Page 50 of Fighting the Odds

“Because you’re my girl now. I hated it before, and you were just someone I worked with and crushed over. Now it’s different.”

The corners of my mouth turn up, and my heart races. Cyrus Donaldson is indeed the mythical unicorn.

“I love you, Cyrus. I’m not sure what I did to deserve you, but I’m so thankful you are in my life. Just remember I wear a wig and a mask. When I’m on that stage, I’m Lilac, not Sierra. Just a character in a show and nothing more. Lilac isn’t your girlfriend, Sierra is. So they’re not seeing your girlfriend.” I lean forward so I’m closer to him, rising up on my knees and wrapping my arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.

“I’ve waited since the day you started here to hear you say those words; I love you. I get what you’re saying, baby, and I understand it completely. But Lilac is a part of you, and I love her too, because you’re her and she’s you. I can’t seem to push the jealousy down like I used to. But I need to get my head on straight if I’m going to do body guard duties tonight.”

“How true you are. Let’s get going. I need to check in with Rico and confirm this client is coming to the club tonight and pick out one of my outfits to wear for him,” I tell him and grab his hands. He pulls, helping me stand.

He gets up after me and walks to the dresser, picking up my bag and slipping it over his shoulder.

“What about the other one? The guy who wants the private party somewhere other than the club. Is that still on?”

“Not sure. Rico hasn’t given me confirmation on him. My guess is he’s ironing out the terms with the location. I need the money, so I told him I could take you or him with me for safety.”

He stops dead in his tracks and the lines on his face become hard as he looks at me with fire in his eyes. “Fucking right, you’re taking one of us, but I’ll be talking to Rico as well. There’s no reason for you to go anywhere when they can come right to the club like everyone else.”

I just shake my head. I know he’s right, but damn for thinking he can tell me what I can and can’t do.

But… him taking charge was hot as fuck. My pussy is clenching with need and I’ve never wanted a condom more than I do right now.

This is going to officially be the longest night in history.

Chapter 25

Sierra

“Lilac, can I see you in my office?” Rico’s voice drifts into the dressing room from where he’s standing at the doorway. He has his head down, as he always does.

“Yeah. Be right there.” The door shuts immediately and the girls all start laughing.

“Looks like someone missed you. Why don’t you climb on his lap and ride him like you’ve never ridden a man before?” Porsche bumps my shoulder with hers and winks.

I know she’s just joking, but those words make me want to barf. I get it. Rico is handsome, but he’s my uncle so, ewww.

Oh god. Now I start to think back about the times I caught myself ogling his ass. I need to bleach my brain and eyes. At least I can attribute it to not knowing, thanks to Rico himself.

“Go rock his world, bitch,” Candi adds in, shooing me away. I’ve just about made it to the door when I hear her again. “We missed you, Lilac, and you look happy.” I look over my shoulder and smile.

The two of them are the closest things to girlfriends that I have. I wonder if they would be upset to learn I’m only seventeen, and that up until Monday, my aunt beat me any chance she had, and I was the sole provider for my kid sister.

I walk slowly to Rico’s office, taking my time. I’m already dressed for my first set of the night, so once I’m done talking to him, I’ll head to the stage. I’m sure my fanbase will be happy. The girls told me how they were asking about me and wanted to know when I’d return.

In a weird way, it made me happy. To know someone missed me, even if it’s only because they enjoy watching me dance naked.

Lifting my hand, I knock on the door twice before he yells, “Come in!”

“You wanted to see me, boss.” I love how he rolls his eyes at my choice of words.

When Rico and I talked earlier today, I mentioned wanting to keep our relationship to ourselves. I didn’t want anyone at the club to know he was my uncle yet, especially not until I turn eighteen and CPS can’t say shit about me dancing here.

“I did. Shut the door behind you.” I do as he says and then walk over and sit down in the chair in front of his desk.

Being here in my little catholic school girl outfit, I’m uncomfortable and I’ve never felt that way before. It feels dirty now, knowing he’s my uncle.

“You have one of the clients who requested you tonight. His time is ten and he’ll have you for thirty minutes. No touching unless you want it. He wanted you out of the mask, but I shut that shit down. He wants to keep his identity a mystery like you, so he’ll be wearing a mask and the lights will be low. There may also be one other person in the room.”

What? He’s wearing a mask?

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