Page 50 of Secrets of Euphoria

Tyler picked his drink up, took a sip, and set it back on the table. “Don’t you guys think you should get to know her a little better before you start putting her in charge of some things?”

Ian nodded, picking up his pack of cigarettes off the table and lighting one, then tugged the ashtray closer to him. “He’s not wrong, and I already spoke to Jenna, and she said because she’s living with you guys,” he pointed back and forth between Luke and me, “we should be welcoming and invite her over to hang at our house.”

Chance chuckled. “Whipped!”

Ian rolled his eyes. “It’s called making my wife happy and acknowledging she’s got a better heart than I do.”

Reaching for the bottle of Midleton Irish whiskey, I poured myself an almost full low-ball glass. I never got drunk while working, especially with my daughter upstairs, but I was frustrated and wanted a little more right now.

Ian reached across the table, snapping his finger as I placed the bottle back between the vodka and rum. I lifted my gaze to his deep scowl.

“That’s $350.00 per bottle. What are you doing?”

“Wait till I tell you what I was called away for,” I said.

His eyes narrowed, shooting me daggers. “Am I going to be mad?”

“Livid.” I grinned, putting the glass to my lips, taking a big gulp.

Just as he opened his mouth to reply, Amber swanned up to the table, plopping down next to Tyler. “Don’t be mad.”

“About?” Ian and Luke asked simultaneously.

“All the dancers were otherwise engaged, and she’s too good not to?—”

The music faded, and blue, yellow, and green lights danced around the room as Poison Ivy began. Purple lasers circled the main stage.

Tyler was the first to lift attention to the platform. “Oh shit, Ian.”

We all shifted our focus, drawn to the captivating performance unfolding before us. I couldn’t help but steal a glance at Ian, who puffed on his cigarette with a fierce intensity, glaring in the direction of Giovanna. Her private performance had been incredible, but her stage presence was even more mesmerizing. She sauntered confidently across the stage, captivating the audience with each move.

With my drink in hand, I was unable to tear my gaze away from her. She expertly worked the pole, her body gracefully twisting and spinning as she moved. Every muscle in her toned frame seemed to strain with control and fluidity.

But it wasn’t just her skill that kept everyone’s attention, it was the way she commanded the crowd. Even from a distance, I could see the sparkle in her eye and the mischievous smirk on her lips as she played off the energy of the audience. Swirling to the bottom, she landed in a perfect split.

I noticed a younger man in the front row, tossing money onto the stage. His actions were more enthusiastic than those around him; it was clear he was trying to catch her attention. And it worked. With a seductive wiggling of her finger, she motioned for him to come closer. The moment he reached her, she whispered something in his ear before standing up straight. He eagerly hopped onto the stage, and I couldn’t resist stealing another glance at Ian. Jaw clenched, he didn’t seem angry, but rather completely entranced by her performance. And he wasn’t alone. It seemed like everyone in the room was under her spell.

My eyes returned to the stage, drawn in by the sultry movements of the man lying down, while Giovanna straddled him in a reverse cowgirl position. Her hips swayed and wound against him, captivating the audience with every movement. She rose up on her hands and knees, her back arched as she tossed her head back in ecstasy.

The man’s hands gripped her backside, his fingers digging into the soft flesh as he shook her ass toward the crowd. She untied her top and tossed it aside, revealing flawless, perky breasts with dark pink, pointed nipples. She teased the audience by jiggling them before allowing the man to touch them.

Slyly rolling off him, she beckoned for him to stand and extended a hand toward the stairs on the side of the stage. He took the hint and returned to his seat, showering her with more money. Others followed suit, throwing bills at her as she sashayed back to the pole. With practiced skill, she performed the same passionate dance that had captured our attention during her audition.

As the song came to an end, she elegantly gathered up the cash and what little clothing she had, scampering off stage. The stagehand quickly swooped in to collect any remaining bills before disappearing backstage. I turned back to face our table.

Ian licked his lips and shifted his focus to Amber. “Get her trained on protocol as soon as possible,” he commanded. “And rearrange the dancer’s schedules so she performs right before you.” He then turned his attention to me. “And while I don’t mind her sass, you better make sure she knows not to mouth off to management. If she does, I’ll personally throw her perfect little Italian ass out of this building into the parking lot. Is that clear?”

I nodded as Amber excused herself with haste to go headline.

11

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

LUKE

An emerald sea of people poured into South Boston for the annual parade, which always fell on the closest Sunday to Saint Patrick’s Day. This year, the holiday just so happened to fall on a Sunday, adding to the excitement and anticipation. Lining the streets were people dressed mostly in shades of green, with some sporting elaborate themed costumes. Irish flags waved proudly in the air, creating a colorful display of patriotism and pride.

But it wasn’t just those of Irish descent who joined in the festivities. People from all backgrounds and cultures came out to celebrate, donning their own colors or blending in with the green. Even the Knight family, with their dual Italian and Irish heritage, paid tribute to both by wearing red and green.

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