winked at me.
” She stands, looking in the mirror. “Just know good guys like him don’t stay single long.
Don’t wait to snatch him up, sugar, because he may not be there when you finally come to your senses.
” She gives me a knowing smile and heads out of the room, leaving me to finish getting ready.
She’s crazy, he's just being nice. There’s no way he’d want to be with me. I mean, he doesn’t know I’m in high school, at least I don’t think so. Gah, why am I even giving this any thought? I don’t have time to entertain thoughts of boys having crushes on me.
The night has been good, and I’ve made some great tips.
If it wasn’t for my aunt, this would be an addition to the money I’d saved, but instead, I’m replacing what I unwillingly gave to her.
I’ve just come off the stage from my last dance, so for the rest of the night I’ll be working the floor, which means interacting with the patrons, giving lap dances, and private dances, is what I have to look forward to.
If I hadn’t been worrying about how Sam’s night was going, I would’ve noticed him standing there lurking in the shadows.
But I don’t, not until I feel the air shift around me and my hair being moved off my shoulder, his heated breath on my neck as he speaks.
“Lilac, you were simply divine up there. The way your body moved so effortlessly made me crave having you underneath me. How much for a private dance?”
My nerves are on edge, fear wracking my body, as the bile rises in my stomach.
Does he recognize me? Is that why he’s here again?
He doesn’t act as if he does, calling me by my stage name.
“Fi-fi-fifty.” I stumble over the word, hoping he changes his mind, but knowing he won’t. He isn’t the type to do that.
“Aww, darling, you’re selling yourself too cheap.” He takes his thumb and runs it along his lower lip as his eyes drink me in from head to toe.
I pull away from him, ready to say I’m booked and walk away, but he reaches out, grasping my arm firmly in his hand, and pulls me into his body, my chest flush with his, the very evident bulge in his groin pressing against me.
Turning my head to look past him, I see Cyrus already heading my way.
My faithful protector. His broad shoulders and the murderous look on his face, as he marches straight toward me, have everyone moving out of his way.
Fuck if he doesn’t look hot at this moment, and I couldn’t be more grateful for him watching over me.
“Sir, you’re not to touch the dancers!” The tone of his words sends shivers down my spine. He grips the man’s hand, removing it from my body so quickly, I lose my balance slightly and stumble.
He steps backward, throwing his hands up in an ‘I surrender’ fashion.
“Sorry, no harm done. I was just trying to get the lovely girl's attention before she disappeared into the crowd. She’s such a beauty. I knew she’d be in high demand and I wanted to make sure I got a private dance with her tonight. ”
“Well, that’s not how to get a dance, Sir.” Cyrus looks deadly as he tells him this before turning to me. “You okay, Lilac? Did he hurt you at all?” The compassion in his eyes when he looks at me gives me butterflies.
“N-n-no I’m fine. He just caught me off guard.”
“Sorry about that, doll. I was just hoping to ask for a private dance. Hell, I was going to even tip you well. How does two hundred dollars for thirty minutes sound?” he asks arrogantly, and my jaw drops in astonishment.
Fuck, is he for real? Is it worth him potentially finding out who I am?
Cyrus turns to me, blocking him from my view, and looks me dead in the eyes.
“Lilac, if you have other customers, just say no. If you don’t want to do it, just say no.
” My eyes plead with his to help me decide, but ultimately my need to replace the money my aunt took from me wins out over the common sense my brain is begging me to listen to.
“No, it’s okay, I can do it. Besides, who can turn down that much money? Is there a room open now, Cyrus?” Praying there is, so I can just get this the fuck over with and get the money, then hopefully never see him here again.
“Well, see you butted in for no reason. Shall we head to the room, Lilac?” His voice is deep as he steps around Cyrus, shooting a glare his way.
“I’ll escort you both there and wait outside. Come along with me, Lilac.” Cyrus' voice is stern, leaving no room for argument as he glares at the man who keeps popping into my life. He links his arm with mine and leads me toward the hallway that houses the six rooms we hold our private dances in.
Cyrus opens the door and ushers him inside, shutting the door behind him, leaving only the two of us in the hallway.
He reaches out, taking my chin in his hand, and tilts my head so I’m looking him straight in the eyes.
“He does one fucking thing that has you scared or uncomfortable, scream and I’ll be there.
He has thirty damn minutes from the time you step into the room, and then I’m busting the door down and pulling your ass out of there and make sure to get your money first. Do you understand? ”
“Yes!”
“Good girl, the clock’s ticking.” He releases my chin and opens the door for me, allowing me room to step inside.