Chapter Forty Four My Turn #4
“Okay Lolli,” she says. “Don’t get nervous and back out. I refuse to get all cute for nothing. But I don’t know should I?”
“Up to you I don’t care, it’s not like we all haven’t seen each other naked anyways.” I say nonchalant.
“You’re right about that. You think he’ll tell Cairo if I do? I don’t want to ruin your moment with him saying something to him first.”
I sigh, “It doesn’t even matter, I’m going to have to tell him sooner than later. But I gotta go, Big Daddy doesn’t like it when we’re late.”
Her expression is priceless, brows knitting together. “Big Daddy?”
“Don’t ask,” I say, rolling my eyes.
She frowns. “Just text me your set time, bitch.”
“I will—soon as I get to the locker room.”
? ? ?
By the time I step into the club, the bass is already thumping, low lights washing the room in neon colors. I cut to the back, slipping through the locker-room door, breathing in perfume, hairspray, and the faint smell of pussy.
I’m convinced no amount of perfume is ever going to cover that smell.
Lexi and Mariah sit at the mirrors—lashes in one hand, gloss in the other.
A few girls I don’t know too well yet are half-dressed, sliding into glittery two-pieces and thigh-highs.
One day, I’ll work up the nerve to ask about Star and Light.
But not today. I don’t have the space for anything else weighing on my mind.
“Look who’s back,” Mariah says, grinning as I drop my bag on the bench. “Ready to make some real money tonight, Lolli?”
Lexi leans closer to the mirror, pressing a rhinestone to the corner of her eye. “Don’t listen to this hoe, she was nervous as hell her first night.”
“Yeah,” I say, smiling as I change into my new black see-through lingerie—the fabric so thin you can see my nipples clear as day. “I’m ready.” I unzip my bag, pulling out my robe.
The bass rolls through my chest as I step onto the stage, lights sweeping over my entire body. The crowd is packed, almost every seat is taken—nothing compared to the other night. The announcer’s voice dissolves into the music.
My nerves spike, then settle when I catch sight of Arina in the front row, smiling wide with a drink in her hand, her blue eyes glued on me.
The empty seats beside her feel like a small mercy.
I told her I didn’t care if she brought King, but being up here makes me rethink that fast. I’m surprised men aren’t flocking to her table, she’s so magnetic it’s insane.
My shoulders drop instantly as I let the music guide me.
I catch the pole and circle it with slow, swaying my hips to the beat.
My robe slips off my shoulders, revealing my glittery white lingerie beneath.
Whistles pop, cheers get louder, and bills flutter.
With every move, the room narrows to heat and rhythm—until I see a familiar head of loose curls.
Cairo.
My knees almost give out, but I keep moving.
He’s in a corner booth with two men I don’t recognize. Then I quickly remember I only know about Saint and King. His eyes watch me like an angry parent.
Unlike him, his friends are loud, peeling thick stacks and swaggering to the edge of the stage to rain bills that fan around my feet.
But Cairo doesn’t move. He just stares like he’s holding himself back from killing every man in here for staring at me.
I swallow hard and turn to the mirror behind me, using my reflection as armor. This is my life. I won’t stop just because he doesn’t like what he sees. It’s like I’m marked for controlling people.
I dance until the song hits its last beat, and the crowd shifts toward the next announcement.
I drop down, sweeping the bills into my hand while my other hooks my robe closed.
As I step off the stage, I avoid eye contact with Arina, knowing she’s completely unaware of the storm that’s brewing in the corner.
The locker room’s nearly empty when I stumble in—just one girl leaning into the mirror, dragging on another layer of lip gloss like her life depends on it. My hands tremble as I drop my bag of cash on the bench.
Why did he have to come here tonight, of all nights?
I knew there was a chance he’d see me here, but I thought I’d have a little more time—to prepare. Hell, to figure out how to even tell him without completely ruining whatever this is we have.
The door swings open and slams shut just as quickly, snapping me out of my head. I turn just in time to see Cairo storming in, chest heaving like he sprinted straight from his seat. His eyes pour into me like I’ve done something unforgivable—like I’ve betrayed him in a way he can’t even name.
And God help me, I forgot how much more beautiful he is when he’s upset.
Even with the heels, he still towers over me, a gray silk button-up clinging to his chest, tattoos wrapping his arm like art meant to be feared more than stared at.
And suddenly I’m not here—I’m back in the shower, steam curling around us with his massive dick stretching me so easily.
I shouldn’t still be thinking about that right now. But I am.
“What the fuck Jainey? You’re really working here?” He bites out. “Why didn’t you tell me? Baby girl if you needed a job that bad, I could’ve helped you. You didn’t have to belittle yourself with this shit.” His tone going stern.
“I didn’t know I needed your permission,” I snap. “I’m grown and can work wherever I want. Who said I had to tell you anything Cairo? You sure do have a lot to say for someone who isn’t my man.”
“The fuck? If I’m not your man, then who is? And don’t even think to fix your mouth to say Saint.” He scoffs, jaw clenching.
I ignore his last comment purposely, though I can’t help the anger from building in my chest from his choice of words.
“I don’t need you to find me a job Cairo.
I’m more than capable of figuring out where I want to work.
This is exactly why I didn’t tell you—you’re so possessive for no fucking reason!
You had me the first time—with Saint. Now both of you are on a mission to claim me! ”
My voice is rising, and I realize I'm yelling. The girl who was just here is now gone. She must have slipped out in a hurry soon after he came storming in here, because I never noticed her walking out.
Cairo’s eyebrows lift, and the look clicks everything into place. It’s obvious they haven’t talked about their feelings for me to each other yet. I thought they were like brothers—guess not close brothers. But we all see how they’ve both been practically fighting over my attention lately.
“I don’t have a man,” I say, trying to calm down. “I already told both of you I’m just having fun—and if I remember correctly you’re the one who was most excited about that.”
He steps in until his breath brushes my lips.
“Yeah, you say that baby girl, but your actions say otherwise. Keep thinking you’re not mine.
” His mouth curls, mean and sure. “Guess I’ll have to show you better than I can tell you.
I was okay with just fucking around but that was before I stayed the night with you—you got me whether you want to admit it or not.
” He says before turning to walk out, the door snaps shut, leaving the echo of his words in the air.
God, I knew these men would give me a run for my money—I just didn’t think it’d happen this fast. Then again, I should’ve known better. My luck’s never been pretty—just messy with a good view.
This is what I get for thinking this is something I can control.
I’m starting to think I barely know what love is anymore, let alone true love.
My version of it has always been great sex, a good time, and someone who pretends to care just long enough to make it feel real.
That’s when I feel loved. And yeah—an occasional gift helps. But people say that’s not what love is.
Maybe they’re right.
Maybe they aren’t.
Still, something in me can’t seem to walk away from a feeling I’m too eager to hold onto.
And now I have to decide—walk away from one, or show them I’m made for both.