Chapter 10
TEN
CANDACE
Seating myself on the barstool, I suck in a deep breath, steadying my trembling hands in my lap. The thought of the worst part of my life finally being over brings me a sort of comfort one can’t possibly know unless they experience it for themselves.
When I came here tonight, I didn’t expect things to go the way that they did.
I thought I would march in and confront Jason for lying and then bear the brunt of his rage through threats and intimidation.
I’d threaten to leave him, knowing that it wasn’t really an option, and he would continue to control me, breaking me down into a mere shadow of the person I used to be.
Thanks to Knox. That’ll never happen again.
“Candy! That was quite the performance you put on up there. I’m proud of you, girl. You should really think about dancing full-time.” The way Sadie speaks is so animated. She clearly loves the nightlife, and this is where she feels most at home.
Her eyes keep drifting to the stage whenever Destiny struts her way down the mirrored flooring. Stars light up her face as she watches her body move.
“How long have you two known each other?" I nod to Destiny.
Sadie’s gaze flicks to mine, “About a year,” she shrugs, pretending her desire isn’t obvious.
I nod my head with a knowing smirk.
Sadie smiles back, confirming my suspicions, but I keep my mouth shut, not wanting to push her further.
Desperado by Rihanna plays on the speakers, and the energy in the room comes alive. The girls mingle with their customers, flirting, dancing, and making sure everyone is having a great time.
“So,” Sadie grabs my attention. “Will we be seeing more of you around here?”
Huffing out a laugh, I shake my head.
“I think everyone has seen plenty of me tonight to last a lifetime.” I giggle and gesture towards my half-naked body, but Sadie just waves me off.
“You fit right in. The girls adore you, among other people…” Her words trail off as she stares behind me, and I know without turning around that Knox is coming our way.
I can feel him before I see him. His darkness draws me in.
He snakes a hand around my waist and leans in, speaking softly in my ear.
“Follow me, Sweetness.”
I slide off the barstool and take Knox’s hand, letting him guide me behind a set of red velour curtains. He tugs them shut, giving us some privacy to speak.
The space between us is small and intimate for private dances. There's a large, black, luxurious-looking sofa with a platform on the ground for the dancers to move. A crimson neon sign flickers on the wall, ‘red room’. I grin and push Knox backwards onto the couch.
“You know, if you wanted to get cozy with me, all you had to do was ask.” I tease.
He smiles, a genuine, happy smile. It’s like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders tonight—a torch he’s been carrying for Ivy that he finally got the chance to put out.
“It’s over. It’s all over.” He runs his hands down his face and looks at me. “How are you doing? Are you okay?” He asks, concern etched in his brow.
Stepping between his legs, I lower myself to my knees before him and nod. The palm of my hand cups his cheek. He leans into me, kissing my palm, his eyes soft and comforting.
I could give him my heart on a silver platter, and I know he’d forever keep it safe. We’ve bonded tonight over something unimaginable. Something that will connect us now for the rest of our days. And I’m okay with that.